Zumo 396 Mapping Software

[VA3TWT]

My Zumo 550 is getting long in the tooth and I am considering replacing it with a Zumo 396 LMT-S. I detest Basecamp with a passion (steep learning curve for this old fella) and I am wondering , can I still use Mapsource with the new unit?

I'm guessing I will miss out on a lot of features of Basecamp, but until I learn that software, I would really like to keep using Mapsource.

Thanks for any and all advice;
Gord

[sussamb]

Yes, all new devices can be used with MapSource provided you switch them from mtp to mass storage mode

[Fitz]

I've recently made the same journey from 550 to 396LMTS and so far I'm delighted with it.

Like you, I hated Basecamp and before buying the 396 had been designing routes in Google Maps, converting with GPS Visualizer which created files that Basecamp could open as a Track, convert to a Route and load to the 550. Phew! But...

But... since spending a bit of time learning about Basecamp using the excellent guides from New England Riders and Garmin Guru (see the "learning & using Basecamp" thread in the Basecamp for PC section of this forum), I'm a changed man. Well worth giving it a go.

My Zumo 550 is getting long in the tooth and I am considering replacing it with a Zumo 396 LMT-S. I detest Basecamp with a passion (steep learning curve for this old fella) and I am wondering , can I still use Mapsource with the new unit?

I'm guessing I will miss out on a lot of features of Basecamp, but until I learn that software, I would really like to keep using Mapsource.

Thanks for any and all advice;
Gord

[VA3TWT]

Thanks Fitz! I will have a look at that thread. Maybe I will get it through my thick skull yet. Are you liking the 396LMTS?

Gord

[Sleuth]

Hi,

If you can use MapSource, then the switch to BaseCamp is not that huge. It does take a change from a file point of view to a database point of view. It is worth struggling, and fighting with it.

I have had to switch, and enjoyed a love hate relationship with BaseCamp. That was until I understood how things worked. The old Zumoforums helped out, and a large number of the old crew have signed up here. So if you have questions, ask. I am sure there is someone who can help.

Stupid questions rarely not exist, stupid answers exist frequently. A question means you do not understand soemthing.

Best regards
Sleuth

[Stu]

I too struggled with Basecamp but with the help of you tube videos I have started to figure it out!

Its well worth learning to use it

But as [mention]Fitz[/mention] says have a look at this thread
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=12

[rbentnail]

Yeah, I'm in the "struggled with BC" camp too but the newenglandriders tutorial is what made it make sense to me. The file system is a little goofy & takes some getting used to but it makes sense, sort of.

[VA3TWT]

I have printed the newenglandriders tutorial and will have a read. Thanks for all the tips and encouragement.

Gord

[Breezly]

I would suggest that you don't just "have a read" of the tutorial. Set aside a couple of hours and start from the beginning of the tutorial with Basecamp open and follow the tutorial step by step doing them on your computer & GPS. The tutorial was developed from classes we've taught and it's meant to be a step by step guide - not as a reference material.

[VA3TWT]

Thanks Breezly,will do.