New (To Me) GPS - Garmin 595 & BascCamp

[carolinarider09]

I have used Garmin devices for trip navigation since summer of 2006.  My first one lasted a year or so and it was not reliable for playing music so I upgraded to a Zumo 550 (still have it, but it is sort of retired now).  Then advanced to a Zumo 665 and then got a 660 as a spare. 

All the time, since the devices accepted that data, I have been planing my trips using Microsoft Streets and Trips.  Yes there can be some issues with old map data but in the main, it works just as needed.  I also run the Streets and Trips program on my MacBook using VMware Fusion software to allow me to use Windows 7. 

Since Garmin dumped the "Lifetime" map updates for the Zumo 665 and the 665's screen was getting a bit hard to see, I had to make a decision.  I purchased, from an Ebay vendor, a used Garmin 595. 

There is where the trouble starts (well not really trouble but.... let's say a learning curve). 

Then new 595 has a bigger and brighter screen than the 665.  But it does not support SirusXM (also which I have used since 2006).  Not a real big deal, I have hundreds of songs in the MP3 format.  And we also listen to audio books (more on that at the bottom of this post)

Also while it (the 595) does use what are called GPX files by some, it will not directly allow me to use the GPX files I have been creating and using since 2006 from Microsoft Streets and Trips on this new "Garmin" device.  Why I do not know.

Therein enters "BaseCamp".   BaseCamp is free from Gramin (and as of last year or so, no longer supported by Garmin).  And BaseCamp is not very user friendly. 

So, I have been working with figuring out how to get a route in BaseCamp like I use to get using Streets and Trips and it's not easy.  Had some help from the Zumo Forum (John Heath from the UK) and his help has been invaluable.

One thing about BaseCamp is you can not see the secondary roads until you zoom in on an area.  That's not how streets and Trips works.  You can see a lot more detail on the Street's and Trips program (without zooming way in) than you can on BaseCamp. 

But, after four days of working with the Gentlemen from the UK and playing with the software, I think I figured it out enough to be able to use it for trip building. 

What I do is I build the route in Streets and Trips (much easier) then, knowing where I want the route to go, I can build a similar route in BaseCamp, using Waypoints and Shaping Points.

Also have a written up a list of 14 Steps that I can now follow to build my routes in BaseCamp.  I will be testing the routes out in the coming weeks before we take our next trip, at the end of this month. 

On, one more thing, Since I had the Garmin 6550 (I think that was the ID) I had been listening to Audio Books from Audible.  Started doing that since the 6550 would not reliably play MP3 files.  Every Zumo GPS I have used since 2006 has supported Audible books.   The new Zumo's do not. 

In fact, when Amazon bought Audible, they changed the audio file format and the method for downloading.

Before that you had to use a special program to download the books to your GPS and the books Chapters are marked and available for selection within each book.

No longer the case from Amazon and the new Garmin Devices do not support the Audible Books in the APX format.  If you want to listen to Audible Books, on the new Garmin GPS devices, you have to purchase a "conversion" program.  Last I looked it was $18 for one month of use.  This will convert the APX format to MP3. 

Sorry for the long post but it always perplexes me about changes such as these the do not specially meet a need that I saw out there but does require me to use a more complex piece of software and makes my 220 plus audio books unplayable (unless I convert them to MP3 files).

Oh, Since I have installed that new Garmin 595 mount on my Goldwing (our main distance touring bike) I am stuck with using it for trips.  At least that part (removing the old Zumo 665 mount and replacing it with the 595 mount) was not as bad as I thought it might be but was a bit of a pain.  Close to the wing's air cleaner replacement process.

So, for our 2024 trips (both car and motorcycle) we will be using the Zumo 595.  My Zumo 660 is mounted on my 2003 Valkyrie and my Zumo 665 is mounted on my 2007 ST1300.  Just need to add the XM Radio antenna back onto the ST. 

The only drawback to this whole process is that I no longer have a "spare" GPS for our trips. Before, I could carry the Zumo 660 along as a spare for the 665. 

Yes I know I could use my phone but, I am old school and my "phone" is mainly a "phone".  I do, use in sometimes for instant weather and a few "other" things.  But a phone first. 
 

[scooperhsd]

I didn't like Basecamp either, what I found is that using the Harley davidson trip planner (which WILL output GPX files that you can download then upload to your Garmin).

Now - if I'm doing a cage trip, is sort of roughly plan it using the good old fashioned Rand Mcnaly. and then select waypoints to enter into the Garmin. What you have to be careful with here is to not select the wrong direction for multilane highways that are split far enough to see each (west Virginia has these).

As far as Garmins goes - I have the following
1 Zumo 396 (motorcycle)
1 DriveSmart 55
1 Nuvi 2597
2 Drive 50's.

I've loaned out to my sister a Nuvi 50 . All the GPS's (except the Zumo and maybe the Drivesmart) have microSD cards in them so they can take the latest maps (and I just updated all maps this morning). I've never been much into audio books. and my most likely cars have SD cards with my entire (9+ GB worth) MP3 songs in their builtin car radio. I have a small selection in my Zumo (which does have a player), and I could use my phone as a music source as weill. I MIGHT activate the Sirius radio in my 2015 Golf for the summer trip this year. as well.

[carolinarider09]

I have micro SD cards in all my Zumo's as well and had the Palm Dr. upgrade my 665 to 16 GB internal memory.  I could download the new maps directly to the device until Garmin so "NO". "Not any longer". 

So, I can download the new maps to my 660 (same basic internal memory as the 665 not upgraded) and put the maps on the SD card.  Why they dump map support for the 665 I don't know.

I will give the Harley Trip Planner a look.

[scooperhsd]

I'm not saying all is well with the Harley tripplanner, but at least it seems like it was easier to use than basecamp....

[f6john]

I know all this stuff must be grand but it’s Greek to me so I just have to trudge on and get turned around every once in a while!

[John Schmidt]

I'm still looking for a reliable GPS. We bought a Garmin Drivesmart65 last year on the way home from IZ and am totally disgusted with it. Even after updating it while in Florida in February this year, the fool thing couldn't find its way out of a ditch that deadends at a lighthouse. The built-in unit in my SUV works a little better but takes you out of the way to your destination...assuming it can even find the address. The best on of all is my nearly 10 year old LG cell phone. I use it with bluetooth to my earbuds and it outperforms both of the other units. I used to plug my wired earbuds into it, put the phone in my shirt pocket and go nearly anywhere with it. I've installed a USB port in the fairing to power the phone so will now go to my bluetooth buds and leave the phone in a holder on the handlebars. I'd like to find a GPS that's accurate and up to date so I don't have to use the phone so am open to suggestions. They're not cheap but I'm willing to try a new one & probably trash the old "new" one we got last year.

[carolinarider09]

I know all this stuff must be grand but it’s Greek to me so I just have to trudge on and get turned around every once in a while!

I totally understand.  And I agree somewhat.

When I plan the routes I sort of pick places that look like they might be interesting.   But, what I have found, is that the way I plan my trips I always run across things I did not even know about or had forgotten about.  Like the last place Thelma and Louise stopped (in the movie) before the drove off the cliff.  We stopped there to use the bathrooms and were told by the people working inside where we were.  

[carolinarider09]

I'm still looking for a reliable GPS. We bought a Garmin Drivesmart65 last year on the way home from IZ and am totally disgusted with it. Even after updating it while in Florida in February this year, the fool thing couldn't find its way out of a ditch that deadends at a lighthouse. The built-in unit in my SUV works a little better but takes you out of the way to your destination...assuming it can even find the address. The best on of all is my nearly 10 year old LG cell phone. I use it with bluetooth to my earbuds and it outperforms both of the other units. I used to plug my wired earbuds into it, put the phone in my shirt pocket and go nearly anywhere with it. I've installed a USB port in the fairing to power the phone so will now go to my bluetooth buds and leave the phone in a holder on the handlebars. I'd like to find a GPS that's accurate and up to date so I don't have to use the phone so am open to suggestions. They're not cheap but I'm willing to try a new one & probably trash the old "new" one we got last year.

There is a Zumo Forum that you could visit and inquire.  I think some of the other Zumos maybe easier to use.   The real key, from my personal experience is how you get the route planned.  Microsoft Streets and Trips is easy to use.   For some reason, as they went forward, the lost track of the need to Keep Things Simple.  

Here is a link to the Zumo Forum should you be interested.  

https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk

[John Schmidt]

Just tried to update the Drivesmart 65 via the Garmin Express and tried following their videos. Ended up being such a cluster that the GPS got dumped in file 13. I'll try something numerous times and if nothing works or improves, I'll toss it. I'll only spend so much time on any item giving me problems, then if no improvement in its function...out it goes. I've been messing with this unit off/on for days and I'm done, out it goes.

[carolinarider09]

There is a person, up in Minnesota, that works on GPS devices.  Had him replace the screen and do one other thing to my Zumo 550 and he upgraded the memory in my 665 to 16 GB.   All work was satisfactory, that is no issues.

https://www.palmdr.com

[scooperhsd]

Just tried to update the Drivesmart 65 via the Garmin Express and tried following their videos. Ended up being such a cluster that the GPS got dumped in file 13. I'll try something numerous times and if nothing works or improves, I'll toss it. I'll only spend so much time on any item giving me problems, then if no improvement in its function...out it goes. I've been messing with this unit off/on for days and I'm done, out it goes.

Lets make this simple to do.
1. Garmin usually does map updates 3-4 times per year. Make sure you get every single one (to keep your eligibilty to get them working).

2. Pretty often, Garmin updates Garmin Express. If you get a message to update it, DO SO !

3. You have to have registered your GPS with Garmin and establish an id. No matter how many Garmins you have you can just use the one id. You do have to identify each one uniquely in the name - this works best within the first 4-5 characters.

4. Much as we would all like to believe, Garmin Express DOES NOT immediately recognize when the GPS is plugged in. Before doing anything, WAIT until the little dot turns green before attempting updates.

5. It is best to use the cables that come in the package. This includes the USB. Also, plug the USB cable directly into the PC - no hubs. I also use an ethernet connection, not WIFI, on my PC that I'm updating with. Some newer models (like my ZUMO 396) can do their own network connection via Wifi, but you still must have them plugged into a power adapter to do updates. Besides, MY experiance is that the updates go faster using a computer.

6. Over the years, as Garmin has added more features with the maps, the maps keep growing (slowly). If your GPS has less than 8GB, you NEED a micro SD card (most of the older Garmins can take up to 32 GB - this is more than adequate right now. With the SD cards installed, even the old Nuvi50 will take the current maps (if you have been keeping up on updating them). There is information on Garmin's website on how much each model can take.

7. And eventually - everything will go obsolete and they can't take updates anymore.

edit

8. If you're having problems - call Garmin's tech support. They're pretty good and know their products.

[John Schmidt]

Thanks Scoop, my wife...bless her heart...saw the unit in the kitchen trash and removed it. The next day, after my taxes were done and hers were well organized(organization not in her vocabulary) for presenting to her tax guy, she realized I wasn't as up tight so brought the unit over to my desk and suggested I try again. She did so since the day before was stressful and I was not "in the mood"...well put my dear!

I started over and without a long explanation on here, I got it done in rather short order. I also got the phone feature working so while she was in the bathroom I tested it cuz I know she plays games on her cell while warming the throne. That got mixed reviews! 

[MarkT]

I mentioned before, I was able to force an update to my 665 by updating a Nuvi which has not been blocked yet, and manipulating then migrating the data to the 665.  I wrote down the procedure but it's in the office & I'm not. If this would be useful for you, I can send you the procedure when I return to the shop (very soon).

BTW mapsource works again, with an upgraded OS. Broken with Win 7 but OK with 10 (+ likely I'm guessing).  I'm using it now.

I've used palmdr for Zumo memory upgrades & repairs as well.  Good work, quick.
Also use https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk/  Good info.

[carolinarider09]

I mentioned before, I was able to force an update to my 665 by updating a Nuvi which has not been blocked yet, and manipulating then migrating the data to the 665.  I wrote down the procedure but it's in the office & I'm not. If this would be useful for you, I can send you the procedure when I return to the shop (very soon).

BTW mapsource works again, with an upgraded OS. Broken with Win 7 but OK with 10 (+ likely I'm guessing).  I'm using it now.

I've used palmdr for Zumo memory upgrades & repairs as well.  Good work, quick.
Also use https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk/  Good info.

Thanks of the feedback and help. I would very much like to have the procedure.