Getting Started Information

 

1. Install some version of MapSource on your PC.

MapSource is the kernel of all Garmin mapping programs. You might purchase
this under any of the following names:
- City Navigator
- MetroGuide
- WorldMap
- Trip & Waypoint Manager
- plus some others. You can buy this at any store that sells Garmin
GPS and the box will have Garmin AND MapSource AND one of the names
above on the box.

Trip & Waypoint Manager is the least expensive.

2. Install MapSource on your PC. Generally this is very straight forward.

2. (a) Not compulsory but I suggest you update MapSource to the most recent
version.
You MUST first install MapSource as above
Upgrades to MapSource are free of charge and easy, go to the Garmin web site at
http://www.garmin.com/support/mappingsw.jsp and follow the MapSource
link. This is quite easy.

2. (c) Open MapSource

3. Plug your GPS into your PC. This can be either a serial cable or with more
recent GPS either serial or USB. USB is much much faster but the drivers
are sometimes a little flaky.

(a) Make sure you have communications OK by transferring a "waypoint" to
your GPS.

(b) The waypoint icon looks like a golf flag. Just click anywhere
on the screen to make a waypoint.

(c) From the menu choose Transfer \ Send to Device then ensure that
Waypoints is selected.
(d) Click on OK and it should transfer very quickly after you press OK.

4. Close MapSource

5. Install Tracks4Australia
 Download the latest version from here
Just run the file you just downloaded and follow the instructions.


6. Start MapSource again

7. Switch to the Tracks4Australia maps. You DO NOT "open" our maps but follow
the MapSource process, i.e.

a) From the menu choose View \ Switch to Product

b) You now have our maps on the screen

8. You now have our maps on your PC but not on your GPS.

9. To transfer our maps to your GPS:

a) Choose the map tool with your mouse. The map tool is a five sided polygon

b) While holding down the left mouse button select ALL the maps you want to
transfer. You don't need to outline precisely as the maps are in "tiles"
and if you touch any portion of the tile the entire tile will change
colour slightly.
c) Note in the left hand pane under the maps tab you will see a list of
maps appear. Use the Delete key if you choose any unrequired maps. No
big deal.

10.Having selected the maps you need to make sure your GPS is still connected
to your PC with either a serial or USB. As I said, USB is much much
faster - very noticeable with maps - but the drivers are sometimes flaky.

11. Now transfer maps to your GPS. Two ways:

a) Use the icon which looks like an arrow pointing toward a GPS
OR
b) From the menu choose Transfer \ Send to Device then ensure that Maps is
checked.
c) This may take a few minute to as much as 30 minutes depending on USB or
serial. You'll get some indication of what is happening on the PC screen
& the GPS screen

11. Sorry if this sounds complicated but most of it is Garmin's process and
not mine. But their instructions are poor. The process is actually
quite easy if you follow along with your PC in front of you.