Garmin Gps Owner Advice

[rpyfz450]

FYI: Anyone can download MapSource and user manuals on-line from the Garmin web site. Once you have MapSource on your computer, you can read GPS files without owning a GPS.

Here's some important terminology to know:
Routes = this is a planned course that you follow like a program. Routes are stored separately from "tracks".
Tracks = these are the paths you have taken as recorded by the GPS while you're riding.
Waypoints = these are points that you voluntarily mark and give a name to while you're out on the trail.

Here are some very useful Garmin settings. If you set your Garmin up this way, it will be easier to use and give you best results.

Page Sequence Setup * this will make most popular screens easier to find
Map
Trip computer
Compass
Recent finds
Tracks
Routes
Highway

Map Setup - General
Orientation: north up * it's easy to recognize the geography when north is up
Lock to road: off * if left on, all your tracks will follow roads instead of trails!

Track Log Setup
Record method: auto * gives great detail in turns and conserves memory in straights
Interval: less often OR least often * these settings leave more than enough track detail and conserve system memory

Map Setup - Tracks
Track points: 10,000 * increasing this value helps in case you forget to save & clear the track log for a few weeks

If you need to maximize the battery life here's some things to consider:
Disable the optional compass and barometer.* many GPS units don't have either of these features
Enable the "battery saver" mode under "System setup" menu. * may reduce precision
If you carry your GPS in a pocket, don't leave the backlight on! Even though it the light turns off after 30 seconds, if the buttons continually get pressed while in your pocket, the light will stay on the whole time.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) double-A batteries are recommended for their longer life than alkaline batteries. I recently bought Duracell 2500maH NiMH and they work very well.

The Garmin base map is fine for off-roading. You really don't need any optional maps unless you need greater street map detail (City Navigator) for driving in your car or want to find good fishing spots.

Garmin MapSource software can open and save GPS files in various formats. The GDB format is the native Garmin format and stores all the details. You can also read and write GPX files which are useful for sharing data with other people that don't use a Garmin brand GPS.

More advanced: At the end of the day, if you wish to analyze how long it took you to go between two points, use Garmin MapSource software to retrieve the "Active Log" from the device. Only the Active Log contains all details about your trip including where you where at a give time. The Garmin GPS will allow you to name and save what's in your Active Log, but it doesn't save all the detail. Even without all the detail, the saved tracks are perfectly useful, they just don't contain any times or dates.