Noob Questions...450 Oregon

[squatpuke]

Ok...so after careful research decided upon the Garmin 450 (w/o topos) with the understanding that I could probably get better maps here...

I have found the map I want...and I have an 8GB microSDHC.

Must I install any software on my computer to get the map on my Oregon?  Or can I drag and drop data files from Windows Explorer?

Seems there is lots to choose from...which software does what, which do I need since I have a removable care...is one better than another?  (mapsource/basecamp/roadrtip/training center) I'm all confused as to what I need...anything or everything?

Where do I start?

Thanks!

[maps4gps]

In a PC environment you can use MS or BC.  Probably easiest to download BC from Garmin, unless MS came with you GPS unit.

[squatpuke]

What is the difference between those two?

[Boyd]

That will best be answered by playing with them, there is some overlap but they're really very different. But do it this way (the order is important)

Install Basecamp: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435
Install Mapsource: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

Now download and install topo's from this site. If you have already installed a topo and didn't have either Basecamp or Mapsource on your computer yet, then it might need to be removed and reinstalled.

[johnsl0502]

That will best be answered by playing with them, there is some overlap but they're really very different. But do it this way (the order is important)

Just curious why the order is important? I too purchased an OR 450 based on high marks it receives in this forum (especially from Boyd!), installed Mapsource and was up and away. Figured I'd see what Basecamp brought to the party and so installed that one a few weeks later. As far as I can tell, both are working fine, no conflicts, and I can see all the maps (thanks to GPSFileDepot and all of the generous talent represented) that I've downloaded in both applications.

John

[johnsl0502]

Clearly screwed up as I intended to only quote a few lines from Boyd's post. Sorry

John

[Boyd]

But do it this way (the order is important)

Just curious why the order is important?

Mapsource is a Garmin product that they only intended to be used with their own maps, not free maps like the ones here. So it will not install on your computer unless it finds a Garmin map. However, they have not put this restriction into Basecamp (I think they want to encourage migration) and it will install even if there aren't any Garmin maps.

When you install Basecamp, it places a very crude US basemap on your computer. So if you install Mapsource afterwards, it will see this basemap as a Garmin "product" and will install.

[jbensman]

MapSource will NOT download waypoints from the OR 450 (or 550).  If you want to downlaod waypoints, you have to use BaseCamp.  BaseCamp used to be the worst program I ever used.  But the last update fixed the major problems. 

[squatpuke]

Thanks everyone...

DL'd basecamp and loaded the Arizona topo from here...seems to have worked...

Off today to do my first hike with my 450.