+splashy Posted August 16, 2011 Posted August 16, 2011 In portrait mode you can 'use' it a bit by pressing very deep in the corner. In landscape it's unusable.. In fact the calibration seems to go ok, but even leaving the calibration screen is a pain, because the wrong key is seen and all starts all over again. Keep testing your unit by using the keyboard alpha AND numbers. Quote
+kayakerinme Posted August 16, 2011 Posted August 16, 2011 If I understand you correctly the calibration goes fine, you can pinpoint the black dots in the calibration screen even if your menus are, at that point, out of calibration? So even if your unit is experiencing this calibration issue, once you enter the "Calibrate" screen it works fine again? Also, let me ask, if you turn it to landscape mode will the faulty lower right corner of the portrait mode "follow" the orientation to the lower right corner of the landscape mode? Or does the faulty lower right corner become the faulty upper right corner (or lower left corner) in landscape mode? In other words does it follow the screen as you change orientation or is it a static spot on the physical screen? Jumping in... my calibration screen appears to work. I can hit all six dots with fingers or more precisely with a pen. It doens't change the end result. My spot appears static. When I change to landscape, I can press the button in the lower right corner. I do, however, experience trouble with the lower left corner so the only way to navigate successfully is to flip between the orientations. The rest of the screen works fine (at the moment). It seems limited to about 1/2" square at the corners. Quote
+crewone Posted August 16, 2011 Posted August 16, 2011 If I understand you correctly the calibration goes fine, you can pinpoint the black dots in the calibration screen even if your menus are, at that point, out of calibration? So even if your unit is experiencing this calibration issue, once you enter the "Calibrate" screen it works fine again? Also, let me ask, if you turn it to landscape mode will the faulty lower right corner of the portrait mode "follow" the orientation to the lower right corner of the landscape mode? Or does the faulty lower right corner become the faulty upper right corner (or lower left corner) in landscape mode? In other words does it follow the screen as you change orientation or is it a static spot on the physical screen? Jumping in... my calibration screen appears to work. I can hit all six dots with fingers or more precisely with a pen. It doens't change the end result. My spot appears static. When I change to landscape, I can press the button in the lower right corner. I do, however, experience trouble with the lower left corner so the only way to navigate successfully is to flip between the orientations. The rest of the screen works fine (at the moment). It seems limited to about 1/2" square at the corners. Send it in. It's a hardware problem, according to the other thread in this forum. Garmin will issue a replacement. (They did so for me.) Quote
+kayakerinme Posted August 16, 2011 Posted August 16, 2011 Send it in. It's a hardware problem, according to the other thread in this forum. Garmin will issue a replacement. (They did so for me.) Yup, it's going back. Quote
yogazoo Posted August 17, 2011 Posted August 17, 2011 Allow me to air a gripe I've had ever since Garmin's Topo 24K product has come out. Why can't Garmin color the trails something more like a trail and less like an unpaved road. None of the trails on their flagship topo product can be distinguished from roads. This is a product geared toward the outdoor crowd and they can't give the trails a different color? Like dashed red lines? I'm suprised that someone at Garmin who likes to go hiking hasn't been annoyed buy this and has offered a suggestion to fix it. "I have seen the light". A fix for this is coming down the pike and I couldn't be more elated. Finally I'll be able to see trails differently than my roads. Hallylewya! Quote
Phillips Family Posted August 20, 2011 Posted August 20, 2011 Swapped my unit with faulty display calibration. Just downloaded the latest firmware. Living life on the edge Changes made from version 2.80 to 3.10: Added support for advanced geocache logging with OpenCaching.com. See TrailTech (http://garmin.blogs.com/softwareupdates/2011/08/advanced-geocache-logging-with-opencachingcom.html) for more information. Added Restore Defaults option to setup pages Fixed issue where proximity alarms would not be audible Fixed issue that occurred with the altimeter page when using a 24-hour clock Fixed issue where the map would sometimes not refresh when using the active route page Fixed an issue where the dashboard would sometimes appear while panning on the map Fixed issue with saving tracks in area calculation page Fixed issue with highlighting of some shortcuts in the drawer Fixed issue with the keyboard layout in landscape orientation when the system language was set to French Fixed issues that sometimes occurred when exiting Where To? > Address or Where To? > Intersection Modified the 'Arriving at Destination' message banner so that it no longer appears when navigating to a geocache Quote
+mamoreb Posted August 22, 2011 Posted August 22, 2011 Looking for some tweaks that I can't find in the manual: 1. Can I change the symbol that is used for displaying found geocaches (the huge open treasure chest)? 2. I found that geocache waypoints lost lots of info when exported in GPX format. I used the GarminExport macro to export them as POIs. This placed them in the "extras" category. These waypoints don't show up on the screen before I zoom pretty close. Is there a way to adjust how close you need to zoom before "extras"-POIs appear on the map? Eventually, any better solutions for dealing with geocache waypoints? Quote
+McPhan Posted August 22, 2011 Posted August 22, 2011 Can anyone help a gumby with the geo-tagging format? When I check picture properties the lat/lon comes up as something like S35 20 15.236987458 E149 12 23.123456789. Any reason why this isn't displayed in the format set on the GPS? I've tried a couple of different programs to look at the pic properties and they all show this weird lat/lon. When I put this into Google maps and round the last number to 3 numbers it is nowhere near where the actual photo was taken. Or is it a case of uploading the photo and then pinning it in Google Earth to get the closest approximate co-ords? Quote
+Bullygoat29 Posted August 22, 2011 Posted August 22, 2011 Looking for some tweaks that I can't find in the manual: 1. Can I change the symbol that is used for displaying found geocaches (the huge open treasure chest)? Yes you can replace any of the hardwired icons by placing them in the Garmin\CustomSymbols directory. Custom Icon tutorial I find that a 24x24 icon looks best. The found icon isn't included in the list in that link anymore but it still works. You have to name the file Geocache Found.bmp. If the spacing/spelling/capitalization is off, it won't work. 2. I found that geocache waypoints lost lots of info when exported in GPX format. I used the GarminExport macro to export them as POIs. This placed them in the "extras" category. These waypoints don't show up on the screen before I zoom pretty close. Is there a way to adjust how close you need to zoom before "extras"-POIs appear on the map? Eventually, any better solutions for dealing with geocache waypoints? I export mine as GPX and have no problem with the comments being included. I use a custom cache name, %mtag="sortdata"%name by %by %children %name: %c_name. Can anyone help a gumby with the geo-tagging format? When I check picture properties the lat/lon comes up as something like S35 20 15.236987458 E149 12 23.123456789. Any reason why this isn't displayed in the format set on the GPS? I've tried a couple of different programs to look at the pic properties and they all show this weird lat/lon. When I put this into Google maps and round the last number to 3 numbers it is nowhere near where the actual photo was taken. Or is it a case of uploading the photo and then pinning it in Google Earth to get the closest approximate co-ords? For some reason the coordinates don't show correctly when looking at the properties. I opened some of my pictures in Photoshop and Basecamp and the coordinates show correctly there. As an added bonus, Basecamp will place them on the map where they were taken. Quote
TheArabianHunter Posted August 22, 2011 Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) hi everyone glad to find this thread I used to be a member here 10 years ago. I can't find my old account data. I got my Montana last week I bought Topo 24k for the south mountains mainly for the Grand Canyon trails. I am not very impressed with the topo 24k and ease of spoting trails on the map. The reason I posted here is that using North America map I planed a route from San antonio to Phoenix Arizona and got a straight line indicating the route (see photo). My profile and setup/routing is set on driving. I disabled other maps except the North America and the global map. tion proceeds to 74% and stop there It is difficult to belive but It sounds like if there is missing information in the map. My map is North America nt 2011.2 when I use the "where to" option (from San Antonio to Phoenix) the calculation stops at 74% what Am I doing wrong Best regards --------------- edited to correct a missing part of a sentence Edited August 23, 2011 by TheArabianHunter Quote
kb6ooc Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 The reason I posted here is that using North America map I planed a route from San antonio to Phoenix Arizona and got a straight line indicating the route (see photo). what Am I doing wrong I had this problem too, at first. I used MapSource to upload the map data to my Montana. When I had the straight line problem, I eventually realized that I hadn't checked the "Include route calculation data" checkbox that is on the "Maps" tab in MapSource. Of course, upload them again took a few more hours (ugh). Hopefully its that simple for you. Quote
+Bullygoat29 Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 hi everyone glad to find this thread I used to be a member here 10 years ago. I can't find my old account data. I got my Montana last week I bought Topo 24k for the south mountains mainly for the Grand Canyon trails. I am not very impressed with the topo 24k and ease of spoting trails on the map. The reason I posted here is that using North America map I planed a route from San antonio to Phoenix Arizona and got a straight line indicating the route (see photo). My profile and setup/routing is set on driving. I disabled other maps except the ct na and the global map. tion proceeds to 74% and stop there It is difficult to belive but It sounds like if there is missing information in the map. My map is North America nt 2011.2 when I use the where to (from San Antonio to Phoenix) the calcula what Am I doing wrong Best regards If you bought the TOPO U.S. 24K - Mountain South, you're problem is that they only cover Arizona and New Mexico. If you're trying with the City Navigator maps, make sure they are enabled. Just because they are on the card doesn't mean they are being used. Quote
TheArabianHunter Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 (edited) The reason I posted here is that using North America map I planed a route from San antonio to Phoenix Arizona and got a straight line indicating the route (see photo). what Am I doing wrong I had this problem too, at first. I used MapSource to upload the map data to my Montana. When I had the straight line problem, I eventually realized that I hadn't checked the "Include route calculation data" checkbox that is on the "Maps" tab in MapSource. Of course, upload them again took a few more hours (ugh). Hopefully its that simple for you. I will give it a try Many thanks ------------------------- edited It is working now many thanks Edited August 23, 2011 by TheArabianHunter Quote
TheArabianHunter Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 hi everyone glad to find this thread I used to be a member here 10 years ago. I can't find my old account data. I got my Montana last week I bought Topo 24k for the south mountains mainly for the Grand Canyon trails. I am not very impressed with the topo 24k and ease of spoting trails on the map. The reason I posted here is that using North America map I planed a route from San antonio to Phoenix Arizona and got a straight line indicating the route (see photo). My profile and setup/routing is set on driving. I disabled other maps except the ct na and the global map. tion proceeds to 74% and stop there It is difficult to belive but It sounds like if there is missing information in the map. My map is North America nt 2011.2 when I use the where to (from San Antonio to Phoenix) the calcula what Am I doing wrong Best regards If you bought the TOPO U.S. 24K - Mountain South, you're problem is that they only cover Arizona and New Mexico. If you're trying with the City Navigator maps, make sure they are enabled. Just because they are on the card doesn't mean they are being used. thanks for replying but I think you will agree that the TOPO should not have anything to do with someone driving on the main hyws from San Antonio to Phoenix thanks Quote
+Bullygoat29 Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 thanks for replying but I think you will agree that the TOPO should not have anything to do with someone driving on the main hyws from San Antonio to Phoenix thanks They do affect the routing if they are the only maps active and the don't have the required routing info to get from point A to point B. Quote
TheArabianHunter Posted August 23, 2011 Posted August 23, 2011 thanks for replying but I think you will agree that the TOPO should not have anything to do with someone driving on the main hyws from San Antonio to Phoenix thanks They do affect the routing if they are the only maps active and the don't have the required routing info to get from point A to point B. I agree with you, but the TOPO actualy was the only map that was inactive. To be honest I have done many things and I am not sure what fixed it. I will play with it more tomorrow many thanks for the help Quote
+YellowstoneBasecamp Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 Is there a way to hide all the geocache icons from the map screen? I know you can go into Setup Map/Advanced Setup/Zoom Levels and set User Waypoints to off. However, this also hides all other waypoints as well. Quote
+Cacheoholic Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 Move the associated GPX files out of the GPX folder. Quote
+YellowstoneBasecamp Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 How do you do that while in the field? Quote
+splashy Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 Make 2 Sd's one with, one without the geocaches. Swap Sd when needed. Quote
+Cacheoholic Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 How do you do that while in the field? I would have no reason to do that but if I had to I would use my netbook. If I did not have my netbook close to me I could use my phone. I always have my phone because I'm always on call 24 hours a day. Quote
+YellowstoneBasecamp Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 How would you move a GPX file on a Montana with a phone? I have a Droid X and always wished I could copy waypoints to the Montana like you can from Garmin GPSr to GPSr. Quote
+Cacheoholic Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 (edited) Most of us keep our GPX files on the microSD card so we can reboot the GPS out in the field if it chokes on a pocket query. So you take the microSD out of the GPS and put it in your phone. From your phone you can use the file explorer to move or change files. You can change the pocket queries or maps for an area you are travelling to. Edited August 24, 2011 by Cacheoholic Quote
DaveInWNC Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 I am having problems with archiving track files. If I load them into the Garmin Archive folder on my SD card the tracks appear in the track manager window and the manager does not see them as archived. The only way I can archive them in the on-board archive is to archive each track individually. Questions: 1. Does anybody know how Garmin orders the track file names in the display? 2. How can I get the tracks in my SD card archive to display when I hit the "Archive" button? Thanks DaveInWNC Quote
+splashy Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 (edited) 1 the nearest ones first??? 2 you can't Edited August 24, 2011 by splashy Quote
+Catch43 Posted August 25, 2011 Posted August 25, 2011 (edited) How would you move a GPX file on a Montana with a phone? One way would be to use a Nokia N8! It has USB Host, you can connect a thumb drive or even a mouse or keyboard to the N8. I am also able to connect my Oregon 550 as a mass storage device to the phone! It has internal 16GB and SD-Card slot. If you have a monitor with HDMI you can even connect that phone to the monitor to edit and see your files on a big screen. Edited August 25, 2011 by Catch43 Quote
Phillips Family Posted August 28, 2011 Posted August 28, 2011 Changes made from version 3.10 to 3.20: Fixed display issues during spell searches Fixed ability to enable mapsets using shortcuts Fixed ability to mute or unmute volume using shortcuts Fixed issue with repeated anchor drag alarms Fixed issue where Move Waypoint could move the wrong waypoint Fixed issues with dashboards disappearing Fixed issues with Find Next Closest while geocaching Fixed issue where part of the map was unresponsive to touches Fixed issue where nuvi mode speed field could be red while not speeding Modified default map trails to appear as dashed red lines Added ability to add multiple points to a route without leaving the map Quote
+formula1 Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) Some more screenshots (thanks to GPSfiledepot for the hosting). The graininess is a result of re-processing from the host site. I have created custom vehicles which, in my opinion, are easier to see than the standard triangle/arrow. Gone are the days of being restricted to that big blue arrow. Creating custom vehicles is super easy but if you'd like the .srf (vehicle) files for these particular ones please send me a PM and I'll get them to ya. The green leaf background in the lower images is also custom and, if you'd be inclined, I can send that along as well. Below are images of my custom smaller, more visible arrow. The topo maps are the ones I've made for Montana that include colorized public land ownerships. The dark red polygons that look like buildings are indeed buildings and come from a USGS shapefile. How do you make those custom topo maps with the 3d relief in there? One of the reasons I got a Montana (besides the fact that my 60csx was stolen in the Keys) was to get that type of mapping....any tutorial or instruction on the web? Edited September 2, 2011 by formula1 Quote
savant9 Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 How do you make those custom topo maps with the 3d relief in there? One of the reasons I got a Montana (besides the fact that my 60csx was stolen in the Keys) was to get that type of mapping....any tutorial or instruction on the web? I don't believe they are from his custom mapset, they are likely the result of an official product with DEM layered beneath that map. Quote
+formula1 Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 How do you make those custom topo maps with the 3d relief in there? One of the reasons I got a Montana (besides the fact that my 60csx was stolen in the Keys) was to get that type of mapping....any tutorial or instruction on the web? I don't believe they are from his custom mapset, they are likely the result of an official product with DEM layered beneath that map. What is a DEM? Quote
+HHL Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 [...] What is a DEM? A Digital elevation model Quote
+Lonetracker Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 When I download GPX files to my 600, I have noticed that the coords shown on the cache description page are slightly different to those on the website screen. They are about 300 feet out but the GPS takes me to the correct location so it must be using the ones in the website description, in other words the coords on the GPS screen of the cache description are not quite right. Anyone else noticed this? Maybe I am doing something wrong or have a setting not quite right. Any ideas? Quote
+ecanderson Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 When I download GPX files to my 600, I have noticed that the coords shown on the cache description page are slightly different to those on the website screen. They are about 300 feet out but the GPS takes me to the correct location so it must be using the ones in the website description, in other words the coords on the GPS screen of the cache description are not quite right. Anyone else noticed this? Maybe I am doing something wrong or have a setting not quite right. Any ideas? The cache pages are set up for WGS84 datum. You should be, too. You're evidently currently set up for NAD27, and you are seeing the translated coordinate data on the screen. If you entered coordinates for a cache by hand, you'd wind up in the wrong place. Quote
Phillips Family Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 A new version has shown up again today... here is the changelog. Changes made from version 3.20 to 3.30: Fixed spanner mode prompt Fixed issues reviewing very long routes in route planner Fixed issue with disappearing dashboard on the main menu Fixed issue where selected dashboard would not show up unless page was exited and reentered. Fixed issues with missing map scale. Fixed shutdown related to proximity alarm POIs. Added Large Data Field Dashboard. Added Satellite Dashboard. Added ability to sort photos On A Specific Date in Photo Viewer. Added View Map button to Waypoint Manager > Edit waypoint. Quote
yogazoo Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 A new version has shown up again today... here is the changelog. Changes made from version 3.20 to 3.30: Fixed spanner mode prompt Fixed issues reviewing very long routes in route planner Fixed issue with disappearing dashboard on the main menu Fixed issue where selected dashboard would not show up unless page was exited and reentered. Fixed issues with missing map scale. Fixed shutdown related to proximity alarm POIs. Added Large Data Field Dashboard. Added Satellite Dashboard. Added ability to sort photos On A Specific Date in Photo Viewer. Added View Map button to Waypoint Manager > Edit waypoint. The Satellite dashboard ROCKS! Quote
+formula1 Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 I've had my 600 for a few days now and doesn't seem to have any issues so far - compass calibration went smoothly. Will be taking it for 3 days of camping/hiking/goecaching this weekend and I'll see how it does. Quote
kb6ooc Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 The satellite dashboard works fine for me - so long as its on the main menu or on the backlight page (hit the power button once briefly). When the satellite dashboard is on a map page, it just shows two circles and nothing else. If I rotate the unit, as soon as it redraws the map, it briefly shows the populated satellite dashboard and then clears it again (about 1/4 second later). I'll report it to montanabeta. Quote
+wa2n Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 The satellite dashboard works fine for me - so long as its on the main menu or on the backlight page (hit the power button once briefly). When the satellite dashboard is on a map page, it just shows two circles and nothing else. If I rotate the unit, as soon as it redraws the map, it briefly shows the populated satellite dashboard and then clears it again (about 1/4 second later). I'll report it to montanabeta. I see the same thing. I sent a report in as well. 73's! Wayne Quote
+ryan3295 Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 Are the speed limits back? What?? I thought I was the only one with this issue. Quote
yogazoo Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 For everyone having troubles with routing and speed limits I have a possible solution. Make sure you don't have any other routable mapset underneath CityNavigator. I noticed that when I had my 24k Topos enabled, even though they are under the City Navigator map, the unit gets confused. For example it won't show speed limits when 24k is enabled under CityNav and it will tell me I'm "walking to route" or wont vocalize my directions in the cradle. I don't know what your map situation is but disabling any map underneath city navigator worked to solve some of my issues. Cheers! Quote
+Bullygoat29 Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 I'll give that a shot because I do have 24K northeast on my Montana also. Quote
+Lonetracker Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 When I download GPX files to my 600, I have noticed that the coords shown on the cache description page are slightly different to those on the website screen. They are about 300 feet out but the GPS takes me to the correct location so it must be using the ones in the website description, in other words the coords on the GPS screen of the cache description are not quite right. Anyone else noticed this? Maybe I am doing something wrong or have a setting not quite right. Any ideas? The cache pages are set up for WGS84 datum. You should be, too. You're evidently currently set up for NAD27, and you are seeing the translated coordinate data on the screen. If you entered coordinates for a cache by hand, you'd wind up in the wrong place. Thanks for the reply. Have done some experiments today and if I use Lat/Long then the problem does not occur. I should have said that I am in the UK and was using British Grid and associated map datum. There would seem to be a slight error in the conversion on the Montana. No matter now that I know of it. Thanks again. Quote
yogazoo Posted September 3, 2011 Posted September 3, 2011 (edited) Doh! Edited September 3, 2011 by yogazoo Quote
+toil&trouble Posted September 4, 2011 Posted September 4, 2011 So, since most of the folks on this thread have a Montana, would you recommend it? I am thinking of replacing my Oregon, would like 3 axis compass, topo maps (I have a 300), larger screen, better screen. I have used a GPS60, Colorado and Oregon, have had about 4 Nuvi's in our cars and RV, so obviously like Garmin. It sounds like most of the software bugs have been worked out, but the cost is pretty high, so I want to know that it is worth the upgrade. I know I wouldn't be able to sell the Oregon for much, you can get a brand new 450 for $200, so it really wouldn't off-set the cost. I have never been totally disappointed with a Garmin product, but all the threads about the Montana seem to be about problems, so to the folks who actually own a Montana and cache with it, would you recommend it? Quote
+mamoreb Posted September 4, 2011 Posted September 4, 2011 I'm not an experienced GPS user - Montana is my first. But I love using it for geocaching. I am experiencing some minor bugs in other parts of the firmware, but nothing that effects my geocaching. Quote
Warrenpfo Posted September 4, 2011 Posted September 4, 2011 Great thread with loads of info, thanks. Is there a way of plugging my montana into my laptop/tablet or pc to then give me a live feed as to my position? Thanks Quote
yogazoo Posted September 5, 2011 Posted September 5, 2011 I have never been totally disappointed with a Garmin product, but all the threads about the Montana seem to be about problems, so to the folks who actually own a Montana and cache with it, would you recommend it? I've been an early adopter since the Colorado series and had to ride the bugs all the way through to the Oregon 300, then again with the 450, dakota, 62S etc. The Montana is the best GPS yet with the most ease of use. The screen cannot be beat on any of todays hand-held GPS units. The units firmware always gets better over the course of about a year until they can work it out. And remember, people don't usually gloat about how rockin' awesome a unit is on these boards. Generally it's a place to gripe about, discover, and overcome problems. After owning 10 Garmins going way back, The Montana 6XX is the best yet and comes highly recommended. Quote
Phillips Family Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 Changes made from version 3.30 to 3.40: Fixed shutdown viewing routes on map Fixed satellite dashboard on the map Fixed issue where parts of map review page were not responsive to touch Fixed issue with right side controls where dashboard and icons could overlap on main menu Fixed issue where some auto-archived tracks would be named in English regardless of user language Fixed issue where background would not update correctly behind dashboards Just noticed the last issue today while I was out driving. I'm glad there is a fix already but I am getting nervous that I am developing a second mis-calibrating display. I was concerned when my replacement had a lower serial number than the original Montana that I bought. Anyone heard anything official from Garmin on this? Thanks Quote
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