Garmin NUVI 2545LMT 5": Map updating system

[Maurice]

After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.

(No problem with their previous 'TomTom Home' map update system.)

I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.

Many thanks!

[Lee]

I just ordered the nuvi 2597 LMT and if it serves me as well as my old
one I will have no complaints. We shall see. Good luck with yours. I
bought this one as it was rated
highly the only feature I won't use is the smart phone one. The one I
have you had to pay for the updates and I never needed them as roads
don't change all that much but I figured finally I wanted to update to
one of the newer ones. Sometimes my dumb
phone is too smart for me!

Post by Maurice
After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.
(No problem with their previous 'TomTom Home' map update system.)
I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.
Many thanks!

[Maurice]

Post by Maurice
the Garmin map update system

I've found reports on the 'net that the new Garmin system ('Garmin
Express') has the same sort of problems I had with the new TomTom
system, so maybe it would be a case of 'out of the frying pan into the
fire'... :-(

[Joe Makowiec]

Post by Maurice
I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.

We have a nüvi 2360. I find that updating it is painfully slow, and I
don't like that I have to install the client to do it. (Last I knew, the
client phones home. It also insists on running itself at startup. Or at
least it used to.) So I install the client, start the install, find
something else to do, and come back 2-3 hours later to find a gps with a
newly-installed map. I then uninstall the client until the next time a
map needs updating.

Other than that, navigation is fine. The routing occasionally seems odd,
and you should generally look over the route recommendation and check it
for reasonableness.

[Howard Lester]

Post by Maurice
After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.

I have a 2360 LMT that started acting up, so I bought a 2599LMT. I love the
interface and maps of the new 2599, but the directions... HOO-boy... Do plan
in advance, because it would like to take you to places you've never been
before. OK, let's just say it may want to take you to your destination via
routes that are neither the fastest nor the nicest. It does, however, at
least sometimes offer you a choice of routes before you take off, so pay
attention.

Moving right along, the map updating is through Garmin Express. It's a
program you download, and the key is to make sure it is first up to date
before you update your maps. Note, too, that I called Garmin for help on why
my maps wouldn't update (on a brand new unit for which a map update was
available). It was a minute or less that I got a nice tech-support lady who
seemed to have all the time in the world to help me with this. She explained
I first had to update Garmin Express (which I already had on my laptop). So
I went through that process, and then had to restart my laptop for the
updated Garmin Express to take effect. She stayed on with me the whole time.
Once restarted, and everything was ready to go, I plugged the 2599 into the
USB port, connected to Garmin Express, and off it went. Many hours later....
it completed.

Now, here's something weird. Both my 2360 and 2599 have the same map
version, yet on one particular road near me the 2360 gets the posted speed
limit correct; the 2599 does not.

[Maurice]

the map updating is through Garmin Express. ...
It was a minute or less that I got a nice tech-support lady
who seemed to have all the time in the world to help me with this.

TomTom is similar (download/install 'MyDriveConnect'), but in my case
it simply would not connect with the TomTom site (despite the efforts
of 2 different TomTom UK support guys who each took over my PC remotely
for 30 minutes but could not get it working).
(No problem with my old TomTomOme XL and TomTom Home on PC.)

So it went back to the retailer, and I'm now going to try a Garmin Nuvi
2547 LM (apparently I bit zippier than the 2545).

I hope if I have any problem I shall be lucky enough to find a
similarly helpful Garmin support person here in the UK!
(Anyone got a good number or email address?)

[Bob Martin]

Post by Maurice
After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.
(No problem with their previous 'TomTom Home' map update system.)
I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.
Many thanks!
--
/\/\aurice (Retired in Hampshire)

Weren't you in Surrey last week? :-)

[Howard Lester]

Post by Bob Martin

Post by Maurice
/\/\aurice (Retired in Hampshire)

Weren't you in Surrey last week? :-)

What - you saw his fringe on top?

[Maurice]

Post by Bob Martin
Weren't you in Surrey last week?

Well spotted, Bob!

I live in a large village that is part in Hampshire and part in Surrey.
The postal address has a Surrey postcode , but I live in a part
that is actually in E.Hampshire (serviced by E.Hants District Council),
and I am still fond of good old Hampshire!

Regards,

[Bob Martin]

Post by Maurice

Post by Bob Martin
Weren't you in Surrey last week?

Well spotted, Bob!
I live in a large village that is part in Hampshire and part in Surrey.
The postal address has a Surrey postcode , but I live in a part
that is actually in E.Hampshire (serviced by E.Hants District Council),
and I am still fond of good old Hampshire!

Glad to hear it ;-)
I Havant moved very far.

[David Chamberlain]

Post by Maurice
After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.
(No problem with their previous 'TomTom Home' map update system.)
I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.
Many thanks!

I have a 50LMT. Nowhere near as feature rich as the others, probably but
it does what I need.

I didn't have any problems installing Garmin Express and updating maps
and software. I've only had to do it once, though. There is an "Always
keep Garmin Express running in the background" check box in the
settings. Uncheck it and it won't always be running. You will have to
start it manually to update.

There are a few things about the device itself that I don't care for,
but they are minor.

1. It doesn't tell me what road I'm on at the moment. May seem obvious
that I should know that. My former Magellan had it on the top banner, so
I'm used to it. No big deal.

2. It does do some weird routing sometimes. Going to the next nearby
town it actually takes me a longer route than the one I know.

3. When searching POI's, it tells me the name and street address, but
not the city it's in. Not helpful if I'm searching for a restaurant or
gas station, and I know what towns are ahead of me but it's telling me
something closer that's a different direction.

[Maurice]

Post by David Chamberlain
I didn't have any problems installing Garmin Express and updating maps
and software.

Nor I! It took less than 10 minutes to download & install
GarminExpress, get it to connect to the Garmin site to check for
updates, and download 3 s/w updates. All very smoothly...

Post by David Chamberlain
There is an "Always
keep Garmin Express running in the background" check box in the
settings. Uncheck it and it won't always be running. You will have to
start it manually to update.

Will keep an eye on that. Thanks!

Post by David Chamberlain
There are a few things about the device itself that I don't care for,
but they are minor.

I've found the inevitable difference compared with TomTom.
E.g. Had to find another way of checking a route A-->B when indoors.
('Trip' app.)

And I'm used to seeing both distance & 'time to go' on the screen.

But the ball/socket attachment arrangement is useful.
(I use Brodit mountings.)

[Maurice]

Post by Maurice
I've found the inevitable difference compared with TomTom.

Is there a way of inhibiting the switch-on notice (with the "I
agree" button) that appears on the screen, warning not to adjust the
device whilst driving?

W.r.t. map updates, does Garmin send an email when an update is
available?

[Howard Lester]

Post by Maurice
W.r.t. map updates, does Garmin send an email when an update is
available?

Apparently not. Your post inspired me to go to Garmin Express (that I have
installed on my computer) and see if there are any updates. Indeed there
were: one map update to 2015.30, and seven software and firmware updates.
Just make sure that, in the upper left of the Garmin Express screen, you
highlight the name of the device you are seeking to update. In my case,
"Howard" was initially highlighted. I had to then highlight "2599," as my
unit is a 2599LMT.

Howard

[David Chamberlain]

Post by Maurice

Post by Maurice
I've found the inevitable difference compared with TomTom.

Is there a way of inhibiting the switch-on notice (with the "I
agree" button) that appears on the screen, warning not to adjust the
device whilst driving?

Not that I'm aware. I think there may have been on some of the older
models. It does go away on it's own after a bit. (This is on my 50LM,
other models may very.

Post by Maurice
W.r.t. map updates, does Garmin send an email when an update is
available?

I thought I had signed up for email notification of new updates. But
when I ran Garmin Express to verify what I posted above, I found two
updates that I didn't know about. I'm going to have to look into that,
because I would like to get those emails.

[Maurice]

Post by David Chamberlain
I thought I had signed up for email notification of new updates.

How does one do that, David?

[David Chamberlain]

Post by Maurice

Post by David Chamberlain
I thought I had signed up for email notification of new updates.

How does one do that, David?

Go to the Garmin web site, create an account and register your unit. In
the account settings is an option for receiving a number of
notifications, one of which is map updates.

It doesn't appear to work, however. I have it set, and was not notified
of the new updates for my registered unit.

[Maurice]

Post by Maurice
It took less than 10 minutes to download & install
GarminExpress, get it to connect to the Garmin site to check for
updates,
and download 3 s/w updates. All very smoothly...

Just checked for updates. No s/w update, but got a new W.Europe map
("2015.40").

Noticed storage report: "Storage 62% full; 2.7GB free”.

[Maurice]

Post by Maurice
Just checked for updates. No s/w update, but got a new W.Europe map
("2015.40").

Ditto yesterday: Got W.Europe update '2016.10', and s/w update 7.50.

[Charlie Roberts]

On Sun, 31 May 2015 12:23:02 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice

Post by Maurice
Just checked for updates. No s/w update, but got a new W.Europe map
("2015.40").

Ditto yesterday: Got W.Europe update '2016.10', and s/w update 7.50.

How do you update the W. Europe map?? I bought one last year, but
was told that the "LMT" covered only the N. America map.

Is there a separate purchase option?

thanks
CR

[Maurice]

Post by Charlie Roberts
How do you update the W. Europe map??

Just connected to Garmin Express and it offered it.

(But W.Europe is the main map on this UK satnav.)

[Charlie Roberts]

On Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:56:23 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice

Post by Charlie Roberts
How do you update the W. Europe map??

Just connected to Garmin Express and it offered it.
(But W.Europe is the main map on this UK satnav.)

Ah! it is your 'native' map, just like my N. America map.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Post by Charlie Roberts
On Sun, 31 May 2015 12:23:02 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice

Post by Maurice
Just checked for updates. No s/w update, but got a new W.Europe map
("2015.40").

Ditto yesterday: Got W.Europe update '2016.10', and s/w update 7.50.

How do you update the W. Europe map?? I bought one last year, but
was told that the "LMT" covered only the N. America map.
Is there a separate purchase option?
thanks
CR

I bought a model with both NA and Europe so they can both be updated.
Not sure what options you have to buy as an add on.

[Charlie Roberts]

Post by Ed Pawlowski

Post by Charlie Roberts
On Sun, 31 May 2015 12:23:02 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice

Post by Maurice
Just checked for updates. No s/w update, but got a new W.Europe map
("2015.40").

Ditto yesterday: Got W.Europe update '2016.10', and s/w update 7.50.

How do you update the W. Europe map?? I bought one last year, but
was told that the "LMT" covered only the N. America map.
Is there a separate purchase option?
thanks
CR

I bought a model with both NA and Europe so they can both be updated.
Not sure what options you have to buy as an add on.

Thanks. Useful to keep in mind. As trips to Europe are a regular thing
(every summer), it is nice to be able to update at least once in every
two or three years. Usually, I get by for a few years before things
get really out of whack.

cr

[Maurice]

Usually, I get by for a few years before things get really out of whack.

Like when - a few years ago with a slightly-out-of-date TomTom - I was
driving through the Cherbourg peninsula in Normandy on what was
presumably a new piece of autoroute, and the TomTom screen showed the
car crossing a field.

[Charlie Roberts]

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:28:18 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice

Usually, I get by for a few years before things get really out of whack.

Like when - a few years ago with a slightly-out-of-date TomTom - I was
driving through the Cherbourg peninsula in Normandy on what was
presumably a new piece of autoroute, and the TomTom screen showed the
car crossing a field.

Not really that bad .... At least you were not in the middle of a bog
and the GPS claiming that you were doing 160 kph on a six lane
autoroute :-)

I always get a Michelin (or equivalent) country map -- just in case
the GPS fails. Provides a double check. Especially useful in
verifying if the suggested route is what you really want as the
routing algorithms can work wonders.

A few years back, I had a similar experience to yours in Canada,
going to PEI when all I had was my, even then, aged Map76. The
car kept getting on and off the road (by a few miles!) and the
road name/number was different. Took a few minutes to figure out
that the old highway had been upgraded, that there were some
new sections built and that it was renumbered to '1'(New
Brunswick).

Happens! But, we get there ...

[Ashton Crusher]

On Mon, 2 Feb 2015 17:50:39 +0000 (UTC), Maurice

Post by Maurice
After an abortive try of a TomTom VIA 135 (the satnav was fine but the
new TomTom 'MyDrive' map update system a nightmare), I am considering
instead a Garmin Nuvi 2545LMT, which also has 'free lifetime map
updates'.
(No problem with their previous 'TomTom Home' map update system.)
I would much appreciate hearing any experiences (good or bad) with
the Garmin map update system - as well as the satnav itself.
Many thanks!

I don't much like how it's worked out for me. I have a 1450 and
getting it to update on my current computer worked a year ago, with
some glitches, but eventually worked thru the Garmin Express. It had
an issue with there not being enough internal memory and I had to put
a micro-memory card in it. Then it took several tries before it
finally did the update.

Then a month ago I went to do another update and despite having a 32 g
memory card in it, it said it didn't have enough memory. I screwed
around trying various things for a couple hours then called Garmin
support. The eventually had me run some command line stuff within my
Win7 OS and concluded that because of something about some arcane
storage management program not giving the right answer it would not
work on my computer, said I'd need to go to Microsoft's web site and
look up how to fix it, blah blah blah. So I went to my old Vista
Computer, installed Garmin express there and it did the update fine.
But the odd thing was that I ran the same command line diagnostic on
the Vista computer and got the same "wrong" answer they claimed was
the problem on my Win7 computer so clearly they really have no idea
why their Express program doesn't work all the time and are just
making up stuff. I like the Gamin GPS interface and maps but I wish
they had a much more direct way to just let me copy the frigging files
to the damn thing instead of their stupid express program.

[RustY ©]

Post by Ashton Crusher
I like the Gamin GPS interface and maps but I wish
they had a much more direct way to just let me copy the frigging files
to the damn thing instead of their stupid express program.

And the answer to that is to make the maps free to anyone. Express only
exists to stop unauthorised downloads but to whom ? If they put the
security in the sat-nav at manufacture, latest maps could be free to
download. They are only of use to Garmin owners and sets could be coded
to accept only their areas paid for.