AdamDZ

They use online activation for their maps that is not easy to crack. They stop working eventually.

contango 

So dump the Garmin maps completely, use the free opensource maps.

AdamDZ

Garmin road and topo maps are vector based while most open source maps are, unfortunately, layered images (an image per zoom level). I can fit half of the US on one 4GB card with detail down to 50 feet. I can't even squeeze open source maps of 1/3 of NY State with all zoom levels on the same 4GB card.

christ0ph

It sounds to me as if you should write up an articulate explanation of why they should change their licensing scheme and make a web site to discuss it. I wouldn't go the pirate site route - files on those sites may contain trojans, etc, and you've made it clear that you do really like their products. You are right, though in that they should be transferable. And I also think if you took this issue to court, you might well win. If you pay for it - once, you should be able to continue using that data indefinitely.

If your GPS breaks, you should be able to transfer the maps off of it onto your next - if they do you right, Garmin, if not, some other, GPS.

The rules for ownership of digital content are still in the process of being hashed out.

I'm studying that stuff a lot right now. To say that its complicated would be an understatement.

There is a old net saying that "information wants to be free". Another old saying is that the Internet routes itself around any censorship (which also applies to overzealous rulemaking)

Much of this DRM stuff is, I agree, not a natural state of affairs in many ways. The other side of the puzzle is that open source software is starting to come into its own. You look like a fairly smart guy, I didn't start learning Linux until I was in my early 30s and now its a big source of fun and interesting new computing energy in my life.. I suggest that you investigate the world of open source software that might be able to do what you want. I would specifically look into openstreetmap and the various tools that are compatible with it. There are also an increasing number of free and open source GIS and vector based tools to explore and make and create your own layered GIS datasets and maps.

A lot is happening in that area.

The newer PostgreSQL installers on Windows, I think, give you the option of installing PostGIS! That is pretty amazing.

If you are at all technically minded, you should check out the world of GIS tools. A good place to start is https://www.osgeo.org

Before you know it, you could be working with all the free vector data you need and you wouldnt need or miss those commercial maps.

Your characterization of free maps as bitmap based is not true. The free maps on the gpsfiledepot site are topo maps, which of course are geared towards hikers, but the openstreetmap maps are the same technology as is used on the commercial maps. They are not bitmaps. On a laptop they load and display fast and I am sure there is a way of using them for turn by turn directions.

AdamDZ

It's all greed. Maximizing the gain. Most corporations make more money that they'd ever need and still want more. Just RIAA/MPAA wants to charge you extra for content you already own, so do the software companies.

I'm tired of computers, I work with them and when I get home I have little inclination to learn new stuff beyond what I immediately need. I'd much rather go a for a bike ride.

BTW, I opened up the unit and I realized that the battery container is not connected to the mainboard with wires, but with those springy contacts: two thin springs that press against two square contacts on the board. The contacts on the board were oxidized, I cleaned them up and gave the springs a little pull. I will test it on Saturday, but so far dropping the unit repeatedly on the floor didn't make it shut off. Crossing fingers.

Ltgk20

+1 on the opensource maps. I got an Edge 800, picked up a cheap 4GB card, downloaded a map of the US and everything worked great.

christ0ph

: )

Awesome!

rm -rf

There are pre-built free open street maps for Garmin bike computers. No software is needed, just download the map file, and copy it to your Garmin.

I posted detailed installation instructions in this thread.

I have a 705. ridewithgps.com has .tcx Course files that work great. Courses files are used with "Training" , not with "Where To"

And I've recently been using the "Only the cuesheet entries, not the entire track" version of the the .gpx file. I get good warnings at the turns, and it actually works correctly, not like the other .gpx full version, which often failed to route correctly. ( Garmin's software is often junky. Why would a full .gpx file with a breadcrumb trail and the turns fail to route? It would just skip whole sections of the route. Yet, the turns-only version works correctly...huh.)

AdamDZ

So I went for a 60 mile ride on Saturday and the unit didn't turn off even once! I hope it'll stay that way. I'd like to stick to it for a bit more, not eager to buy another one yet.

contango 

Excellent!