Zumo 550 average speeds

[Mark8303]

Does anyone know if it is possible to alter the average speed settings for the 550 (i.e. predict 20 m.p.h. in a 30m.p.h. limit). It doesn't seem to matter what I do I can't acheive the predicted e.t.a. I seem to have to drive right on the limit to get close! And have no hold ups, like lights or junctions. My mate has a 660 and he can set whatever he wants. I can't seem to find anything on the net so I figure if anyone knows someone on here will

Thank.

 

[desertyellow]

Yes if you go into mapsource then edit , select preferences, click on driving speeds and you can adjust your speed for the various types of road.

 

[Bumpkin]

Yes if you go into mapsource then edit , select preferences, click on driving speeds and you can adjust your speed for the various types of road.

Though I don't think that will have an effect on your GPS itself. Even if you transfer a route calculated in Mapsource.

 

[v8legend]

Does anyone know if it is possible to alter the average speed settings for the 550 (i.e. predict 20 m.p.h. in a 30m.p.h. limit).
Thank.

Go to 'settings', navigation, and tell it you're a truck. This might work. Mind you, it might also miss all those narrow lanes that you might get stuck in!

 

[Bumpkin]

Lengthy discussion on the subject over in ZumoForums.

 

[Mark8303]

Thanks guys

Investigating it now

 

[Mark8303]

Done it I think?

Just updated the software and found that in the 'Basecamp' section which has now apeared in my Start>Programs menu (in XP) under Garmin I can select:

Tools>Options>Activity Profile - You can select customise under the 'speed' section to adjust your averages.

The road types are very American but I get the gist. I'll try it tonight and report success or otherwise. Thanks for the input.

Oh, I had the unit [plugged into the computer whilst doing this, I assume it is essential

 

[Mark8303]

No change at all

And Garmin say it cannot be done!

 

[Bumpkin]

I think what this does, though I stand to be corrected, is adjust the estimates in Basecamp (you can do similar in the preferences menu in Mapsource). These settings do not transfer to the GPS when you upload the route.

Basically you're stuck with the calculation that it makes across the given road types. Not sure how difficult it would be for Garmin to add a slider to the menus to make this adjustable, not that they're going to bother... I would imagine that there's a factor in there somewhere that takes the total distance and calculates a time. Can't imagine that it assesses every single road in your route, the length of each leg and the speed limit applicable. It's always going to be an ETA (stress on the E = Estimated).

Pretty easy to have an adjustment figure based on experience and apply that yourself, that's what I tend to do. Just adding 15 minutes to an hour depending on distance. road type etc. With motorway/autoroute I can pretty well nail the ETA, over more varied roads I factor in a little extra time.

I think we're a little spoiled with all this technology and expect it to do too much for us...

 

[Backroader]

What average speeds do the knowledgable set their 550 for.
I have so far set mine in mph as follows:-

Interstate highways = 65mph
Major highways = 55mph
Other highways = 45mph
Collector roads = 30mph
Residential roads = 25mph

After setting a torturous mostly lanes route of 150 miles Mapsource says the total time is longer than reality (I reckon).

Any idea what exactly they mean by collector and residential roads ?

 

[rodders]

What average speeds do the knowledgable set their 550 for.
I have so far set mine in mph as follows:-

Interstate highways = 65mph
Major highways = 55mph
Other highways = 45mph
Collector roads = 30mph
Residential roads = 25mph
After setting a torturous mostly lanes route of 150 miles Mapsource says the total time is longer than reality (I reckon).

Any idea what exactly they mean by collector and residential roads ?

Residential is where people reside..
&

A collector road or distributor road is a low to moderate-capacity road which serves to move traffic from local streets to arterial roads.

 

[Bumpkin]

I take it that you're making these settings in Basecamp

These will not translate across to your Zumo.

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

It doesn't seem to matter what I do I can't acheive the predicted e.t.a. I seem to have to drive right on the limit to get close!

ETA is not fixed, it continually updates as you drive along. Go fast and the eta will reduce, slow down and the gps will alter the eta to suit.
afaik.