Operating system bugs in Zumo 660

[Blue Sweeper]

I got my 660 last week and dispite the following bugs I'm still happy with it's operation.

The latest firmware version is 3.50 and you can identifly the version on yours by pressing tools, settings, system, about:

Zumo 660: Software Version 3.50

Press software versions and they should be:

GPS: 2.90
DSP: 2.20
Text: 2.60 (British English)
Voice: 1.90 (British English-Emily
Mount: 0.0

Note that if the unit is in the cradle, you'll see the version.

I spent an hour and half on the phone to Garmin this morning and:

1. When new data (routes or waypoints) is loaded onto the unit, on startup it comes up with a message stating that it's found the data and do you want to import it.

Garmin's answer, yep that's what it supposed to do!

2. If I sort out the routes I want in Mapsource, why does the unit then recalculate the route on first startup, after it's been imported? It mostly ends up with a route I don't want it to do! It's got the same version of maps in Mapsource and the 660.

Garmin's answer, hmm....didn't know it did that we'll get back to you.

3. You can only carry out one upload for routes at a time. You must then restart the unit after each upload or only the last route will be there. If you create say 2 routes on Mapsource and then do the one upload that's OK. Do an upload then another in the same session and only the last one will be there.

Garmin's answer, hmm....didn't know it did that we'll get back to you.

4. If you load a picture onto an optional SD card, it then have to copies it into the main memory on the unit in order to view it, so now you've got two copies of the same image.

Garmin's answer, hmm....didn't know it did that we'll get back to you.

I'll report back when I get the answer.

 

[Wapping]

The 550 used to do the new data found, would you like to import it, trick.

The 660 doesn't, or shouldn't. You should just touch: Where to ---> Scroll down ---> Custom routes and find them all there.

do you use the 'Send to device' button to export your routes, or drag and drop? Are you loading the routes onto the device direct or onto the optional memory card? If they are going onto the memory card then you will probably get the import message.

The 550 used to limit the number of routes it will take at any one time to something like 7 or so. The 660 shouldn't, or at least import way more.

It should only offer a recalculate option if the maps do not match between the PC and the 660 or if you are possibly importing old routes, drawn in a much earlier version.

No idea about pictures, don't use the facility.

 

[Snoopy]

The new 770GLX should fix these bugs ... and introduce several more.

Keeps you upgrading for years.

 

[andyclift]

I guess Mapsource (or Road Trip for Mac) is being used to upload routes. If so, remember to save the routes in Mapsource/Road Trip before closing it. Then when you want additional routes you open the file with the original saved routes and add the new route to the list. Then when you send routes to the satnav ALL routes will be sent so sending new and losing old is not an issue.

I have noted the problem of the satnav changing Mapsource routes since my old 2720. The trick then, which I still use on 550 and 660 is to make sure enough waypoints are added to "lock" the route to what I want.

 

[original_concept]

I have noted the problem of the satnav changing Mapsource routes since my old 2720. The trick then, which I still use on 550 and 660 is to make sure enough waypoints are added to "lock" the route to what I want.

Arrghhh..... I don't have the willpower to fight Mapsource/BaseCamp to get the route I want. I get sick of the Garmin apps doing stupid runs around junctions when 'rubber banding'.

What I actually want to see a Google Maps powered SatNav. Its soooo much easier to create a route on Google Maps than anything else. But getting the Google GPX file into a Zumo has alluded me so far.

 

[Blue Sweeper]

The 550 used to do the new data found, would you like to import it, trick.

The 660 doesn't, or shouldn't. You should just touch: Where to ---> Scroll down ---> Custom routes and find them all there.

My 660 without fail always wants to import the new data found, even though as you suggest, the routes/waypoints are there if you use "Where to" etc.

do you use the 'Send to device' button to export your routes, or drag and drop? Are you loading the routes onto the device direct or onto the optional memory card? If they are going onto the memory card then you will probably get the import message.

I only ever use Mapsource to upload the route/waypoint data. I've tried uploading to the main memory and the optional SD card, result is always the same, it recalculates the route.

The 550 used to limit the number of routes it will take at any one time to something like 7 or so. The 660 shouldn't, or at least import way more.

Route limit on the 660 is 20. Try uploading any more and it tells you to remove some before it can accept the new routes.

It should only offer a recalculate option if the maps do not match between the PC and the 660 or if you are possibly importing old routes, drawn in a much earlier version.

Even if you use the latest version of Mapsource to plan routes (which should match the maps in the 660), it always wants to recalculate the imported routes.

I guess Mapsource (or Road Trip for Mac) is being used to upload routes. If so, remember to save the routes in Mapsource/Road Trip before closing it. Then when you want additional routes you open the file with the original saved routes and add the new route to the list. Then when you send routes to the satnav ALL routes will be sent so sending new and losing old is not an issue.

You are correct sir! If you upload several routes as one file that will work. Try and upload them as individual routes during one session and only the last route uploaded will be there. If uploading individual files, you have to upload a file, disconnect the unit from the computer, restart, connect to the computer, upload the next file, etc. etc. Best to import several routes into Mapsource and then upload the lot as one file.

I have noted the problem of the satnav changing Mapsource routes since my old 2720. The trick then, which I still use on 550 and 660 is to make sure enough waypoints are added to "lock" the route to what I want.

Putting loads of waypoints to lock the route is a bit "kludgy" isn't it? Not sure how many waypoints the unit will accept.

 

[Wapping]

Then i am at a loss to explain how your 660 is operating much like a 55O.

 

[Funrider]

...
Route limit on the 660 is 20. Try uploading any more and it tells you to remove some before it can accept the new routes.

Even if you use the latest version of Mapsource to plan routes (which should match the maps in the 660), it always wants to recalculate the imported routes.
...

The route limit is 20 to main memory, but you can send any number, almost, to the SD card from Mapsource.

It's not the version of Mapsource that matters. You need to make sure the Maps are the same version on your PC & 660.

If your maps are both the same version and you send the route to memory, not SD, it will not re-calculate it when it imports it.

Also, there is a trick where you can copy and paste more than one route into a Mapsource session, so that you can upload multiple route in one go.

And then there are 'PONI's' you can use to make sure re-calculated routes don't differ from what you planned in Mapsource.

Come on over to http://www.zumoforums.com/index.php to become a Mapsource "black belt"

 

[Wapping]

Even if you use the latest version of Mapsource to plan routes (which should match the maps in the 660), it always wants to recalculate the imported routes.

I missed that line in your response.

Are the maps the same on your PC and GPS device?

Are you loading very old routes, which may have traced out roads that no longer exist or are significantly different?

How many routes do you already have on the device, as opposed to on the card?

Do you delete old routes that you no longer require?

====

Here is what I find:

I am running identical maps on my PC and on my 660 and the most up-to-date software on both. I have checked.

If I create a route today, say from my house to Helmet City in Kent (where I am going tomorrow) and upload it via the 'Send to device button' it will go straight into the Custom Routes area of the 660. There is no message telling me the route(s) were calculated on with different maps, would I like to recalculate? Nor do I get a message asking if I would like to import the route.

BUT

If I open up a an old route, I chose one from September last year, which I know was created in a previous map version and then upload it via the button.....

...It goes straight into the Custom Routes area (no change) and I can summon it straight up, without being asked if I want to import it.

BUT I do get a message saying: The imported route(s) were created with different maps (which they were). Would you like to recalculated NO or YES.

So, despite the old route being opened up in the latest maps on my PC, and the latest maps being installed on my 660, the actual route obviously carries 'invisible' data from the old maps, meaning they do not tie up exactly. If I then view the unrecalculated route on the 660, all the little via points are there but the pink route is simply a set of straight lines, roughly route shaped, if you see what I mean. If i then ask the device to recalculate, using the fastest time option, it brings the route back to life. Of course, I cannot tell if it cut any corners in the process. As I use lots of the route tool via points (not waypoints) I suspect it may not be far out. I tried importing it back to my PC and it simply came out as straight lines.

I then tried 'Saving as' the old September route and gave it a name change, to see if that changed things. It didn't, I still received the 'Different maps / recalculate question'

===

I can load lots of individual routes, one after the other. I just sent nine plucked at random from the 80 virages a moto thread. They all appear, one after the other but as they are old maps, I do get the 'recalculate' question.


===

So:

It seems you may be importing old routes? Do you get the same recalculate message if you draw a route today and export it to the 660? As you have seen, I do not, but I do get it with old routes.

I honestly suspect you are somehow exporting routes to the data card, which prompts the 'Do you wish to import new route' question. Have you tried taking the data card out? What happens if you do?

I haven't tried fooling around with pictures.

 

[Blue Sweeper]

Thanks for the detailed reply Kev.

I've got the latest version of Mapsource: v6.15.11

The version of mapping in Mapsource I have is: City Navigator Europe NT 2010.3

On the 660 unit the mapping is exactly the same version (shows NT 2010.30 and NT 2010.30 3D)

I've tried doing a factory reset (hold the bottom right of the screen and power up).

I've tried using dashboard on the garmin site and verify that I've got the latest versions on the unit and maps. I've also used WebUpdater and forced a re-installation of the unit software.

I've re-installed the latest maps on the unit.

I've tried uploading routes to the unit with and without the optional SD card.

However.......

Let's say I create a new route in Mapsource err, Brighton to London, and set avoid Motorways and set the unit up with the same avoidances........

I then upload the route to the unit by pressing the "send to device" icon.

BUT IT STILL WANTS TO RECALCULATE ON STARTUP, THE FIRST TIME AFTER IMPORT! Even if there is no SD card in the unit.

AND I can't load one route after another in the same session, as only the last route will be there. I can import several routes into Mapsource and then upload as one file, then all the routes will be there.

I dunno Kev, I'm waiting to see what Garmin come up with.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the unit despite a few software bugs.

I like the wide screen, the fast calculation of routes, the ability to taylor the map view screen, MP3 player, Blue tooth connection to a phone, integration with my Autocomm, ease of use when on the move, VERY fast satellite connection and superb sensitivity to the GPS signals. I also liked the fact that it's supplied with a car cradle as well as the motorcycle mount, complete with RAM bracket, the whole package then!

Can't seem to find an off-road navigation screen, where you just navigate with a compass, like you can on the Quest or GPS-V. Mind you, I haven't looked hard for it yet.

Roy.

 

[Wapping]

NOW:

If I take the old September route (calculated in the old map) and open it in the new map version on my PC and then right click on it, then select recalculate and then up load it to the 660 I do not receive the recalculation prompt at all.

When it recalculates the PC must, I assume, bring it from the earlier map's 'invisibles' to the current map's 'invisibles' and all is well.

If I then send the unrecalculated September map, up pops the recalculate message.

The trick is therefore to either draw new routes or use the PC to recalculate before uploading 'old' routes.

Give it a try?

PS I'm not Kev.... but never mind.

 

[Blue Sweeper]

.........

PS I'm not Kev.... but never mind.

Sorry I had a confused moment and mixed you up with Whatton. Do I visit here often?

Oh yes, I have tried that trick of calculating "old" routes in Mapsource, then uploading to the unit, but it still want to recalculate. Another thing is that it ALWAYS asks if I want to import the new data, eh! yeh that's why I put it there!

 

[Wapping]

Here is a route I have just created.

You and I are using identical software, maps and a 660.

What happens when you load it?

It should go straight into Custom Routes and open up with no recalculation. It did on mine.

What happens?

===

When you click on 'Send to device' do you wait for the 660 unit to appear? sometimes it may take a while. If you do not wait, your PC may be finding the removable card first and uploading to that. Just an idea?

 

[Blue Sweeper]

OK, using the 660 with no SD card.

"send to device" wait for the Zumo 660 to appear, send route.

Disconnect 660 from PC and the unit starts up, after putting the battery cover back on.

New Data, do I want to import it? WTF, err OK then.

Recalculating..........

A strange route, towards the end it turns off left to Saint-Priest-le-Betoux then backtracks to the main route on the A20, then later turns right to some lonely waypoint marked D9121 then backtracks to the main route.

 

[Wapping]

I have just loaded a route onto a 4gb memory card and put it into my 660.

I was asked if I wanted to import it and convert it. It was a shared route, so was probably in a GPX format, so would have needed converting anyway.

 

[Wapping]

OK, using the 660 with no SD card.

"send to device" wait for the Zumo 660 to appear, send route.

Disconnect 660 from PC and the unit starts up, after putting the battery cover back on.

New Data, do I want to import it? WTF, err OK then.

Recalculating..........

A strange route, towards the end it turns off left to Saint-Priest-le-Betoux then backtracks to the main route on the A20, then later turns right to some lonely waypoint marked D9121 then backtracks to the main route.

I wouldn't worry about the oddness of the route. I simply clicked on points on a map at random, just to create something. The scale was quite big, so often no roads were even shown. It could have been going anywhere.

Did you try taking the memory card out of the 660 and then importing my route?

Can you send me a route, freshly made. I will try loading it onto my 660 to see what happens.

 

[Blue Sweeper]

..............

Did you try taking the memory card out of the 660 and then importing my route?

OK, using the 660 with no SD card....

Thanks for your persistance over this matter.

I'm also waiting to see what Garmin make of this!

 

[Wapping]

I do not use the memory card very often.

One thing I had forgotten whilst I fool about, is that my PC often drops the connection to the 660 if the memory card is in it. I think it gets confused, seeing two drives at once.

I remember now why I took it out.

 

[Wapping]

One last thought.

When you save your routes, what are you saving them as? If by chance you are saving them as GPX files and not as GDB files, that may explain a part of your problem.