DriveLuxe 50LMTHD - Backing Up and Updating Maps and Software
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   16 years
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My refurbished DriveLuxe arrived in a box that would leave little doubt that it was a refurb:
That being said the unit and all the supplied cables and connections were in perfect condition and if it wasn't for the box I wouldn't have been able to tell it from a completely new unit.
Since I use a DOS based CMD file to automate the GPS unit backups, I first needed to change the Drive's settings from MTP mode to Mass Storage so that the .system folder would be visible and included in my original backup. Once that was done I did a full backup of the new unit before doing any file changes.
System Software Update
On arrival the unit had 2017.10 maps installed and an old software version as well. I attached the Drive to my computer and ran Garmin Express. I first updated the system software to version 5.20 and noticed one change in the process over what I'd seen when updating my other Nuvi models. In the past once the new software had been loaded on the GPS you needed to reboot the device and sit there looking at a blank screen or the Garmin logo for what seemed like hours (probably a few minutes) and worry that the unit was locked up and now a brick. With the DriveLuxe the Garmin logo screen appears along with a spinning wheel icon, followed a few minutes later with the normal small updating text in the upper middle part of the screen. A little thing but a little piece of mind never hurts.
Map Software Update
GE also advised that the Map update to 2018.20 was available but when I attempted to run the update it appeared that GE stalled right at the beginning. I then fired up MapUpdater and the update appeared to run smoothly.
Once the update was complete I compared the files now stored there to the file listing from my original backup and noted one problem.
Originally the Foursquare database file was stored in the .system/map folder with a file name much like the JCV file (DxxxxxxxA.img) but after the update this file had been deleted. Although I could have restored it from my backup, I wanted to see if it was a MapUpdater issue so I reinstalled the map update using GE (which worked this time) and sure enough the Foursquare database file was updated correctly. One reason not to use the unsupported MapUpdater program on these new units.
I suspect that since the .system/map folder is a completely new folder to the Garmin GPS units (on the Nuvi the Map folder was in the root and not in a sub folder) the old MapUpdater program could not deal with it. The actual map files (gmapprom.img, JCV, etc. continue to be stored in the .system folder as always.
Note that like the JCV file the 4sq img file changes file name with each map update but from what I've seen in playing around whether you use the new file or an older one the Foursquare function still works on the unit. It just that the database isn't as up to date if you use a file from an older map update.
After confirming that the map and Foursquare files were working properly I did another backup of the unit.
I intend to create additional threads noting new or different thinks I fine using the DriveLuxe compared to my Nuvi 3597, so stay tuned.
Garmin Express
...Map Software Update
GE also advised that the Map update to 2018.20 was available but when I attempted to run the update it appeared that GE stalled right at the beginning. I then fired up MapUpdater and the update appeared to run smoothly...
I wouldn't give up on Garmin Express so easily. Granted, GE has stalled for me on two different map updates for two different GPSs, not at the beginning but at the end of the update.
The problem was solved by closing GE after waiting long enough to make sure it was really hung. The computer and the GPS were both rebooted. The second time with GE the map update went smoothly and in a short time.
I believe that if GE is used and not MapUpdater, all the required files will be installed.
t923347, thanks for your description!
dobs108
Thanks
My refurbished DriveLuxe arrived in a box that would leave little doubt that it was a refurb:
http://imgur.com/a/uhus5
...
Originally the Foursquare database file was stored in the .system/map folder with a file name much like the JCV file (DxxxxxxxA.img) but after the update this file had been deleted. Although I could have restored it from my backup, I wanted to see if it was a MapUpdater issue so I reinstalled the map update using GE (which worked this time) and sure enough the Foursquare database file was updated correctly. One reason not to use the unsupported MapUpdater program on these new units.
I suspect that since the .system/map folder is a completely new folder to the Garmin GPS units (on the Nuvi the Map folder was in the root and not in a sub folder) the old MapUpdater program could not deal with it. The actual map files (gmapprom.img, JCV, etc. continue to be stored in the .system folder as always.
Note that like the JCV file the 4sq img file changes file name with each map update but from what I've seen in playing around whether you use the new file or an older one the Foursquare function still works on the unit. It just that the database isn't as up to date if you use a file from an older map update...
Are you sure it is a refurbed unit? Oh wait, I see a suggestion in your photo that it may be.
Thanks for the Foursquare report. I've renamed and updated my GarminMapUpdater Warning FAQ:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/44415
50 LMT-HD
I just got my 50 DS a couple of days ago, also refurbished but not a scratch on the GPS or the screen. Quite happy with it.
t923347
Just as you I updated to 2019.2 but from 2016.2.
Then I added my waypoints from my 2797 and installed all my POI's
Waypoint GPX temp and current GPX amount to about 10,000 kb. The POI's to just over 9,000 kb. These 3 don't take up much room in the memory storage.The gmapprom.img is 2.835.265 kb.
Only the 497.841 JCV file is installed
Checked the whole GPS and there is nothing like duplicated maps installed, but I only have 768 kb of free space.
Seems ridiculous for a new unit. I have my doubts that it will be able to take the next map update without a SD card installed.
I have already removed all but two vehicle icons as well as removed many help files and other files in foreign languages
There are many things I like with this GPS, but the "Cyclops" red light file sucks. It tells me there is a RLC coming up in a location where there has never ever been one.
t923347 How is your DS 50 for free space?
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
If
If I was to put the gmapprom files on the device (I store them on an SD card) I would have about 860 KB of free space. As it stands currently Windows 10 shows I have 3.42 GB of free space.
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.
Next time I'll use SD card
If I was to put the gmapprom files on the device (I store them on an SD card) I would have about 860 KB of free space. As it stands currently Windows 10 shows I have 3.42 GB of free space.
Thanks for the idea, never thought a new GPS would be so short of space right of the mark.
What should the SD card be formatted to?
BTW: There is a new folder on the GPS called
"SID", or maybe I never noticed it before. But that folder contains about 1.39 GB of files as well.The ASR folder contains some large files also. So these and the gnapprom file amount to quite a bit of space already plus a lot of chicken feed.
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Format your card Fat32.
Format your card Fat32.
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267
The
The ASR files are Voice Command Files and the SID files appear to be used for Traffic/Traffic Trends.
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.
SID files.
BTW: There is a new folder on the GPS called
"SID", or maybe I never noticed it before. But that folder contains about 1.39 GB of files as well.
"SID" file type means "Search Index". The search index files are for advanced features including traffic trends, point addressing, instasearch and fast routing.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
Help me out
t923347
OK I popped in a 16 GB SDHC card. Created a folder "Garmin" and connected to Garmin to download 2019.2 again thinking it might now install to the SD card. No such luck though it was obviously recognized by Garmin since it created another folder "Journal" in the Garmin folder I created.
I do see that the mapfiles are all in a folder .System which I could not create, the period at the beginning won't allow it.
So now I thought maybe I can copy that whole folder including the .System over to the SD card. That I can do and it let's me do so including the .System name.
So should I copy all those files and delete them in the GPS .System folder itself?
As far as I can see the old cloning method probably will not work and if you know how to install to the SD card, let me know please.
Thanks
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Simple
Simple answer is that the Cloning Method works perfectly with the Smart devices.
All you need to do is follow Alanb's excellent procedures as posted here:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/39231
All you need on the SD card to start is a Garmin folder with a copy of the garmindevice.xml file from your Smartdrive in it.
Insert the SD card into your COMPUTER, DO NOT attach the GPS to the computer and then run Garmin Express.
Garmin Express will think that the SD card is your GPS and create all required folders and install all required map update files to the SD card so it's a CLONE of your GPS.
Then just follow the procedures for moving any required files off the SD card to the GPS as per the procedures titled:
Notes for newer Garmin devices with a .System folder:
You should end up with no files on the SD card, or as in my case, no files other than the gmapprom files which I move to a MAPS folder on the SD card and rename them to the name of the map update (gmapprom.img renamed to 2019.20.img, etc.)
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.
Well ...
The cloning method works but there really is no need. Just run Express and let it do its thing. If it needs to use the SD card it will. I haven't had to use the cloning method for ages now, my 2508 and DS50 work fine with Express.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
true, but
The cloning method works but there really is no need. Just run Express and let it do its thing. If it needs to use the SD card it will. I haven't had to use the cloning method for ages now, my 2508 and DS50 work fine with Express.
Express does a great job of handling the newer units but for older units like my 885 it would rather load a small portion of the maps rather than use an SD card. For that reason cloning is the only way to get a full set of maps.
Illiterate? Write for free help.
Yep ...
... but we're talking about the Drive series
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
GE
GE told me that there is only about 800kb of available space on the DS 50LMT and did say that I should get a SD card. But right now there was not the option to install to an SD card. Maybe when 2019,30 or 2020.1 comes out it will give me that option.
BTW: I followed instructions offered by a member to clone the 2019.20 to the SD card. It did not work for me. Yes Garmin installed 2019.20 and a bunch of other stuff.
I deleted everything on the SD card as per instructions except the 2019.20 mapprom files in the folder. I changed the names in the Garmin itself to avoid conflict. Then I plopped the SD car into the GPS but it would not recognize the mapprom files. checking in "installed files" they did not register. Turned the GPS right off and rebooted with the same result. So I renamed the mapprom files again and all is well again.
I never had that problem in my 855 or my 3797, always worked like a charm.
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Just run garmin express
...So should I copy all those files and delete them in the GPS .System folder itself...
I wouldn't go mucking about in these files and folders or the next thread will be about a bricked DriveLuxe 50. Just install a new SD card. It comes already formatted. At some future map update Garmin Express will use the card automatically. It waits until the internal memory is full before using the card.
dobs108
Well ...
GE told me that there is only about 800kb of available space on the DS 50LMT and did say that I should get a SD card. But right now there was not the option to install to an SD card. Maybe when 2019,30 or 2020.1 comes out it will give me that option.
You get a warning that you may need a SD card. With 800kb it could be a while before it's needed. If I were you I'd remove it and wait until Express asks you to insert one.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
Cloning
@Melaqueman ... sounds like you may have missed this step:
The map files will end up on the SD card in folder .system and will be named gmapprom.img, gmapprom.unl and gmapprom.gma. Create folder /Map on the SD card and move these three files into it. You can then rename the files from gmapprom to any name of your choosing, but keep the .img, .unl and .gma extensions.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
Tried it all
@Melaqueman ... sounds like you may have missed this step:
The map files will end up on the SD card in folder .system and will be named gmapprom.img, gmapprom.unl and gmapprom.gma. Create folder /Map on the SD card and move these three files into it. You can then rename the files from gmapprom to any name of your choosing, but keep the .img, .unl and .gma extensions.
alandb, I created a folder "Map" moved the files into it. renamed the same files in the GPS from mapprom.img to =mapprom.imggmi etc. No luck.
Moved the Map folder on the SD card from System to Garmin. No luck.
I' think I'll do as sussamb suggests, leave it until the actual need arises for a SD card.
Thx in any case
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
/Map folder.
The /Map folder is at the root level on the SD card, not a subfolder of /Garmin or /.system. You can put the .img, .gma and .unl files in the SD /Garmin folder, but not in /Garmin/Map
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon