Garmin Express

[Paul Rochdale]

I've never updated our Garmin nuvi 1390T and found a number of new roads in Brittany last year. As we're off to Spain in a few days, I thought I'd try to update it (knowing it would never work). I went on the Garmin site and updated then tried -

tools>settings>maps>mapinfo

- and I get CN Europe NT 2011.10 -

So it clearly hasn't updated, has it? What now?

 

[paul08]

I've never updated our Garmin nuvi 1390T and found a number of new roads in Brittany last year. As we're off to Spain in a few days, I thought I'd try to update it (knowing it would never work). I went on the Garmin site and updated then tried -

tools>settings>maps>mapinfo

- and I get CN Europe NT 2011.10 -

So it clearly hasn't updated, has it? What now?

What program did you use to update teh maps on your device? garmin Express? Or Map Updater? And did you also load it onto your computer?

i would download Garmin Map Updater and then use that to update your device and, if you have Mapsource or Basecamp on your computer, update that at the same time

 

[Adamj79]

Having read a couple of the above posts I checked the 'map info' selection on my 660 after I updated using Garmin Express.

The 2014.10 maps are shown twice (once with 3d next to them) which I presume is correct, but also listed is the older maps . All three have a tick next to them, does this mean that I've got both still on the GPS and therefore its running slower as a result?

I was under the impression that Express removed the old maps when you update but looking at this it doesn't look like it. Anyone know how to remove the old maps correctly?

 

[Paul Rochdale]

As with anything to do with GPSs, I am confused, Paul. When we bought it in 2011 I was told that the map updates would be free for the life of the GPS. Some websites suggest I need to pay for this, others repeat that updates are free.

I updated (or rather failed to update it) by downloading Garmin Express onto my computer then downloading to the GPS.

I was also told at the time that this was not suitable for motorcycle use (not waterproof, not vibration proof) and yet I have found ball & socket handlebar mounts for this GPS on the Net.

 

[paul08]

As with anything to do with GPSs, I am confused, Paul. When we bought it in 2011 I was told that the map updates would be free for the life of the GPS. Some websites suggest I need to pay for this, others repeat that updates are free.

I updated (or rather failed to update it) by downloading Garmin Express onto my computer then downloading to the GPS.

I was also told at the time that this was not suitable for motorcycle use (not waterproof, not vibration proof) and yet I have found ball & socket handlebar mounts for this GPS on the Net.

Again, at the risk of being told that what I am about to write is incorrect........

My understanding of Garmin's policy re "lifetime map updates" is that you had to have registered your device with Garmin within a certain time after buying it.

It is not clear if you have either Mapsource or Basecamp on your computer? i.e. do you have a Garmin programme that allows you to create routes on your computer, that you can then transfer to your Nuvi? or do you create your routes on the Nuvi and save them on the device/ i am assuming the latter.

You can use either Garmin Express or Garmin Map Updater to download map updates to your Nuvi. If you just have the Nuvi and do not have Mapsource/Basecamp on the computer, then I would stick with Garmin Express to download map updates to your Nuvi.

You say that you "updated (or rather failed to update it) by downloading Garmin Express onto my computer then downloading to the GPS." So it seems that Garmin Express recognised your Nuvi and also recognised that the device has Lifetime Map Updates otherwise you would not have got through to the screen that gave you the information that the download was complete. if the download had been succesful, the device should have immediately recognised the new maps (I believe it overwrites the old maps). But your device is still showing the old maps, so it would seem that the download was unsuccesful. perhaps the files were corrupted, perhaps if there was an interruption to your internet connection during the download.

So try to run Garmin Express again and download the map updates again. However, I fear that Garmin Express may believe that you have already downloaded the maps, so you may have to go to the "Devices|Reinstall Maps" screen in Garmin Express.

If the Garmin software blocks you downloading the latest update, then you may have to contact garmin Support on the freephone number and explain the situation to them and they will almost certainly amend your online settings so that you can get the download and, at the same time, walk you through he download. It typically takes 20 minutes to get through to them, so do hang on.

Re whether the Nuvi is suitable for use on a motorbike, is on no relevance to updating the maps. If you have a set up that allows you to mount it and use it on the m'bike, then stick with it.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[Paul Rochdale]

Cheers Paul, I will.

 

[Paul Rochdale]

Paul

This morning I tried again, this time with Garmin MapUpdater. Once I'd discovered my wife had disconnected the lead under the desk, the thing recognised my model as a 1390T. After wading through page after page of the Garmin Wizard set up, it finally told me two things. 1. There were no updates available, and 2 yes it had updated it and I now had version 6.20. I then unplugged the thing and went through the settings>map>info to find after all that, I still have CN Europe NT 2011.10.

Really this is beyond a joke, I don't understand the thing so will leave things as they are. Perhaps they haven't built any new roads in Spain since 2011? I'm passed caring. But thanks for your help.

 

[paul08]

Paul

This morning I tried again, this time with Garmin MapUpdater. Once I'd discovered my wife had disconnected the lead under the desk, the thing recognised my model as a 1390T. After wading through page after page of the Garmin Wizard set up, it finally told me two things. 1. There were no updates available, and 2 yes it had updated it and I now had version 6.20. I then unplugged the thing and went through the settings>map>info to find after all that, I still have CN Europe NT 2011.10.

Really this is beyond a joke, I don't understand the thing so will leave things as they are. Perhaps they haven't built any new roads in Spain since 2011? I'm passed caring. But thanks for your help.

It is difficult to offer advice from afar, as it is not easy to look over your shoulder. But I can understand your sense of frustration etc etc. Been there, got the t-shirt and the hair shirt!!

But I really would suggest that you connect your device to the computer, fire up Garmin Express and also garmin map Updater, make sure that you have the device's serial number to hand (it will show up on Garmin Express in the devices/info section I think), then ring Garmin Support and tell them your tale. It may well be that the big issue is that you did not register the device for Lifetime Maps soon enough. Anyway, I am sure that Garmin Support will sort you out and talk you through things. Just do not get frustrated with the initial 20 min or so wait to be put through on the phone!

Failing that, next time I am in Kent (visiting brother & son) I will pop in and see if we can sort it out!!

When do you go to Spain? Happy riding

 

[paul08]

Some additional thoughts:

a) The latest version of Garmin Express is v2.1.1
b) The latest version of Garmin Map Updater is v4.2.2
c) So I don't know what the "version 6.20" relates to. Probably the firmware from your Nuvi. It certainly is not the map updates
d) But you also say that Map Updater said that there are no map updates available, which does suggest that it either thinks that they are loaded on your Nuvi (but that they are corrupt and that is why they do not show on the Nuvi) or that it does not recognise that you have Lifetime Maps. Which is another good reason to phone Garmin Support

DON"T LET THE BUGGER GRIND YOU DOWN! STICK WITH IT!!!

 

[The Grey One]

Paul

This morning I tried again, this time with Garmin MapUpdater. Once I'd discovered my wife had disconnected the lead under the desk, the thing recognised my model as a 1390T. After wading through page after page of the Garmin Wizard set up, it finally told me two things. 1. There were no updates available, and 2 yes it had updated it and I now had version 6.20. I then unplugged the thing and went through the settings>map>info to find after all that, I still have CN Europe NT 2011.10.

Really this is beyond a joke, I don't understand the thing so will leave things as they are. Perhaps they haven't built any new roads in Spain since 2011? I'm passed caring. But thanks for your help.

Looks like you have only updated the device and not the maps. As has been said try again and this time try to get the maps updated both on you device and the PC.

Good luck

John

 

[Bumpkin]

When we bought it in 2011 I was told that the map updates would be free for the life of the GPS.

Did they offer the included lifetime mapping back in 2011? Does the box, if you still have it, say any such thing on it. Or does the model number say "Garmin Nuvi 1390T LM"?

New models come with what's called a NuMaps Guarantee which basically enables you to update your mapping within the first 90 days of ownership to the then latest mapping. Basically this just ensures that if you buy a GPS that's been sitting on the shelf of the shop for a few months you still get the latest data. This is obviously different to a Life Mapping subscription.

It's possible that the salesman was either misinformed, lying or you got the 'wrong end of the stick'.

Do you have a myGarmin account set-up? This should tell you if you do have a Lifetime Mapping subscription against your Nuvi.

 

[Pablo1]

how to install the update map onto the pc.

The zumo had the latest map installed on the device with a memory card so when garmin express trys to install or I click reinstall a map it install to the zumo.

I disconnected the zumo remove the memory card and plugged it back in.
Start Garmin express and select reinstall maps, it then says there isn't enough memory whick make it show a different screen asking to install partial maps. At the bottom there is a box that says device. Change this to pc instead of zumo and select full coverage map. It will then install onto the pc.


Hope this helps

 

[Adamj79]

Thanks for that Pablo I'm hopefully installing the latest maps on my PC as the moment.

If you can are you able to clarify something....On my 660 under map info the 2014.10 maps are shown twice (once with 3d next to them) which I presume is correct, but also listed is an older map update. All three have a tick next to them, does this mean that I've got both still on the GPS and therefore its running slower as a result?

I was under the impression that Express removed the old maps when you update but looking at this it doesn't seem to have done that. Confusing!!

 

[Bumpkin]

I was under the impression that Express removed the old maps when you update but looking at this it doesn't seem to have done that. Confusing!!

It depends how you installed them. If using MapInstall or Mapsource then it will definitely leave them as it sees them as supplementary mapping rather than primary mapping. If it was an on-line mapping update or the OEM install in the internal memory then it should remove them, not so sure about the more recent SD card installs that the on-line updater does.

 

[Adamj79]

When I registered my 660 I performed the manufacturers one time update I think using MapInstall, which gave me 'City Navigator Europe NT 2012.4'.

I've since bought the lifetime update package from Handtec, which is when I entered the world of Garmin Express. After much messing about I've managed to get 2014.1 maps on my 660 (using an SD card for all of Europe) but the old maps still seem to be on there as well.

Express doesn't seem to have deleted them after all......!

 

[GrinningGSer]

It's real easy to remove the old maps yourself, but the weather is too nice tonight for me to investigate which file it is on the Zumo/Nuvi do Google search. Its one big file called gmapprom or something like that. The software is supposed to remove old maps but it isn't infallible. Do a backup first if you are nervous deleting things. or cut and paste it somewhere temporary. Real easy honest ! Always save to your computer during downloads, would be my advice and in theory should be much quicker.... alowing for the occasional download crash which is VERY common. Keep trying till it works and eventuially it will.
Its a strange thing wanting the whole of EUROPE on the device. Its like collecting football tokens.

 

[stroller]

After a couple of failed attempts, I updated my Zumo 660 (to an SD card) this morning via Garmin Express and the download was completed in about 1hour. Checked on the Zumo and it is showing CN Europe NT 2014.10 ALL (plus 3D), so this seems to be OK.
However, Basecamp is still showing my previous version of the maps (2011) - am I forgetting to do something, or do I need to go through the whole process again?

 

[iand46]

After a couple of failed attempts, I updated my Zumo 660 (to an SD card) this morning via Garmin Express and the download was completed in about 1hour. Checked on the Zumo and it is showing CN Europe NT 2014.10 ALL (plus 3D), so this seems to be OK.
However, Basecamp is still showing my previous version of the maps (2011) - am I forgetting to do something, or do I need to go through the whole process again?

Garmin express does not seem to download maps to Basecamp, only to your device. Have a read of Pablo's message on this thread from 12th July.
He seems to have worked out how to get the latest maps onto Basecamp

 

[paul08]

Garmin express does not seem to download maps to Basecamp, only to your device. Have a read of Pablo's message on this thread from 12th July.
He seems to have worked out how to get the latest maps onto Basecamp

It does, but it is hidden. A couple of screens in (on Garmin Express) you get a page which offfers you the choice to proceed or to select which areas you want to download. if you select the latter, that takes you to the screen where you can choose what areas/maps you want to download. Right at the bottom of that list, their is an option for "Save to Computer'.
And no, I have no idea why Garmin hide it there. But, to be honest, it is better (IMHO) to use Garmin Map Updater (v 4.2.2 is the latest version) as that offers the option to download to the device and the computer at the same time and in a highly visible location on the screen

 

[Pablo1]

It does, but it is hidden. A couple of screens in (on Garmin Express) you get a page which offfers you the choice to proceed or to select which areas you want to download. if you select the latter, that takes you to the screen where you can choose what areas/maps you want to download. Right at the bottom of that list, their is an option for "Save to Computer'.
And no, I have no idea why Garmin hide it there. But, to be honest, it is better (IMHO) to use Garmin Map Updater (v 4.2.2 is the latest version) as that offers the option to download to the device and the computer at the same time and in a highly visible location on the screen

paul i could never get map updater to work once express was launched