Messages

46

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: ipad mini

« on: August 19, 2015, 09:30:19 am »

Yes. Use the instructions created for new file format.

The exact steps may not be identical, given different naming format & file content. However, the steps should work in general.

Respond with further questions on this forum.

Note however that the Southern Tier GPS data (link requires member account) still uses old format. That is:

• Route represented on iPad screen will not follow roads exactly. Instead, it will be a collection of short straight lines that roughly resemble the route. They will give you a general idea of route, but not exact directions.
• The combination of app, iPad, & route data are not intended for continuous navigation. Instead, they work best for occasional reference.
• Service points for restaurants & lodging are mixed with old legacy data of route points that may make it difficult to find the services you are looking for.

47

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: GPS Data User Guide?

« on: July 24, 2015, 07:54:46 pm »

I can't seem to find the GPS Data User Guide on the ACA website.

In the page for Routes and Service Points, there is a link to the right for GPS Data User Guide & Quick Start Guide.

48

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin edge touring plus

« on: June 16, 2015, 07:45:17 pm »

For the forth time and thought I would try a GPS for the first time.

What do you want to use the GPS for? Is it for navigation or recording your trip? Is it to navigate to a destination, or browse for routes to follow?

Navigation on a GPS device is good when you are following a track. You can either define a track before your trip (which does not seem what you want to do) or give a destination for the unit to calculate a track to reach it.

Browsing for roads, points of interest, & destinations on a GPS device with small screen & low resolution is cumbersome at best. It will appear even more so after using an iPad with large screen, vivid colors, & fast response to finger gestures.

Depending on how you want to use the GPS, consider investing into an external battery for the iPad with an app that stores maps for offline use when not connected to the internet.

49

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Using Garmin Edge Touring abroad?

« on: May 28, 2015, 08:21:44 pm »

I am thinking of ordering the Garmin Europe City Maps. Does anyone know if the Euro Velo maps routes are includes in the Europe maps or would I need to add them myself?

I am not aware of any device map the includes the EuroVelo. The Open Cycle Map includes an overlay that shows the EuroVelo routes. You will have to draw your own route on top of that.

Instead of purchasing Garmin Europe City maps, consider downloading Open Street Maps for free. Refer to information Adventure Cycling has on GPS Devices web page, under the Maps section.

50

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: BR66 GPS Data ??

« on: May 19, 2015, 10:38:38 pm »

I personally do not like tracks and prefer waypoints and service points.

Service points have the same format as before, only with more information. Where available, each service point includes category of service, name, phone number, address, directions, web site, etc.

What is it that you prefer in route points (as waypoints) better than tracks?

51

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: BR66 GPS Data ??

« on: April 28, 2015, 09:41:24 am »

Digital data for Bicycle Route 66 is available.

52

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin Etrex 20 for GDMBR?

« on: March 31, 2015, 10:39:42 pm »

I am a complete newb and wondering if anyone has experience using the etrex 20 and whether this device is suitable for the divide?

The eTrex 20 is as good as any. I have used the eTrex 30 for several years now—it is a workhorse of a GPS. Take a look at a comparison chart I posted earlier. It is two years old but still relevant given the units on the market today.

Also, is the 2015 version of the GDMBR route available and where could I find this file?

The route is available on Adventure Cycling web site.

Note that it is quite an involved process to use these routes before your device runs out of memory. Refer to earlier discussions that include detailed steps & video demonstration.

53

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin Edge 800 Help

« on: March 12, 2015, 08:50:45 pm »

When you connect the Garmin 800 to your computer, do two new storage devices appear? One should be called "GARMIN" and the other something along the lines of "no name" (for the SD card). Do you see that?

How are you transferring the file from Ride with GPS to the Garmin? Take a look at the instructions page for Garmin 800.

In step 7 of the instructions, instead of choosing "GARMIN" storage device, choose the SD card storage device. Within that, choose the "NewFiles" folder.

Does that work?

54

New England / Re: Vermont to Boston bike route

« on: February 28, 2015, 11:48:16 pm »

Consider the Harpoon Brewery to Brewery and Boston-Montréal routes.

I do not believe either is running this year, but used to be popular. I would mix the two, using the Montréal route until near Keene, before using the Brewery route to near Woodstock.

55

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Are We There Yet? - Smartphone vs. Dedicated GPS

« on: January 19, 2015, 04:22:44 pm »

Ride with GPS just released an update of their app for iPhone and Android with offline maps.

56

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Are We There Yet? - Smartphone vs. Dedicated GPS

« on: January 14, 2015, 05:28:34 pm »

Correct. New (2–3 years) phones have their own GPS chip that will work regardless of data signal.

57

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Are We There Yet? - Smartphone vs. Dedicated GPS

« on: January 08, 2015, 04:32:22 pm »

Check out OsmAnd+ Maps & Navigation for offline use with OSM maps, routing, & navigation.

58

Gear Talk / Re: Lights that will attach to the light mounting holes on racks

« on: December 27, 2014, 08:44:29 pm »

I use Portland Design Works RADBOT 1000, with 1.0 watt red LED, that includes a bracket for rear racks. It fit ones from multiple manufacturers.

59

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Best GPS for touring

« on: December 01, 2014, 10:47:18 pm »

Thanks again, now I think this is my last question: can both the topo US 100k and the City Navigator NT (Open Street Maps) be saved in the Etrex and be called up separately as need requires of one or the other?  Or for cycling just get the Open Street Maps and forget the other?

Yes, you can have multiple maps, just make sure you have a large enough memory card to store both (probably 8GB+).

City Navigator NT ≠ Open Street Maps. One is for $100+ while the other is free, among many other differences.

60

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Best GPS for touring

« on: November 30, 2014, 08:54:48 pm »

Hmm, ok so the eTrex doesn't work like a car GPS where all I do is enter an address or place of interest, etc and it develops a course of direction to follow...or does it and I'm simply misunderstanding?

Yes, the eTrex 30, Edge Touring, & Cyclo will all develop the course to reach an address or point of interest. Be cautious about the type of courses they develop for you—they may not be on the safest bicycle roads.

The Edge & Cyclo have the maps already loaded. With the eTrex make sure to add routable maps (for example, the topo maps you reference earlier in the bundle will not work as they are not routable). The OSM ones will work.