Cycling UK Forum

Hi folks,

I have just bought an etrex 20 and am fine with computers but useless with a GPS. I have downloaded Basecamp and not sure if it goes on the etrex or stays on the PC? I also bought some TOPO maps of ebay, do they go on etrex or stay on the PC? Do I just just copy routes to the etrex and leave Basecamp and maps on the PC please?

KInd regards

barbelfisher

Basecamp is a PC program*. It lets you view what's on your eTrex, and move routes, tracks and waypoints between the eTrex and the PC. It also lets you see maps that are on the eTrex as long as the GPS is connected. This means you can plan routes on the PC then move them to the GPS.

Are the TOPO maps you have bought on SD cards or CD/DVD? Also, which maps are they precisely? Garmin TOPO or from another manufacturer.

* Edit - it is also available for Mac, although I don't think that is relevant to your question

Thanks for the reply, I think the Topo map's are Garmin, and i have now got the mini Sd card too, so am I right in assuming Basecamp on the PC and TOPO maps on the garmin?

Regards

barbelfisher

You are possibly right. The reason I asked about the format the maps came on is because Garmin distribute them in two different ways, and the copy protection is different depending on the format.

1) If they are on SD/micro-SD card, they are "tied" to that Garmin card and won't work if they are copied to another card for example.

2) If they are on CD/DVD they have to be tied to a particular GPS serial number. In this case they are usually copied to the GPS using Basecamp.

Did you receive the original Garmin packaging with the maps? It's usually just a packet about the size of a CD. Sometimes it contains an actual CD/DVD, sometimes an SD card. If you have the actual Garmin product number I will be able to tell exactly what you have.

The Topo maps are on a MIni SD card and it states they are new and 2014, it said they are for a range of Garmin types. I hope I have not been overcharged here.

Kind regards once again. I will let you know when they arrive.

barbelfisher

Hi again, I have now received the Mini Sd card with the maps, they are in a folder called Garmin and titled gmapsupp.img, but I cannot seem to open them in Basecamp. The basecamp guide says right click but nothing happens. Any ideas please?

Regards

barbelfisher

The SD card needs to be in your etrex and that needs to be connected to your PC/laptop. Basecamp will then open up the map from the etrex, although from personal experience and I can't remember which maps specifically, it wont open up all maps.
I did read somewhere that while the etrex is connected to your computer, despite it getting its power from the usb lead, it can drain the batteries. I've never tested this myself but might be worth looking into if you spend a lot of time route planning with basecamp and the etrex's maps.