Glad to be a new member.

[Mikey]

Greeting all members, from Mikey.
I enjoy using GPS's and have used them (2 Garmins) on my past 6 bikes and others in my cars. I purchased an XT 18 months or so ago and have been disappointed that I cannot get it to work well. Sometimes I think I have it sorted, but 'no', of it goes on its merry way, doing what it wants to do.
I also have the original Garmin Nav V that came with my BMW (R1250RS) but I have given most attention to the XT, trying to get its cooperation and be the great GPS I imagine it should be.
I will probably have many basic questions and will do my best to read relevant previous posts.

[jfheath]

Hello and Welcome @Mikey

Read this first chapter for starters. viewtopic.php?t=1464

The XT and the NavV are broadly similar, but you have to know how to talk to the XT.

How do you plan routes ? What software
Do you use routes or tracks - do you know the difference ?
You have to learn XT rules, like 'Faster' does not mean 'find a quick way'. And some other weird terms that defy logic.

We can certainly help you master it if you give us some basic info about how you have used your NavV

For example. I tend to use Basecamp or sometimes MyRouteApp for planning.
I create routes with via points and shaping points
I always create a track of the route and display that as well as the route.

[Peobody]

Greeting @Mikey. Welcome to the forum. The XT is aggravating but it can indeed be tamed.

For example. I tend to use Basecamp or sometimes MyRouteApp for planning.
I create routes with via points and shaping points
I always create a track of the route and display that as well as the route.

Me too, except for sometimes using MyRouteApp.

A great thing about the forums here is there are a lot of differing views. Well, maybe that is not great for someone who just wants to be told what to do and how to do it. OTOH, it's great if you want to learn your options and then pick the one that works best for you.

[ZFtracker]

Welcome to the forum, @Mikey.

There's lots of good info here, and some very helpful folks.

[Mikey]

Thanks again for your welcomes and advice, and special thanks to jfheath for assembling a wealth of technical information on Basecamp and navigators, a remarkable effort. I have made good progress in my learning.

Jfheath asked: ‘How do you plan routes ? What software’.
I have used Google Maps mainly, in a clumsy/clunky way to outline a route. Written down various aspects (pencil and paper), very unsophisticated! Sometimes I have broken the route or trip into parts so that Google Maps gave me the information, distances, time intervals etc. I have also worked directly on the XT, which has had a 90% failure rate, but prospects for success look bright now with my increasing knowledge of BC.
Mikey.