SD card vs. Download of Maps
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8 years
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Hello all,
I own a Garmin Nuvi 650 and a Nuvi 2797.
I have two questions:
First, I attempted to update the North America map that originally came in my Nuvi 650 (not in any SD card). I used Garmin Express and Mapinstall. When I attempted to load/update only a few states in the USA, it told me that I did not have sufficient memory in the unit to do this....because my original NA map was still loaded in the device. In other words, Mapinstall did not remove the existing map in order to provide more memory.... or attempt to override it with the updated version. The Nuvi 650 has about 1.5 GB of total space and about 1.4 GB was being used by the existing maps.
So, my first question is how do you update the NA map in the Nuvi 650 if it will not override the existing, older map? Do I have to manually remove the "img" file and start over?
I was told by a Garmin tech that I cannot update the maps that were supplied in my Garmin Nuvi 650, an older unit that I love to use. He said that the map that came in the unit is not designed to be updated. I find this difficult to believe. He said that I would have to use an SD card to update the North American maps. Why cannot I simply update the map that was included in the unit? I realize that it does not have enough memory to take the entire NA map, which is why I attempted to update only a few of the states. Something sounds out of whack here.
My second question involves buying a GARMIN micro SD card preloaded with maps of Europe versus buying the download version (at significantly more cost). The Garmin tech told me that the SD card version is "protected" and cannot be copied to my computer and then installed on my other Nuvi, the 2797, whereas the downloaded version can be installed to another machine. Is this true? If I pay for and download the Garmin map of Europe, can I install it on a second computer and a second Nuvi? If so, how would I do this....use Base Camp?
Thanks for your help.
Updates
Nuvi 650
Can we assume you purchased a numaps One-Time or Lifetime map update for the 650? Since you say you are using Garmin Express, I will assume your nuvi 650 has a purchased numaps update that you purchased for it since the nuvi 650 never came as a nuvi 650LM model with lifetime map updates included. If the nuvi 650 does not have a numaps map update purchased for it, any attempted update will fail.
The nuvi 650 has two issues that will complicate a Garmin City Navigator North America map update: 1) the nuvi itself doesn't have the storage capacity for all of North America; and 2) the nuvi 650 (one of the nuvi 6xx series) can not read files larger than 2GB in size and the current map file for all of North America is larger than 2GB.
The procedure for updating your 650 with all of North America that I think will work is to:
1) Use Garmin Express to update the nuvi itself. You will receive a warning that all of North America will not fit and you'll need to choose a subset of North America:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42542
Using Garmin Express, your current nuvi 650 North America map file will be automatically deleted to make room for the new (currently 2017.10) map file. This automatic deletion will occur for the map installed with Garmin Express (the gmapprom.img file). If you used MapInstall before, your map file will be gmapsupp.img and will not be automatically deleted.
Be sure to choose the option in Garmin Express to install the map to both the device and to the computer. This is not the default Install to Device Only option!
2) Now using MapInstall, install to a SD card the portions of North America that are not installed to the nuvi. If the SD card has previous map files (most likely gmapsupp.img), they will need to be manually deleted before starting the process as these older supplemental maps are not auto-erased when using MapInstall.
3) With the nuvi and SD card, you should be able to have all of North America installed for use with the nuvi 650. A check of your MapInfo page on the nuvi should show the current maps and should be checked. Note that the nuvi 650 can not use the clone technique to install the entire North America map to the SD card as the map file size will exceed the nuvi 650's 2GB file size limit.
Europe SD card map
First, let me say that rather than buying a new Europe on SD card map from Garmin or Amazon, you can probably find a used card available on eBay at a lower price. Just be sure that you're buying a genuine Garmin-made SD card and map.
Yes, Garmin told you the correct answer. A Garmin-made Map-on-SD-card will only work when the map file is on the original Garmin-sold SD card. Copying the file to another SD card or trying to install the file to a nuvi will result in a Can Not Unlock Map error and the map will not accessible to the nuvi. The good news is that the Garmin-sold SD card map can be swapped between Garmin devices and used. Note that the Garmin Map on SD Card will not offer special features like Junction View, Voice Recognition, etc.
The Garmin Europe on SD card has a map file larger than 2GB and therefore it can not be accessed by your nuvi 650. It will work with the nuvi 2797 or other newer device you buy in the future, but as stated earlier, it will not offer Junction Views, etc. If you want a device with a map of Europe and Junction Views, etc., you will need to buy a Garmin nuvi with the Europe map preinstalled.
You also asked about the download version of City Navigator Europe. It can only be used on one device. If attempting to use it on a second device, the map will be locked and not useable. Like the Europe on SD card, adding a Europe map to a US-nuvi will result in a map of Europe but without Junction View, Voice Recognition or other features.
Good luck with your 650 update and travels in Europe. Shout if you need clarifications, etc.
[Update]
Your previous thread:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45412
states that you had a nuvi 650 with an old North America map and you purchased an additional North America map for it. I hope you purchased a numaps One-Time or Lifetime map update and NOT a non-update copy of the map.
You don't want this:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-11551-00-Navigator-North-Am...
You do want either of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-n%C3%BCMaps-Onetime-Navigator-A...
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-n%C3%BCMaps-Lifetime-America-Up...
In Basecamp
Can the Europe maps that come on SD card be viewed in Basecamp so that you can do route planing etc.
Nuvi2797LMT (2) Nuvi260,Ford Sync3 Navigation. Captain Cook was a Yorkshire man too.
Should be
Yes ... and you could also copy the files to a removable drive so BaseCamp can read the map files from there.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
Thanks for your help,
Thanks for your help, Craig.
Yes, I purchased lifetime maps for my Nuvi 650. I have portions of the North American map loaded in the Nuvi itself and also the SD card. I'm therefore able to access the entire map on the Nuvi 650. I had to delete the gmapsupp.img file within the 650 in order to make room for portions of North America. It seems to work fine.
If I purchase the downloadable version of Europe from Garmin, will it come with lifetime updates on my Nuvi 2797? Also, is there any benefit to purchasing the downloadable version vs the SD card version (which is much cheaper)? With the SD card, at least I can use it on different units.
One last question (for now): The battery life on the Nuvi 2797 is terrible. Is there a larger capacity, longer life battery available for the 2797? If so, what is the model number and where can it be purchased? I purchased the 2797 new and I assumed that it would come with an AC charger, but this was not the case.
2797
...
If I purchase the downloadable version of Europe from Garmin, will it come with lifetime updates on my Nuvi 2797? Also, is there any benefit to purchasing the downloadable version vs the SD card version (which is much cheaper)? With the SD card, at least I can use it on different units.
One last question (for now): The battery life on the Nuvi 2797 is terrible. Is there a larger capacity, longer life battery available for the 2797? If so, what is the model number and where can it be purchased? I purchased the 2797 new and I assumed that it would come with an AC charger, but this was not the case.
No, buying the download Europe map for your North America 2797 will not give it lifetime updates, although I expect lifetime updates can be added at extra cost. Check the Garmin or Amazon sites for 'numaps Europe' and you should find it there. The numaps Europe update subscription can only be added to a device that already has the Europe map installed so you would need to both buy the original Europe map download and also numaps update. More than likely, you can buy a new nuvi in Europe with lifetime updates for less than adding lifetime maps to a North America device.
I think that the download Europe map can have numaps Europe added for lifetime maps. The SD card map of Europe won't be eligible for updates. If you're planning a 1-time trip to Europe, I'll suggest getting the SD card version. And if you plan to drive in Europe frequently, you may actually do better not adding a map of Europe to a North American nuvi but instead buying a nuvi in Europe with lifetime maps—the benefit to this is getting Junction Views, potential Voice Recognition, etc.
Batteries: The nuvi 2797 states the battery capacity of the device is up to one hour. This would be with a fresh battery and the screen set to it's dimmest display, etc. With a bright display, I'd be surprised to hear that the device would last more than 15-20 minutes. Honestly, nuvis should not be bought for use unconnected to a vehicle's source of power. There is no extended life battery but external power supplies for tablets, cell phones, etc. could be tried. If your 2797 battery is weak, it can be fairly easily replaced. Here's a source:
http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/htmlos.cgi/8020.1.32755058...?
AC Chargers: The ancient nuvis (the 3x0 and maybe your older 650) did come with AC chargers but for many years now no AC charger is included. You can charge the 2797 with the vehicle power cord or with the nuvi's supplied USB cord from a laptop USB port or other source.
If I go with the download
If I go with the download version of the Europe maps, shouldn't I be able to load portions of that map to my older Nuvi 650 by using Mapinstall?
So, if I wanted to install only Switzerland and Italy, shouldn't I be able to do this on the 650? This is something I cannot do with the SD card, correct?
Can't I view the entire map in Mapinstall after downloading it in Express and then select only those two countries to install? Shouldn't I be able to install both of those countries to either the Nuvi itself or its SD card?
If so, I'll buy the downloadable version.
Nope
Downloaded content isn't installed to your PC so you can't use MapInstall.
This used to be possible if you bought the DVD option but that is no longer available, unless you can find someone still selling them.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
Gene1000
Gene1000, you are complicating things by trying to resolve issues or understand procedures by posting to multiple threads.
I continue to believe that for a North American planning a trip to Europe, the best solution is to buy the Europe on SD map (not useable on a 650 but useable on your 2797) or to buy a nuvi in Europe with the European map preinstalled.
The Map on SD is best for a 1-time visit to Europe, especially if Junction View is not important to you. It'll be the cheapest option, and even cheaper if you buy a used map on SD from eBay or if you offer the map on SD on ebay once you return from Europe.
The 'purchase a nuvi in Europe' option is best if you plan to return since the nuvi will likely have lifetime map updates, and is also best if you want to have Junction Views display.
The adding a Europe map to a North American nuvi remains my least desirable option for having a Garmin GPS with a map of Europe.
I'm not sure if you're thinking along these lines, but to be safe, remember that buying a map via download from Garmin does not allow the map to be installed to more than one device. The download will be useable only on the first device that receives it. Attempting to install the map on a second device will result in a locked map error. If you do decide to go the download route for a map of Europe, I strongly urge you to install it on the nuvi 2797 rather than the 650 since the 650 has both storage and map file size issues making the use of a map of Europe on it really difficult.
SD v Nuvi
Another thing. As has been said, if you go with a Nuvi over a SD card you will get Junction View and also if your Nuvi supports it the DEM file. Having seen a simulated run from Italy to France on such a unit I was very impressed and would like to do it in "real life"
Yes indeed
Another thing. As has been said, if you go with a Nuvi over a SD card you will get Junction View and also if your Nuvi supports it the DEM file. Having seen a simulated run from Italy to France on such a unit I was very impressed and would like to do it in "real life"
My nuvi 3597 offers the DEM map and a drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon or driving through Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona AZ is impressive.
Gene1000, you are
Gene1000, you are complicating things by trying to resolve issues or understand procedures by posting to multiple threads.
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Craig, I posted two different threads because they deal with different subject matter. Different issues. The other thread involves an "unlocked map" issue. I thought that this would be easier for you. If you want me to keep everything on one thread, it's OK with me.