Garmin Basecamp

As I've hinted before Garmin satnavs are a bit "geeky" in comparison to TomTom, and some of the things they do are a bit weird IMO, but that's a function of the satnav device rather than the BaseCamp software.
I think Garmin's intention is to make it difficult for you to accidentally delete a route you didn't intend, which could be a disaster if you're half way through a big tour.
When you delete a route on device it removes it from the list you see in "Custom Routes" but keeps it in a file "temp.gpx", this allows you to reinstate the route if you want (a kind of recycle bin).
If you want to permanently delete your routes off the satnav you need to connect to a pc and look for that file in the /Garmin/GPX/ folder of the internal storage and delete the file.
And there's more!
When you transfer your route to the device you have two options, either load it directly to the internal storage of the satnav, or alternatively to the memory card. If on the memory card the satnav will automatically copy the routes into internal memory when you do the "import now".
If you used the memory card then you will see in the /Garmin/GPX/ folder of that a bunch of gpx files Route1.gpx...Waypoints.gpx. You need to delete those, .....in addition there may be a temp.gpx and/or current.gpx in internal storage and if you want to clear the decks you may need to delete those also. The device will recreate a clean version of current.gpx on next restart.

Generally if it's just a day trip I'll transfer direct to internal storage, if it's a big multi route tour i'll transfer to memory card for added security.
Speaking of which it's a good idea to backup the entire contents of your satnav to somewhere, you've then got a means of repair should anything go badly wrong.

And your next question is?......

 

Hmmm! Myrouteapp I can plan a route on my mobile in the comfort of a hotel bar or a cafe and transfer it to tom tom MyDrive and then on to tom tom rider . But it's all down to what you're used to

 

Yep, the above is all part of being OCD and cleaning old routes off a Garmin satnav......or you could not worry about it and just leave them hiding away in the "Recycle Bin".
Has nothing to do with BaseCamp really, but admittedly not ported to smart phones (I'd need one with a big screen )

 

And don't get me wrong, if I needed a new satnav the TomTom 400 is probably top of the list that I would give a serious look at, it looks a nice piece of kit, and sounds like detailed route planning is now possible on them.
BUT.....
MyRoute-app is designed for TomToms (and is probably very good for them), but IMO crap for Garmin's
Equally BaseCamp would be useless for TomTom's

 

The myroute-app was initially geared up for tom tom,but now it is equally geared up for Garmin. if your a technophobe like me it's great, it's really easy to use and understand I've created loads of routes on it and have been testing them out a lot this year without any problems plus if your a gold member there's a lot of very useful tools you can use

 

Hi Dougie/Crispey
Been looking at your routes, some have a reasonable number of waypoints, others have a crazy number. Was that just part of the learning process or are they necessary? Did you put them all in yourself or did the software add them?

 

I'll have to look, but I think they might be mine.

 

when i first started creating routes i put in loads of way points but I've since realized that you don't need to do this, now i just put in the minimum,ie i did a route down to Llanidoes where the 2018 GMU is being held,the route i created was 544 miles and i put in 24 way points..it obviously would have been a lot less if i had just stuck to the motorways but the only motorway i would have had to go on is the Edinburgh bypass for about 30 miles all the rest is A or B roads..Just a pity I'm now unable to go to the GMU next year! once you have made the route up you can ask the software to put in as many other way points as you ask it too but I've never done this as i don't really see the point. the default map is Google for making up routes but they now have Garmin maps along with Tom Tom maps so i now use the Garmin maps although it worked fine with the Google maps

 

I think dougie did the same as me. Now I put the waypoints on at junctions and roads o want to use as less waypoints makes it easier to go slightly off route without being sent back as there would be less waypoints to miss. Sometimes it's recommended to put in more if copying a route as the software might try and re route you if there's not enough. Also the less waypoints the fewer you have to check to see if youve put them on the wrong side of a dual carriageway

 

Thanks for the info guys, the number of waypoints issue has removed one of my reservations and the "Here-Garmin" maps option is a step in the right direction (but I suspect not the same as those used on Zumo's), shame you need to subscribe as Gold member to get that. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear I'll be sticking with BaseCamp as it does everything I need (possible exception being a web or smart phone based version).
But if I ever change to a TomTom Rider 450 it looks like MyRoute is the tool to use.

A few tips for newbie BaseCamp users I've learnt over the years -

1. Getting your Routing options set up correctly in the "Activity Profile" is worth the effort, it will then give you sensible routes based on your preferences, and minimise the need for additional waypoints. You can also set up a different profile for if you're using the satnav in car or motorbike. (there's also a whole load of other profiles you can ignore)
2. Make sure your preferences in BaseCamp and on your satnav are the same, if they're not using the "Recalculate" on satnav might change the original route.
3. I rarely use recalculate so have "auto" and "prompted" switched off, if you need it it's always on the home page while navigating anyway.
4. My BaseCamp settings -
5. 
6. Don't select shorter distance, it will take you down some stupid routes
7. Select interstate to avoid motorways.
8. In Europe I'll add Toll road avoidance (but will override occasionally)
9. You can override your default settings on any route by using the "Route Options" tab
10. 
    
11. Avoid using "recalculate" on a circular/figure8 route - it might send you back the way you just came or miss a big chunk of the route.
12. On circulars don't use the same point for start and finish, move the finish a short distance away, it's also worth adding more waypoints than normal. (or split the route into two halves).
13. On a normal linear route just select start and finish points and let BaseCamp calculate the route, then just add waypoints where needed to force it to the roads you want.

The only niggle I have with BaseCamp is I've never found a way of extending an existing route without messing about in the route properties tab ....that's a pain.

End of ramble. (can you tell I'm bored with work)

 

Like I said, just a few tips picked up over more years than I care to remember by an aging geek. I find it pretty straight forward to use so just passing on a bit of experience to help those struggling with it.

 

And you're never too old to learn....just solved that niggle - found out how to extend an existing route. (Google's a wonderful thing )

 

but best of all

 

I'm definitely going to give it a second chance now. Just been on Google for some helpful tips.

 

I gave up years ago, carry paper maps and put in a new destination on a route I want to use then repeat

 

I used basecamp to plan all the routes we took on our round the uk trip...didn’t find it too difficult to use.

To upload onto a sat nav you just plug it in and right click on the route and select “send to device”.