GPS Training Podcast

Trump tariffs, Watch v Handheld, Harvey Maps and Andy's top tips

In this month's GPS Training Podcast

Trump tariffs – will they affect GPS prices?

The great GPS debate: Watch vs Handheld

Harvey Maps on a TwoNav GPS unit

Andy’s top tips

1. Trump Tariffs – GPS prices

Only effects Garmin?

Although Garmin is an American company, most of its GPS products are manufactured in Taiwan, which is now facing a 32% import tariff.

9th April original date of tariffs, but then put on pause for 90 days - 9th July ish

on the 9th, before the tariff pause was announced I created a video for YouTube/ news section of the GPS Training website.

Could affect global pricing, including in the UK, where GPS Training is the largest retailer of Garmin outdoor GPS units.

Garmin is unlikely to absorb the cost or keep prices static in Europe, and any increases could be implemented with no advance warning.

More information at - GPSTraining.co.uk > News > Tariffs on Garmin

2. The great GPS debate: Watch vs Handheld

GPS watch – pros

GPS watches are lightweight.

You can wear a GPS watch at all times, as it is also a smartwatch.

GPS watch – cons

GPS watches do have a small screen.

Sometimes with a GPS watch you can suffer a little with battery life and charging whist on the move.

Sadly with a Garmin GPS watch there is no option to put Ordnance Survey maps on a GPS watch, but you can still plan on free Ordnance Survey route planning software and transfer the course onto your watch.

GPS unit – pros

Often a GPS unit is cheaper than a GPS watch.

You get a larger screen on your GPS unit compared to the GPS watch.

Battery life is often better with a GPS unit and you are able to charge or change the batteries whilst out walking.

If you are in the UK you can put Ordnance Survey maps on an Outdoor GPS unit.

GPS unit – cons

A GPS unit is more bulkier than a GPS watch.

But the key difference is in the navigational experience –

With a GPS watch the watch vibrates when you are ‘off course’.

You also can follow an arrow on the screen, but please be aware it is a smaller screen.

With a watch you also get also get an audible beep as you approach a turn as your course is overlaid on the preinstalled Topo active maps.

With a GPS unit you also get an audible beep, but this will be when you are approaching a pre-determined waypoint that you have planned beforehand.

The other thing with a handheld GPS unit is you also have to ability with the larger screen and Ordnance Survey Maps to ‘plan on the hoof’. If you do need to change your walk you can easily do this on a handheld GPS unit.

3. Harvey Maps – on a TwoNav GPS Unit

Interviewing a representative from Harvey next week, so they will be either on a standalone Podcast or in next month’s podcast

- Designed for Outdoor Use: Harvey Maps strip away unnecessary clutter. You won’t find endless road names or town infrastructure that isn't relevant to a walker. Instead, key features like contour lines, crags, walls, footpaths, and terrain types are highlighted clearly.

- Colour Shading for Terrain: They pioneered subtle colour shading to depict different terrain types, meaning you can assess the ground ahead at a glance.

- Lightweight and Waterproof: The printed maps are typically lighter and more weather-resistant than traditional paper maps. On GPS units like the TwoNav, this translates to fast-loading, highly readable digital maps.

- Scale that Suits the User: Harvey's 1:40,000 "British Mountain Map" series hits a perfect sweet spot for serious hillwalkers. It covers a broad area whilst still offering enough detail for accurate navigation.

- Event-Specific/ long distance taril mapping: Harvey is often the choice for ultramarathons and mountain events, where navigation errors can be costly. If you're training for a race, there’s a good chance you’ll already be handed a Harvey Map at registration!

This also nicely ties into a subject we discussed last month - 64gb TwoNav Terra and Cross Plus

Gives us the ability to put both 1:25k and 1:50k maps on a TwoNav GPS unit – coming soon

As well as installing Harvey Maps on a TwoNav Terra

Slowly making their way from Spain

4.   Andy’s Top Tips

- Suunto Race get a grid reference:

Settings – Navigation – Position format set as British BNG

With map screen button next to 3 white bars – select your location

In control panel screen I have selected customize and pin widget selected Map for quick access

- Coros

in Control panel - System menu – More Settings – Satellite systems – POS Format set as Briish Grid

From control panel either selecting compass will display or select Satellite signal then press scroll wheel and scroll down

In control panel System – more settings – Light key shortcut – set as compass or satellite signal

- Garmin

From settings menu – System – Format – Pos format Set as British Grid

From System Format – Hot keys – Hold start or other options – Save location will display grid system

SatMap/ TwoNav upgrade offer - last week, Outdoor Expo - Birmingham NEC and lots more

 

In this month’s podcast

 

SatMap/ TwoNav upgrade offer - last week

Outdoor Expo - Birmingham NEC

OS shop - no longer selling GPS units and OS maps for GPS Unit

64gb TwoNav Terra and Cross Plus

Andy’s top tips

SatMap/ TwoNav upgrade offer - last weekgpstraining.co.uk > News > special offer – SatMap user upgrade

Outdoor Expo - Birmingham NEC – many thanksMany thanks to everybody who came along and said hello.

 

Ordnance Survey shop - no longer selling GPS units and OS maps for GPS Unit

64gb TwoNav Terra and Cross Plus

Gives us the ability to put both 1:25k and 1:50k maps on a TwoNav GPS unit – coming soon

They will be more expensive.

 

Andy’s Top Tips

TwoNav quicker sync of activities

Settings Wifi – Turn on / Activate if not done so

Settings – M account very bottom Addnew account if not done so and enter your TwoNav email address and password

Settings – Go Cloud Turn on

Then when you view TwoNav link app activities do sync in quicker

You can then also online also view your synced activities at website go.twonav.com

 

Suunto – turn by turn via Komoot Routes

If are using the Komoot app you can pair it with your Suunto then any new routes you add to the Komoot app will sync into the Suunto app to then send to your device , the Apps adds TBT arrows and notifications

From the Suunto App  home - Profile icon top

Select Partner Services – Select Komoot and follow instructions, you already have to have Komoot account

Then any routes added to Komoot appear in map icon bottom of Suunto app – folder icon – Routes – you can edit and turn off Turn by turn in app if not required

Any routes you do create yourself in app will add TBT

In this episode of the GPS Training podcast, we cover:

1. Suunto Range of Watches

We break down Suunto's latest lineup, highlighting the differences in display types, battery life, size, and navigation features. From the vibrant AMOLED screens of the Race and Race S to the solar-powered, ultra-long battery life of the Suunto Vertical, we compare how they stack up against competitors like the Garmin Fenix 8. We also share real-world insights from the Spine Challenger North winner, who put these watches to the test on a gruelling 160-mile challenge!

2. Exclusive Interview with Paul Grundy

We’ve got a special mid-month episode featuring Paul Grundy—don’t miss it!

3. Best GPS for Mountain Biking – TwoNav Roc

If you’re looking for the best GPS unit for mountain biking, we explain why the TwoNav Roc is a top contender. With compact design, robust durability, high-accuracy satellite tracking, and cost-effective mapping, it’s ideal for riders tackling tough trails.

4. Andy’s Top Tips

This month, Andy shares practical tips on getting the most out of your GPS devices, including:

Suunto Race Quick Controls – How to quickly access key settings during activity.

TwoNav Display Optimisation – Keep the display on for real-time tracking but conserve battery with quick adjustments.

In this special 'mid-month' podcast we interview Paul Grundy, winner of the Winter Spine Challenger North 2025

In this month’s podcast

The New Montana 710/ 710i and 760i

Outdoor GPS Shop Podcast

Garmin BaseCamp and other route planning options

Andy’s Top Tips 

1.   Garmin Montana 710, 710i and 760i

What are the differences between the 710, 710i and 760i?

Upgrades -

- USBC – we put an an adapter

- Double the memory – 16gb to 32gb

-  The ability to download free Topo Active maps other regions – also via wifi now if you add wifi via Garmin express first this should change

-  Improved battery life – 18 hours > 24 hours

Garmin Montana 710

Garmin Montana 710i

Garmin Montana 760i

Review - New Garmin Montana series of outdoor GPS units

2. OGPS Podcast

What is the Outdoor GPS Shop

How does it vary from GPS Training

Abigail and Ian (AI), the hosts

Outdoor GPS Shop podcast - https://outdoorgpsshop.podbean.com/

Shorter episodes on x 1 subject

Review - Coros Apex 2 Pro

Essential walking kit

The Garmin GPSMAP67 – review

Weather in the Hills

Mobile phone app or GPS unit?

An introduction to Abigail and Ian

Saturday morning – Winter Safety

Sunday morning – The Power of Dual Frequency

Please do hunt out on whatever platform you listen to podcasts in and give it a listen.

It has really grown on me and the more episodes we put out the better the AI is learning, I listened to the review on the Coros this morning and could not fault it

3.   Garmin BaseCamp and other options

Garmin BaseCamp – extras prox alarms, covert routes to tracks, lots of tools for trimming down easily, no wifi required, allows TBT routes for National parks or cycling

Maps can be slow to load, split into regions more complex

Free OS planner – free & simple, maps will get updates, no turn by turn no extra tools as Basecamp , only GB not abroad

Memory Map – Familiarity if have been using for along time

Quo

OS own app/online planner

OS does have a snap to path mix and match ,More tablet / mobile phone friendly then connect app on phone to transfer works well

Garmin Explore App – free , can use with no wifi , for GB maps not detailed no OS, can be slow syncing careful not to wipe routes of unit already – have added new videos to online resource

Etre SE & Solar that have no maps will transmit GPS signal to explore app to see yourself on explore map

Pros/ cons of each

Andy’s Top Tips

Garmin New 710, 760 do have a slightly larger capacity battery but there are still things you can do to help:

Tap power button backlight down

Main menu setup display – backlight time out 30 secs, battery save on screen off after 30 seconds

Setup wifi off if not using + Setup Phone off if not using

Setup – system – Satellite change to GPS only

If you are leaving screen on not on Map

TwoNav

If you import route into device from OS sometimes no elevation you can add it as follows:

From maps menu make sure you have a 3d map selected i.e westerne Europe relief or the UK-Ireland high res 3d

From routes menu select your route , tap on route top of screen and if no elevation after tapping route to see overview screen select 3 white dots bottom right – select Edit and select import altitudes - Video just added to online resource Mod 6 unit 6

What would you like to see from GPS Training in 2025?

In this month’s podcast

What would you like to see from GPS Training in 2025 - 1 min 40 sec

GPS Training Options for 2025 - 5 min 15 sec

Post TwoNav catch-up - 19 min 55 sec

Andy’s Top Tips - 27 min 18 sec

1. What would you like to see from GPS Training in 2025?

Asked for questions for TwoNav in the last podcast and had a good response, many thanks for that – More about that later

So what would you to see from GPS Training in 2025?

Video ideas

Training ideas

Product ideas

Please just email – [email protected]

2. GPS Training options for 2025

Online resource- £50.00/ year (included free with and GPS purchase)

Support packages - Bronze, Silver and Gold- £80.00/ £125.00/ £145.00 / year (included free with and GPS purchase)

Group training courses over Zoom- £74.99

Nationwide two-day training course- £195.00 for 2-day course

1:1 over Zoom - 2 hours- £89.00

1:1 in person, Northumberland, get in touch

3. Post TwoNav catch up

Outdoor Expo – NEC – 22nd and 23rd March

3.   Andy’s Top Tips

TwoNav – Units display set to go off after 30 seconds during use

We have found as there is a quick screen off button that a lot of customers prefer to set as screen on and simply use the screen off button

- From 3 white bars bottom left – main menu – settings – System – Display & Brightness – Set Shutdown screen to never you can also adjust brightness here and turn of auto brightness, I prefer nighttime view No

From systems settings – Keys option – Power: Short Press Lock

This also stops accidental screen movement if in a pocket

Garmin – GPSMap67 series keys lock – tap power button once then select Lock Keys – Power Button unlocks

Montana 700 series as default double tap power button takes screen off you can check this in main menu – Setup – system – Power Key – Double tap screen off

Winter walking, an update from Zoleo, a look back at 2024 and Andy's top tips.

In this month’s podcast

Winter walking – some things to think about

Meeting with Zoleo last week

A look back at 2024, what would we like to see for 2025

Andy’s Top Tips

1.   Winter walking – some things to think about

1. Batteries

2. Powerbank, don’t forget your cable to charge your mobile phone or wireless charging

3. Escape routes, planning for the worst-case scenario - watch a video - planning your walk.

4. Two-way satellite communication – this has become a lot more affordable over the past year with Garmin’s £7.50/ month contract

5. Headtorch/ torch

6. Extra clothing/backup clothing

7. Biffy Bag / Foil Bag

If anything we have missed, drop us an email

Andy's video - contents of his rucksack ahead of the Spine Challenge race.

2.   Meeting with Zoleo last week - Bristol

John - VP - Vice president of sales

Roadpost Inc. Prevails in Arbitration Against Beam Communications Pty Ltd.

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Roadpost Inc. is pleased to announce that the arbitrator in its case against Beam Communications Pty Ltd. has rendered a decision in its favour, finding Beam in material breach of the 50/50 ZOLEO Inc. joint venture agreement between the two companies.

The arbitration decision is final and binding, compelling Beam to sell its joint venture share in ZOLEO Inc. to Roadpost at fair market value.

Should the parties be unable to agree on fair market value, it will be determined by an independent professional valuator. The purchase price will be paid 25% at closing with the balance due in three equal annual payments.

Roadpost is confident that ZOLEO device supply will continue without interruption during this process. The joint venture agreement and related documents clearly define the mechanisms, including price, through which all necessary IP for manufacturing and operations will be acquired by ZOLEO Inc. pursuant to Beam's share sale. It is Roadpost's view that the device IP must be rolled up at no additional cost to ZOLEO or Roadpost.

So what does this mean for you, the end user?

Nothing short term

Long-term lots, as Roadpost (who won) can now progress with new features, new devices etc

Exciting meeting to hear about some of their plans and also to pitch some of our ideas

So let’s see what the future brings

Whilst we are talking about meeting with manufacturers we have TwoNav coming to see us early this month, any thoughts/ ideas from you the listener would be appreciated.

 

3. A look back at 2024, what would we like to see for 2025

TwoNav has to be the out subject of 2024

Garmin Fenix 8 – it’s been very well received

Lack of new Garmin handhelds, inReach Messenger plus only new device, fingers crossed this will change in 2025

 

4. Andy’s Top Tips

All about battery saving:

All GPS Devices Garmin / TwoNav

Wifi / Bluetooth off, Backlight down, how long backlight on for use screen off buttons , battery save mode etc, gps only, north up, if screen on all of the time do not leave on map

AA batteries units make sure setting correct in system

Watches

As above + optical HR off

Spare batteries and power-banks keep in inside pocket next to body for warmth, Eneloop or lithium better in cold

What training opportunities do we have coming up in 2025, Fenix 8 - 6 weeks in and Andy's top tips.

In this month’s podcast

What GPS Training courses do we have for 2025

Garmin Fenix 8 – 6 weeks in

1 thing that we each would encourage any GPS to do – the one action you would encourage every handheld GPS user to do

Andy’s Top Tips

1.   What courses do we currently have?

1. Online resource - £50.00/ year (included free with and GPS purchase)

2. Support packages - Bronze, Silver and Gold - £80.00/ £125.00/ £145.00 / year (included free with and GPS purchase)

3. Group training courses over Zoom - £74.99

4. Nationwide two-day training course - £195.00 for 2-day course

5. 1:1 over Zoom - 2 hours - £89.00

6. 1:1 in person, Northumberland, get in touch

A video looking at the training options can be seen here

2. Garmin Fenix 8 – 6 weeks in

Full review on the Garmin Fenix 8 - watch/ read it here

 

3. When teaching on a GPS Training course - What 1 thing that we each would encourage any GPS to do – the one action you would encourage every handheld GPS user to do

4. Andy’s Top Tips 

TwoNav - Route Off course alerts change distance & volume

Main menu – Settings – Activity Profiles – Alarms – Data Fields

Deviation from Route – Maximum – enter distance (Min off)

Terra, Aventura Have different Tones options

All units have Option to Repeat alarm on or off and how often to repeat , 15s, 30s, 1min, 2min, 5min

Volume Top toolbar from map page Audio muted or change volume

Garmin - Push Button Units GPSMAp65,66,67 – Add Shortcut applications to page button

A good example satellite page to check grid ref & accuracy using Page button

From Main menu setup – Menus – Page Sequence – Edit page sequency – Add page – applications – Satellite, another example 66, 67 only flashlight

Coris Vertix 2s, new inReach contracts, the all-new Garmin inReach Messenger plus and Andy's top tips.

In this month’s podcast

First thoughts on the Coros Vertix 2s - 2 min 09 sec.

New inReach contracts - 14 min 10 sec.

New inReach messenger plus - 28 min.

Andy’s Top Tips - 33 min 55 sec.

1.   First thoughts on the Coros Vertix 2s

Robust tough sapphire screen sunlight readable, titanium bezel, big battery not all the bells and whistles but so easy to use.

For a none solar watch battery is great

Bigger screen very clear data boxes

Scroll wheel works really well as per other coros like lock screen to stop accidental stopping of activity but can still scroll though screens

off course alert virbrate seems stronger and works well

ease of use, app simple, routes transfer easily

Maps not as details but so easy to see line in fromt of you and have handheld with os maps for those more difficult navigation, on 16 mile route yesterday used watch 90% of the time only looked at handheld couple of times

Coros Vertix 2s - more here

2. New inReach contracts

 

SOS only (Garmin call this inReach enabled) - £7.99/month - inReach Enabled has no annual fee and includes unlimited SOS and pay-as-you-go pricing for other features. (You have to have contract in place for at least x 1 month)

10p / check-in

10p / trackPoint

50p / message/ weather

1 off payment – Activation fee - £39.99

Garmin inReach products - more here

3. New inReach messenger plus

What is the Garmin inReach messenger? - £199.99

Up to 28 days with a message or location sent every 10 minutes with full sky view; up to 14 days with moderate tree cover

Up to 6 days with a message or location sent every 2 minutes with full sky view; up to 3 days with moderate tree cover

Up to 46 days with a message or location sent every 30 minutes with full sky view; up to 23 days with moderate tree cover

Up to 1 year when powered off

What is the inReach messenger plus? - £429.99 ( 30 second voice message, photo’s)

-- NEW -- The ability to also send voice recordings, photos and group messaging on the Garmin Messenger™ app

Up until now Garmin’s inReach line used Short Burst Data (SBD) to send messages, but with entirely new hardware, the Messenger Plus uses Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) to send messages 300 times larger than SBD. That means it can support photos, 30-second voice memos, and 1,600-character texts (previous inReach text messages couldn’t exceed 160 characters).

Battery

Up to 120 hours of text message or location information sent every 2 minutes in power-saving messaging mode; up to 70 hours in performance messaging mode.

Up to 600 hours of text message or location information sent every 10 minutes in power-saving messaging mode; up to 110 hours in performance messaging mode.

Send up to 250 multimedia messages on a single battery charge.

Up to 1 year from power off

Note: Battery life estimates assume use with a full view of the sky. Battery life may be significantly reduced by obstructions or dense trees.

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus - more here

4. Andy’s Top Tips

Coros Watches

When on map or elevation plot screen

If you do press in scroll wheel you will see + - icon to use scroll wheel to zoom in and out – remember to press back button when finished or when screen unlocked scroll wheel will not move to next screen as still in zoom mode back button cancels

Remember you cannot pause or stop activity from map or elevation sreen but any other screen

 

Mac recycle bin for TwoNav maps or Garmin Topo Active, make sure you clear if you have deleted from devoice otherwise when device connected and bin can be seen it still shows that the device has this memory taken

The new Garmin Fenix 8, Irish mapping for a TwoNav GPS unit and a new GPS Training course for 2025.

In this month’s podcast

It’s our 100’th episode

Fenix 8 – what has changed

Irish mapping for TwoNav

NEW – GPS Training courses over Zoom for 2025

Andy’s Top Tips

 1. It’s our 100th podcast

Sorry it’s a little late in the month, normally it is the 1st of every month.

Holidays and very busy at GPS Training

If you do not already do please subscribe to the GPS Training podcast on whatever platform you listen to us on

 

2. Fenix 8 - what has changed?

AMOLED screen – no longer EPIX

Fenix 8 – AMOLED

Fenix 8 – SOLAR

Additions –

- AMOLED comes in three sizes: 43/47/51mm

- Solar comes in two sizes: 47/51mm

- Solar edition only - New edge ring solar panel is far more efficient, and no longer covers display, improving clarity

- New sensor guard protects microphone and barometer (between buttons)

- New leak-proof button design using inductive buttons, so no actual hole in the case

– Added recreational scuba diving/apnea features, down to 40M with EN13319 certification

– Added diving no-fly and surface time features (widgets/data pages, etc…)

– Added access to phone assistant via microphone/speaker (with your smartphone)

– Added taking phone calls via microphone/speaker (with your smartphone)

– Added voice notes recorder (on watch)

– Added new offline voice assistant

– Added new maps radius zoom UI change

– Added new maps North Up quick toggle

– Added new maps layer selection quick access menu

– Added quick access touch unlock feature (temporarily unlocks touch, such as for a map during workout)

– Added new ‘Active Navigation’ menu system while navigating a course/waypoint/etc

– Added new consolidated ‘Saved’ feature, to find saved routes/waypoints/etc

– Added new dynamic round-trip routing, to auto—change route mid-way to achieve a specified distance if you go off-course (e.g. set for 5 miles)

– Added ‘Set a Target’ distance reminder, to remind you to turn around after the half-way point

– Added Ski difficulty tracking option

– Added strength training plans (4-6 weeks, via Garmin Connect)

– Added new watch face editor, and new watch faces

– Added new Countdown app to countdown to various dates/events

– Added new Focus Modes

– Added new online processing of troubled GPS tracks, using internal watch sensor data to correct them

– Major redesign of user interface, including widgets, settings, and activity/workout pages

– Revamped Notification Centre to include Garmin-based notifications (e.g., Morning Report or Daily Summary)

3. Irish mapping for TwoNav – potentially getting updated

Source: LPSNI Northern Ireland

Scale: 1:50.000

Format: Topographic

Size: 437.19 Mb

Resolution: 4.0 m/px

Version : 2012

£34.16

Southern Ireland OSM & TomTom

Overseas and Irish map options for TwoNav GPS Units

4. NEW – GPS Training courses over Zoom for 2025

Over the next couple of weeks we will be putting our 2025 GPS Training courses on the website –

Two-day ‘physical’ training courses around the UK – £195.00

Scottish Borders

Northumberland

Lake District

Peak District

Northamptonshire

Gloucestershire

South Downs

New Forest

Then we have out 1:1 over Zoom – 2 hours - £89.00 – at a time that suits you best

BUT, new for 2025 we are having 1 day group courses over Zoom

Unit specific – TwoNav, GPSMAP series, Montana series and maybe watches and other series of units going forward.

These will be - £75.00/ person

During the week

10.00 – 16.00 (with x 1 hour for lunch – giving time to digest what has been taught

Unit specific – Cover how to use GPS unit and planning routes on our free OS planner

– 4 people on each Zoom training course

 

5. Andy’s top tips

TwoNav

If you own a computer you can organise your Routes into Folders

From your computer Windows File Explore, Mac Finder, locate TwoNav Data folder within the Data folder you can create folders and drop your GPX files into them

Then when you open up Routes from main menu you can see your folders

If you do not have pc you cannot create folders but you can change list order by going into Routes – tap 3 white dots bottom right – select Sort by – Date, Sport, File Name, Proximity, distance, Ascent etc

This will also change order in folders, ie distance longest first, ascent highest first etc

Garmin – installed TopoActive Maps can I make them more detailed

Handhelds goto Setup – Map – advance setup – Detail – change from Normal to more or most

Setup – Map – map manager – turn of regions of OS if using map card , older units make sure topo active enabled , 67, 67i always enabled.

Basecamp Mac – detail level bar toolbar bottom of map

Basecamp Windows – View – Toolbars – detail level tick – new box Medium, can change to higher highest or low, lower, lowest

Lower when moving around