GPSFix» – GPSFix

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-09-05

Scott — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:00:00 +0000

RT @gcpodcast Review Blog: A First Look at GPSmap 62st and Oregon 450 Accuracy (finding geocaches) http://bit.ly/dafsPT #
RT @gpstracklog gpsinformation.net reviews the Garmin GPSMAP 62s and 78sc: http://bit.ly/dk4Xn0 #
RT @allory_d BaseCamp 3.0.6 is now available from the update menu within the application. #
Garmin TOPO U.S. 24K – Southeast (SD, download) available. Covers LA, MS, AL, GA, FL. $99.99 #
Garmin TOPO U.S. 24K – Southeast DVD available. Covers Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states $129 #
With the latest Southeast DVD Garmin has 24k Topo coverage for the entire continental US. #
Direct link to BaseCamp 3.0.6 and change log. Downloading now, hoping to see better performance. http://tinyurl.com/cejcne #

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-29

Scott — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0000

gpx2img supports conversion of gpx files to Garmin map files ($13) http://www.gpx2img.com/ Tried it yet? #
That was easy, it took me about 60 seconds to create a simple map. gpx2img looks promising as any easy way to make quick maps. #

REI Labor Day Sale — Garmin Oregon for $250

Scott — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:26:00 +0000

REI’s Labor Day Sale is running from today until September 6th and they are offering a great deal on the Garmin Oregon 450 which has been marked down to $249.99 from $399.

The Oregon 450 is our favorite touch screen Garmin handheld and the value at $250 is fantastic — this is one of the best deals out there from one of the best GPS retailers. If you don’t know about REI’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, check it out.

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-15

Scott — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0000

RT @gpstracklog Some tips on working with BirdsEye and BaseCamp: http://bit.ly/93LXLw #
Elevation spikes in your GPSMAP 62/78 or Oregon tracklogs? Stop pressing buttons! http://tinyurl.com/2wgbn8u #
Oregon x50 3.74 beta. Adds multicache support.Trip odometer accuracy improvements http://tinyurl.com/ycv6tor #
Oregon Dakota 3.14 beta. Multicache support, track archiving, move waypoints on map http://tinyurl.com/ydo4e7b #
Oregon x00 3.85 beta. Multicache support, auto shaded relief, improved trip odometer, http://tinyurl.com/yj2twuh #
Garmin multicache support: give coordinates to "Next Stage" and navigate to it like any other geocache, repeat until found. #
Unfortunately Garmin doesn't save each next stage as a waypoint so data is lost unless you save the geocache after setting next stage. #
Garmin GPSMAP 62/78 beta 2.44 multi-cache support, daily track archiving and altimeter improvements. http://tinyurl.com/34z7yxp #
Calendar + Daily Archiving makes it so easy to find tracks on the GPSMAP 62/78 #
Squeezing the buttons/case of the 62/78 does not seem to affect the altimeter at all with the new beta 2.44 software. Will check tracks. #

Garmin Adds Multicache Support in Latest Beta

Scott — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:48:51 +0000

Multi-cachers rejoice!

Updated: GPSMAP62/78 2.44 Beta also includes multi-caching support and possible altimeter improvements.

If you use an Oregon or Dakota you are probably tired of your friends who own 60CSx’s snickering at you every time you have to enter coordinates for a multi-cache or mystery cache in the field. On the newer units once you enter coordinates for a subsequent stage you are forced leave behind all of the paperless caching features, switch back-and-forth between waypoints and geocaches to see the cache details, and the geocaching dashboard is no longer helpful since it only navigates to geocaches.

With the introduction of today’s betas on the Dakota, Oregon x50 and x00 Garmin has introduced multi-cache support (which works for all cache types not just multis). Once this beta is installed and you are navigating to a geocache you will notice a new button under Geocaches called “Enter Next Stage”. Pressing this button will land you on a coordinate entry screen where you can type in the coordinates for a subsequent stage. This creates a temporary geocache called “Next Stage” which is linked to the original “parent” cache. Selecting it will display all of the parent cache level attributes like description and hint but it will show up on the map with the same icon as the parent cache at the new location. The geocaching dashboards will also identify “Next Stage” as a geocache . You can continue to mark Next Stages as you move through the stages of the cache and when you finally log your attempt the Next Stage will go away. Next Stage gets saved across power cycles so if you decide to bail out half way through a long multi you can pick up where you left of the next day.

Enter Next Stage from Geocaches Menu	Next Stage visible on the Map Page
Next stage visible on the Geocache List	Next Stage on the Geocaching Dashboard

There are some limitations. You can only use this feature on one cache at a time since there is only one special Next Stage geocache. Setting a Next Stage on one cache will wipe out a Next Stage you had set for a previous cache. Similarly, within the same multi-cache you will lose coordinates for the second stage when you navigate to the third stage. Garmin does not automatically save each stage a waypoint which would have been a very nice way to prevent this type of data loss. You can deal with this issue manually. Once you have entered a Next Stage and are navigating to it, go back to the Main Menu, select Geocaches>Show Description and press the “Flag” button to save a waypoint. This will save a copy of Next Stage so if you need to get these coordinates later you can (and you’ll have a nice record of the entire multi-cache). Hopefully Garmin will consider automatically adding waypoints in the future or at least prompt when the Next Stage is set to save a waypoint or not.

There are several other changes worth mentioning. All three units received fixes to improve Trip Odometer accuracy. We’ll have to spend some time testing to see if any real improvement was made. The Dakota picked up Track Archiving, the ability to move waypoints on the map page, gpx import progress monitor, track/route detail improvements, and the auto shaded relief changes which were introduced in earlier Oregon x50 betas. Oregon x00 users only pick up the auto shaded relief and trip odometer improvements — it seems like Garmin is starting to limit the changes it is port back into the older Oregons.

Full details on the three releases are below. Please note the special instructions required to upgrade the Oregon x50 from 3.71 and 3.74 on the Garmin site. I had no problems performing the upgrade but it is more complex and error prone than the usual beta upgrade, some people are reporting bricked units. Follow the instructions to the letter if you decide to take the plunge.

Changes made from version 3.71 to 3.74 (Oregon x50):

Added multicaching support.
Added display color to track gpx files.
Added ability to set user declination direction.
Improved accuracy of trip odometer.
Fixed occasional shutdowns.
Fixed issue with stuck route button.
Fixed issue with Oblique Mercator User grid.
Wiki thread

Changes made from version 3.12 to 3.14 (Dakota):

Added multicaching support.
Added ability to move waypoints using the map.
Added display color to track gpx files.
Added periodic track archiving.
Added Automatic Shaded Relief option.
Added ability to set user declination direction.
Added import indicator for gpx files.
Added track review page improvements.
Improved accuracy of trip odometer.
Fixed occasional shutdowns.
Fixed issue with Oblique Mercator User grid.
Wiki thread

Changes made from version 3.81 to 3.85 (Oregon x00):

Added multicaching support.
Added Automatic Shaded Relief option.
Added ability to set user declination direction.
Improved accuracy of trip odometer.
Fixed occasional shutdowns.
Fixed issue with Oblique Mercator User grid.
Wiki thread

Changes made from version 2.40 to 2.44 (GPSMAP 62/78)

Added multicaching support.
Added display color to track gpx files.
Added periodic track archiving
Added Automatic Shaded Relief option.
Added import indicator for gpx files.
Added track review page improvements.
Improved accuracy of trip odometer.
Fixed occasional shutdowns.
Fixed calendar to display all geocache finds and attempts on the correct day.
Fixed paging after logging a geocache.
Fixed issues with inconsistent altimeter readings.

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-01

Scott — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0000

I missed this last week: #Garmin GPSMAP 62 simulation: http://sites.garmin.com/gpsmap62/index.html #
RT @gpstracklog Outdoor Retailer predictions (short Facebook post): http://bit.ly/bgHlmk #
RT @gpstracklog Garmin 62 series manual finally makes it to the Web: http://bit.ly/cqJNcP #
RT @allory_d GPSMAP 62/78 (WebUpdater) software version 2.40 http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4995 #
Glad to see the spanner option show up in version 2.4 of the GPSMAP. I was missing that from the Oregon. #
RT @USGSTNMRes USGS produces one USTopo map every five working minutes. Over 25,000 made. But still takes 3 years to cover entire USA. #
RT @JakesJournal Everything you need to know about Garmin GPSMAP 62 series http://garmin.com/pr/gpsmap62 w/ info, images, video, minisite #
RT @allory_d GPS Chipset Type M HotFix Data software version 2.60 http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4109 #

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-25

Scott — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Put my new Garmin GPSMAP 62s through the paces this weekend hiking and geocaching. Very 60csx'ish. Accuracy seems excellent so far. #
Some early observations about the Garmin GPSMAP 62 http://tinyurl.com/2d3wxn9 #

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-11

Scott — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:00:00 +0000

FGT:Status of cgpsmapper Garmin map compiler. http://tinyurl.com/26fsfj7 #
TopoFusion 4 available http://tinyurl.com/26uqp8r . myTopo and OSM maps added. Map blending http://topofusion.com/combo.php #
Wireless transfer between #Garmin GPSs includes all cache details now. http://tinyurl.com/2ebcx8d #
Free topo contour (40') overlay maps available for many states on GPSFiledepot.com. http://tinyurl.com/273vele #

Oregon 450 and 550 Beta Includes Daily Track Archiving

Scott — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:55:07 +0000

Last week’s beta release (3.61) for the Oregon x50 adds some key features for owners of Garmin’s high-end outdoor units, not the least of which is the reintroduction of some tracklog archiving features only available on some of its older handhelds like the GPSMAP 60Csx. The full release notes for this beta include:

Added Track Archiving
Added Automatic Shaded Relief option. This setting will disable Shaded Relief when zoomed in.
Updated map review of tracks and routes. The distance shown is now the distance along the route or track.
Added additional data to track and route review pages.
Improved map drawing speed.

Tracklog Archiving

In this release Garmin has spent a considerable amount of time revamping how archiving of the current tracklog works. The current tracklog is the temporary storage where the Oregon keeps its 10,000 most recent tracklog points. Archiving simply gives you the ability to save all or parts of the current tracklog for use later. Manual archiving options have not changed, what we are talking about below is the ability to have the GPS automatically save your tracklog data.

The new software still retains the ability to let your current tracklog grow to 10,000 points. When this happens older tracks will be saved in archive files under /Garmin/GPX/Archive/ . However, instead of being named 1.gpx, 2.gpx, etc these archive files are now named “Auto 08-Jun-10 06.52.50 AM .gpx” and you are limited only by storage available in internal memory. Previously you were limited to 20 archive files.

Auto Archive Options

Archived File List

The major new enhancement is the ability to have auto archiving run daily or weekly. Under Setup>Tracks>Auto Archive you will find three options: When Full (described above), Daily and Weekly. As soon as you select either the Daily or Weekly option the unit will analyze your current tracklog and break it up into daily or weekly archive files with names like “Day 20-JUN-10 09.46.32 AM.gpx” or “Week 03-JUL-10 08.34.56 AM.gpx”. Thereafter, when you power on you GPS in the morning (daily) or on Sunday (weekly) the archive file will be created for the previous day/week and all of the tracks in the current tracklog will be moved to the archive file. This keeps the clutter down in your current tracklog and provides an easier way to find your tracklogs for a given date.

Unfortunately Garmin did not integrate this feature with the calendar or provide a search by date function so you’ll still need to page through potentially many files to find what you are looking for. Given a working Calendar tool has appeared on the new GPSMAP 62/78 devices I expect we may see integration with the Calendar tool soon.

The final improvement in this area is the ability to view archived tracklogs on the GPS. Under Track Manager you will see a new button called Archived Tracks. Pressing this button will display all of the archive files and allow you select each in order to view the track on the map, check the elevation profile, rename the track, or mark it as a favorite. The latter simply means that the track will get promoted out of the Archive folder up to the Saved (or Favorite) tracks folder: /Garmin/GPX . This will allow you to navigate to the track and permanently show it on the map but it will count against your 200 Saved track limit. Saved tracks can also be Archived which will move them back down into the Archive folder. All of these operations are supported in internal memory, there are no options to move archived tracks to SD card.

Stopwatch Archives

The stopwatch tool also has the ability to create its own copy of the tracklog. Starting the stopwatch will cause it to begin storing a separate copy of the tracklog found in /Garmin/GPX/Archive after you Reset the stopwatch. The file will be named something similar to “Stopwatch 13-MAR-10 08.13.51 AM.gpx” and will contain only tracklog points from when the stopwatch was running — great for recording only the trackpoints you want on that next run, hike or bike. Stopping the stopwatch will stop collection of trackpoints, starting will resume collection in the same file as long as you don’t reset or power off the unit.

Tip: Add the stopwatch dashboard as the Custom>Not Navigating data field to your favorite page (ie. map, compass, odometer) so that you can start and stop a tracklog directly from that page.

In the process of releasing beta 3.61 Garmin has inadvertently removed the ability to change the tracklog color. This issue has been reported to Garmin and should be fixed in the next release.

Automatic Shaded Relief

Shaded relief allows you to more easily visualize terrain on the map page. While it is a helpful feature the dark green colors which Garmin picked to do the shading can dramatically reduce the readability of the screen. We’ve often recommended that users disable shaded relief in a high visibility (daytime use) profile in order to improve the readability of the map page. Automatic shaded relief when enabled (Setup>Map>Advanced Map Setup>Shaded Relief>Auto) will disable shading when you are at zoom level 80′ (20m) and below. I find this helpful but think that the 80′ zoom level is too low for this to phase in. For me something like the 500′ or 800′ level would be more helpful since I find shaded relief most helpful when I’m looking at larger land areas. Better yet, let the user configure the zoom level!

Shaded Relief Options

Updated Track and Route Review Data

I like the changes here. Previously when you selected a route or track under WhereTo? or Track Manager you would see a distance in the bubble at the top of the screen. Many people confused this with the distance of the track when in fact it was the distance from your current location to the “middle” of the track. Now the bubble clearly states the route/track name and the distance of the route or track.

Track Review

Track Details

Once you select the track or route the details have been enhanced as well. For tracks you see the distance, area, total ascent/descent and min/max elevation. For routes you will see total ascent/descent as well as travel distance and time, it can be on or off road depending on your routing mode.

Autoroute Review

Autoroute Details

GPSFix Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-04

Scott — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Popular GSAK geocaching export macro now has support for Garmin GPSMAP 62/76 http://tinyurl.com/25pmbbx #
RT @JakesJournal Anyone going to Geowoodstock? If so, I'll soon share the #geocaching phrase that could get you a GPSMAP 62 geocoin. #
GPSCity showing 7/18-7/24 availability for Garmin GPSMAP 62, exact date depends on model. #
RT @gpsreview cGPSmapper ending development of future features. http://www.cgpsmapper.com/download/Readme0100.txt #
Garmin Oregon x50 beta 3.61. Track archiving is back. Auto shaded relief. Improved review of tracks/routes http://tinyurl.com/ycv6tor #
FGT reviews Garmin BaseCamp 3.0.5 http://tinyurl.com/2f9cbtu . I agree, it is much better than a year ago, no longer using Mapsource. #