Importing a Track From Zumo XT Into BaseCamp

[AZ Jim]

I'm not sure how to search for an answer to this question. So, I apologize up front, if this is a stupid question that has been asked a million times already. I recorded a Track on my Zumo XT, saved it, and now I want to import it into Basecamp. So far, the best method I have found, is to Share it with the Drive App on my phone, then send it via Bluetooth to my PC, and then import it into Basecamp. Is there an easier method? If I try to import it while I'm in Basecamp it does not show up. Only Waypoints show up. Thanks

[AZ Jim]

I think I figured it out. In the Zumo I shared the track to the Memory Card, then it showed up in Basecamp. Seems odd that it would not show when it was in the Zumo internal memory.

[jfheath]

Welcome to the forum.
A good first couple of posts. - a question and an answer before we got to approve it!

Yes, that would work, but you are using Basecamp and the USB cable - so there are a few easier ways to access the track logs.

1. With the XT connected, and Internal Storage selected in the 'Library' or folder list, Each of the active logs can be selected, displayed and copied into other folder/lists. BC will also draw graphs of speed/elevation plotted against time and move a figure on the plotted track to show where you were on the map as you follow the chart.

2. You can access the gpx folder on the XT using a file browser on your computer.

In there, CurrentTrackLog.gpx contains the most recent tracks. This can be copied to your computer.
In the same place is a folder called Archive. This contans numbered gpx files which is how the XT stores the tracklogs once CurrentTrackLog.gpx has grown too large. When this happens, the contents of that file are placed in the archive in one or more files named with the next number of the sequence. A new CurrentTrackLog is then created.

The numbered archive files do not stay there forever. Older ones will be deleted, so that only the last few months of tracks are retained.
It used to be that the newest 20 were kept - so your archive folder may contain files named 23.gpx through to 42.gpx. The XT does something a little different - I have read that it keeps track logs for 6 months. But I have never reached either situation - I keep resetting my XT and have had 2 replacements.

If you want to keep them - they make an interesting historical record - then make a point of downloading them every so often.

Once on your computer, a gpx file can be dragged and dropped into any Bc list.

[FrankB]

So far, the best method I have found, is to Share it with the Drive App on my phone, then send it via Bluetooth to my PC, and then import it into Basecamp.

Dont know if it's the best method, but for me the advantage is that you dont need a PC to save your tracklog. Suppose your on multi-day trip, and want to save your tracklog every evening, but dont have a PC/Laptop available. Then this method works great.

See also this post. Somewhere there is a PDF attached describing my method, using an automatic sync with Google Drive. It also explains how to avoid the Phone and the XT refusing to communicate, and how to recover that.
viewtopic.php?p=14394&hilit=drive+app#p14394

[AZ Jim]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I've got it figured out now. If my phone is turned off, so the Zumo has no connection to Drive App or Explore App, I can Import the track using the Basecamp left side window (library).

If the phone is on, The Zumo automatically will sync the track (s) and then they are not visible in Basecamp Library. Only Waypoints are visible.

[FrankB]

You can pair the Garmin Drive App with, or without Garmin Explore. When you pair Garmin Drive App with the XT, you have to click on Maybe Later to pair without Garmin Explore.
It looks like you have paired with Garmin Explore enabled, then the process works different. For more info see: app.php/ZXT-P56

See this post on Page 3 on how to connect without Explore. The Dutch screenshot says 'Schakel Garmin Explore in" / "Misschien later", in English that would be "Enable Garmin Explore" / "Maybe Later"
viewtopic.php?t=2113&hilit=explore&start=20

[AZ Jim]

Thank you Frank, This looks very interesting. I will dig into it.
I am moving from a Montana 610T to the Zumo XT because of the much nicer display on the Zumo.
I really don't need all the bells and whistles that the Zumo offers. I just need to download tracks and waypoints from Basecamp and load completed tracks back into Basecamp.
All the other apps and programs like Drive, Explore App, and Garmin Explore seem to complicate things. Maybe without Garmin Explore I can go back to leading a more simple life.

[FrankB]

Thank you Frank, This looks very interesting. I will dig into it.

You're welcome.

I am moving from a Montana 610T to the Zumo XT because of the much nicer display on the Zumo.

My previous model was a Zumo 220. I'm with you.

Maybe without Garmin Explore I can go back to leading a more simple life.

I once, or maybe twice, enabled Explore, just to see what it is all about. Decided quickly to disable it. But I do pair with Garmin Drive App, because I like the wireless transfer.
Things work simpler without.