reXalXly stXruXggXling Doing better learning Legend HCX

[Dand]

Edit 3-2-10: With help and a lot of patient encouragement from Sisk I had to redo the Subject to be fair to Garmin.  But cant' figure out how to post strike thru on the subject:

Dan

Original post starts here:
I have been messing with this new unit for a few hours the last few days. Reading the instruction book helps a little sometimes.
I think I've done better just poking buttons and learning what happens.

But boy oh boy this is WAY different from my old Legend and I'm beginning to wonder if I wasted my money just to get faster acquisition.

Maybe I'm doing things wrong:

After about 6 tries and a lot of time I finally got some maps installed - and I'm not sure how I finally did it. I find the map(s) are VERY hard to read even under a reading light: BAD colors like black for water, dark  gray, and dark green for land. Is there a way to change map colors - I hope? I don't think these colors are useable AT ALL. Here I was expecting the tan blue and light green of the original maps.  I miss my simple gray scale of the old Legend compared to this.  

EDIT: Might have stumbled on the solution to my map colors. I experimented with eliminating the night mode and locked into day mode. Now the maps are more normal and I can even see contour lines when I get down far enough. Couldn't find anything in the little book that comes in the box. Guess the REAL manual is online? Maybe I better keep poking buttons for a few more days before ranting too much. I'm LOTS happier right now.

And what a PIA just to get them loaded. I want the whole state of Alaska as I'm never sure where I might go and I don't want to have to screw around loading maps just before a trip. So far I managed to get a few maps close to home loaded.

EDIT:I get some maps loaded then try to add more and lose some of the ones I added earlier. Is this the 2025 thing you were talking about Sisk? I can sometimes find the screen that tells me card usage but I don't know how to interpret it. I'm getting some red bars, blue bars and green ones. Need to find out what that means but the card isn't full. I sure hope there is a way to get the whole state loaded on.

Turning it on - is there a way to set a default light level or do I have to screw with that every time I turn it on?

I wish I could toggle between the compas card nav screen, the trip computer screen, and the map with a simple one touch with the wobble stick or the left thumb button. EDIT: I found how to fix this - this helps.

I had just typed a big rant that the compas card nav screen wasn't on the unit anywhere. Then I tried the upper right hand button and poof its here. I'm LOTS happier now but as a lefty this thing is definitely not a 1 hand operation for me.

I miss the simple toggling among screens of the old one and being able to "go back" a screen with the wobble stick. But I also used to get frustrated clicking on the wrong menus etc with the stick.

Positive comments:
I much prefer the USB connection- I can actually connect with my iMac.
It is easier to delete waypoints - I'll have to wait and see if that is a good thing.
I like being able to set waypoints on the map and load them onto the unit - I might get close to recovering some of my waypoints lost with my old unit - at least close enough until I can field check them.

Why do they wast time and space on games and those stupid hunt fish thing?

Well nuff grumbling for now.  
If any one can help with the map colors I'd be grateful.  
If those colors are what I'm stuck with this thing will probably go back.

[Glanceblamm]

Yours is a good read on the Legend HCX Dand.
Sounds like some hassles for sure but you are also starting to get it by the short hairs. Got to run the thing like a rental car for a while but then it will get easier & easier to operate.

The only thing that I might be able to relate to on the HCX would be the screen brightness thing. Perhaps this falls within the contrast adjustment?

[Dand]

I don't know a way YET to lock the screen brightness. But I keep discovering new things. After I signed off last night and reloaded the maps closest to home. Only to find that blasted dark color scheme again. And I couldn't find my way back to the good colors. Gave up mad. This morning I again set the thing to just show daytime colors and the maps come  up the way I like.  I'm happy again.

I'm thinking it would be nice to be able to lock a number of settings like lighting at startup. Map colors.  And I really wish the base map was way better. This loading of maps might be ok for locations of greatest interest but its a real time burden and more hassle than I expected. I suppose living in such a huge state I might be putting big demands on the system but heck the base map in my old basic Legend was pretty good whether I was in Alaska or visiting Montana or Oregon. Now with a little experience on this HCX I realize I rather liked the old Legend's base map and convenience.

Maybe I should look into preloaded chips. But that's another expense and more things to lose.

[Siskiyou]

Dand I have company coming but I will do a break down and get you going.  There are fixs for most that.

[Siskiyou]

“After about 6 tries and a lot of time I finally got some maps installed - and I'm not sure how I finally did it. I find the map(s) are VERY hard to read even under a reading light: BAD colors like black for water, dark  gray, and dark green for land. Is there a way to change map colors - I hope? I don't think these colors are useable AT ALL. Here I was expecting the tan blue and light green of the original maps.  I miss my simple gray scale of the old Legend compared to this. “

Dand you are in the night mode, suspect it is after pumpkin time and it switched to the night mode.  Lets work on this go to>Main Menu>Setup Icon>Display Icon>in the Display Mode line change it to DAYTIME ONLY.

You can play with the night time mode later and Night time color scheme.  Suspect is the system switched during the evening on you.

Go down to the Backlight Time out option.  Select Stay on, what uses batteries faster or select 2 minutes, and just hit the toggle and the light will come back on for the time set.

On the bottom line of the page you can set your backlight level.

Loading Maps.  If you are doing it piece meal save your mapset to your computer.  I Name my mapsets by date.  Let’s say you have loaded fifty maps, and you want to load another 100 maps.  Open you’re saved Mapset and they will show in the column on your left and the maps will show on your computer set.  Select the additional maps you want on your desk top, and save to your computer to save guard them.  Next down load them to your gps.  

Every time you add maps to the memory the old mapset is removed first.  That is why you want to build and save on your computer.

Creating a Map Set.  

I grab the Map Tool by clicking on it in the tool bar, take it down to the map and drag it across the map.

My Alaskan mapset from U.S. Topo 2008 contains 1402 Maps and used  852.2 MB of memory.  You should be in good shape with a 1 MB micro SD card.  I recommend a 2GB card because some other data will be stored on it.

I would not bother with the preloaded chips.  A little patience and we will get there.  

I will address page management in another post.

[Siskiyou]

The unit has the same basic buttons as your old unit.  I am right handed but could easily operate my old Legend right or left handed.  It should be no different with the HCX model.  But the issue for a lefty maybe more complex.  I am not in those shoes.

Go to the Main Menu page as shown on page 36 of your manual.  Go to the Setup Icon (wrench).  Go To the Page Sequence Icon and select it.  You can try the Include All option and then remove those you do not want, or you can take a few minutes to change the order of the pages so you can toggle directly from your primary to you secondary page.

[Dand]

Thanks Sisk. You offer a lot of help that I couldn't find answers on that map set issue. I think I get too impatient and the language they use doesn't click with me sometimes.

I have spent much of the day plugged into the computer and playing with this thing. I did finally figure out that the upper right button can toggle among the pages I most want to use and have adjusted the selection and order to what suits me for the moment.

I spent some time on the Garmin site and discovered I can't buy an Alaska chip- I would have if I could and may get some of the others if I think I'm headed there. A lot simpler than me doing  it - unless I find that I can fit it all on one chip. I'd like that - less stuff to lose.

Got a lot of approximate waypoints marked. Now that I'm figgerin' it out, it IS easier to mark a waypoint with this unit. Just gotta know how. I'm learning to use that upper right button a lot more. Last night I was mucking around with the left Menu button.


Well after about 4 hours of playing here I need to go cut and haul fire wood. Was easy to camp inside this morning. It was -10 and blowing 20 gusts to 28. Now its only 0 and the winds seem to have abated. Shoot we even have a tsunami warning here too! No big fear but may see waterlevel changes by a foot! I thought the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutians would protect us.

thanks for the help. I'll have to import maps with the info you provided. Garmin could offer a lot more help with that kind of thing. Or maybe I just haven't scoured the website well enough. Would have helped to have a few more instructions (written) with the Topo map. But I do like the help pages that are available with the application.

[Dand]

I'll try this to find out but I'll ask too.
If I enter a waypoint in the Legend HCx then export to Topo on computer.
If I then move the wp on the computer.
If I reload the moved wp to  gps, will it get moved to the new location?

Dan

[Siskiyou]

Dand:

Go to the link and select the Mac option.  I think this will be very helpful.

http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapsourceTutorial.html

I suggest you save the link so you can review it.  Plus the next time I lose it and somebody needs it you can offer it up.

[Dand]

I'm trying to follow the instructions regarding making a mapset but don't recognize your tool bar etc. I'm working from BaseCamp. Is that different? I haven't found saved map set, jut a list of waypoints to the left of the map.

Also since I'm working from an iMac I wonder if my screens, tool sets are different.

Oh and it seems I can't send maps or new maps to the GPS unless I send waypoints too.
Does that make sense? I need to read more directions.

[Siskiyou]

Sorry I thought you were using Topo USA 2008.  Gave you bad information.  I have looked at Base Camp one time and felt it was not going to buy me what I wanted.  I cannot advise you on Base Camp.

[Dand]

Hmmm, I bought Topo US 100K and it seems that Mac uses Base Camp to manage it. I didn't realize there was a difference from Topo 2008. I'll have to check. I have found a Smart Folder box but I'll have to figure out how to use it. What I read already it says store waypoints but I haven't found how to save map files. Maybe I can. I'll have to go to those learning links and spend more time there.

Thanks for the help and effort.

[Dand]

1)  As much as Garmin is crowing about their compatibility with MAC, I'd say they are working on it but have much more to do to get close to their PC support.  I was poking around Garmin trying to get into their support system and start getting messages that I am using an unsupported browser - Safari. Seems if they are going to support Mac they better learn how to work with Safari. I might fuss at them about this.

2) I downloaded a recommended tutorial but none of my MAC applications want to "unstuff it". Don't know where to find an application that will - maybe I can google something.

3) Back to poking buttons and reading the Garmin site I am able to access:
I discover that I can open the Map Install separate from Base Camp. Until I read more on the Garmin site about it, I didn't realize Base Camp is NOT a map installer, just a waypoint, track, routes manager.  With my Legend HCx connected and on, opening Map Install gets me a picture of the main map and maps currently installed on my unit. So I magnified the main map on my computer big enough to select more 100K maps to install. Its installing right now. I'm hoping it leaves installed the ones I had already and adds the newly selected ones. One issue about AK is it is so big there are lots and lots of the smaller maps to load on. For now I'm trying to load on the maps that cover the main highways, areas close to home between villages, and the land between my town and Anchorage that I have to fly over to get onto the road system. This batch is supposed to take 16 min. If it works I think I'll do small batches till I have the whole state. Small so I can find problems if they come up and so I don't have to leave everything on all night.

4) I'm not sure if Topo US  2008 is available any more or maybe not from Garmin. When I ordered the map stuff from Walmart I ordered what was available for MAC and I thought it was 2008.  I got TOPO US 100K. It has been working but it may be different from 2008.

5) When I went to Garmin to learn more about how to deal with maps I saw this:
MapInstall and MapManager for the Mac software version 2.1.5 as of February 24, 2010.

 http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3825

To Garmin's credit they ARE working on Mac stuff RIGHT NOW. I wondered why I've had 2 or 3 update notices since I first registered and logged on Thursday the 25th.

In case this helps some other Mac user with their Garmin unit I'll keep posting stuff here as I learn it.  AND if its OK with the moderator.

Have to say as I learn to add and move waypoints between computer and unit I'm liking that more and more.  Now I have to learn tracks and routes; stuff I never did try to figure out on my old Legend.

And I'm MUCH relieved to learn how to get the right map colors to show on the unit.

A Ha! My new maps have been loaded while I tapped out this post. It appears to have ADDED new maps and retained the previously loaded maps. I think in the past I may have clicked OFF some installed maps because I was trying to work with too small a display. Much better to magnify the area so I can clearly know which small maps I'm selecting.

So Sisk, while I haven't found a way to file a list of the maps selected, this Map Install shows me which ones are installed when my unit is attached. Much more to learn on this. 

But I'm feeling much more confident in my use and in the $$ I spent on this thing. I never spent this much time trying to figure out the old one. Guess one really needs to put in the time.

[Siskiyou]

Dand:

From what I can see TOPO US 100K is an update of Topo USA 2008 with the addition of base camp.  I was not able to load the base camp update on this computer because Norton removed a windows registry key that was seldom used.  I am currently doing some updates on an older computer so that "hopefully" I can get the December 2009 update loaded on it.  Will get back to you.

Must admit that I jumped ship for part of today to take in some target practice, back on while the bore of the rifle is soaking.

[Siskiyou]

I am a little burned out right now.  I will check and send you some ideas tomarrow.

[Dand]

Sisk - you are truly dedicated. I'm feeling a lot more confident with this whole system. I sure wouldn't want you to skip shooting to read my rants and whines.

Tried to head out to test the tracking and capture some waypoints the fun way. As my boy and I pulled out of the drive on our snogos, my boy noticed part of my suspension system was busted. I sure am glad he has sharp eyes. Spent the afternoon laying on the ice in the drive fixing that issue. The gps has a little spiderweb of a track which is me in and out of the garage  with tools and such. Don't need to save that track. Sure glad my boy spotted the problem at home. Will have to get out tomorrow afternoon maybe.

[ScoutMan]

I to have Topo 100K installed. I can "see it" from Basecamp but not from Mapquest. Am I doing anything wrong?

SM

[Siskiyou]

 ScoutMan: I am unaware of any relationship between Garmin and MapQuest.  Map Quest is a competing product with Google (Google Earth) which Garmin has a relationship with and can be linked to Google Earth.  I believe Map Quest is owned by AOL.

If somebody is using them together please post and explain how you are successful using bother products. 

Just as a check are you writing Map Quest, but mean Map Source?  And what my type computer are using a PC using a window operating system or a Mac?

[Siskiyou]

I am in the same situation as I was in Mexico.  Not wanting to end up in a Mexican jail I started making the rounds in a Mexican beach front town trying to find a Mexican fishing license.  Went to a corner taxi stand just up from the harbor and asked in ENGLISH where I could get a fishing license.

None of the drivers spoke English and I did not speak Spanish.  Not sure if I got the question understood, got a few laughs along with comments in Spanish and came to the conclusion that they did not know the answer.  The Spanish was okay because I was in there country. Same results when I went into gift store.

I am in the same situation when it comes to talking Mac and PC.  PC I speak a little, but I am lost when it comes to Mac.  Years ago I knew a lady who lives on the Eastside of the Sierra’s that owned a Mac laptop.  The point is I cannot check with a neighbor to answer my simplest questions.  So bare with me on this.

In a Windows OS I go to All Programs, I then go down the programs and click on Garmin, and I get a drop down of the installed Garmin programs.  In that list you should have Map Source, 100K Topo, Base Camp and other Garmin programs you have installed.

If Map Source is in the list click on it, if it comes up in the upper left corner is a white box with a check mark next to it.  Click on the check mark and see if 100K is or Topo is showing.  Click on 100K and see if you get a map.

[Glanceblamm]

PC I speak a little, but I am lost when it comes to Mac

Always good to know a fellow MS-DOS man.

[ScoutMan]

I go to All Programs, I then go down the programs and click on Garmin, and I get a drop down of the installed Garmin programs.  In that list you should have Map Source, 100K Topo, Base Camp and other Garmin programs you have installed.

If Map Source is in the list click on it, if it comes up in the upper left corner is a white box with a check mark next to it.  Click on the check mark and see if 100K is or Topo is showing.  Click on 100K and see if you get a map.

Sisk,

1-the list contains Map source, Base Camp but not 100K or Topo.

2-When I click on Map Source it comes up but there is no white box in the upper left corner. A map does come up but I believe it is only the Base Map.

SM

[Dand]

Hope my messy edit of subject isn't a problem but I thought in all fairness to Garmin, I should alter it. I couldn't find a way to post strike thru font.

I have to admit with nearly a whole Saturday and quite a few hours other days and A LOT of patient encouragement from Siskiyou, I have become more confident of this unit. I have to say once I sorted out map colors and the system for loading maps I expect to be pretty happy with the unit. Base Camp seems ok for what I want to do. Just that I was pretty confused when I thought it was the soft ware to load maps - wrong. Go straight to Garmin Map Install. I think I'll like the audio alarms for on and off.  A few times past, I had accidentally left my original legend on and didn't know it - until the batteries were gone. I have spent way more time learning this unit than my old. I'm encouraged now to learn more and get more of my $$ worth out of it - and hopefully increased pleasure with it.  

thanks so much Siskiyou.

[Glanceblamm]

Congratulations 

[Siskiyou]

reXalXly stXruXggXling

Wow, I thought the system was under attack!

Dand you have learn a lot using your Mac please keep an eye out for future Mac using questions.  Because I own the much older Garmin topo program, and Topo 2008 it is unlikely I will run out and buy 100K.  Rather spend my money on bullets.  If Garmin would send me a copy I would learn it.  As they update their products I am falling into the way it was gap.

[Dand]

I'll try to stay abreast for a while. Certainly there's much more for me to learn.

But I know how it feels to see the train speeding down the track getting smaller and smaller. I used to try to keep up but its a demanding and expensive chore.

I too would rather spend $ on guns, hunting, getting my boys out.
Lately its $$ for groceries for the boys and heating oil among other things.

[Siskiyou]

ScoutMan:

Select Map Source and see what comes up, it should give you the map box in the upper left corner, select 100k if it is an option otherwise explorer the tool bar that comes up with Map Source.

If you have Base Camp up, go to the View option in the tool bar and select gps view and see where that takes you.

[ScoutMan]

Update!!

The original MapSource file was corrupt. I downloaded MapSource v.6.? from a third party site that Garmini gave me. Everything works smooth as silk.

[Siskiyou]

Very good!