Best route planning software, battery save tips, ways to carry your GPS, and Andy's top tips.

Welcome to the GPS Training podcast, it is our 61st episode.

This month I am joined by Andy or ‘tech’ guy at GPS Training, welcome Andy to this month’s podcast.

In this month’s podcast

Garmin BaseCamp, Xpedition 2 or the GPST Free OS Planner?Battery Save tips as winter is loomingWays to carry your Garmin and SatMap GPS UnitAndy’s top tips

So, without a further ado let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at BaseCamp, Xpedition2 or the GPS Training route planning software.

When would you use each of them and why?

We have had a few people call and ask the question – which should I use?

What is route planning software?What is Garmin BaseCamp?PC/ Mac? – Desktop only?Free, but really need Garmin GPS if you want OS maps on itWhat is Xpedition2Good points about it – saving into cloud, easy to usePoorer points – subscription basedGPS Training OS PlannerGood points - Online route planner, SimplePoorer points - Can’t store pre planned routes/ tracks within unit

BaseCamp – offline no internet, Garmin GPS with OS Maps, birdseye map downloads, software updates,Xpedition2 – Online- premium map for other parts of world, manage Expedition cloud can be used for wifi sync of routes setup wifi Xpedition2 live site – Enter user name Xpedition username & passwordGPST OS planner – Online , GPS with no os maps or want more detailed 1:25k, simple to use less tools but easier, no subscription free

Links to each of the Route planning software we have discussed -

BaseCamp - https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/software/basecamp/Xpedition2 - https://xpedition2.com/GPST OS planner - https://gpstraining.co.uk/pages/ordnance-survey-route-planner2. As cooler weather is just around the corner, we look at the best way to conserve your battery level in an outdoor GPS UnitGarmin tips for better battery life –

Units that run on AA batteries -

Correct battery setting, recommend Eneloop or LithiumKeep spare batteries warm, eg inside pocket

For all units – both AA batteries and built-in batteries

Setup display Battery save function

Battery save – swipe down oregon 700 or power button other units reduce backlightSetup Map – Orientation North UpLeave screen not on map pageWifi , Bluetooth turned off

SatMap tips for better battery life

– lower main backlight using button on the side and use Advanced power setting change boost time to no more than 20 seconds

Power control screen turn off down from 3 minutes to 1 minuteAdvanced Power Setting – Power saving mode – Advanced (Only North up)Power off button – set button to screen off in settings – hibernate settings make button 3 screen offAdvanced power – make sure Lipol Rechargeable selected with SatMap battery or if using emergency aa pack recommend Lithium AA change here talking about this later.Spare batteries as Garmin keep warm, take battery out if not using for sometime

You will find videos about battery save tips and lots more in the GPS Training online resource. Please just go to GPS Training and click on – online resource – on the top menu bar

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast the different ways to carry an Outdoor GPS unit

Garmin -

Carabiner Clip - black or silverGarmin Backpack TetherGarmin Cart MountGarmin Quick Release LanyardGarmin Retractable LanyardGarmin Lanyard CarabinerGarmin Montana 700 Carry CaseGarmin Montana 600 and GPSMAP Carry CaseGarmin eTrex and Oregon Carry Case

I have created a video looking at the varies Garmin accessories – just go to GPSTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > The best way to carry a Garmin GPS unit - your options

SatMap –

Carry Case – official/ non-officialLanyardQuadlock belt clip

To find out more about the accessories we have listed above please go to GPS Training > GPS Store > Accessories