luv2climb - great post on converting routes to tracks.
:p It work beautifully on a test route. This will save me a lot of time in creating tracks for uploading to my garmin 60csx.

I have found that tracks is the best way to duplicate our RBC maps for club rides. When ever I use routes the 60csx would always want to recalculate the route.
:mad:

The .GPX files run into that error due to a bug in the 705 software still. Try converting then to the .CRX file and then copy them to the course folder. My guess is that you will not have any problems.

Let us know how it goes.

The .GPX files run into that error due to a bug in the 705 software still. Try converting then to the .CRX file and then copy them to the course folder. My guess is that you will not have any problems.

Let us know how it goes.

aha, so this is a known error then. Do you have any info on others who are experiencing this bug? Or any potential work arounds for it? I haven't seen anything over on the motionbased forums or here about it.

The .CRS (you meant that, not CRX right?) course file conversion is a good idea. I've heard you lose the upcoming turn notifications though if you make the conversion to a course file. I will definitely give that a try though if I'm unsuccessful with getting these GPX track files to work.

You are right I meant .CRS. I was trying to type while at the Bon Jovi concert tonight!

No work arounds that I have seen yet. It appears that some shorter routes are not affected but I can't tell you where that shorter distance lies. There is a topic under the 705 on Motion Based about this too. The topic had to do with 'truqated' routes.

Course files do support turn markers and other points however this is where you will need Training Center. it allows you to add these points in. However the latest version of TC has a bug related to adding these points, the next update is expected to fix it. There is also a topic on this at Motion Based in the 705 section.

You are right I meant .CRS. I was trying to type while at the Bon Jovi concert tonight!

No work arounds that I have seen yet. It appears that some shorter routes are not affected but I can't tell you where that shorter distance lies. There is a topic under the 705 on Motion Based about this too. The topic had to do with 'truqated' routes.

Course files do support turn markers and other points however this is where you will need Training Center. it allows you to add these points in. However the latest version of TC has a bug related to adding these points, the next update is expected to fix it. There is also a topic on this at Motion Based in the 705 section.

So basically, if you want a specific route with turn indicators your are SOL. If you use routes, you can't specify the exact path. If you use tracks, you run into a bug on the 705 firmware. If you use course files, you run into a bug in training center adding turn indicators. This sucks. Might as well have bought a 305.

Though I will say that on my commute home last night when I got lost it came in handy. Had to pull over when my FD cable slipped out of the pinch bolt unexpectedly. Realized I missed my turn a few stops later after getting back on the road. Could have found my home by backtracking, but used it to autoroute through a bunch of side streets I'd never ridden on.

Probably a simple question but I picked up the 705 w/cadence but not maps. I have loaded my maps on the 2GB micro. How do you get into map mode -IE load the maps? Or should they just auto load. I'm trying to figure out if I did something wrong in transferring the maps to the SD card ... or I need to goto a menu item on the 705 to "RUN" the maps.

Edit - rebooted and now when it boots it says "Cant Unlock Maps...." - so I am guessing that I did something wrong in the xfer - will try again.

rebooted and now when it boots it says "Cant Unlock Maps...." - so I am guessing that I did something wrong in the xfer - will try again.

The SD card needs to be in the 705 and plugged into your computer when you load them. Mapsource will place the needed unlock codes on the SD card so that the 705 can unlock them.

So basically, if you want a specific route with turn indicators your are SOL. If you use routes, you can't specify the exact path. If you use tracks, you run into a bug on the 705 firmware. If you use course files, you run into a bug in training center adding turn indicators. This sucks.

Just to clarify for everyone:

- Route: a path built based on points that you idenditify. The 705 will choose the best route between these points. The unit will update the route if you get off of it. Must be created on your computer and saved to the unit. File extension is .GPX.
Issue: 705 cant handle long routes at this time.

- Course: Basically, a bread crump trail! If you get off of the course the unit will NOT update the course or try and get you back on it. Can be created on the unit from a previous ride you have already done or in Training Center from a prvious ride, or using Mapsource based on the instructions I posted previously in this thread. If you want turn prompts, it must be created on your computer using Training Center. File extension is .CRS. EDIT: A course also contains the data necessary to use the virtual training partner feature of the Edge series.
Issue: Version 3.3.4 of TC cant add these points and crashes. Here is a link to an older version of TC if you want to use it: http://www.tramsoft.ch/downloads/garmin/TrainingCenter_323.exe

- Saved Rides: This is a route. For some reason on the 705 Garmin changed the name to Saved Rides instead of Routes like all their other devices. See Routes above for info.

- Tracks: See course above.


Might as well have bought a 305.

Have faith, Garmin has always taken care of their customers. Granted, this seems to be the most frustrating release I have seen but they have historically taken care of everyone.

Luv - thanks got maps to recognize - I'm used to just loading maps direct to card - all of this unlocking stuff is for the BIREDS! Guess this is so "niche" that Garmen can get away with making us jump thu the registration/unlock hoops!

Next question - do you know how much compression the NT version has over the non NT version. I'm asking since if I can fit the USA on a 2GB card then I figure there would no reason not to go with the NON NT version being that the NT only has the compressed maps - or am I figuring incorrectly? I'm attempting to load all USA (non NT) to a 2GB now....

My Garmin 705 arrived about a week ago with software version 2.1 already on it. It seem to work fine on the second bike with a second profile. That bike also has a cateye computer on it. The speed on the two computers match within about 0.1 mph. Mine came with city navigator data card. Garmin support corfirms that those maps can't be copied into the Garmin Training Center so it is probably better to get the maps on a disk. Aside from that, I've been happy with it so far.

I'm into my 3rd hour loading the USA from the NON NT version - about 50 minutes to go.... I'm curious to see how large the file is compared to the microSD full USA map-set.

I'm into my 3rd hour loading the USA from the NON NT version - about 50 minutes to go.... I'm curious to see how large the file is compared to the microSD full USA map-set.

When you selected the maps in Mapsource did you ensure that the file size was below 2 gb? I can't remember at what point you get the warning that you have too much selected.

The NT maps take up less than 1.1 gb from what I recall. Since you have the non-nt version already I personally just use those.

- Tracks: See course above.


Good update on the file types. However for this one, isn't a track technically a .GPX file that would show up under saved rides? I.e. it is the same file as a route.. only a different form of points inside the file that the unit makes turn notifications for but does not do calculations between the points?

With the USA selected (manually) - is there a way to auto select the entire usa?

Is there a way to create the "USA" MAP and save it -- so then all I have to do is transfer it to the Garmin - vs having to create it each time - then transfer?

It's 1.4gb - unfortunately with about 15 minutes to complete my laptop decided to go into sleep mode so I'll have to try and transfer it again tomorrow.

I was expecting it to be quite a bit larger than the NT version -


When you selected the maps in Mapsource did you ensure that the file size was below 2 gb? I can't remember at what point you get the warning that you have too much selected.

The NT maps take up less than 1.1 gb from what I recall. Since you have the non-nt version already I personally just use those.

With the USA selected (manually) - is there a way to auto select the entire usa?QUOTE]

Not that I know of. You can drag across the map and that will highlight all the ones you cover.

[QUOTE=terrain;6458788]Is there a way to create the "USA" MAP and save it -- so then all I have to do is transfer it to the Garmin - vs having to create it each time - then transfer?

Yes, plug in your Edge, load Mapsource, tell Mapsource to receive data from the Edge. In the pop-up box select maps only, then receive the data. Once this is complete go to file, save as in and then give it a name. Next time you want to change or add to this set of maps just open it from Mapsource. It still has to compile and sent it to the Edge each time so all you are saving is the time it would haven taken you to select the maps in Mapsource.

However for this one, isn't a track technically a .GPX file that would show up under saved rides? I.e. it is the same file as a route.. only a different form of points inside the file that the unit makes turn notifications for but does not do calculations between the points?

You know I totally forgot about doing that, it has been a few years since I used this type of mapping. An updated description for a track would be:

Track: A track is a hybrid venison of a course and a route. It uses the bread crumb trail from a course but the file has a .GPX extension. The file would be found in the Edge under Saved Rides. It will not have the virtual partner data like course has and it will not auto-update the route like a normal route will.

I have not tested this on my 705 so if anyone has and I am missing or wrong on something please post.

I have not tested this on my 705 so if anyone has and I am missing or wrong on something please post.

Glad to see I didn't have it wrong with the Tracks.. I'm still learning my way around this stuff as I'm not a previous Garmin product user.

If you don't mind me asking why no interest in using Tracks? They seem ideal to me - you get to set your exact course and it gives you turn notifications without having to manually add them (I'm assuming.. have heard this but haven't tested it yet myself either cause of the bugs).

Well looks like to get my money's worth I'll have to do some cycling in Newfoundland... since my mouse drag captured it and Nova Scotia :D

The select part I'm ok with as its farily fast - but the creating the map file is taking about 1.5 hours and the transfering the map-set is around 2.5. I'm at 75 % and as long as my laptop does not go into sleep I should be setup soon. I guess the good news is that I won't have to do this but for the one time a year the updates come out.



[quote=terrain;6458788]With the USA selected (manually) - is there a way to auto select the entire usa?QUOTE]

Not that I know of. You can drag across the map and that will highlight all the ones you cover.



Yes, plug in your Edge, load Mapsource, tell Mapsource to receive data from the Edge. In the pop-up box select maps only, then receive the data. Once this is complete go to file, save as in and then give it a name. Next time you want to change or add to this set of maps just open it from Mapsource. It still has to compile and sent it to the Edge each time so all you are saving is the time it would haven taken you to select the maps in Mapsource.

If you don't mind me asking why no interest in using Tracks? They seem ideal to me - you get to set your exact course and it gives you turn notifications without having to manually add them (I'm assuming.. have heard this but haven't tested it yet myself either cause of the bugs).

My guess is that not everyone has Mapsource with the full set of maps like you and I have. If all they purchased was the 705 w/ the NT maps on the SD card they are SOL unless they go and buy another set of maps for their computer.

Also, I think the create track feature in Mapsource is new (Edit, New Track). I will have try that feature. I see that you passed the GDP through wingdb then created a GPX. Why not go straight to a GPX after you trace the route?

My guess is that not everyone has Mapsource with the full set of maps like you and I have. If all they purchased was the 705 w/ the NT maps on the SD card they are SOL unless they go and buy another set of maps for their computer.

Oh, I thought they offered mapsource for free download if you bought the SD card? If not, that really sucks for everyone else. It's bad enough that they charge you for a proprietary version of otherwise freely available map data to begin with..

Also, I think the create track feature in Mapsource is new (Edit, New Track). I will have try that feature. I see that you passed the GDP through wingdb then created a GPX. Why not go straight to a GPX after you trace the route?

I only did the GDP through wingdb conversion in hopes that it would somehow change the file format in a way that would stop that "route memory waypoint full" error from occurring when I would try to use it for Navigation under Saved Rides. It didn't fix the problem.

I see no reason why you couldn't just open mapsource, draw a bunch of trackpoints to make a track, save it as a GPX and transfer it to the 705. That would definitely be the most efficient option. I guess none of this matters, since it currently causes the above-mentioned error for me.

Another option would be to use the route feature to make a quick route because it's faster than drawing all those trackpoints. Then convert the route to a track using windgb. Then edit that converted track to fix all the manual points that you couldn't do via the route functionality (e.g., going offroad or on bike paths -- anything that you didn't want to use the roads for). However, I haven't figured out how to edit a completed track to change portions of it.

Help with Distance - Installed my 705 - everything appears to be working but the distance.... Cadence, speed - HR etc... work but I can't get distance to budge. The red/green light test works - Any suggestions go getting the distance to read distance?

Have you hit the start/stop button? The distance will only be racked up when the timer is running.

Luv - On a whim I did that and indeed I now see distance. When I setup the bike profile (soloistSL1) I told it that my OD was zero - where can I track TOTAL OD distance or is this not an option.

In your bike setup screen you can set the beginning OD distance. It will then update from there when you ride.

In your bike setup screen you can set the beginning OD distance. It will then update from there when you ride.

...and why oh why is the odometer reading not one of the data fields?!?

In your bike setup screen you can set the beginning OD distance. It will then update from there when you ride.

From my testing you can re-set it to ZERO - but it still will only record distance when you hit start to time the ride. I was looking for the Garmin to sense the candence - forward motion and then start distance from there.... having to hit start/stop will result in my case with an OD reading that is not as acurate as it it could be.

I like the field selection - Took me a minute to figure out that you had to select what you wanted but I really like the fact that you can go 7 elements per screen or fewer and mix it up.

Hope to get my first ride on the bike and 705 tomorrow to further test things out...

I couldn't resist! My Edge 705 arrived today and I am just fiddling with it right now. I have a few questions though about the initial discharging of the battery in regards to what JayC recommended:

1. Do you need to charge it to full first before discharging it completely or do you discharge it right out of the box?

2. Do you also recommend discharging it for the first time with the backlight on? Thanks in advance.

How's the functionality with Mac OSX? I know that used to be a problem, and if it still is non-existent or sucky, what other options are there for Mac users besides Training Center?

Someone mentioned a while ago that they had a plug-in battery backup for their Garmin Edge... I don't remember whether it was the current 705 or the previous 305 level computer that provided that added option. It's not that I plan on 17 plus hour rides if I pick up the 705, but I do travel to ride in other places, and camp out in the process, so it would be pretty awesome to be able to give the battery life a goose with some AA rechargeables in an extra device.

Does the standard HRM/Cad/Map bundle for the 705 come with a spare mount? It would be a huge help to be able to use it on both of my current regular use bikes... any info on this would be good.

Also, is there a car charging functionality?

Finally, is there any way to instruct it as to what kind of roads to avoid for routes? I wonder whether it maps with or without interstate highways (for instance). One way makes it lousy for biking, one way makes it lousy for use as a car navigation gizmo... upsides and downsides either way. I'm assuming you can't use MUPs or other non-motorized roads, unless you do them as routes, but any info on this would be interesting.

Can anybody tell me, regarding the City Navigator DVD's, specifically Europe, Can I load specific countries, the ones I plan to visit, onto a Sandisk to use on my 705.

1. Do you need to charge it to full first before discharging it completely or do you discharge it right out of the box?

2. Do you also recommend discharging it for the first time with the backlight on? Thanks in advance.

1. The discharge process may be required if your unit fails to charge to 100%. It is not required for all units. JayC did have to do it with his but I did not with mine. If when you are charging it for the first time it will not completely charge then discharge it.

2. Back light is not necessary.

How's the functionality with Mac OSX? I know that used to be a problem, and if it still is non-existent or sucky, what other options are there for Mac users besides Training Center?


I do not use a Mac so I cannot speak to the Mac software. There websites you can use like Motion Based and Garmin Connect.


Someone mentioned a while ago that they had a plug-in battery backup for their Garmin Edge... I don't remember whether it was the current 705 or the previous 305 level computer that provided that added option. It's not that I plan on 17 plus hour rides if I pick up the 705, but I do travel to ride in other places, and camp out in the process, so it would be pretty awesome to be able to give the battery life a goose with some AA rechargeables in an extra device.

I have a 4 AA battery pack that I can use. Don't remember where I purchased it. I simply plug in the Garmin USB cable to it and it generally gives me 1.5 charges of the 705. I am also waiting on this little toy to arrive:

http://www.solio.com/charger/explore-solio/solio-magnesium.html

It is supposed to charge the Edge with no need for the USB cable as it direct connects. Little more pricey than the AA option but there are no batteries to recharge or buy and throw away.

Not all battery packs work the same. I have heard that some will put the 705 into USB drive mode which is fine if you are charging when it is not in use. If you are trying to charge while using this the unit will not operate.


Does the standard HRM/Cad/Map bundle for the 705 come with a spare mount?

Package has two bar/stem mounts in it. Each mount can be configured for bar or stem use. Many people think they are only one or the other.


Also, is there a car charging functionality?

Yes. You can get a cig lighter cable direct from Garmin or at Radio Shack by getting the iGo cable and the appropriate tip for it.



Finally, is there any way to instruct it as to what kind of roads to avoid for routes? I wonder whether it maps with or without interstate highways (for instance). One way makes it lousy for biking, one way makes it lousy for use as a car navigation gizmo... upsides and downsides either way. I'm assuming you can't use MUPs or other non-motorized roads, unless you do them as routes, but any info on this would be interesting.

You can select from the following routing options:

Car/Motorcycle: Will route on highways and correct direction on one way street. You can also tell it avoid major streets, dirt roads, Highways, toll roads and U-turns.

Bicycle: Same as Car/Motorcycle except will not use highways. You can also tell it avoid major streets and dirt roads.

Pedestrian: I have not tested this one but I am guessing it is the same as Bicycle except will allow you to go either direction on one way streets.

Can anybody tell me, regarding the City Navigator DVD's, specifically Europe, Can I load specific countries, the ones I plan to visit, onto a Sandisk to use on my 705.

I have never used the Europe versions but with the North America version you can select regions of countries very easily. For example, each one of the states of the USA are divided into multiple segments making it very easy to load only the info one or all of it.

Maybe someone with the European maps will chime in.

I am seriously coveting this thing... the crossover use as a car GPS is also pretty fantastic. Having it for navigation in the backcountry while hiking as an added use is also pretty slick...

1. The discharge process may be required if your unit fails to charge to 100%. It is not required for all units. JayC did have to do it with his but I did not with mine. If when you are charging it for the first time it will not completely charge then discharge it.

2. Back light is not necessary.

Thanks, bro! I just discharged it out of the box without the backlight, just for good measure. I haven't checked the unit since charging it into the wall after the complete discharge (because of work). I will check on it this evening. I am sure it will be fine. Thanks again for your help.

So I just picked one of these things up this week. I consider myself pretty computer literate, but the learning curve on this thing is outrageous. It took me 2 days to figure out where the odometer is. I essentially went from a $55 wireless Cateye to the Edge 705. I'm working out the kinks but one thing is really bothering me. I can't get it to work with Google Earth. I paid the extra $20 to Google but it doesn't register it being there. Anyone got some advice on that?

I'm working out the kinks but one thing is really bothering me. I can't get it to work with Google Earth. I paid the extra $20 to Google but it doesn't register it being there. Anyone got some advice on that?

I dont know how to do it but try browsing around over at:

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php

I dont know how to do it but try browsing around over at:

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php

That's exactly what I needed! Thank you!

I just can't help posting a huge thanks to luv2climb and all the folks who participated in this thread. I have bought the Edge 705, already being a Forerunner 305 user (I am a runner) and set it up in 30 minutes. I plan to use it for a cross country ride and all the information posted by luv2climb helped me load my 8000 miles ride in the unit.

Knowing that I will ride more than 10 hours a day sometimes, I will try to get a battery-pack USB charger just to be safe. My Palm Treo also has Google Maps capability. Sometimes it scares me how much I will rely on technology for this trip :eek:... don't you think ?

luv2climb, thank you for all the very descriptive and detailed posts on the Edge 705. My question and interest is similar to tha tpreviously asked by mtnmm. Is is possible to purchase a North American Edge 705 and use it in Europe by loading European (France for instance) maps. I read somewhere on the Garmin website that it is necessary to purchase a unkit with the rspective regional base maps.
A response would be greatly appreciated since I plan to cyle in France and would like to purchase a 705 to use it in NA and in Europe.

What does the 20 bucks buy you - can you view google maps on the 705?

The link is not working for me....

I dont know how to do it but try browsing around over at:

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php

What does the 20 bucks buy you - can you view google maps on the 705?

The link is not working for me....

It claimed that if I upgraded to Google Earth Plus that I could upload my rides onto the program. However, I was a silly boy and didn't know about this motionbased.com business. I'm happy anyways... I'll eat the 20 bucks assuming it will be patched.

Is is possible to purchase a North American Edge 705 and use it in Europe by loading European (France for instance) maps. I read somewhere on the Garmin website that it is necessary to purchase a unit with the respective regional base maps.
A response would be greatly appreciated since I plan to cyle in France and would like to purchase a 705 to use it in NA and in Europe.

I don't know for sure but I can't see why a unit with the USA base map would not be able to use maps from anywhere else in the world. My gut feel is that you do not need to worry.

If I find anything definitive on this I will post back.

Tape - Gotcha not sure why it claimed that - as the default trainer program downloadable for free from Garmen allows you to view all rides or just select rides in Google Earth. I must admit this is one of the cooler features for me and I was able to find a few bike trails that i was not aware of before by looking at my route and panning a bit to see where the trail started again...

Luv2 - Or anyone else I have a question about Cadence - What do the candence sensors information populate other than "CADENCE" in the data fields. IE- is the Cadence info used in the calculation of any other data field elements? I ordered an extra cadence pack for my mountain bike and am wondering if I really need it if all it does is cadence - I made the assumption that it was used for other things like distance/calories but on second thought GPS can do the distance piece alone.

What do the candence sensors information populate other than "CADENCE" in the data fields. IE- is the Cadence info used in the calculation of any other data field elements? I ordered an extra cadence pack for my mountain bike and am wondering if I really need it if all it does is cadence - I made the assumption that it was used for other things like distance/calories but on second thought GPS can do the distance piece alone.

The primary use for the GSC10 (Speed/Cadence Sensor) is the calculation of cadence. It is also used for calculating speed along with the GPS siganls. The unit will use the data from the both the sensor and the satelites. In addition the GSC10 will allow you to use a bike on rollers, trainer or other similar device.

Hope that helps.

Knowing that I will ride more than 10 hours a day sometimes, I will try to get a battery-pack USB charger just to be safe. Sometimes it scares me how much I will rely on technology for this trip :eek:... don't you think ?

REI called last week. This is finally shipping after being on backorder for a month:

http://www.rei.com/product/760969

If all goes well on my 4 day backpacking trip this summer I will load my Topo maps and use the Solio to power my 705 and maybe even my iPod!

The primary use for the GSC10 (Speed/Cadence Sensor) is the calculation of cadence. It is also used for calculating speed along with the GPS siganls. The unit will use the data from the both the sensor and the satelites. In addition the GSC10 will allow you to use a bike on rollers, trainer or other similar device.

Hope that helps.

Luv - just what I was looking for -- I just hope the cadence sensor does not get wacked off on my first down-hill ride.

Topo Question -

I have Topo 2008 and have loaded Topo's on the 705 but is there a way to load a riding area 's map - like the one listed below -

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/pr_ecdm.pdf

I'm trying to figure out how to over-lay the topo 2008 map of the area "Skeggs Point" with the riding trails.

Finally - once I have loaded some topo - In this case a national forest - how do I view that on the 705?

Luv - just what I was looking for -- I just hope the cadence sensor does not get wacked off on my first down-hill ride.

I should add that the sensor really helps when you are in dense tree cover and the GPS signal gets sketchy. The unit will still give an accurate speed if you are using the GSC10.

Topo Question -

I have Topo 2008 and have loaded Topo's on the 705 but is there a way to load a riding area 's map - like the one listed below -

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/pr_ecdm.pdf

I'm trying to figure out how to over-lay the topo 2008 map of the area "Skeggs Point" with the riding trails.

I have never played with doing this but I have heard that there are ways to create your own maps and load them. The only way I know how to put the trails on the unit would be to open your Topo 2008 in Mapsource and use the create tracks feature to mark the maps. Send these tracks to the 705. Unfortunatly there are still bugs on the 705 when you try and use these files as they show up as GPX files unless you convert them to TCX (course) files like I explained somewhere in a previous post on this thread.

Edge 705 at Paris - Roubaix:

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php?topic=8250.from1208108432;topicseen#msg50405

I used a 305 edge all last year and loved it. My 305 died yesterday, I got my money back and now I want a 705.

The only decision I have to make is wether or not to get the map pack. I have Topo 4 for the state of Michigan. Do I need the map pack or will the Topo load on to the 705 if I get a card?

I have a 705 with maps loaded from garmin dvd maps. I took my first ride with the nav this past weekend (65 miles) and it saved us when we got lost 30 miles out. The downer is that I have a mac (intel based imac) and can't figure out how to build a course and get it onto the 705. The 65 mile course did automatically transfer from the 705 to the garmin training center for mac software and I can view it as a history course, which is nice. However in GTC, the function that allows you to build a course from history doesn't function - it is a light color on the menu meaning not available. Also, I have not found a way to transfer a route/course from a third party software to the 705 - they just don't seem to work. Does anyone have a link for an actual hands on guide for building a course in something like google maps or map my ride, and then getting onto the 705. The map my ride file is not recognized by the 705 even though it has the same file extention as the other course files. I wonder if this is a garmin/mac issue so anyone with success with a mac please chime in.

Thanks!
Mark