Micro-SD card software vs. CD Rom MapSource for Garmin 60Cx

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

Questions and thoughts on the micro-SD card for this unit (Garmin GPSmap 60Cx) as it relates to mapping software.

Right now, I use the MapSource CD ROM product(s) for my lap-top, eTrex (now the reserve GPSr) and and iQue3600 Palm OS which I use for auto routing, etc.

The MapSource software on CD is upgradeable with on-line as updates as they become available. I like that.

If I were to purchase the MapSource product on the micro-SD is that also able to be updated on-line ? Would that interface with the laptop use?

Or, should I get a blank mini-SD and continue to purchase / use and download Map Source maps to a micro-SD? And, is that the same a the Garmin MicroSD / TransFlash ??

Thanks in advance,

SGH

[hogrod]

If you buy Garmin maps on a pre-loaded card they can only be used in the GPS, there is no way to use these maps in mapsource on the PC.

also just to clarify when you update Mapsource on your PC it just updates the software, you need to purchase Map updates from garmin yearly or buy a newer version of maps every few years.

MicroSD and transflash are the same type of card and will both work in your garmin, but miniSD is not the same thing at all.

If you buy a microSD card online they are way cheaper than at the store. As of today both sizes listed below are less than $10. With a 2gb card you can fit the whole US of street maps and still have a bit of room left for some topo maps too. I can’t remember the last time I had to load maps to my 60cx, I can travel anywhere in a moments notice and never be missing anything.

1gb on newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134409

2gb on newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134478

[SammyClaws]

The bad news is the MicroSD cannot be updated and there is no software for your PC. However we bought the SD card version since you can transfer it back and forth between 2 GPSr without problem. The software version of CN is licensed to only one unit. You have to buy a second license for two GPSrs.

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

Thanks for the information hogrod and Sammy Claws. Much appreciated.
Like the price on the mini-SD cards.
Great to see the price of something has dropped!

Question here……

@SammyClaws wrote:

The software version of CN is licensed to only one unit. You have to buy a second license for two GPSrs.

What is the CN that you reference here?
(My mapping software is the Garmin MapSource.)

Thanks in advance.

SGH

[SammyClaws]

City Navigator (street maps) – if you buy the DVD version you load CN into Map Source and then upload it into your GPS. I think of Map Source as one interface between your GPS and your computer. If there is an update, you load that into Map Source and then up to the GPS. The bonus here is you have detailed maps in two places, your GPS and computer.

If you go the SD card route, you dont have to load anything on your computer, since you put the pre-loaded (micro) SD Card directly into your GPS. The detailed maps are only on your GPS. I compensate for that by using Google Earth. Map Source will transfer your waypoints and routes to Google Earth directly.

One thing you may want to check is to see how big of an SD card you have. My understanding is that you can fit all of North America on one 2 GB SD card if you buy the City Navigator NT version.

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

@SammyClaws wrote:

City Navigator (street maps) – if you buy the DVD version you load CN into Map Source and then upload it if you buy the City Navigator NT version.

OK……..this is where I am at (I think) it is my understanding that:

I could purchase the DVD version of the recently released City Navigator North America 2009 NT version for my GPSMAP 60Cx and it is
Compatible with the understanding that I have a 1GB card or so in the particular Garmin.

OK.

Now, what I don’t see is that same software (NT version 2009) would work (with additional License) on my other Garmin the iQue 3600 ??

So, am I in the trick bag here or what with iQue 3600 and the 60Cx ???
With regards to which sotware to buy / load / use.

And, I don’t see that the non NT version of City Navigator 2009 is yet to be released………

thanks in advance

[SammyClaws]

I am pretty sure IF you want to load all the Maps for North America on your GPS, then you need a 2 GB card. That is what tech support told me when I asked the question.

Sorry but I cannot help you with the iQue – what I do know is that you physically have to license the CN software to the serial number of one unit. IF you want to upload maps to two units you have to buy two licenses.

The Garmin site indicates you need the preloaded SD card for an iQue3000. I would suggest a call to support to be sure.

[hogrod]

I have city navigator NT 2009, you can fit the whole US on a 1gb card if you leave out canada, if you include every map segment its a bit over 1gb.

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

Thanks much to the responses.

According to Garmin Tech Support the iQue 3600 is not compliant with the NT version CN 2009.

May have to investigate a replacement for the iQue 3600 at some point in time that has all the same features and benefits like Palm Desk Top. GPS, auto-routing, etc.

Any suggestions?

[Team Deejay]

@Sparse Grey Hackle wrote:

Thanks much to the responses.

According to Garmin Tech Support the iQue 3600 is not compliant with the NT version CN 2009.

May have to investigate a replacement for the iQue 3600 at some point in time that has all the same features and benefits like Palm Desk Top. GPS, auto-routing, etc.

Any suggestions?

You could just buy the non-NT version of CN. You will still be able to get almost everything loaded on a 2GB card. I doubt that you will need northern Canada, Alaska or Hawaii any time soon, and you can always select a new set of maps for any trip you want to take.

Incidentally, if you are really serious about replacing the IQue, you probably should consider a PocketPC version if you want it for geocaching. Given that the new Wherigo technology is not planned to be ported to Palms, it might be getting close to the time to let go of the Palm technology. (Not that I’m doing it. My Palm still does what I want!)

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

You could just buy the non-NT version of CN. You will still be able to get almost everything loaded on a 2GB card. I doubt that you will need northern Canada, Alaska or Hawaii any time soon, and you can always select a new set of maps for any trip you want to take.

The non-NT version of CN will work for the iQue 3600….but if I’m reading the Garmin web-site correctly that software is not listed for the 60Cx…..I see the other 60’s there but not the x variant……

do I have that correct? Thanks.

[Team Deejay]

You can check with them, but I’m pretty sure it will work. Essentially they are listing which package is “best” for a particular unit. The downgrades almost always work as well. Just give them a call and ask.

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

@Team Deejay wrote:

You can check with them, but I’m pretty sure it will work. Essentially they are listing which package is “best” for a particular unit. The downgrades almost always work as well. Just give them a call and ask.

Great info and good to know. I’ll check it out and get the skinny.
Thanks Team Deejay and all who contributed here.

SGH

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