I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I'm a brand new user and don't understand that much about GPS. I just bought an eTrex Legend HCx.
I tried to download a Texas Topo map from GPSFileDepot.com - twice - and it didn't work either time. It never showed up on my BaseCamp.
Are these maps dependent upon which model GPS you have? If so, where can I find downloads for my Legend HCx? If not, what am I doing wrong? When I downloaded the Texas Topo map, I followed all the instructions and it even told me that it had been downloaded successfully.
Help! I'm stuck! Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Assuming you have Win7 OS.
Read this if you haven't.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-open-maps-in-garmin-basecamp/
If BaseCamp is working OK, and you have Win7-64, download and install:
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/53/
It has some magical properties.
You Etrex and ALL Garmin's will load vector maps. Only newer Garmin's will load raster maps.
If you have a Mac, you'll need to hang in there 'til a Mac Expert can reply.
Thanks, I downloaded the tutorial from GPSDepot and still the Texas Topo map is nowhere to be found on BaseCamp. I do have Win7 64 and I looked at the file you suggested. You're right, it is pretty neat, but it offers a great deal more than I want at this point. Any suggestions how to get BaseCamp to show me the map I supposedly downloaded?
Quote from: sheltie on February 22, 2012, 10:18:03 AMI looked at the file you suggested. You're right, it is pretty neat, but it offers a great deal more than I want at this point.
Seldom has given you the solution to your problem; you should have done exactly as he described. Install this map, the installer is written in a certain way such that it should correct the problem you're having with the Texas topo. : http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/53/
I was just getting ready to tell him that I HAD installed the map, following his advice. Unfortunately still nothing in my BaseCamp. All I get from the map dropdown is the 100K US map. When I use View to look for the map, same result. What now?
I'm wondering if I should reinstall the 100K US map?
Quote from: Seldom on February 22, 2012, 10:05:24 AM
It has some magical properties.
I should have been clearer. It has some magical properties that will cure your problem. Think jbensman=Gandalf.
Be sure that BaseCamp isn't running when you do the install. Or try shutting BC down then re-starting it as it only looks for new mapsets at startup. You may have to uninstall and re-install the mapsets. The installer you downloaded is probably OK, so if you uninstall them, just re-use it.
Above you said "it even told me that it had been downloaded successfully". You also need to run the installer after downloading - it's not clear whether you actually did this. Go to your Programs and Features control panel in Windows; do you see an entry for the Texas Topo? If it was correctly installed, it will be listed there as though it were a "program" on your computer.
Yes, both it and the Trail program are there. I've used the installer each time it came up and both said it was done successfully.
Quote from: Seldom on February 22, 2012, 10:32:06 AM
Quote from: Seldom on February 22, 2012, 10:05:24 AM
It has some magical properties.
I should have been clearer. It has some magical properties that will cure your problem. Think jbensman=Gandalf.
Be sure that BaseCamp isn't running when you do the install. Or try shutting BC down then re-starting it as it only looks for new mapsets at startup. You may have to uninstall and re-install the mapsets. The installer you downloaded is probably OK, so if you uninstall them, just re-use it.
Sorry but you lost me on your first paragraph.
BaseCamp is NOT running, I double checked. This is really getting frustrating.
Quote from: sheltie on February 22, 2012, 10:55:41 AM
BaseCamp is NOT running, I double checked. This is really getting frustrating.
To the mapsets show up in the "Uninstall Programs" window of the control panel?
The only other thing I can suggest would be uninstalling then reinstalling Basecamp. Others have reported that this fixed a similar problem, although I don't really understand why it should.
Before doing that, you might just re-boot your computer and check basecamp one last time to see if that makes a difference.
The 'my trails ...' mapset needs to be installed before installing the TX topo.
If still not working: uninstall 'my trails ...', TXtopo and BaseCamp.
Then install BaseCamp. With BC closed, install 'my trails ...', open BC and check for 'my trails ...'. Close BC, then install TXtopo - then open BC - TXtopo should be there.
Quote from: Seldom on February 22, 2012, 11:03:52 AM
Quote from: sheltie on February 22, 2012, 10:55:41 AM
BaseCamp is NOT running, I double checked. This is really getting frustrating.
To the mapsets show up in the "Uninstall Programs" window of the control panel?
Yes, and I just reinstalled the 100K US map with BaseCamp with the same old results.
Quote from: Boyd on February 22, 2012, 11:06:46 AM
The only other thing I can suggest would be uninstalling then reinstalling Basecamp. Others have reported that this fixed a similar problem, although I don't really understand why it should.
Before doing that, you might just re-boot your computer and check basecamp one last time to see if that makes a difference.
I did, it didn't.
Can you see ANYTHING in My Trails? Above 7 miles, you should only see dots. Zoom below 7 miles on a dot and trails show up.
Maybe this is my problem. The way I read the instruction, My Trail or any other map I downloaded is supposed to show up on BaseCamp. Other than the 100K map, nothing does. So am I supposed to do something outside of BaseCamp with MyTrail and Texas Topo?
Quote from: sheltie on February 22, 2012, 03:23:23 PM
Maybe this is my problem. The way I read the instruction, My Trail or any other map I downloaded is supposed to show up on BaseCamp. Other than the 100K map, nothing does. So am I supposed to do something outside of BaseCamp with MyTrail and Texas Topo?
Maybe I'm late to the game but once you download "My Trails" you have to run the self installer. Same with the "Texas TOPO". Downloading them without installing them doesn't let BaseCamp use them.
The life of the party is never late. 8)
The OP said he read the tutorials, and running the installer's been mentioned several times above, but from what you've quoted that sheltie said, it looks like it bears repeating.
Maybe -Oz- needs to add some more flashing red letters?
Well, I checked everything again this morning and still it doesn't work. When I checked on my Control Panel>Uninstall Programs, both My Trail and Texas Topo were listed but without a size or manufacturer but with the date I installed it. I'm at a complete loss and the only other thing I can think about right now is that my US 100k map w/BaseCamp is no good and I should call the folks at GPS Store to ask for a new one. Unless there are any other suggestions I haven't tried????
The 100k topo should have nothing to do with it. I also have that installed and have never seen any problem like yours. Sorry, I'm really at a loss for ideas, I don't recall another post where the things that have been suggested didn't work.
My only thought is that this might have something to do with a Windows Registry problem. The registry is used to identify the maps for Basecamp, and if something is messed up then it could cause these problems. I know there are a variety of "registry cleaner" programs but I've never used one.
Quote from: sheltie on February 23, 2012, 10:06:46 AM
When I checked on my Control Panel>Uninstall Programs, both My Trail and Texas Topo were listed but without a size or manufacturer but with the date I installed it.
That's how they should appear.
Is that topo a Garmin product?
Well, at least I did something right! Yes, it is a Garmin product.
I went to the Garmin site to seek their help and somehow I got on a for pay JustAsk.com site. Like a fool I paid $15 - or will if they can fix my problem, which they have not after several hours. Not long after I did it I began to get really angry. More at myself than anything because why was I stupid enough to PAY someone to answer and/or fix someone about their product! I'll probably give Garmin a call tomorrow to see if we can fix this proble but for now I'm a VERY unhappy camper.
I don't know how much support you'll get from Garmin about third party maps. The only thing they're likely to help you with is BaseCamp, and it seems to be working OK with their product.
Yeah, Garmin won't help with maps from this site, and I don't really blame them. You need to understand that the mapmakers here (myself included) use third party reverse-engineered tools. Garmin has never officially disclosed their map format and considers it proprietary. Basically, they "look the other way" when it comes to free third party maps. If they wanted to get nasty, they could probably give us a lot of grief. But they must realize that the availability of free maps is a selling point for Garmin... so it's a delicate balance.
How in the world did you end up paying for support from that unknown company? Personally I would call my credit card company and tell them to void the sale because you were misled to think you were contacting Garmin support.
I will third only talking to Garmin about the issue with their 100k topo.
When I first started, Garmin's Trip and Waypoint manager (which included MapSource) was packaged with their 76csx GPSr. I ran the program included on their CD and got an error message. First tech support said to update MapSource - that only change the error message; still no working program. Forget what second tech support said, but that did not work either.
The following week, the third tech support person stayed with me for over 1/2 hour working our way uninstalling Garmin's program(s); checking folders and hidden folders to make sure files had been deleted; then checking Window's directory entries and making necessary changes; and finally running the install program from the CD and the update downloaded from their website. It then work - he never gave any indication of what might have caused the problem.
Did you move any of the mapsets to a different folder than it was installed to?
Download a program name MapSetToolKit. Does it list any mapset(s) installed?
If so, will it let you uninstall it/ them?
When testing mapsets, I have occasionally deleted a mapset. MapSource then has a problem because the mapset was still listed in the registry without the folder for it existing.
Whatever you do, do NOT change entries in the registry without expert assistence. An incorrect change could make your computer unusable - you have had enough problems without have to deal with restoring a computer.
Ok, I downloaded MapSetToolKit and it shows the programs. It also will allow me to uninstall (or at least that feature shows up) although I haven't done anything but what I just wrote. What next?
' ... shows the programs.' - You mean the mapsets, don't you.
Click the uninstall button.
Select a mapset to uninstall.
If that works, do so for the other mapsets. If it does not work, there is likely a problem with the registry entry for that mapset.
If MSTK uninstalls all the mapsets, check the Control Panel>Uninstall Programs to make sure the mapsets are not listed.
If that is OK, reinstall Garmin's 100topo from the DVD/CD it came on - you mentioned installing the 100topo so I (we) assume you purchased the DVD/CD version.
If 100topo now works, then install 'my trails ....' - if not, call Garmin tech support.
If 'my trails ...' works, then install TXtopo.
You also need to realize that MapsetToolkit only changes the data in the Windows registry. It does NOT actually remove any files from your computer. So "uninstalling" maps this way will still leave many files in place. I would use the uninstall option in the Programs and Features control panel to remove the maps instead, because it will actually remove the files. You could then run MapsetToolkit and see if it still shows any maps installed.
Based on everything you've said, I still think there is a problem with your Windows registry. I would proceed with caution, because you may make it worse. There's something very unusual going on with your system. We see lots of user reports of map installation problems here, but never anything quite like your issues.
Do you have a friend that is really knowledgeable about Windows technical issues? If so, I would seek their assistance before you create any new problems. Also, this would be a good time to run a complete backup of your computer, especially if you're going to monkey around with the registry.
sheltie, could you post a screen grab of what you see when you click the arrow on the BaseCamp mapset dropdown?
Quote from: maps4gps on February 24, 2012, 07:13:04 AM
' ... shows the programs.' - You mean the mapsets, don't you.
Click the uninstall button.
Select a mapset to uninstall.
If that works, do so for the other mapsets. If it does not work, there is likely a problem with the registry entry for that mapset.
If MSTK uninstalls all the mapsets, check the Control Panel>Uninstall Programs to make sure the mapsets are not listed.
If that is OK, reinstall Garmin's 100topo from the DVD/CD it came on - you mentioned installing the 100topo so I (we) assume you purchased the DVD/CD version.
If 100topo now works, then install 'my trails ....' - if not, call Garmin tech support.
If 'my trails ...' works, then install TXtopo.
I've already installed/uninstalled all three programs three times with the same result. I used the unistaller on my computer for that. I'm concerned that if I keep doing this I will really mess up my computer and I'm not the brightest bulb in the socket when it comes to computers.
Quote from: Seldom on February 24, 2012, 07:49:56 AM
sheltie, could you post a screen grab of what you see when you click the arrow on the BaseCamp mapset dropdown?
I'd be happy to if you could tell me how to. I'm not overly computer litterate.
What I get is two entries. One says 100K US Topo and the other says no map.
Ok, I downloaded and installed it. It shows all three programs but the Repair function is not offered as an option (it is gray).
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 09:35:52 AM
Quote from: Seldom on February 24, 2012, 07:49:56 AM
sheltie, could you post a screen grab of what you see when you click the arrow on the BaseCamp mapset dropdown?
I'd be happy to if you could tell me how to. I'm not overly computer litterate.
What I get is two entries. One says 100K US Topo and the other says no map.
As long as you are seeing more than one item on the list it means the dropdown is functioning OK, so never mind the screen grab.
One other thing to try, if you have BaseCamp installed you can also install MapSource.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-install-mapsource-if-it-didnt-come-with-your-gps/
Might be worth seeing if the maps showed up in MS. Also, my BaseCamp 3.3.1 doesn't show a No Map although my MapSource 6.16.3 does. I don't recall your stating, but are you using BC 3.3.1?
They sent me BC 2.0.3.
I'll try the MapSource link you sent.
Wait awhile... who "sent you" Basecamp 2.03? That's an ancient version with lots of bugs. This thread so long I can't remember where we started. Did you say you were running Windows 7? If so, I think you are going to have a lot of problems with that old Basecamp software.
The new version is here: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435
Well, this is interesting. I just installed MapSource and it DOES show all three mapsets on the dropdown. However, as usual, there is still nothing on the BC. Could it be that my version is already outdated since it appears to be an older version than the one listed a littler earlier?
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 10:32:32 AM
They sent me BC 2.0.3.
I'll try the MapSource link you sent.
BaseCamp is now at v3.3.1, you need to update your software or all bets are off. No one supports BaseCamp v2.x.x except for PPC Macintosh systems.
Download link (http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp)
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 10:40:04 AM
Well, this is interesting. I just installed MapSource and it DOES show all three mapsets on the dropdown. However, as usual, there is still nothing on the BC. Could it be that my version is already outdated since it appears to be an older version than the one listed a littler earlier?
Definitely update. On top of all the crashing and bugs the old version didn't support custom maps.
Quote from: Boyd on February 24, 2012, 10:40:04 AM
Wait awhile... who "sent you" Basecamp 2.03? That's an ancient version with lots of bugs. This thread so long I can't remember where we started. Did you say you were running Windows 7? If so, I think you are going to have a lot of problems with that old Basecamp software.
The new version is here: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435
Quote from: Boyd on February 24, 2012, 10:40:04 AM
Wait awhile... who "sent you" Basecamp 2.03? That's an ancient version with lots of bugs. This thread so long I can't remember where we started. Did you say you were running Windows 7? If so, I think you are going to have a lot of problems with that old Basecamp software.
The new version is here: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435
That's really interesting because I checked on the updates and it told me that mine was the latest version. I got it bundled with the eTrex Legend HCx. I'll go to the site you recommend and see if I can get it.
BINGO!!!!! The 3.3.1 version update was the solution. I can't figure out why Garmin would send an old version but I will let them know how unhappy I am that I paid extra for it.
Thanks to everyone for your help and advice.
You know, it could have saved us all a lot of trouble if you mentioned what version of Basecamp you had. ;)
I don't find it at all surprising that an old disk was provided with the Vista Hcx. That's a very old model and I'm sure the Basecamp version was contemporary back when it was packaged.
Garmin no longer provides Basecamp on disk at all, you need to download the latest version. I think that makes more sense because updates come along frequently. Really, with any product that includes a disk, you need to visit the company's website and check for updated software.
Interesting that TOPO100 was working with it.
Garmin probably mass produced the CDs with the software and expects the buyer to have web access and update to the latest version. The manual which came on CD with my OR300 was 1 and 1/2 years old; the software on the OR300 was 2 versions out of date even though REI said they had just received the units from Garmin.
I would certainly let them know, and that the pay for help service they sent you to did no good.
Quote from: Boyd on February 24, 2012, 02:46:41 PM
You know, it could have saved us all a lot of trouble if you mentioned what version of Basecamp you had. ;)
I don't find it at all surprising that an old disk was provided with the Vista Hcx. That's a very old model and I'm sure the Basecamp version was contemporary back when it was packaged.
Garmin no longer provides Basecamp on disk at all, you need to download the latest version. I think that makes more sense because updates come along frequently. Really, with any product that includes a disk, you need to visit the company's website and check for updated software.
Had I even suspected that anyone would sell an OLD version of a program I could've figured it out for myself. I disagree that a consumer should visit a manufacturor's web site to check for updates when they buy a product. It is the manufacturor's RESPONSIBILITY to make any shortcomings or necessary updates known to a consumer.
Quote from: Boyd on February 24, 2012, 02:46:41 PM
You know, it could have saved us all a lot of trouble if you mentioned what version of Basecamp you had. ;)
One more question to ask early on, along with What OS? and What Map?
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 02:53:32 PM
I disagree that a consumer should visit a manufacturor's web site to check for updates when they buy a product. It is the manufacturor's RESPONSIBILITY to make any shortcomings or necessary updates known to a consumer.
They let you know what's current by checking their website.
Of course you did "check for updates" on your ancient BaseCamp. Unfortunately, it was too decrepit or senile to answer the question correctly.
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 02:53:32 PMI disagree that a consumer should visit a manufacturor's web site to check for updates when they buy a product. It is the manufacturor's RESPONSIBILITY to make any shortcomings or necessary updates known to a consumer.
As a matter of principle, I don't really disagree with that. But I was coming from a more pragmatic perspective. Curse the darkness or light a candle... it's up to you. :)
Quote from: Seldom on February 24, 2012, 04:04:45 PM
Quote from: sheltie on February 24, 2012, 02:53:32 PM
I disagree that a consumer should visit a manufacturor's web site to check for updates when they buy a product. It is the manufacturor's RESPONSIBILITY to make any shortcomings or necessary updates known to a consumer.
They let you know what's current by checking their website.
Of course you did "check for updates" on your ancient BaseCamp. Unfortunately, it was too decrepit or senile to answer the question correctly.
Actually I didn't check on the version as it never entered my mind to check. As to the decrepit or senile aspect, in that case I shouldn't complain because it describes me to a "T"! ;D
Once again, thanks for all the suggestions and help. Problem solved.