2610 question from a technophobe.

[ians]

I have recently got a streetpilot 2610 with city navigator version 6 installed and would like to install more upto date maps. Rural Spain at least. What is the newest version I can install please?
I have got the unlock code yellow paper and discs for the original set up if this is needed.
As I understand it the latest City Navigator NT is not suitable and Version 9 is no longer available.
I think I may have to change the compact flash memory card for a 2 GB or so.
I sorry if this has been covered before but I just cannot get my head around electronic speak.
Maybe some one has a version 9 disc and all the codes etc. they want to sell me.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

Version 10 is out (I think known as Version 2008). You are right, you do not want the NT version.

Depends what size CF card you already have but you only need to load the maps around the area you are travelling. A 2Gb card will probably hold all of Europe.

 

[Banjaxed]

One thing at a time...

Just in case you haven't done this...

1) Install Mapsource on your computer. Use the version on the CD you have, then download and upgrade to the latest version from the Garmin website (this assumes Windows 2000 or later).
2) Install the City Navigator v6 you already have and apply the unlock code. This allows you to see how Mapsource works, try creating some map sets, downloading maps to the unit, transferring waypoints etc.
3) Set up a 'My Garmin' account, enter all your details (including serial number, unlock code, etc.). You can do pretty much everything you need from this account, but just in case...
4) Order the City Navigator 2008 DVD from Garmin (as stated, NOT the NT version). The DVD is free to order, you (later) pay to unlock.
5) Wait months for it to arrive...
6) When it does, install the new maps and then buy a new unlock code (use the 'My Garmin' route to connect the new code with your unit)
7) In Mapsource, select the new map, build a new mapset and transfer to the unit (whilst drinking 123 cups of tea...)

Couple of other things - save a 'master' file from Mapsource (and remember where you put it!). Then, each time you open Mapsource, open the master file and work in that. This way, as you accumulate waypoints, etc. you can upload them from the unit to Mapsource and file them away - all in one file. Think of it as a backup for your unit.

Get a 2Gb compact flash card - don't bother getting a fancy camera-oriented one - a cheap CF card from a reputable manufacturer will do fine.

If you create a big 'all of Europe' mapset, you can store that in your master Mapsource file - smaller mapsets can be stored in other files. When you are building the mapset, keep an eye on the total size (in the left-hand pane of Mapsource), so you don't try and create too big a mapset for the card...

Any problems - try searching the GPS section of the site - lots of 2610 units about (I have two). Good luck!

 

[ians]

Thank you very much for that helpfull info Banjaxed and Paul.

I just needed someone to confirm that what I was thinking was in fact correct as I am absolutely hopeless with this type of thing and get confused with all the jargon.

Thanks again Ian.

 

[NA1959]

Very usful tips!

 

[Banjaxed]

No problem...

Glad to help.

Just thought of another tip - it might be useful to create a small text file on your computer and in it, keep your login details and most importantly, your unlock codes. They should be in your 'My Garmin' account, but if you forget the password...

And unless I'm mistaken, the 2610 has a maximum CF card size of 2Gb. Which isn't enough for all of Europe - especially with all the extra detail in each release. So you might have to be a bit selective in your choice of maps. Of course, if you're riding from Finland to Greece, you'll need two cards...

And for a bit of fun, after a really good ride, upload your 'Track' from the 2610 to the computer and take a look at where you've been. And then look at the elevation view to see how high or low you've been.

Unless you live in Norfolk of course...