GPS Training Podcast

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

The October GPS Training Podcast - A big thank you – more about that later, Old OS map cards in new Garmin GPS Units – what you need to know, The Garmin GPSMAP 65s with a 1:25k map card, GPS course locations for 2022, and Andy’s top tips.

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a very big thank you to Ian

As you may hear we have no Ian on this month’s Podcast, this is, very sadly he has decided to leave GPS Training.

Ian has been a member of the GPS Training team for 14 years.

He has also been my fellow co-host on the Podcast since episode 19, so he hosted 40 Podcasts with me, and despite everything that has happened over the last 18 months we had lots of fun doing so.

He also delivered x 3 courses in the South – South Downs, New Forest, and Northamptonshire.

So it was with a very heavy heart I accepted Ian’s resignation in the last month and he will be a massive loss for GPS Training.

Thanks for everything Ian over the past 14 years and best of luck with everything going forward from all the team at GPS Training and the listeners of the GPS Training Podcast.

A big thank you Ian

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is the different map cards you have got over the years as some of the older OS map cards are not working in the new generation GPS Units.

What are the different types of OS map cards?

DiscovererTOPO PRO v1TOPO PRO v2You get each of these map options in both 1:50k OS scale and also 1:25k, which also has the 1:50k map card on the same card.TOPO PRO – Routable data within National Parks

What is the problem some customers are encountering?

New GPS Units – list these – will only work with the TOPO PRO map cards

Buy your new map card when you buy a new unit – 1:50k map card half price when you do it this way

To find out more about the different Garmin GPS Units go to – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store (top menu bar) > Handheld GPS Units

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is - The Garmin GPSMAP 65s with a 1:25k map card

What is the problem?Back Story – our GPS UnitAnd a solution – short term?Expected fix date? Thanks to the cartography team at Garmin who I know have been liaising with Andy – End OctoberIn the short term you will see we have not been selling the Garmin GPSMAP 65s with the 1:25k map card.Garmin GPSMAP has become one of our best-selling GPS Units alongside the Garmin GPSMAP 66srGarmin GPSMAP 65s – Multi band, Topo Active mapping, works alongside the explore app and this stunning 15 hours of battery life with 2 x AA batteries

To find out more about the Garmin GPSMAP 65s please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units > Garmin GPSMAP 65s and when on the product page

The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Our GPS Training course locations for 2022

We currently have 2 x courses

1 x day SatMap course2 x day Garmin Course

Current course locations

South DownsNew ForestNorthamptonshirePeak DistrictLake DistrictNorthumberlandPeebles - Scottish Borders

New for 2022 – Gloucestershire - Ashleworth Memorial Hall, Nup End, Ashleworth, GL19 4HU

Also, for 2022 – More midweek courses – Many thanks to everybody who filled in the course questionnaire that we have linked to a couple of times from the newsletter over the past month

To find out more about our GPS training courses please just go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips – and we have lots of them – list on my job sheet (11 in total)

Garmin –

In out routes on Basecamp dont overlap on top as compass will be confused, use duplicate reverse or create 2 x Routes1:25k/ European maps - ages to loadElevation – resetting – videos in the online resource for all the units

SatMap -

SatMap Active 20 GPX file copied straight into unit - if tracks shown as footprint icon in internal folder need to convert to route to navigate with - select Actions convert to route

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstarining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.And please take a look at our YouTube channel – upload a new video every Wednesday - Many thanks to Andy for joining me on this month’s podcast.

Free route planning software, basic terminology, mapping options and ask Ian

In this month’s podcast

We look at the FREE NEW GPS training route planning softwareBasic terminology – what does it all mean?Mapping options for an Outdoor GPS unitAsk Ian – Ian answers the questions you have been asking over the past monthStock availability

So, without a further ado lets get on with this months GPS Training Podcast

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a quick look over the new FREE GPS Training route planning software

Where do you find this?

gpstraining.co.uk and click on OS planner (top menu bar) or scroll down to the bottom of homepage and you will see a banner taking you to it.

Why have we done this?

Trying to give a free alternative to those not wanting to use Garmin BaseCamp or Xpedition 2 as we are finding it hard to support OS route planner, Memory map, Qua, Anquet etc etc

Also – to get traffic onto the website – link building – so if anybody can help with this it would be appreciated.

Very basic, easy to use route planning softwarePlan on 1:25k maps even if you just have 1:50k maps on your GPSAnd to prove this I recently did a walk and talk with a Garmin eTrex 10, first planning my route on our OS planner firstIt is free and will continue to beAndy has created training videos, these you will find underneath the route planning software

Please enjoy, share with your friends, walking groups and anybody who may be interested in it, its FREE! And if you can link to it from your walking group, walking festival, local website it would be very much appreciated.

To access the free OS route planning software please go to gpstraining.co.uk and click on OS planner on the top menu bar and a very big thank you for all the kind comments you have sent us about it over the past few weeks, since it has been launched.

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is to discuss the basic terminology we/ you use when navigating with an outdoor GPS unit

What is a -

WaypointRouteTrackCourse

To find out more about our GPS training courses please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the varies map options you get on both Garmin and SatMap GPS units

So Ian, lets start off with the SatMap options – UK options- Solo Unit- Adventure maps 25k – Open Street mapping – really 1:25k?- 1:50k option – Land ranger map equivalent – pink cover- Platinum Edition – 1:10k, 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k – Explorer map (1:25k) Orange cover in the paper form

Moving onto the Garmin options – again UK options- Topo Active maps – Walk and talk we discuss using the Garmin eTrex 10 (a GPS with no maps) - Birdseye Download – Voucher – 25,000 sq km – Don’t get confused with Birdseye satellite download25k maps also show Field Boundaries, open Access areas and permissive paths, which you don’t get on the 1:50k maps- Discoverer mapping and TOPO PRO (map cards) – what are the differences – Routable data and updated map set- TOPO PRO – 1:50k and 1:25k (1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k) – How do you select each of these map sets?

If you want to see what each of the map sets look like, please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the magnifying glass (top right) – and type in map options – underneath the products you will see an article - Garmin mapping options for outdoor GPS

The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Ask Ian.

From Nathan - After meeting your colleagues at the Geocaching Mega in Lincolnshire last week. I've been reassured that sending in questions of the one I'm about to ask should attract a response - it'd be interesting to see how many others are facing the same issue, or whether it's another one of those early bugs I've caught.

The issue pertains to some Geocaches not showing on my Garmin Montana 700.

It seems random in which caches are affected, with no particular trend to follow.

The caches have been fully synced via GC Live Download of Pocket Query results (500 caches per query, live data deleted prior to avoid device caching issues), as well as spontaneous GC Live Downloads of the nearest caches.

I seem to be getting a failure rate of approx. 1 in 10-15 caches, which means needing to use a smartphone to verify what I see on my GPS is the reality.

This has detracted from an experience where I can use the GPS wholly as my source of truth when Geocaching.

I'm using TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:25K (V2) mapping, though this issue affects all maps on the device.

It's not a zoom issue as it affects all levels of zoom, although very rarely I do get an issue where some caches disappear beyond a certain zoom (in) - but as I said, very rare.

Another rare issue is when a cache can show up on the GC Live Download list, but not on the map. It's quite perplexing.

I've also changed all Geocache zoom levels in the settings, as well as map detail and other relevant settings, with no luck.

It'd be good to know if you can replicate the issue your side, and if so could be a good segment for an Ask Ian Q&A?

Best,Nathan

Ian’s answer - To be honest, unless you think otherwise, he is best talking to Garmin about this as there is little I can do as it's well over 100 miles from me to see what happens.

The only things that I can suggest, which aren't very inspiring are:

a corrupt gpx file?has he tried downloading it as a separate geocache to see what happens?Master Reset?

It seems that Nathan has had his question answered re the routable Topo maps at the Geocache event?

Another Ask Ian -

North up or track up – what are the differences?

So if you have a GPS question you want answering in next month’s podcast please just email – [email protected] 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is a recurring theme - stock

Ian, I have added this to podcast to hopefully stem the flow of questions –

When will you have the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr back in stock?

When will you have the Garmin GPSMAP 65s back in stock?

And now

When will you have the Garmin eTrex 35t back I stock?

Joking aside if you want to me notified when a product comes back into stock, please just enter your email address into the relevant product page on our website and you will get an automatic email from the site when it comes back into stock

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.And please take a look at our YouTube channel

An in-depth but lighthearted look into the world of Outdoor GPS Navigation, the OS App, GPS Courses, and Andy is once again back with his technical insight.

This month I am again joined by my co-host Ian, our South of England trainer here at GPS Training.

In this month’s podcast

A quick update on the OS appGPS courses and a new course going forwardA new piece – Andy’s top tech - updatesBefore you head away on holiday with your GPS, a few things to work through.Ask Ian – Ian answers the questions you have been asking over the past monthGPS training YouTube channel – an update

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a quick update from Ian regarding the problems he has been encountering with the OS App …. The story continues ……The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the GPS training courses we have coming up this summer and some plans we have for the future.Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 31st July and 1st AugLocation - Northumberland

SatMap GPS Training courseDate - 7th AugustLocation - Northumberland

Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 4th and 5th SeptLocation - New Forest

Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 11th and 12th SeptLocation - Lake District

Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 18th and 19th SeptLocation – Northumberland

Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 25th and 26th SeptLocation – South Downs

Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 2nd and 3rd OctoberLocation – Peebles, Scottish Borders

GPS in the Hills – Date – locationMust have been on a training course with us in the past

To find out more about our GPS training courses please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is Andy’s handy top tech updates - looking at some of the current issues and solutions for Outdoor GPS users

Maps on GPSMAP 65sFit file on 66 range – elevationMontana 700 - Find Current activity crashingUnits with built in batteries - crashing - what to do

Online resource – what have you need updating?

Over 40 videos to date for the Garmin GPSMAP 65s

To watch this all-new training resource for the Garmin GPSMAP 65s in the online resource go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on online resource on the top menu bar

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training podcast is a look at what you need to work through before you head away on holiday with your GPS unit

Local grid reference – set this upPower – batteries, plug adapter, power bank, solar panelsCalibrate your compassMap Options – Topo Active, Open-source maps, Local maps,

To find out more about the varies open-source map options that are on offer please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store > Maps

The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Ask Ian.

Hi Ian,

I have a question about my GPSMAP 66sr.

How do I change the colour of an imported track? I want to do this because the default purple is difficult to see against roads when wearing sunglasses.

I have tried Selecting a Track in Saved tracks, clicking on Menu and Set color.

However although when I Find Track and see it on the map it is in the new colour, when I click on Go it reverts to Purple.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Best wishes,Peter Wilkinson

The colour reverts to magenta when you actively navigate the track. This is the colour set by Garmin which can’t be changed.Compare with Satmap where you can set the colour for routes (Main Menu screen>Settings>option 26 Route Rendering)

I have recently restarted using Basecamp to plot routes for transfer to my GPS. Now when I create the waypoints the software seems to jump backwards so I end up with a series of unintended spikes between my waypoints. What has gone wrong? If I plot a track instead it seems ok! I have updated Basecamp to the current version.Hope you can help.Best wishesNeil Rothwell

Almost certainly the incorrect Activity Profile.Topo OS GB card – inside NP Direct or Hiking ProfileOutside NP – Direct for all off roadSettings need to be changed by setting them on the toolbar or you can double click on the route to see the Route properties. Withing that, there’s an option to change the Activity. Once changed, the route should re calculate itself. If it doesn’t, there’s an option to recalculate itThe same needs to be done for the ‘Route setting’ in ‘Setup’ on the GPS

Hi Ian,

I am getting to grips with my Satmap Active 20 and planning on Xpedition2, although I am struggling with one aspect and would be grateful for some advice.

Planning a bee line route is fine. Following it on the Satmap is fine. What I can’t seem to do is add some kind of marker to show my planned coffee stops and lunch stops. I don’t know if this is possible but if it is I would really appreciate some pointers on how to do it.

Many thanks,Andy Piper

Plan the route as you need it.Add a POI for the pub in Xpedition2Click on the POI for the pub and name itExport both the Route and POI gpx filesWhen copied in to the Active 20, the POI will show on the mapIf you move the middle button and centre the cross hairs over the POI, the name of the POI will show

So if you have a GPS question you want answering in next month’s podcast please just email – [email protected] 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is a quick look at the YouTube Channel for GPS Training.

We have a special offer for the month of August – If you subscribe to the GPS training YouTube channel in August 2021 you will get entered into a draw to win –

Powertraveller – Sport 25 Solar Kit – Worth £105.00Sport 25 & Falcon 7 solar panel (7 watt) including carry system

We have varies playlists on our YouTube channel -

The best GPS unit series

Throughout the year I create best budget, top end and large screen GPS unit videos

Product reviews

Review GPS units, power packs, unboxing of units and videos looking at map options.

Top tips for using Outdoor GPS unitsPodcasts – recording of our Podcast interviews

Many of the guests I have interviewed and the occasional full-length recording of the GPS training Podcast

Walk and talk series

In these videos, I take a GPS unit on a ‘walk and talk’, as I put a different GPS unit through it’s paces

So to subscribe to the GPS Training on YouTube please just go to YouTube and type GPS Training into the search box on YouTube and press the subscribe button! It’s as easy as that.

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.

2021 Garmin Map Card, Spine Race, what have they done to the OS app, more units discontinued and ask Ian.

In this month’s podcast

A quick update on the 2021 OS map cards from GarminSpine race – well done to all our customers who have taken part in this event.After we sung the praises of the OS app in a recent Podcast, in their wisdom they managed to undo any good work they had done just a few weeks later. We look at what they have done.Yet more units discontinued by Garmin, we look at a year where Garmin have certainly cleared the stable out.Stock availability – sorry I know it is a recurring theme, but a quick update on stock issuesAsk Ian – the questions you have been asking Ian over the past month

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at the recent update on the Garmin 1:50k map card

Last month we discussed that Garmin, after a very long wait, updated the 1:25k map cardIn the past month we also received and update of the 1:50k TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:50k map cardSo both map cards are now V2OS release ¼ of the country every year as a map update so cards get updated every 4 years but for some reason the 1:50k map card has been updated after 3 years.What changes on OS maps?

You can buy the new map card as a standalone product on GPS Training and all new Garmin GPS unit bundles are now being shipped with updated map cards, unlike some other retailers

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look back at the Spine race – well done to all our customers who have taken part in this event.

The Montane Spine Race is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races.

There are both summer and winter events and the summer event started on Saturday 19th June.

In our 31st episode, we interviewed Paul Freeman after he completed the Spine Challenger race.A truly epic challenge that will test your physical resilience and mental fortitude. Racing non-stop along the Pennine Way – 268 miles

There are ‘shorter’ races within the main race but all are true challenges.

As I spoke about this in last month’s Podcasts many people are introduces to GPS units for the first time with an event like this.

We have had a number of customers participating in the event and well done to all those who took part.

Before they start the Spine Race they have to demonstrate they can get their current Grid reference from their GPS unit.

So, Ian how would people do this –

Satellite pageCreate waypoint of your current location

If you want to find more about the Spine race please just go to their website – thespinerace.comThe next thing on this month's podcast is the recent updates to the OS app.

After Ian sung the praises of the OS app in a recent Podcast, in their wisdom OS managed to undo any good work they had done just a few weeks later.

So Ian, what have they done?

Basically, when you plan a route on the app, it exports as a track in to Garmin Explore unlike all the other apps you can use…..

I am slowly working on the OS. They have now admitted that they have trashed it for the time being and accept it needs to be altered back to what it was prior their three app updates in March. That still hasn’t been done. As we do have, I think, quite a few customers who use this app, it may be worth talking about it/other options that work?The next thing on the GPS Training Podcast is the end of the road for the Garmin Oregon 750

Another one bights the dust –

This year we have seen the A number of units ‘discontinued’ –

Touch 25t, we still have the 35tGPSMAP 64sx and GPSMAP 66stMontana 610, 680 and 680tThen the Oregon 750tAnd then this week we saw the Garmin Oregon 750 be discontinued.

Don’t work both ourselves and Garmin will continue to support these units for many years to come.Stock availability – sorry I know it is a recurring theme, but a quick update on stock issues

Currently out of stock of GPSMAP 66sr, Montana 700i

Shortage of ‘chips’

So why are we also out of stock on Montana 700 bike mounts and lanyards?If you are wanting one of the ‘out of stock’ units three things you can do

a, Buy one and you are first to getb, Email or speak to us and you can end up on an internal listc, Put your email address into the relevant out of stock product page on the GPS Training website

We often get products back into stock 1 – 2 weeks before Garmin do themselves, which often puzzles me.

To find out more about the range of GPS units please just go to our website GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units

The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Ask Ian.

Garmin – Can I record my walk/cycle ride without planning a route first?

Yes you can.

On all Garmin GPS’s, and for that matter, Satmap GPS’s, all you need to do

Montana 700 series - is press the power button briefly on the side of the GPS>Activity>start and then at the end of the activity>StopOregon 700 series – swipe up from the bottom of the map page>Start and then at the end of the activity>StopeTrex Touch – the same as for the Oregon 700 seriesMap66 series – map screen>Enter>Start and then at the end of the activity>Enter button>Stop

If you plan to do this, I would suggest that you go to the Trip Computer screen before starting and Reset the Trip data and Activity Recording (the top and third options).

To do the ‘reset’, on the Trip Computer screen

Touch screen GPS’s – horizontal bars bottom right>Reset

Map 65/66 series – Menu button>Reset>

This is ‘good practice’ for any activity if you haven’t used the GPS for some time.

Satmap – Trip Log Screen > Start> Stop. There is an ‘Actions’ icon where you can reset the recording before starting

Satmap

Hi Ian,

I purchased the above from GPS Training over a year ago, but illness and Covid conspired to keep me away from the great outdoors and so It did not get much use until now.

I recently went to the Lake District with the aim of getting to grips with the unit and pretty quickly ran in to problems. The good news is that most of these were fixed by updating the software. However, there is one remaining issue - the "Total Ascent" field, which I have found very useful on other GPS's I have owned, displays absolute rubbish!

For example, I went for a five mile walk around Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens in London (c.80ft above sea level - gently undulating) and at the end the total ascent was showing 2500 ft!

I know that this figure will rarely be accurate, but on such an expensive unit, I would expect it to be "in the ball park".

Have you any advice as to what settings I could tweak to correct this issue?Many thanks,

Robin Davis

Trip Log screen – Actions folder > reset the dataMaster reset – Main Menu screen>Settings>Default>Yes

If that doesn’t cure the issue, and you’re confident that the Active 20 is up to date, Beta version 3.13.109 and Platform 43, then the next step would be for you to contact Satmap

---- FYI Ian ---- Recent correspondence from SatMap tech team re another question about this ----

I’ve been asked to contact you regarding the elevation differences you are seeing on your device and OS elevation data.

The Active 20 sources its Map elevation data from SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) v3, void filled. This is data gathered by NASA and has been made available to the public. It’s the same data used by many, including OpenStreetMap. The device also runs a few calculations to find the expected elevation of a specific point by looking at the elevation data from all surrounding areas, as the elevation data is mapped out in a 90x90m grid.

https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/index.html

I’m not sure where OS maps and Garmin source their map elevation data from. But comparing their data with the elevation found here - https://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm which is also sourced by SRTM, the data your Active 20 shows to match up well.

Regarding the elevation your Active 20 sourced from GPS, was this taken from a recorded track? If you have changed your elevation source to GPS, but are placing a POI at a certain location, then the elevation data will still come from SRTM. The only way to get elevation data sourced from GPS, is to physically have the device in that location, where it will be recorded to a track or show on the relevant data box on the device.

If you know where OS sources its elevation data from or why it’s considered more accurate than the data provided by he SRTM, please let me know.

Kind regards,

Daryn

Technical Support

Satmap Systems Ltd.

So if you have a GPS question you want answering in next month’s podcast please just email – [email protected] 

And Finally

Jon leads

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.

In this month’s podcast - GPX files, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s is making some waves and Ian's FAQ's.

If you are heading away this summer, we are going to discuss some good websites to download .gpx files from. Don’t worry if that makes no sense to you we will tell you what a .gpx file is, and what you do with them.The recent upsurge of the Garmin GPSMAP 65s, it has taken a few months to gain traction, but we are now struggling to keep them in stock.No - Ian’s FAQ’s this month but an update about some big changes in the next few weeks.

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at GPS files, what are they and where can you get them from.

Ian, what is a GPX fileGarmin and SatMap?Route, track or course?Create/ source GPX file from third party website or third party route planning software – Walk Highlands – GPS Training website (plans for the future)Once we have sourced a GPX file what do we do with it and what navigational experience will it give us?

Key websites, but open to any suggestions post podcast

Best websites to download .gpx files - Long distance trails

National trail websiteGPS – RoutesLDWASaturday Walkers ClubWalking Englishman

Best websites to download .gpx files - Day walksWalk HighlandsGPS-routesWalking EnglishmanWalking WorldHarold StreetWalking AboutHappy HikerBest websites to download .gpx files - Mountain Bike routesPedal NorthSingletrackworld - Magazine that share .gpx files of routesAll TrailsMountain Bike RidesMTB Foodie

To find out more about GPX files and direct links to the websites mentioned please go to our website –

gpstraining.co.uk > click on the magnifying glass, top right, and type in GPX and under - Pages and articles you will see an article -

Recommended best websites to download .gpx walking and cycling routes

Also, don’t forget if you come on one of our weekend courses (Garmin) we spend 2 hours looking at GPS files, if you are unable to come on our ‘physical’ courses please do join us on one of our online masterclasses, 1.5 hours (Zoom) looking at GPX files - Masterclass - GPX files - Garmin

The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the new kid on the block making some waves, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s

Launched – Oct last year

Was the ‘little brother/ sister to the 66sr

But now come very much to the fore

Being used a lot by ultra-event participants – AA batteries, lightweight, spine race participants

My walk and talk with this unit – am I becoming, after lots of trying, an influencer?

To find out more just go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units > You will see both the Garmin GPSMAP 65 and 65s – what’s the difference?

Also videos coming soon for the online resource, but more about that in the next story!

Ian’s FAQ’s – well Ian’s FAQ’s with a big difference, no FAQ’s. In last mid-month podcast you hopefully had your ‘fix’ of tech questions!

So looking forward there are changes ahead.

Jon currently doing tech support – poor customers.But thankfully it is just for another two weeks – for both the customers and my sanity!As we have a new or not so new member of staff starting.Andy is back, if you have watched the videos in the online resource, you will know or at least heard Andy.Andy is coming back to do

tech supportdeliver North of England and Scotland training courses (Peak District, Lakes, Northumberland and Scottish Borders) and if you are booked on the Northamptonshire courses (SatMap and Garmin) in early July you will see him there working alongside Ian.work on the GPS Training online resource, new units and update some of the existing training programs (SatMap Active 20)And also to bring some technical insight to the GPS Training podcastSo as Ian is no longer doing support and after the great uptake of the mid-month podcast we are going to have a new piece -

Ask Ian – [email protected]

You can email your questions in and Ian will answer them within the podcast each month

So if you have a GPS question you want answering in next month’s podcast please just email – [email protected] 

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.

Ask Ian. In this months Podcast we test Ian's tech knowledge, as he answers some of the listeners questions.

Questions -

Anthony Tranter - In the Basecamp software when I look at the GPS unit I see the recorded Tracks. The strange thing is the unit has recorded two tracks with different naming conversations. For example one might be named 2021-02-21-11:00:31 (consistent naming convention with Saved Tracks in the unit) and another might be named 21/02/2021 09:42:24. This looks like it’s the same track but notice the difference in naming. By can you tell me what the differences between these two tracks is please and which one do I keep?

Forward facing date – FIT fileBackward date - gpx file

Anthony Tranter

Allan Humphrey - The Garmin eTrex 32x I recently purchased from you is doing what I wanted and expected it to do - recording walk timings, distance covered, etc., but there is an issue with the walk mapping that is troubling me.

At the end of a walk I check that the route taken is clearly drawn onto the map, then I switch the unit off. No problem so far.

On arrival home, even with the unit turned off, I find that the system has drawn a straight line connecting my home to the end point of my walk. Sometimes this can be many miles, and the actual walk route is then a tiny section at the end of a very long connecting line, making it unreadable.

Is there a way of preventing the GPS from drawing this unwanted connecting line, and why does it do it?

Allan Humphrey.

Save the track before heading home/switching the GPS off

Elaine Savage - I use an Oregon 600 GPS to record the tracks that I walk and I have noticed a discrepancy in the distances I am recording once I transfer my walk to BaseCamp on my Mac. I am always careful to clear my tracks before starting to record, to start recording and then to stop recording and save the track before I step inside my house (if walking from home) or get into the car (if travelling to a walk). So I am fairly confident that I am not adding extra data that I haven’t walked.

The discrepancy can be observed by comparing the following screen shots:

In the first shot, I have highlighted all the index points:and you can see that the total distance is recorded as 5.8 miles. In the next screenshot, I have excluded the final index point:

and the distance is recorded as 5.5 miles even though the leg distance is only 16 feet. In the same way, if I exclude the first index point, with a leg distance of only 1 foot, the total distance comes out as 5.5 miles.

I have noticed this discrepancy for some time, especially when trying to understand why a fellow walker’s GPS came up with a different measurement to mine. But it has been highlighted today when I decided to export the gpx file to my OSMaps application. The route recorded on OSMaps taken from the gpx file recorded by my Oregon 600 comes out as 5.5 miles.

So where has my 0.3 of a mile gone? And is there something I can do to ensure that my Oregon 600 is measuring my tracks accurately?

Do hope you can help.

Kind regards

Elaine Savage

GPS variability, different satellites being received

Peter Chapman - GPS Training Clinic question I have a GPSMAP64S with Snowdonia OS 1:250 000 from you.

I’ve learnt by using and have confidence in my position in Lat/Long; how do I convert to OS coordinates for rescue purposes etc?I now also want to locate specific sites located on sheet maps but do not know how.

Can you help please?

Thanks so much

Kind RegardsPeter Chapman

Setup>Position format>British Grid

When I replied top Peter saying his question would be answered in tonight’s GPS Training clinic he came back with the following question –

Thanks for that

Extra query; when exploring and trying to sort best route on the ground, or identify something just seen at a distance, need to use paper map to get overview before zooming in on GPS.

Is there a better way??

Thanks!

Have FunPete

Just use the map on the screen of the GPS with it zoomed out, but also remind people to carry a map for that reason for safety/additional route planning/GPS failure

I have a Garmin GPS Map 66s.

When charging with the Garmin Battery inserted and using the internal GPS charger, it takes some time to charge and indicate a “Full Charge”. Does the GPS sense when the battery is full charged or is there just an inbuilt timer which charges for a certain time ?

My concern is overcharging the battery but I find using the internal charger useful so as not having to carry another charger.

Kind Regards

Ray Grange

(GPS Training course attended)

Many chargers/batteries know when the charge has been achieved. To 80% quick charge but it’s the final 20% that takes the time. Jon, I think you did something on this last year?

Chris, from NottinghamIs there any way of improving the accuracy on altimeter on his GPS?He does not say if he has a Garmin or SatMap so let’s do both –

A1. Garmin

Make sure the unit has a calibrated barometer. You can do this by letting the unit sit at a fixed elevation for at least half an hour with a clear view of the sky to let the elevation trend to the correct number, or manually calibrating the barometer so that the elevation is correct.

Calibrating the Barometric Altimeter Your device was already calibrated at the factory, and the device uses automatic calibration by default.

You can manually calibrate the barometric altimeter if you know the correct elevation or the correct barometric pressure.

1 Go to a location where the elevation or barometric pressure is known.2 Select Set Up > Altimeter set up > Calibrate Altimeter.3 Follow the on-screen instructionsIf weather is adversely affecting your altimeter (pressure is changing due to weather instead of elevation changes), you may disable it by setting the device to “fixed elevation” mode which will use GPS only for elevation data.

A2. SatMap

The nice thing with the SatMap is we can do this ‘from the ma’., i.e. getting the elevation data directly from the map card.In the set up for the SatMap GPS go to > Elevation > Elevation Data Source > and select From Maps

We find this works the best.

My Oregon 600 (bought from you) has functioned perfectly until recently when it gives very excessive readings for ascent and descent for every walk.

I have calibrated the altimeter on a Cheviot hill and it always pretty well matches the OS shown height on every hill. I reset the trip data and calibrate the compass for each walk. Other trip data such as distance, speed, time, moving average etc. match those from other gps units used by my walk companions. I would be so grateful if you can tell me what I should do to resolve this problem.

Thank youColin Warren

Is the software up to date?Master reset?Recalibrate the Altimeter

Margaret

Dear Team

Q. I have an Oregon 600, is there any way I can lock the screen on it, as I accidentally keep creating waypoints on the map page when out walking?

A.

Lock screen > Power button then padlock on bottomBackpack tetherHi Ian,

If you could answer one or possibly both please.

When I plug my Garmin in it tells me there are updates, including maps, due, should I do these updates?

Should I always save routes to the internal memory and not the micro card? I only ask as there is way more space on my micro card (or whatever it is called)?

Kind regards. Sam.

No idea what the GPS is but it’s the map updates from Garmin Express, don’t update them as they are too big in size for the smaller GPS’s

Simon Brown, sent in via email

Q. Sometimes when I download routes into Garmin BaseCamp they have hundreds of flags all over them and these also appear on my Garmin Oregon 750 when I have transferred it onto my GPS.

Is there any way of getting rid of these flags?

A. Convert to track.B. Reduce the number by then reconverting to a route

Hi Ian,

I have a question, which I think I might have solved, but want to know if I am correct or just jumping to the wrong conclusion, regarding my Satmap Active 20.

I have noticed that sometimes it doesn’t switch on, even with a fully charged battery. I have to remove and replace the battery to get it started again. I have tried it with a partially charged ( >50%) and a fully charged battery.

However, if I clear my trip details from the trip screen before switching off, so far this has always worked.

Is this a common bug? Or is this just a red herring and there is another issue? If it is a relatively common bug then I thought it could be useful for other Satmap users to know about - we don't all remember to take paperclips on our walks!

Some more details about my unit. It is fairly new - I bought it for GPS training in Feb 2020. I stored it with the battery in it from March to August. However the switching off issue didn’t happen on a 4 day walk in September. After that I stored it with the battery out. I started using it again about a month ago. I have only ever used the charging plug and cable that came with the unit.

Hope this makes it onto the podcast.

Best wishes,

Rose Freeman

• Is the software up to date? Latest Official and Beta version is 3.13.109• Corrupt gpx file and so remove all the files from the GPS• With the GPS turned on, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to turn it off and then turn it on holding the button for 3 seconds• If all else fails>Main Menu>Settings>Default

John Welsh – sent via our Facebook pageQ. I have recently updated Garmin Basecamp (Mac).

When creating a direct route the point and their respective numbers appear on the map. How do we remove the numbers for printing the map and/or viewing on our GPS Unit? Converting to a track does not appear to remove waypoint markers nor their associated numbers.

What am I doing incorrectly or is just the way it is?

Many thanks

John

...

The best budget GPS Unit, why has the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr grown so much and let us have your questions for ask Ian.

In this month’s podcast

We are going to discuss the real shift from Garmin into the Garmin GPSMAP range – why is this?Ask Ian – a mid-month Podcast SpecialThe best budget GPS unitAnd then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers.

The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at the real change in shift regarding GPS units, with the GPSMAP range really coming to the foreHistory – Garmin GPSMAP 60, 62s, 64s, 66s

Now we have – GPSMAP 65s, 66s and 66sr

In the past we had just 1 x GPSMAP GPS unit, but now we have x 3Shift away from Touch Screen Units?

But massive growth in sales on the Montana 700 range

To find out more about our thoughts on the best budget, top end and large screen GPS units please just go to – gpstraining.co.uk > Reviews and top article - Best Handheld Outdoor GPS unit2. The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is our proposed mid-month Podcast this month – Ask Ian

In two weeks’, time we are going to have a special mid-month Podcast – Ask Ian.

So, if you have any tech questions or queries, we can put Ian through his paces.

Normally you only get access to our technical support if you have bought a GPS from us, been on a course or you have one of our paid support package so here is your chance to get your questions answered for free

Please just email your questions to [email protected] and make sure your message title is – Podcast – tech question – otherwise you will just confuse us and I will email you back saying you don’t have support from us!3. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is a look at the best ‘budget’ GPS unit.

With the end of the Garmin eTrex touch 25t, GPSMAP 64sx over the past month I thought it would be good to look at this again,

AND, I have also just updated the review video looking at the units we are going to discuss, I will tell you where you can find that later.

In this category –

Garmin eTrex 22x, 32x and Touch 35t

Garmin GPSMAP 65 and GPSMAP 65s

How they rank - budget handheld GPS Unit

Best budget buttoned GPS unit - Garmin eTrex 32xwith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£219.99), with Birdseye plus voucher (£269.99), with 1:50k maps (£329.99), with 1:25k maps (£519.99)Best budget touch screen GPS unit - Garmin eTrex 35twith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£249.99), with Birdseye plus voucher (£299.99), with 1:50k maps (£349.99), with 1:25k maps (£549.99)Best budget buttoned GPS unit (worth extra if you can afford it) - Garmin GPSMAP 65swith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£325.00), with Birdseye plus voucher (£374.99), with 1:50k maps (£399.99), with 1:25k maps (£599.99)

To watch the video where we look at the best ‘budget’ GPS unit please just go to – gpstraining.co.uk – click on – product reviews – and you will see the top article - Best Handheld Outdoor GPS unit - Spring 2021 4. Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers.

GarminWhy is it that when I’ve downloaded a long distance walk I can see it on my Basecamp but not on my GPS?

On road – 50 pointsOff road – 250 pointsOn and off road – 50 points

How you download and breakdown a long distance walk are covered in the On line Resource under the ‘GPX Library’

Satmap

Can I transfer a route to my Active 20 without using my PC?

Yes you can.

You need a Premium Xpedition2 account and to set up the Active 20.

Main menu>Settings>

WiFi settings>Default WiFi state - ‘On’, Xpedition2 connectivity - ‘Live Site’Enter User Name>User name - ‘Name of the Active 20’, Xpedition user name and password - these are what you use to log in to your Xpedition2 account

Watches

How do I transfer a gpx file to my watch?

Transferring a gpx file can be done by:

importing the gpx file from the Internet to your PC hard disk and then in to either Basecamp or directly to the watchusing the web based version of your Garmin Connect account and then syncing the watchusing a smartphone/tablet with the Garmin Connect app having imported it in to the app from the mobile internet and then syncing Garmin Connect with the watch

Option 2 is covered in the On Line Resource.

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.

After 142 days of walking the Coastal Path of Britain, Chris had to 'bail out' from Wales as the country went back into lockdown. I again caught up with Chris, the coast walker about his adventures to date.

Walk and talk, new 1:25k map card and Ian's FAQ's

We look at our new video series - Walk and talkMobile phone appsNew 1:25k map card – release dateAnd then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers.

The first thing on this months Podcast is a look at our ‘walk and talk' series

The idea behind the videos

In a series of videos we look at a number of Outdoor GPS units and give a simple, practical guide on how each of them works and the navigational experience each of them gives.

Not training videos – but hopefully give you an insight of the ‘navigational experience’ of each of the units.

Walk and talk – GPSMAP 66i – 30 minsWalk and talk – Montana 700 – 20 minsMontana 700 Carry case – great findWalk and talk – SatMap Active 20 – 25 mins

It’s been interesting to see the seasons changing as during the first one there was snow on the ground, and it was a cold day, then last weekend (SatMap Active 20) I was in shirt sleeves

To find out more and watch the ‘walk and talk’ videos go to – gpstraining.co.uk > news > walk and talk (currently third news story down) and I will also link to it from the show notes.

The next thing on this months GPS training podcast is a look at Apps that a number of you have been using.

Have you had much experience of using mobile phone apps to navigate with Ian?

I am starting to put a ‘piece’ together for the website and reviewing each of the ‘main’ navigational apps, of course there are many downsides of apps, but there are some instances when they can be a backup for either your GPS unit or paper map.

One thig I have learnt from this podcast, especially from my interview with

Lindley Chambers (safety coordinator for the spine race ) – Podcast number 35 – I will again link to this interview in the show notes - https://gpsonlinecourse.co.uk/gps-training-podcast-number-35/is ‘not to have all your eggs in one basket’. Different navigational options gives you a ‘backup’ just in case something goes wrong with one of them.

Some options (ideas)

SatMap appViewRangerOS appGarmin ExploreKamootMap my walkAll Trailsideas, ideas

If people have any thoughts of feedback about these or other apps please do get in touch.

Please note here we have been talking about using a mobile phone app as a backup, rather than your main navigational aid.

If you are thinking – of course he’s going to say that.

To prove it is not just me, take a look at an article I have written for the website - Stop using smartphones to navigate mountains, warn Mountain Rescue

The next thing we are going to discuss on the podcast is the progress of the new 1:25k TOPO PRO map card

Well Ian – the saga continues.

The product image on both the 1:50k and 1:25k TOPO PRO map card is showing V2

But the product name and description is NOT showing this.

I have been on to Garmin after this was spotted and I keep being told – start of April!

If you have bought a Montana 700i or 750i from us and we have ‘loaned’ you one of our 1:25k map cards we will be in touch.

If you are waiting for the release of the new map card please keep an eye on our Friday newsletter as we will notify you when it/ they have been launched. 4. Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers.

Garmin (and relevant at one level for Satmap users)

I have downloaded a long distance walk from the internet, gpx file. It shows on Basecamp but when I send it to my GPs, it doesn’t show. Why?

On Line Resource – GPX Library-videos in how and why you split a long distance route down

My Topo Active Europe maps never load in Basecamp. What do I do?

The first time that you connect your GPS/ Fenix watch with the pre loaded TopoActive Europe maps to the PC and Basecamp, you will see a progress bar on the left for the maps loading. You need to let them load in their entirety (this can take a couple of hours depending on your PC). Next time you connect the GPS, the maps will load straight away and you will be able to view them. If you don't let them load completely, then you won't see anything.

Satmap

Where do I find the settings options in an Active 20?

Main Menu Screen>Settings>at this stage you may only see seven options.

To view the full list of settings>User Mode>tap the screen to the left or right>Expert>the full list is shown

And Finally

Many thanks for listening and let us know anything you would like to be covered in the Podcast please do let us know and if you know of anybody interesting that you would like to hear interviewed in future podcasts please do let us know.Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTaining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast.