Thoughts on BMW zumo 550?

[SERVDAVE]

I'm thinking of getting a 550 for my 650gs (second hand from a friend) All it comes with is the mount and bracket. Can you download mapsoure from somewhere to plan routes ETC?

Cheers guys,

 

[Giles]

Most of the mapsource software comes with some the usual security stuff to stop you downloading it and then passing it on.

A good bet would be to buy the sat nav off yer mate and then buy the latest 2011 mapping disc from Garmin. That way you'll get the latest road updates and will be guaranteed all the unlock codes .....

 

[Bumpkin]

Most of the mapsource software comes with some the usual security stuff to stop you downloading it and then passing it on.

A good bet would be to buy the sat nav off yer mate and then buy the latest 2011 mapping disc from Garmin. That way you'll get the latest road updates and will be guaranteed all the unlock codes .....

That's the expensive way.

Ensure that your friend has the 550 registered with Garmin via a myGarmin account. Get him to logon a de-register the GPS. This will allow you to register for a myGarmin account yourself and set-up the Zumo in your name. This is essential for obtaining mapping updates. If this isn't possible then I wouldn't be interested in it TBH.

Install Mapsource using this method.

Now buy a NuMaps Lifetime Update Card from either Handtec or Pentagon GPS. Follow the instructions to register the code on the card on your myGarmin account and download the latest mapping to your Zumo. In the early stages of the update process keep an eye out for an 'install options' button at the bottom left of one of the screens, this will give you option to install to your PC as well as the Zumo.

Coming to think of it you'll get this anyway as the 550 hasn't got the internal memory to hold all of the current edition of Europe. You'll have to install a selection of countries that's offered that will fit and put the rest on an SD card from Mapsource if you need it.

Good luck!

 

[SERVDAVE]

Thanks for the reply, I shall have to ask him about the registration issue. I would like to be able to put my own waypoints in. I'm sure that I will understand all this stuff eventually!

 

[Bumpkin]

Thanks for the reply, I shall have to ask him about the registration issue. I would like to be able to put my own waypoints in. I'm sure that I will understand all this stuff eventually!

Mapsource is the best tool for the job, takes a bit of getting used to mind you. Stick with it and you shall reap the rewards

Short video tutorial you might find useful.

 

[Redboots]

Mapsource is the best tool for the job, takes a bit of getting used to mind you. Stick with it and you shall reap the rewards

As he's new to it, it might be worth using Basecamp instead. It's more "modern" and has a couple of nice extras like it will read the maps unlocked to your gps and/or the micro cards so you can plan routes and tracks, via your computer on the unit, so long as the gps is plugged into the PC.

"They" say Basecamp will replace Mapsource. I still prefer Mapsource at the moment as that's what I know
Basecamp also requires a better spec'ed PC as it seems a bit resource hungry.

Cheers,
John

 

[Bumpkin]

As he's new to it, it might be worth using Basecamp instead. It's more "modern" and has a couple of nice extras like it will read the maps unlocked to your gps and/or the micro cards so you can plan routes and tracks, via your computer on the unit, so long as the gps is plugged into the PC.

I have Basecamp installed on my PC and whilst it does have some extras I'll agree I went back to using Mapsource when trying to plan a multi routed tour for next year. Trying to pick-up and modify already started routes was frustrating.

Mapsource seems to handle this better, Basecamp seems a little cut down in places but with a few sparkly extras. Not unlike the transition from 2610 to 2720 to Zumo which involved some dumbing down.

Not to say that Basecamp isn't capable for most users, it just seems that the quirky Mapsource interface has been replaced with another with different issues. Garmin have never been great at UI design.

 

[Redboots]

Garmin have never been great at UI design.

'tis true!


John

 

[SERVDAVE]

Thanks for the comments, all been very useful, just weighing uo the pros and cons of a new VS second hand unit. Does seem allot simpler to start from scratch with a new unit!

 

[SERVDAVE]

Nuvi 550, anyone used one?

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=27442


Was just looking at the Garmin website and came across this? seems to be fine for a motorbike, has anyone else used it?

 

[Bumpkin]

Was just looking at the Garmin website and came across this? seems to be fine for a motorbike, has anyone else used it?

No audio out options by the looks of things, no MP3 player, smaller screen than Zumo 660 and you'd still need to buy this and this (unless you already have suitable hardware), that's another £60, for a neat install. Though, at a push, you could just use the vehicle lead and have it in a tank bag.

 

[SERVDAVE]

Thanks for the help once again, I think i shall stick to the Zuni 550. Just gotta decide whether I go new for peace of mind or second hand! I shall update you guys when I get the unit!

 

[Tomcat]

You can buy a Zumo 220 for about the same price as the Nuvi 550 - search the web rather than buying direct from Garmin. The Zumo 220 comes with m/c and car mounts, and Mapsource. The audio out is via Bluetooth only, and if you want this you'd have to buy a BT headset separately. I bought a Z220 a few months ago to replace a Z550, and it works fine

 

[SERVDAVE]

Finally made a decision and went with the second hand 550! All I need to do now is to get some cables so I can attach it to the comp. And a bracket to mount it to the bike than Im sorted!

Any recomendations of mount would be helpfull!

Cheers guys!