Just got a new Garmin GPS V, help needed please!

[Foto John]

I'm completely new to this GPS thing, I've just recieved a brand new Garmin GPS V Delux, but to be quite frank, I don't have a clue what I'm supposed to do next !
Can somebody tell me please in laymans terms, what I should do first?
I've opened the envelope which says 'important open first' on it, which contains an orange sheet with the unlock codes, the 'European City Select' setup CD and 'version 5 of European City Select'.
I understand there's a 'version 6' out now and I should register on Garmins site for it, but should I do that before installing anything? Is there a Garmin Europe site or is it all done on the Garmin International (USA I think)?
Thanks in advance
John

 

[adamski49]

John

Install the Mapsource software and use the 'Install this first' CD if there is one. The unlock wizard will fire up as part of the install - just enter the 25 digit number from the orange sheet of paper and hey presto, maps loaded to PC.

Then download latest mapsource and GSP V updates from Garmin - read instructions.

Mapsource update (v5.4) is just an .exe - easy.

The GPS upadate (v2.5) again is an .exe - connect GPS V to serial port using cable supplied, turn on (set to 'use indoors'), check the PC talks to the unit and then run.

Now make some waypoints (home is always a good start) select maps and upload to the unit. Takes about half an hour for the full 19Mb of maps to load.

Now, stand in the garden and let it find satellites and show your location on the map page.

Feel smug

You'll have to register the unit to get the v6 CD. When v6 arrives just install it, get the unlock code from Garmin website (for free) and you then have v5 and v6 alongside each other on the PC.

HTH

Adam

Just re-read your questions. Yes, all from the USA garmin site. You don't have to register the unit to use the v5 you have and if you want to wait until next January you may even get v7 update for free - might be worth waiting to see what the benefits of v6 are before registering.

 

[Foto John]

Thanks Adam
I've been playing about with my new GPS V thanks to your excellent instructions.
Just got to find somewhere to go now, though it's looking like it'll be at least a couple more weeks before I can ride my bike (see my thread in show us yours) at least I'll be able to master my Garmin V first now .
Thanks again

 

[(RIP) Geriatric Germ]

John, practice in the car with your wife driving, or take it in yourLittle Truck if you are back on the road, I'm a fine one anyway, I can't use one yet !

 

[Gecko]

John
When you are back on the road let me know and I'll meet you somewhere. I have been using a GPS V for about 2 years so I should be able to show you a few things that might get you using it more comfortably. I'm about 15km south west of Antwerp but if you are up for it we could agree some GPS coordinates and see who get's lost first

 

[Foto John]

Gecko
That sounds good to me , any help would be very much appreciated, thanks !
On my reckoning, you live in Kruibeke or Sint Niklaas at a guess ?
No doubt I'm wrong, but it'll be fun and a challenge to meet up once the shoulders fixed !

Cheers John

 

[Gecko]

Now I remember why I got a GPS - I'm south east of Antwerp not south west near Lier . I work near Beveren . I've got a week off work from 9th to 13th Feb so maybe during that week we can arrange something if you want. Let's see how the weather is looking and decide nearer the time.
Cheers
Gecko

 

[Tobers]

Why not exchange your meeting point details as WGS standard latitude/longitude - that should get you a bit of GPS practice

 

[peterb]

Gecko . Belgian John

As I was planning to buy a GPSV (of maybe a 60C - haven't decided yet ) I would very much like to ride with you guys the next time and experience the GPS V in practice - I'm usually out there somewhere using a roadbookroller or "internal " memory
"
I do not no the GPS location of the region were I live but Lier is just of couple of km's away from Rijmenam , so would appreate being informed of date , timing and location of start of trip - that is if you do not mind

PeterB
[email protected]

 

[Gecko]

Lier is about 4km from me so anytime you want just let me know

 

[Foto John]

Hi Peterb

You're more than welcome to join us on our run out to practice the GPS V, also welcome to the forum !
One thing though, I have a major problem , my dealer (BM Center at Loppem) is closed now until the 17th february! They have my bike, ready and waiting for me, but as I haven't got the ok from my dokter to ride and my no. plate's at the insurance co. I couldn't pick it up yet!
The dealer (just a married couple, a mechanic and a trainee) just shut up shop to go to South Africa for a fortnight to ride around on a R1200GS I mean, why would they want to do that ? What about me ?
So I really don't know what to do , do you both fancy meeting up and then take a ride to meet up with me somewhere 'on de kust' ( Ik woon in Blankenberge)?
Afternoon would be preferable for me as I'm taking the opertunity to do some studies at a local collage while I'm on the sick, well unless it's wednesday, I'm free all day then, will just have to sort out a late appointment with the physio!
Cheers for now

 

[Foto John]

John, practice in the car with your wife driving, or take it in yourLittle Truck if you are back on the road, I'm a fine one anyway, I can't use one yet !

I'm not working yet or should that be ?

Anyway, I did as you suggested, the wife drove us to Brugge today, to do a bit of shopping (only like doing GS shopping) , the directions were spot on, apart from telling you to take roads you can't turn into, but then when you carry straight on it automatically re-routes for you !
There was another thing, when we were driving back home and we came to a roundabout it told us to go around it the wrong way , just like you would in the UK!
Good job SHMBO didn't take it all literally , still I'm over the moon with it , thanks Paragon