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Cellular forums Home > Archive > Garmin GPS > March 2006 > Connecting a pc to Quest 2
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Connecting a pc to Quest 2
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| alndonna@wamail.net 2006-03-07, 5:48 am |
| My new Quest 2 arrived from Fedex today. Tried the examples in the
manual and seldom got the screen they said I would get. It certainly
was confusing to a complete noobee.
Biggest problem is how to communicate with my pc. Manual has nothing on
the subject, except for installing USB drivers, which went smoothly.
And I was able to update the system software from version 2.40 to 2.50.
Box came with no Mapsource DVD or Mapsource instructions.
Does anyone know what software is used for pc communicating with the
Quest 2?
al in Tacoma
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| alndonna@wamail.net wrote:
> Biggest problem is how to communicate with my pc. Manual has nothing on
> the subject, except for installing USB drivers, which went smoothly.
> And I was able to update the system software from version 2.40 to 2.50.
> Box came with no Mapsource DVD or Mapsource instructions.
>
MapSource CitySelect-NA is preloaded so they figure you don't need to
run the program on your PC.
> Does anyone know what software is used for pc communicating with the
> Quest 2?
Depends on what you want to do. EasyGPS and g7to WIN are two good
programs for archiving your waypoints, tracklogs, and routes and
loading any data from the web that's in .gpx format. USAPhotoMaps is
good for displaying your waypoints/tracklogs on aerial photo views or
USGS topo maps. Garmin's free nRoute program is good for running on
your laptop if you ever want a bigger screen while travelling in your
car/RV/etc.
All of those and many more are freeware - then there are lots of $$
programs as well. But what's best depends on what you want it to do.
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| sierra 2006-03-07, 5:48 am |
| Given the following in the manual, page 49:
"When you transfer additional maps to your Quest.....you must transfer
them....through the Mapsource software that is on your computer"
it seems there's something missing.
Try Garmin support - they're usually very helpful.
Garmin seem to have a new policy of only providing the bare minimum to
use units in the car "out of the box". If you want to do anything else,
you have to request it.
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| Mikey Aye 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| "alndonna@wamail.net" wrote:
> My new Quest 2 arrived from Fedex today. Tried the examples in the
> manual and seldom got the screen they said I would get. It certainly
> was confusing to a complete noobee.
Al ~~~~~~~~~~
My Quest 2 arrived in the mail last week and it took me several days
before I figured out what the included cable and unlock codes were for -
like you, I searched the manual and online Garmin stuff and was left
wondering.
My GPS V I got 5 years ago came with a Garmin map program that loaded on
the computer and allowed for many GPS activities and programs but the
Quest 2 doesn't even mention a computer or connection.
I called Garmin's tech support and told them I wanted to be able to use
the Quest 2 like I use my old GPS V and I was told that since the Quest
2 has all the maps loaded there was no original need or plans to include
computer software. However, there have been enough new Quest 2 owners
clamoring for programs that they have been sending free software (called
"City Select North America NT v7" (AKA: "City Select NT Data") to people
who want to do the computer thing.
He took my name and told me he'd send the software when they got the
next batch of discs in (they have sent out so many that they ran out...)
He said they'd be available in "maybe two weeks."
So call their support phone line (you will wait a half-hour on hold but
it's a free call) OR e-mail them and ask for the map program and they
will put you in line for the software.
Now, as an experiment while waiting for the software I fired up the
computer with the old Garmin "City Select" map program for my GPS V and
tried communicating with the Quest 2 - to my surprise the program was
able to upload and download three of four fields into and out of the
Quest 2 (tracks, waypoints and routes, although they are labeled
differently.)
I tried to get the Quest 2 to upload the maps to the computer but it
told me that it couldn't upload the maps until I loaded the current City
Select program. This map program was only supposed to work with the GPS
V unit named by the unlock codes but I suppose since I was not trying to
get a map it allowed me to at least use the program.
And there is no reason to load an older map into the Quest since it has
the latest maps in place.
You should have received a yellow paper with your Quest 2 with an onlock
code on it as well as a registration code and a website link to use to
register the unit. Do the registration at the website then mail them and
ask that they send you the new map prggram when they get them in stock.
In my opinion they blew it by not documenting the Quest 2's operation
with a computer - I mean WHY did they send us a USB cable?????? It's
odd, too, that they have no support info regarding this on their
website.
Have fun with the Quest 2!
--
Later.......... MikeyA.......... Frisco Bay / USA..........
Check out my homepage at http://www.elhippo.com
********************
********************
If ya stand back a little bit and squint
yer eyes..... you'll never notice.
********************
********************
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| sierra wrote:
> Given the following in the manual, page 49:
>
> "When you transfer additional maps to your Quest.....you must transfer
> them....through the Mapsource software that is on your computer"
>
> it seems there's something missing.
Not really. If say you want to add the USTopo maps to the Quest 2 you
would buy MapSource USTopo, install it on your PC, and then do the
transfer.
All the maps that come with the Quest 2 are already preloaded on it and
if you get any additional maps to load then they'll come with the
needed MapSource program to load them from your PC.
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| sierra 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| Noted. So how do you download a track-log from the unit if you wish to
show it on a PC?
| |
| Phil Wheeler 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| alndonna@wamail.net wrote:
> My new Quest 2 arrived from Fedex today. Tried the examples in the
> manual and seldom got the screen they said I would get. It certainly
> was confusing to a complete noobee.
>
> Biggest problem is how to communicate with my pc. Manual has nothing on
> the subject, except for installing USB drivers, which went smoothly.
> And I was able to update the system software from version 2.40 to 2.50.
> Box came with no Mapsource DVD or Mapsource instructions.
>
> Does anyone know what software is used for pc communicating with the
> Quest 2?
>
Mapsource.
As I recall (it's been a while), Mapsource comes with the optional map
products you buy to load into the GPS. But in the Quest 2 the maps come
preloaded .. so maybe the assumption is that you have no need for
Mapsource. And for dealing with waypoints and such, you don't: There is
freeware like EasyGPS that works fine.
If you buy optional maps, such as US Topo or 24K Topo West, they will
come with Mapsource .. which you then upgrade to the latest version via
download from Garmin.
But calling Garmin is not a bad idea ;)
Phil
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| Jack Erbes 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| sierra wrote:
> Noted. So how do you download a track-log from the unit if you wish to
> show it on a PC?
>
GPS Utility
http://www.gpsu.co.uk/gpsrecs.html
says it has been tested with most Garmin models, there is a list there
of some of the older ones that it is known to not work with. At any
rate, you can give the trial version a try and see what happens.
If you can get the track into GPSU your can do a lot with the info there.
Jack
--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
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| alndonna@wamail.net 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| What I really want to do is enter addresses of 50 locations on my pc
and then download them to the Q2, instead of doing it with their tiny
keypad. What software do I need to do this?
al
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| Seagull 2006-03-07, 5:48 pm |
| Mikey Aye <elhippo@comcast.net> wrote:
> In my opinion they blew it by not documenting the Quest 2's operation
> with a computer - I mean WHY did they send us a USB cable??????
Firmware updates.
Cheers,
-+JLS
--
\ carpe cavy!
seagull @ aracnet.com \
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/ \ (seize the guinea pig!)
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| alndonna@wamail.net wrote:
> What I really want to do is enter addresses of 50 locations on my pc
> and then download them to the Q2, instead of doing it with their tiny
> keypad. What software do I need to do this?
For that it would be good to have a copy of MapSource/CitySelect on
your PC, and it would also be nice for doing any pre-trip planning with
the big screen on your desktop.
Although Gamin doesn't usually include the PC software with units that
have the maps preloaded I believe they will send it out upon request.
Either send them an email or call their 877 number (I've had the best
luck calling right at 8am Kansas time when they open).
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| Phil Wheeler 2006-03-07, 11:48 pm |
| sierra wrote:
> Noted. So how do you download a track-log from the unit if you wish
> to show it on a PC?
>
Did it come with something called Trips and Waypoint manager? It may
ship with some models. If not you can buy it for $30 here:
http://www.garmin.com/cartography/m...andwaypoint.jsp
Here's what it says about it:
> Simplify pre-trip planning for your next outdoor adventure or
> business trip by using MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager to transfer
> waypoints, routes and tracks between your Garmin GPS and PC. Simply
> plan your next trip on a PC, download GPS data to your Garmin unit,
> and go. Don't forget to use Trip & Waypoint Manager to archive GPS
> data for future use. Back up waypoints, routes and tracks that you've
> saved on your Garmin GPS to your PC using the Trip & Waypoint
> Manager software.
>
> Trip & Waypoint Manager comes with a general worldwide database that
> provides basic cartography, including interstates, motorways,
> oceans, and various other general reference detail to help you plan
> your next trip. Map detail also includes political boundaries,
> principal cities and towns.
I believe there are other programs which will do this, too. One is EasyGPS:
http://www.easygps.com/
> EasyGPS is the fast and easy way to transfer waypoints, routes, and
> tracks between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance
> GPS. EasyGPS lists all of your waypoints on the left side of the
> screen, and shows a plot of your GPS data on the right. Use EasyGPS
> to back up and organize your GPS data, print maps, or load new
> waypoints onto your GPS for your next hike or geocaching adventure.
> EasyGPS works with every popular handheld GPS receiver, and it is
> 100% FREE! Download your copy today!
Phil
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<alndonna@wamail.net> wrote in message
news:1141754138.155457.284020@j52g2000cwj.googlegroups.com...
> What I really want to do is enter addresses of 50 locations on my pc
> and then download them to the Q2, instead of doing it with their tiny
> keypad. What software do I need to do this?
>
> al
>
Although you have all the maps pre-loaded on the Quest 2 there are many
reasons to have the maps on your PC too - route planning, waypoint entry,
tracklog plotting, printing maps, and backing up your data as examples.
If you want to enter an address on your PC, convert it to a waypoint, and
download it to the Quest 2 you really need the Mapsource application with
the City Select map database. Aftermarket applications without the map
database can't do this. Garmin made an odd mistake not including
Mapsource/City Select with the Quest 2 especially since it was included with
the less expensive Quest.
Hopefully Garmin will mail it out free as another poster mentioned. If not
the Quest is a much better overall package than the Quest 2 for a lot less
money.
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| Phil Wheeler 2006-03-08, 5:48 pm |
| Bob L wrote:
> Garmin made an odd mistake not including
> Mapsource/City Select with the Quest 2 especially since it was included with
> the less expensive Quest.
>
According to the website, maps come preloaded in the Quest2. I suppose
from Garmin's viewpoint, you would only need Mapsource if you bought
additional maps to load.
But I've always thought it odd that Garmin did not make a full version
of Mapsource available for download vs. just updates. Most who would
download it have purchased a Garmin GPS and have paid the price of
admission.
Phil
| |
| Dirk Straka 2006-03-08, 5:48 pm |
| Seagull wrote:
> Mikey Aye <elhippo@comcast.net> wrote:
> Firmware updates.
Uploading Topo maps.
Greets, Dirk
--
"You never know what is enough until you know what is too much."
William Blake, nicely 200 years ago
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| Mikey Aye 2006-03-10, 2:48 am |
| "alndonna@wamail.net" wrote:
> My new Quest 2 arrived from Fedex today.
> Biggest problem is how to communicate with my pc.
> Does anyone know what software is used for pc communicating with the
> Quest 2?
AL ~~~~~~~~
Hi - I answered this Tuesday and I have an update.
I, having had the same problem as you, had contacted Garmin and they
said they would send me a map disc is "about two weeks."
I am happy to report I received the disc today - a whole week earlier
than expected - and it installed into the computer flawlessly then read
the unlock code right out of the connected Quest 2.
The program is City Select NT and has the whole US in it and it will do
just what you need for your trip - set up routes and waypoints on your
computer and zap them into the Quest.
The one interesting thing it done was installed right over my OLD City
Select (which doesn't work 100% with the Quest 2) and now when I open
the program it gives me a choice of WHICH version I want to open AND
which of the two connected GPS units to read/download.
Way cool.
I am hoping you received yours today as well.
Please let me know.
SEE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--
Later.......... MikeyA.......... Frisco Bay / USA..........
Check out my homepage at http://www.elhippo.com
********************
********************
If ya stand back a little bit and squint
yer eyes..... you'll never notice.
********************
********************
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