Here's how to successfully transfer and view/follow GPX file format riding routes on pretty much any GPS device that supports them. Read the full article here: www.theridingobsession.com/?p...
Thanks so much for posting this! My Garmin 396 works very similar to this and the Trip Planer portions of this was a big help! Got turn by turn now....and I’m the right direction! 👍
Best video ever on a very difficult matter. Garmin should hire this person to create their video tutorials. Thanks a lot for this great video and great infos.
Really appreciate you doing this video, it helped a lot, and by far was the most complete, end-to-end process. Most videos don't explain that last steps about converting waypoints. Garmin has not done a good job at making gpx easy. And they don't even cover it in detail in the manuals. Even between models they have different processes. One thing they did improve, for my 2729, there is no "Tracks" icon, so I go right to trip planner (which I guess they built in the waypoint converter) and the waypoints are there. Thanks again. Dave
Thank you for an awesome video! I was very close to tossing the Garmin to my dog to use as a chew toy! :-) Didn't realize I need to use Tracks instead of Trip Planner. Looking forward to a great day of riding off the beaten path in PA tomorrow!
Cool to see a Wisconsin route as the example, that's where we're from! Trying to figure out how to load the GPX for the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (TWAT) right now! Hopefully I can get this method to work out, thanks for the video!
@@TheRidingObsession I actually just got it working this weekend! Thanks! I was trying to upload a track file and didn't realize I had to convert the track to a route before sending to the unit!
do you know how to copy newer software version i have my old nuvi 1450 and when i put address it does not show me option of multiple routes my nuvi 2455 does show me 4 routes. is the software version can be copied to older garmin gps?
Of course things have changed a little bit in 6 years but this was a good enough presentation that I was able to figure the rest out. But yeah, it seems too convoluted for what should be a simple drag and drop. I suspect the Garmin (Nav VI) doesn't have enough horsepower (memory and processing speed) to do the conversions. I think I'll use Basecamp for planning routes, getting a Google route into gpx, etc. etc. was just a little much.
Of course, because archaic software better suits archaic stand alone units. At this point, TRO uses RWGPS for turn-by-turn and the Garmin to zoom in on road names (in addition to locating/navigating to abandoned gas stations).
Say you take a rest at the middle of the route, will the GPS still be set up for the route when you turn your bike on again? If not how would you set it up again if you want voice directions, because it navigates you to the starting point first?
The unit in this video maintains an in-ride status that returns when the bike gets powered on. Different modules might (or not) employ the same functionality. Many will detect the route and pick it back up once in motion, even if they initially ask to navigate to the start.
Just found this video... late to the party, I know... but is it possible to select more than one route at a time from Basecamp to send to the device? Thanks, great tutorial.
One would think so. Best suggestion would be to first select (single click) a route from the list. Then, hold control (Windows) or command (Mac) and select a second route that is further down the list. Give it a try and let us know your findings!
So I've copied the GPX file - several, actually - to the memory card in my Nuvi 2639. How do I bring up the route on the Nuvi? I've looked everywhere and there doesn't seem to be an option that works.
Watch the video from start to finish. Not all Garmin units allow use of files via direct-to-card transfer. You'll likely need to use Basecamp software.
The only trick to what you're asking for is: Can the proprietary software which generates your Garmin map files EXPORT to a file type that can be imported elsewhere? TLDR: If you can export to GPX, TCX, FIT or KML ... you can import and convert using a variety of services. Our favorite is RideWithGPS.com which also allows syncing with Garmin Connect / Express. To elaborate ... Keep in mind, you don't have to export to the exact file type you want the recipient to have. You just need to get it to ANY FILE TYPE that's easier to convert than those on a Garmin. The ugly truth is, Garmin didn't plan well for the map world around them ... and customers who bought in are stuck with what their stuck with. That is unless you take the time to explore file formats, Garmin output options and TODAY's map world. Here are a few links to get you started: 1) How to use a GPX file - tro.bike/gpx/ 2) Plotting and riding w/ voice guided GPS (using GPX/others) - tro.bike/?p=3198 3) Custom route w/ voice guided GPS on an iPhone - tro.bike/?p=14121
Thanks a lot for your video. Unfortunately my Nuvi 3597 doesn't have the tracks app. I need to convert to trip to basecamp and send it to it can be "read" by the nuvi, still your video saved my day
Glad we could help to whatever extent. Yeah, modern GPS units are decades (plural) behind what modern smartphones can do. Whenever we open Basecamp (a rarity), there's this 1/2 expectation to see a "GeoCities hosting" ad somewhere.
Can't say, as you've not mentioned which model you have. Even then, the above tutorial only applies to the Garmin Navigator V. Our advice: update the firmware, contact the manufacturer, basically whatever gets you the answer where compatibility is concerned. Best of luck!
Thanks for sharing, but I do have a question because I received a gpx file for a motorcycle track and did as you showed. I transferred the trip but I don’t see the waypoints that are on basecamp on the Navigator V. Is there a way to have them on the map or somewhere else on the device?
GPS units don't operate the same way as our smartphones and computers. In all honesty, their tech is significantly dated. For example, if I load a 300+ mile route onto my BMW's Navigator V, the track either suddenly stops due to the unit only allowing a certain number of waypoints - or - tries to disperse them evenly by having me ride "as the crow flies" (off road through the woods and across a river). My point: Unless you tediously go through the GPS unit's onboard route planner, it won't translate newer and better file formats properly ... because 2001. I wish I could tell you WHY the manufacturing companies haven't caught up to what our smartphones can do but at the same time, stand-alone GPS units remain a smart purchase for their utilitarian reliability. ... just don't ask them to do too much on the "fancy" side of motorcycle touring. They're better for emergencies and as a general reference.
I realize this question is a couple of years old but maybe this might help or maybe their is a better solution that someone can expand on to mine. I’ve just had my XT a couple of days and had the same issue - Tracks showing up on my gps but none of the waypoints that are on Basecamp. I did see however that the waypoints did transfer to the GPS I just couldn’t figure out how to get them on the map as part of a track (I.e. like it is in basecamp). XT has an “Explore” button in the “Where” Map. If u click on on it and import your Waypoints I figured they would show up but Nada. What I realized I needed to do was go into the “View Map” and click on “Map Layers” button >Collections > click “unorganized ”. This will allow the waypoints to show but unfortunately they all just show up as green flags and I haven’t found a better way yet than to just edit each flag to an appropriate symbol. As these gpx files tend to have a lot more waypoints than I might be interested in/need it gives me an opportunity to delete the ones I don’t and think about the ones I keep so it’s probably a necessary step anyway...have yet to figure out a better way but I’m sure it has something to do with the “explore” button. All Zumos have the explore button but their is a Harmon explore app u can download and mess around with that if u don’t have Zumo.
This is excellent info for anyone facing the same priority concern. While it might seem like only 1/2 a solution, it IS a portion of the problem being solved. Thank you! It also speaks to how janky and out-of-date stand alone GPS firmware tends to be. Still, their reliability makes them worth having.
Do you know if you are able to pick up the trip from a point other than the start? Like maybe you did a third of the trip one day and maybe sometime later you would like to continue where you left off.
If memory serves, once you begin the navigation, you can turn the GPS on/off and it will pick things up based on the breadcrumb trail. Once you continue along, it'll likely render previous waypoints as having already been traversed. BUT ... You'll have to find out for sure on your own, as we only use our unit to confirm that we're still on the route (no voice guidance).
@@TheRidingObsession Actually, I did a little research. I can create a trip from the file and pick my starting and end points on my Garmin Drive 51 LM but I can't disable the recalculating feature.
Great information can't wait to use it. Are you using a basic Google map to plan a trip and when you turn off navigation guide if you go off the planned route does it lead you back to the nearest point on your planned route or does it make you constantly take a U-turn and go back to the part of the route you turned off? Thanks.
We using RideWithGPS.com to plan our routes. The video makes mention about preferring to only show the GPX file on the unit (no voice nav). If you use voice nav and deviate from the route, THIS unit (can't speak to others) will stop following the custom route and instead re-route "directly" to the destination.
@@TheRidingObsession OK, with voice, but if as you state; Turn off route navigation, then should it reroute to the custom loaded route? Pretty useless device if it can't follow a custom route regardless. I mean, sometimes after studying my route and knowing the area I choose to go off route to discover a different road back to my original route. Sometimes ahead and sometimes to reride part of the route.
When you ask "turn off route navigation, then should it reroute to the custom loaded route?" ... you've answered your own question. Bottom line, no. With route navigation OFF but keeping the GPX displayed on the unit, riders are able to see the line whether they deviate from it or not. If you should deviate, zoom out and eventually you'll see the route that is your loaded GPX. That way, you can meander to your heart's content and find your way back after. But agreed ... GPS units are dated at best. Offline phone routing (such as RWGPS.com) is far better and with the offline ability, easier to configure. The reality is this: 1) Have and understand paper maps on your bike. 2) Some GPS units are good for basic scouting + finding a gas station that likely no longer exists (50/50 shot). 3) Embrace as a luxury, but do not rely completely on, a quality phone app that provides digital navigation. We suggest RWGPS.com all day. Without fail. Takes a little love to get the GUI under your belt but once you do, it's gravy.
No other videos as we don't have that unit. However, you'd be safe to bet there's a similar config setting hidden behind the curtain somewhere that's blocking your effort. Keep fiddling and eventually it'll fall into place.
@@TheRidingObsession You are correct. It didn't appear in Tracks like on your video. I almost gave up after three hours of multiple attempts. But, I eventually started exploring everywhere in the devices and found the it downloaded to the Trip Planner instead. Thank you. How in a day and age of easy to use Apps is this so difficult? Ha!
With or without your Garmin model (in this case without), you'd want to ask them that. Best guess ... you haven't activated the "show route on map" setting. Been a while, though. So that's a really loose guess.
