eTrex 30 - Map/Track Files

[lostbarry]

I'm starting to get a loose handle on how to load/use maps on my eTrex 30. I was on a slow learning curve with the HCx and then I just upgraded. Now, back to square one. Sorry if I missed obvious answers to my questions, but I have sifted thru the FAQs and forums threads. Your answers and comments on the items below would be appreciated.
I draw and upload custom tracks with the TopoFusion Pro [worth the small cost]. The maps that I [try to] upload are off GPSFileDepot - yes, call me cheap. Still confused on what software [PC running Win7 with TopoFusion, MapSource, BaseCamp] is best used to uplaod/download tracks and maps.
Sorry for so many questions...
1-Map file extension - multiple maps need different file names and [.IMG] file extension, correct? This explains why only the last uploaded map is visible, right?
2-Map naming - any restriction on map naming [like the old 8.3 DOS limitation] and easier to name thru Windows/USB than thru the GPS? Rename before or after an upload?
3- Map file location(s) - where [what directory... internal or memory card] should maps be located?
4-What about uploaded tracks to the GPS - where should tracks be uploaded to? Internal memory or card?
5-Since the GPS' 1.1 USB is so gawd awful slow, should I just use a PC connected card reader to copy files onto the memory card?
6-I'm confused when uploading/downloading - should the GPS be used as a USB device or a GPS when connected to the PC?
7-Does track/map file location [internal or card] impact redraw speed or battery life?
8-Can I just fill up the card with maps until it's almost full [leaving room for track logging]?
9-The one time I thrashed and finally got a raster map to show up on the GPS, redraw speed was ridiculously slow. Typical of the eTrex 30? Should I just stick with vector based maps?
I have more questions about the 30, but I'll post as different threads.
TIA,
-Barry

[-Oz-]

1-Map file extension - multiple maps need different file names and [.IMG] file extension, correct? This explains why only the last uploaded map is visible, right?

Yes.  You can either upload each map and then rename it OR you can load them all at once.

2-Map naming - any restriction on map naming [like the old 8.3 DOS limitation] and easier to name thru Windows/USB than thru the GPS? Rename before or after an upload?

Rename after upload is how I normally do it.  Just keep the naming simple, alpha-numeric characters (no special characters or spaces).

3- Map file location(s) - where [what directory... internal or memory card] should maps be located?

/Garmin if I remember correctly but Boyd will have to correct me if I'm wrong.

4-What about uploaded tracks to the GPS - where should tracks be uploaded to? Internal memory or card?

Either, I normally go internal since the memory usage is small.

5-Since the GPS' 1.1 USB is so gawd awful slow, should I just use a PC connected card reader to copy files onto the memory card?

Definitely.

6-I'm confused when uploading/downloading - should the GPS be used as a USB device or a GPS when connected to the PC?

USB device

7-Does track/map file location [internal or card] impact redraw speed or battery life?

It technically could but I don't think the transfer rate is the slow part of any GPS unit.  So the simple answer is "no."

8-Can I just fill up the card with maps until it's almost full [leaving room for track logging]?

Up to 4000 segments.  With older GPS units you could only use up to 4gb for vector maps but I don't think the etrex 30 has that limitation.

9-The one time I thrashed and finally got a raster map to show up on the GPS, redraw speed was ridiculously slow. Typical of the eTrex 30? Should I just stick with vector based maps?

Mix and match.  Raster is decent for walking/hiking but for more speed definitely stick with vector.

[lostbarry]

Oz,
Thanks for the thorough response. I'll post a new thread if I have any other questions.
-B