Basecamp - So what if it’s no longer supported?

[glenn2926]

I do keep reading about Basecamp not being updated. I updated my maps on Basecamp this week and it works exactly as it has done since first getting it well over 10 years ago. What is it that people want updating? As for being portable, it’s on my laptop if I need to plot more routes then I take it with me.

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I have cut this post into a new thread.

Richard

 

[er-minio]

The software needs to be updated and supported to keep up with new operating systems of the computers it runs onto and/or the Garmin devices it has to connect to.
This is generally true of almost any consumer-type software.

Garmin oficially dropped Basecamp a few years ago, and it is not updated anymore, nor any type of support is provided.

 

[glenn2926]

The software needs to be updated and supported to keep up with new operating systems of the computers it runs onto and/or the Garmin devices it has to connect to.
This is generally true of almost any consumer-type software.

Garmin oficially dropped Basecamp a few years ago, and it is not updated anymore, nor any type of support is provided.

I’m still not sure just why you want it updating? It still works perfectly on my laptop and on both my Garmin devices. It plots routes as it always has, transfers routes to either of my Garmin devices, shares routes with others as it always has. For me it just wants leaving as it is, it works.

 

[er-minio]

Explained in my post above.

It works (90%) as well on my computer, as I keep using it (currently planning a long-ish trip across Spain with it).
Won't be like this for long. Might also not work with newer devices when necessary.

 

[glenn2926]

Explained in my post above.

It works (90%) as well on my computer, as I keep using it (currently planning a long-ish trip across Spain with it).
Won't be like this for long. Might also not work with newer devices when necessary.

What makes you think it will just stop working? I can’t see any reason for it to just stop working. I don’t have any newer devices at the moment and won’t be buying any if plotting routes for them isn’t available. The newer devices are not going to be much use to me if I can’t plot routes so I’ll stick with my very old Zumo 660 and the 760 camper.

 

[er-minio]

Domain knowledge.

 

[glenn2926]

Domain knowledge.

I have no idea what that means.

 

[mw3230]

Domain knowledge.

Said whilst tapping the side of the nose with the index finger?

 

[Wapping]

I still have my grandmother’s transistor radio, which still works, though I had to make a new aerial from a coat hanger. It won’t though pick up any digital stations.

In exactly the same way, BaseCamp (and indeed MapSource) will still work but is becoming increasingly obsolescent. Why?

A. There are no system updates (patches, new features and the like) being issued. The only recent update of this kind was a compulsory one, relating to GDPR.

B. There is no longer any active Garmin support for either MapSource or BaseCamp. The only ‘support’ now available comes from well meaning souls on UKGSer and other forums.

Map updates (which are not system updates) might well still be available. If so, great.

Eventually, both MapSource and BaseCamp will reach the end of their lives, most probably because they are not compatible either with new GPS devices and / or because Microsoft / Apple update their own operating systems, to which BaseCamp or MapSource will no longer be able to ‘communicate’.

Until then, use BaseCamp / MapSource and your GPS device, for as long as you like….. and keep your laptop going. There is no crime in it. Others might well prefer the convenience and reliability of MyRoute or a number of other alternatives, up to and including “Hey, Waze, take me to that awesome cafe” spoken into their phone.

 

[er-minio]

Said whilst tapping the side of the nose with the index finger?

100%
I think Richard made an even better job at explaining it above.

To be clear, I too keep using Basecamp as it works best for me.
I also have an older computer where I do plan to keep using it when it will begin to be too buggy to run on my main Macs.

It's just... let's keep in mind it won't be around forever.
I'm actually very surprised it still mostly works today on the latest versions of MacOS. I have experienced a few other, expensive, software that don't.


As to go back to the beginning of the question, if I see someone ready to start learning a new software (and Basecamp has a somewhat steep learning curve) I'd make them notice that it is not being developed/supported and that their effort in learning how it works can potentially be short lived.

Not everyone keeps old computers laying around, run older version of the OS, etc.
As usual: know what you get into and make informed decisions. Easy

 

[glenn2926]

100%
I think Richard made an even better job at explaining it above.

To be clear, I too keep using Basecamp as it works best for me.
I also have an older computer where I do plan to keep using it when it will begin to be too buggy to run on my main Macs.

It's just... let's keep in mind it won't be around forever.
I'm actually very surprised it still mostly works today on the latest versions of MacOS. I have experienced a few other, expensive, software that don't.


As to go back to the beginning of the question, if I see someone ready to start learning a new software (and Basecamp as a somewhat steep learning curve) I'd make them notice that it is not being developed/supported and that their effort in learning how it works can potentially be short lived.

Not everyone keeps old computers laying around, run older version of the OS, etc.
As usual: know what you get into and make informed decisions. Easy

Makes more sense now. My computer is around 10-15 years old and I don’t have any intention of buying a new one. Basecamp should keep working for me for the foreseeable.

 

[wessie]

What makes you think it will just stop working? I can’t see any reason for it to just stop working. I don’t have any newer devices at the moment and won’t be buying any if plotting routes for them isn’t available. The newer devices are not going to be much use to me if I can’t plot routes so I’ll stick with my very old Zumo 660 and the 760 camper.

you had the last update from Garmin for the 660 last year so in time, your mapping will become out of date.

Of course, you can use open source maps as I did on my StreetPilot3 for a while to try to keep up as road networks change. This requires some technical ability which can be problematic for some but Youtube will have tutorials. The problem is, the data becomes more detailed as more recent devices can cope. I found my legacy device could not process all of the information, leaving me pondering at junctions waiting for instructions.

It's not only new roads but the French especially are messing with urban networks as I have just discovered with La Rochelle - they seem to be running a pedestrianisation trial in the centre and even Google maps can't find a route to our hotel (although guests can legitimately ride through the closed street).

I doubt your 660 will be useful for many more years. Note, the Zumo 390 I own still receives map updates so if you want to keep Basecamp going, buying a used 390 might keep it viable for a while longer than the 660.

 

[glenn2926]

you had the last update from Garmin for the 660 last year so in time, your mapping will become out of date.

Of course, you can use open source maps as I did on my StreetPilot3 for a while to try to keep up as road networks change. This requires some technical ability which can be problematic for some but Youtube will have tutorials. The problem is, the data becomes more detailed as more recent devices can cope. I found my legacy device could not process all of the information, leaving me pondering at junctions waiting for instructions.

It's not only new roads but the French especially are messing with urban networks as I have just discovered with La Rochelle - they seem to be running a pedestrianisation trial in the centre and even Google maps can't find a route to our hotel (although guests can legitimately ride through the closed street).

I doubt your 660 will be useful for many more years. Note, the Zumo 390 I own still receives map updates so if you want to keep Basecamp going, buying a used 390 might keep it viable for a while longer than the 660.

My 660 had a map update a few days ago whilst I was updating the city navigator maps. It came up on screen that the 660 and the 760 both had map updates so I’ve updated everything in the last week.

 

[wessie]

My 660 had a map update a few days ago whilst I was updating the city navigator maps. It came up on screen that the 660 and the 760 both had map updates so I’ve updated everything in the last week.

but what version did you get?

End of life, no more map updates for 660/665?

See my thread in maps update. https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2569&e=1&view=unread#unread Am I reading that right in myGarmin.com?

www.zumouserforums.co.uk

 

[glenn2926]

but what version did you get?

End of life, no more map updates for 660/665?

See my thread in maps update. https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2569&e=1&view=unread#unread Am I reading that right in myGarmin.com?

www.zumouserforums.co.uk

26-1 or some such figures.

 

[grantmac]

Garmin oficially dropped Basecamp a few years ago, and it is not updated anymore, nor any type of support is provided

Indeed. I read they stopped putting any development resources into it as far back as 2016….
Just to be clear there are 2 things here. Being able to use the software with its map updates AND the development of the software to be more up to date technically

It’s the latter that Garmin have stopped but Wappers explains it fine

 

[Redboots]

The last version I have is dated 2023.

Its more about the drivers available for devices.
As they have gone down the Android OS for devices, that will be the end of it.

Date is not such a biggie. One bit of software I use (on Win 11) stopped being developed in 2012.
After all, Windows programmes are basically DOS with a fancy interface.

 

[wheelnut]

After all, Windows programmes are basically DOS with a fancy interface.

Hasn't been like that for years.

 

[glenn2926]

The last version I have is dated 2023.
View attachment 397337
Its more about the drivers available for devices.
As they have gone down the Android OS for devices, that will be the end of it.

Date is not such a biggie. One bit of software I use (on Win 11) stopped being developed in 2012.
After all, Windows programmes are basically DOS with a fancy interface.

I have absolutely no idea what at least 50% of that means. Drivers for devices? Android OS for devices? Win 11?
Windows programs? Basically DOS? Fancy interface? Not one of those phrases means anything to me.
I don’t really want to know what they mean. I can still plot routes on Basecamp, still send them to my sat navs and still share them with others so all is still working fine here. If or when it all stops working I will need to buy new stuff but until then…

 

[Mzokk]

The last and final version for Europe of Garmin NT maps is 2025.1 issued in July 2024. "Lifetime" NT maps were issued for NT devices for 16 years. Garmin began issuing NTU (Unicode) maps, specifically for City Navigator Europe (CN EU), with the 2011.40 version (in the last Quarter of 2010), which introduced Unicode text encoding for enhanced language support.

A wee explanation of what maps can be used by what devices here. Along with how to use Open Street mapping to keep an old device current or for use outside Europe.

Thread 'Using Open Street Maps on Old (and new) garmin devices.'

Oct 29, 2024

Disclaimer. If you lose your maps or “brick” your device as a result of the information contained below, on your own head be it. The use or reliance of any information contained on this post is solely at your own risk. You have no concept of the mental capacity, or for that matter the mental stability of the poster

If you don’t know what you are doing and are going to be unhappy with adverse consequences…...don’t do it.

If you spot any inaccuracies or have something to add I’m more than happy with that, add your comments to the thread.

I was asked via PM if “ Hi, read your post re a...

• Mzokk
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• Forum: General GPS News & Information

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