What Do You Do When You Get A New Garmin GPS?

 

Since getting my new Garmin Nuvi 3597 recently, I have been brain storming to make sure that I do everything I need to do to get it up to date. So far, here is a laundry list of things I have done, or will do, after getting a new Garmin:

-Update to current firmware

-Update to latest maps

-Delete non English voices

-Delete non English keyboards

-Switch to Australian mode to add back the Auto Zoom disable box

-Select GPS coordinate format (DMS/DDD/DMM)

-Switch clock to 24 hour format

-Install micro SD card for additional memory

-Add Custom POIs

I am sort of lukewarm about the following:

-Vehicles

-Voices

-Dashboards

I have added other vehicles in the past, but it doesn't really interest me all that much. If I recall correctly not all voices work with spoken street names. Also, I think the Real Directions are only compatible with certain voices.

I haven't played with other dashboards yet, but I don't see it as a compelling feature for me.

I do already have the Smartphone Link on my phone, but I don't have much experience with it yet. For those that do have the Smartphone Link, how much do you use it and what feature do you find to be most useful?

Oh, and if anybody here can think of anything else I ought to be considering for this, please let me know.

get a case

One important thing that I did was find and buy a small padded case that fit the GPS receiver so that I can remove it when I leave the car and safely carry it in my pocket.

The First Thing I Do

Before doing anything to a new GPS is make a complete backup right out of the box.

By doing so I know I can restore it to it's original state before making any changes. I think this should be the first priority.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Agreed.

I agree with muell9k 100%. Full Backup should be the first item on your list. Also, it is a good idea to give the nuvi battery a full charge before you start updating things.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

What Do You Do When You Get A New Garmin GPS?

Frovingslosh wrote:

One important thing that I did was find and buy a small padded case that fit the GPS receiver so that I can remove it when I leave the car and safely carry it in my pocket.

I haven't done that yet, but I have been looking. I made another post about this, too, but I have been looking for a cell phone type case to protect it, but I haven't found one yet. I could have sworn I saw one somehwere, but I can't for the life of me find it on line again!

better to buy local

Jim1348 wrote:

... I saw one somehwere, but I can't for the life of me find it on line again!

I buy a lot on-line, but prices for little items like this are not usually good. They either charge too much for shipping or inflate the price too much to cover "free shipping". I've seen too many items on-line for $3-$4 that I can pick up at the Dollar Store. You could even check the Dollar Stores for cases but I got a decent padded and zippered one at BigLots, priced at $5 but bought at $4 on a 20% off day, and I was able to check it out in person to be sure that I liked the quality and confirm that case was exactly the right size, not too small for the GPS receiver to fit, nor so large as to waste space in the pocket.

Also remember

muell9k wrote:

Before doing anything to a new GPS is make a complete backup right out of the box.

By doing so I know I can restore it to it's original state before making any changes. I think this should be the first priority.

Also remember that you can't just do a copy of the Nuvi's internal storage as your backup, like you could in the old days. The new units arrive in MTP mode so when you connect them to our computer the .system folder, which contains the map files along with many other important files, is not visible to the computer OS.

To do a straight copy backup you first need to alter the MTP settings in the Diagnostics Page of the Nuvi to Mass Storage or Mass Storage Single Session (best IMHO). This will make the .system folder visible to the computer and allow you to copy it and it's contents to your backup location.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

I will second..

Frovingslosh wrote:

One important thing that I did was find and buy a small padded case that fit the GPS receiver so that I can remove it when I leave the car and safely carry it in my pocket.

..this idea. I can't tell you how many times a case has saved my GPS.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Excellent Point

t923347 wrote:
muell9k wrote:

Before doing anything to a new GPS is make a complete backup right out of the box.

By doing so I know I can restore it to it's original state before making any changes. I think this should be the first priority.

Also remember that you can't just do a copy of the Nuvi's internal storage as your backup, like you could in the old days. The new units arrive in MTP mode so when you connect them to our computer the .system folder, which contains the map files along with many other important files, is not visible to the computer OS.

To do a straight copy backup you first need to alter the MTP settings in the Diagnostics Page of the Nuvi to Mass Storage or Mass Storage Single Session (best IMHO). This will make the .system folder visible to the computer and allow you to copy it and it's contents to your backup location.

Many thanks for the reminder t923347, I forgot about the MTP mode on some of the newer units. It could be a disaster if not all the files were backed up, especially the .sytem folder.

To see what units have MTP mode click the link below:
https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?...

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Backup and Case

I received the Nuvi 2797 as a gift this Christmas and my better half also ordered the carrying case at the same time (she is so smart)
I did the backup first time I connected to my computer but just went the copy and paste route so I will have to check to see if I have to change anything and do another backup.
Then in went the Micro SD card, added all my own POI files, removed some of the Garmin vehicles and then added three extra vehicles from my collection.
Then checked to see if a firmware update was needed and installed that using web updater. Then got the latest maps using Map updater. Tried to register the unit on the Garmin site but this now has to be done through Garmin Express so I took the plunge and did the installation. Once in it checked for all required updates and told me my maps needed updating.
Two hours later all was done so took the unit out to do the first satellite lock.
Will now be using the unit for next few days to see how it performs but I must say I really like the large display.

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Nuvi2797LMT (2) Nuvi260,Ford Sync3 Navigation. Captain Cook was a Yorkshire man too.

Shouldnt need a sd card

The 3597 has 8 gb of memory. But I like the list.

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Nuvi 2460LMT.

Same here

Jim1348 wrote:

-Update to current firmware

-Update to latest maps

-Delete non English voices

-Delete non English keyboards

-Install micro SD card for additional memory

-Add Custom POIs

Do a backup first thing, then the items you listed.

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(formerly known as condump) RV 770 LMT-S, Nuvi2797LMT, Nuvi765T

Follow

this list that others have given you. You will not regret it. And once you have done that and updated everything you can think of,,,,back up again.

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nuvi 1390 LT, nuvi 1450 LMT, Win 10

what to do

I have not read the whole thread, but I would just go out and enjoy using it. Plenty of time to do all the other stuff.

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Dudlee

nuvi 2797LMT

thanks for the info. i will receive my 2797 on Wednesday and do what you did. What size SD card did you use ? is a 32GB micro sd too big ?

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marnoldi Nuvi 680 & Nuvi 2797LMT

.

marnoldi wrote:

is a 32GB micro sd too big ?

It's not too big...but it is overkill.

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nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

import personal waypoints

About the first thing I would do would be to import my personal waypoints (OK, I guess Garmin calls them favorites). My current 3790s have waypoints that date back to my old GPS V.

I've generally used Garmin supported methods for this--not some back-door improvisation. So these days that means I'd probably use BaseCamp--thought I still don't like it very much.

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personal GPS user since 1992

Your

archae86 wrote:

I've generally used Garmin supported methods for this--not some back-door improvisation. So these days that means I'd probably use BaseCamp--thought I still don't like it very much.

Your choice but Garmin support both methods detailed in our FAQ at:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36164

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Update

Backup old GPS then update new GPS map and software. I always make sure I have a case or something to put the GPS in when I carry it to and from the car.

Password and home location

So at least if lost or stolen it won't be easily used/sold and home location if password forgotten.

fully charged

I will have battery fully charged. smile
I know most people are doing the same.

Then, in addition to all above suggested, I will find next flight to set the maximum speed for new unit.

Garmin Trip Planner

It has been quite some time since I created Custom Routes and downlaoded those to a Garmin. After I finsih work today, I am off for the next five days. Maybe I will create some custom routes and download those to my Nuvi 3597. I have both MapSource and BaseCamp. I prefer MapSource.

I would

I would add your favorite POIs and charge the battery.

I love the magnetic latch on this Garmin.

I agree with everyone!

I agree with everyone but do most of all that stuff in no particular order! Lmao

I just ordered a Nuvi 2557

and this will come in handy.

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GPSmap76Cx handheld, Nuvi 2557LMT, Nuvfi 2598LMTHD

the first thing i do is ......

Take it out of the box.....

Then I proceed to do a rain dance, then I plug the old one into a 220 volt circuit and watch it's innards pop then just to make sure it's dead I beat the stuff out of the old one with a fire axe!!!! surprised

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Agree - backup is probably

Agree - backup is probably the most important...

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Garmin Drive Smart 61 NA LMT-S

Open The Box

Make sure everything is in the box.

Turn it on and make sure it works.

--
When you are dead, you don’t know that you are dead. It is only difficult for the others. It is the same when you are stupid.

I Can't stress Backup First is Most Important

Garmin Gal wrote:

Agree - backup is probably the most important...

Sure as some others have mentioned they should have a case for it. But I say what good is having a pristine GPS that no longer functions.
As I stated previously the first thing I do is backup the GPS right out of the box. If the battery is weak it will be charging when connected to the PC while doing the backup. I archive that backup to an external drive so I can always restore it to original condition if need be. Then before doing any updates I make sure the battery is fully charged so there are no surprises when a Firmware or MapUpdate fails due to low battery.

Once I do my updates and add Favorites, Custom POI's, and tweaks, I create a new backup. I then add any files that have been changed to that backup so it is always current. Sure it's more work but I have peace of mind should a software malfunction occur I can always fix it.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

First thing.

BarneyBadass wrote:

Take it out of the box.....

Then I proceed to do a rain dance, then I plug the old one into a 220 volt circuit and watch it's innards pop then just to make sure it's dead I beat the stuff out of the old one with a fire axe!!!! surprised

NO, YOU DIDN'T. shock

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GPSmap76Cx handheld, Nuvi 2557LMT, Nuvfi 2598LMTHD

not important if never needed

Garmin Gal wrote:

Agree - backup is probably the most important...

I did back up my Nuvi as soon as I got it, and I also bought a case. However, I've never needed or used my backup, but I use my case all of the time.

A case.

I also ordered a new case. I had one with my previous Nuvi but the new one is a 5" model.

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GPSmap76Cx handheld, Nuvi 2557LMT, Nuvfi 2598LMTHD

Newest Garmin

What's the newest Garmin out now for 2015

See this FAQ

janaysha wrote:

What's the newest Garmin out now for 2015

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42240

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Anology

Frovingslosh wrote:
Garmin Gal wrote:

Agree - backup is probably the most important...

I did back up my Nuvi as soon as I got it, and I also bought a case. However, I've never needed or used my backup, but I use my case all of the time.

I disagree with your thinking.

I have car insurance that I've paid for for 30 years.
I never had an accident so I really didn't need it other than it being mandatory. But I did use my car all those years.

Consider the backup as an insurance policy that will make you whole again if ever needed.
How many posts have we read here on the forum of people having no backup and their Nuvi no longer functions because of missing or corrupt files.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

and also the ones that "accidently" formatted them.

.

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Nuvi 2460LMT.

Favorites

I make sure all my favorites are back in the new GPS.

Format & install the SD

Format & install the SD card, if needed, then load all my POI'S and begin using it. I don't consider it to be rocket science.

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I never get lost, but I do explore new territory every now and then.

First Step....

Register it !

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RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot

New GPS ?

First I connect it to the computer, make sure it has the latest software and updates, register it, then.........

Take a trip. We're always looking for an excuse to hit the road. What better reason than to test a new GPS.

--
rvOutrider

way to go

rvOutrider wrote:

...
Take a trip. We're always looking for an excuse to hit the road. What better reason than to test a new GPS.

smile

Everything Covered

Looks like everyone has covered everything. Go out now and use it.

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Larry - Nuvi 680, Nuvi 1690, Nuvi 2797LMT

First Thing I do

I ALWAYS back-up the Firmware/software and maps prior to doing anything else. (Basically I back up the entire unit.)

THEN... I "update" the firmware and maps.

Then I add the POI's.