Garmin 760 Help (changing the route)

You can modify a route by adding a via, build a route from scratch including vias, or use Garmin MApsource software.

The 760 MAnual covers this very well so no sense in retyping it all here :>.

After you check out the manual, let us know if you have additional questions.

If I understand your question, about the only way you can force the 760 to change routing is to add intermediate stops known as "via points" between your start and end points. Another option, though not within the GPS itself, is to create routes in Garmin's MapSource software and download them to the 760.

Pardon me if I sound impertinent (this is just a curiousity I have), but I thought the reason I bought a GPS is for it to tell me how to get to a certain point, the basic assumption being I don't know how to get there.

If I'm telling it exactly where to go (creating via points within the route, etc.) then doesn't that invalidate the use of a GPS? In other words, you already know how to get there, why use a GPS? Don't get me wrong, I've used via points on my Garmin, but they were valid mid-route destinations, not something to "force" the GPS to a route I have in mind.

If you know you want to go a different way just go that way. The unit will recalculate on the fly. It may keep trying to route you back onto the original route but it will eventually give in and calculate a new route along the path you are taking.

Since the 7xx series supports stored routes and multi-point routing, you can create the route to go wherever you want. Just keep adding points in the route until you get what you want.

Because:

1. You might want to take a more scenic route but you don't want to have to figure out all the turn-by-turn directions to take it.
2. You want to know how far it is to the next turn, estimated time of arrival, etc.
3. You want to take advantage of POI speed camera and other notifications along the way.
4. Many other reasons, and also...it's cool!

I'll be heading to Montana to retrieve my daughter soon. (Long story.) We've been there a number of times in the past and we like to take different routes each time to see different parts of the country and different scenery.

My wife will suggest a route and I'll create it in Mapsource. I don't care about the turn-by-turn details, I just create waypoints (via points) using various towns and then let the software create the detailed routing info for the route. I can then send that route to my GPS and let it do the work.

It's really easy for me to do and let's me go whatever way my wife wants to travel without having to worry about the details. If I decide to vary the route along the way the unit will recalculate and compensate for my change in the route.

You can obtain Mapsource free by calling Garmin at 1-800-800-1020. Ask them NICELY to send you the software. They include it for free with their hand held mapping units and should be willing to send it to you.

I spent close to a hundred bucks for it about six years ago for my (now defunct) eTrex Vista. No regrets, mind you, I've gotten my money's worth from it, but it would have been an even better value had it been free then.

Thanks for the advice

You can also download MapSource for free at http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

That link is only the update. You will need some version of MapSource on your computer first for the update to work.

The page is a bit confusing but there are actually two download links. The second link is for the full version MapSource 6.13.7 (47.72MB). I downloaded it the other night and have already used it a couple of times to create waypoints and routes for my new nuvi 760. I did not previously have an earlier version of MapSource.

you should answer your own question. WHY do you use GPS if you know where your going. Its going to get you there no doubt about it, but is a simple basic way, it is programmed with rough calculations of average speed per type of road.

I know myself alot of times it takes me a slower way, i just go my way, it keeps sending me on the main avenue, even though its full of lights, and they are not timed, as opposed to the next parrallel block with no lights or stop signs, no big deal, just go with what you know the gps is to pick up where u leave off.

why did you buy a gps, good then dont complian

Thanks for that advice!

If I only used the GPS when I was lost, it would become quite dusty. I find it more toy than tool - thats why I bought it.

I had a 350 - stolen, I replaced it with a 760 and the main selling point for me to justify the extra $150 was the multiple point routes. I like to entertain myself while driving a common path with ETA and distance to upcoming turns etc. To do this, I find it best if I am on the electronic route.