Hints & Tips

[Paul Young]

I've just got hold of a Streetpilot ColorMap so don't have autorouting and it only takes 30 turn points per route.

Are there any hints/tips for using it to navigate over large distances ie: using waypoints or breaking the route down into stages. I could do with a lesson on using it

Can any of you "old hands" help a newbie?

 

[(RIP) sherpa]

Routes

Hi Paul
I had the same unit as you and found the 30 waypoints business a bit frustrating but learnt to live with it.
You will find that even though you are careful when planning your route on the PC and keeping it down to 30 points the darn thing will add more waypoints as it sees fit and so then shortens your route.
I found that if going on a long trip, and you have the time, then the best thing to do is plot your first section of 30 points then download it to the SPC and then immediately upload it back to the PC so you can see exactly where the route has been shortened to and carry on with the plotting of the next leg from that point.
It sounds a bit of a bind but only takes seconds and saves a lot of hassle.
The SPC does have its short comings but it is still way better than a map and a VERY competent unit to get you going. You will learn to live with it and I only upgraded to the SPC III because I got an ex demo unit at the right price.
Have fun - one of the best bits is having a scrolling map in front of you whilst out exploring.
My nickname for the GS site originates from when I was the only one of our little riding group to have a SPC and I led my mates up some truly mountainous tracks here in the Peak District - but only because I could see where we were going to end up.
Sherps

 

[Paul Young]

Cheers Sherps,

I had found the shortening effect and found it bit bizarre that I could shorten the route and end up with the SPC running out of turn points further away than on the full length route (!!! ). Like you said, I started to upload the route then download it back to the laptop to see where it had altered. I thought there must be a simpler solution that I was overlooking.

The other method I've tried is to plot a direct route then insert turns as allowed/required ie: at significant junctions & up to 30 max.

Thanks for your help,

 

[Howard Millichap]

I'm confused and curious here.

If the SPC dosn't autoroute, how come it alters the route you put into it?

 

[Paul Young]

I'm confused and curious here.

If the SPC dosn't autoroute, how come it alters the route you put into it?

you plot a route on the laptop/PC OK but when you upload it onto the SPC, it limits you to 30 turnpoints so tries to make the turnpoints fit the route. You can find that 30 turns means that the route, when on the SPC ends after 30 turns but may be 40 miles away from the intended destination as it ran out of turnpoints. You only find out when you look at the route after uploading.

 

[montydog]

....HO ho ho hasn't Santa been busy in your house, cant help but have an A to Z if you get stuck,look forward to seeing you in the New Year