I had things working tolerably well, then a Garmin Explore app update on/about 20 Oct 24 crushed the last shred of usable route functionality. I cannot figure out what is doing on with routes and Garmin Explore. Any insights?
Background: I have no problems passing gpx files (waypoints, routes, tracks) to my XT via Drive. Beyond that, not my first rodeo. Looking for some sense-making if there is any to be had. What the heck is Garmin trying to do with routes in Explore?
At issue:
- Tread app will upload routes to Explore cloud and show them as a route, but the Collection on the XT only shows a track
- Explore app uploads routes to Explore cloud as a Course.
- Explore app no longer has the option to open a Course and save as a Route.
- Explore browser make a hot mess of everything. Combines tracks. Mangles routes.
Net: cannot get a route to the Explore tool / capability of my XT.
BTW, my friend with an XT2 is pulling her hair out, because she doesn't have Drive. Similar problems with routes to XT2 via Tread/Explore (I have less confidence about exactly what is going on there with XT2, but I am spot on for XT and for using Tread to feed Explore cloud). And XT / XT2 will not route share with each other like XT/ XT / 396 / etc. will. Garmin support tells her to use cable or SD card. ????
Disambiguation:
- Garmin Explore = the many-faceted thing
- Explore Cloud = cloud repository linked to your Garmin account where your data resides
- Explore app = the smartphone app that lets you interface with your Garmin Explore cloud data
- Explore browser = the www. window into your Explore cloud
- Explore tool = the button / feature on the XT and XT2 devices that lets you access and use stuff from your Garmin Explore cloud
Compatibility notes:
- Understood, XT uses Drive companion app and XT2 uses Tread companion app
- Drive is not Explore compatible. But XT is via internet (WiFi or Drive-brokered cell data)
- Explore app is not compatible with XT but does give a view into Explore Cloud.
- But Explore and Tread apps are compatible with Explore Cloud. And you'd think the Explore tool would be, too.
With all that said, for a while there until last month, Explore was working OK with my XT within these parameters:
- stay away from Explore browser
- open a gpx file on smartphone with Explore app
- waypoints and tracks move nicely into a Collection immediately visible on XT (after sync). Many of the BaseCamp custom waypoint icons would make the jump (vs. all just flags via Drive) and the Collection(s) itself was a bonus feature.
- routes would NOT show on XT. But the route would show in Explore Cloud as a Course. Use Explore app to open Course, save as a Route, and there is in in the XT, Bob's your uncle.
NOW THAT NO LONGER WORKS. As of ~ Oct 20. How the heck are you supposed to get a route into the Explore tool of an XT / XT2
In the pics below, Fall Wander Medium was pulled in via Explore app. Fall Wander Medium 2 was pulled in via Tread. Views how each shows in Explore app and in Explore browser.