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caddesign

Oct 23, 2011, 1:25 PM

Post #1 of 106 (18842 views)

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Part 1 - Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Each month I will post a list of questions and answers for Garmin
and TomTom GPS users.

1. Why will my Garmin not accept the address for Guadalajar Mexico?
This because in Mexico, we use (Colonia) name.

For this example, I used Garmin nuvi 1300 with new 2012.20 map of Mexico.
Search for Costco address, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico using
(Colonia) Name

A. Change state/Country>Jalisco, Mexico
B. Enter City name>Eucalipto Vallarta, Jal
C. Enter Street>Rafael Sanzio
D. Enter House Number>4775>Select from list: Avenida Rafael Sanzio
45020 Eucalipto Vallarta, Jal
Note: for more information about (Colonia)
http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/MexicGPSAtlasEn.htm

2. How do I find intersection on TomTom?

For this example I used TomTom One XL, with new 2011 map of Mexico
Search for Costco located at intersection, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

A. Navigate to>Address>Cross Street or Intersection
B. City: Eucalipto Vallarta JA (Zapopan JA)
C. Street: Avendia Rafael Sanzio
D. Cross Street: Avenida Vallarta

Note: Both Garmin and TomTom GPS units, there are many ways to search address and (POI) point of interest
　
Next month
3. Can I view the map in GPS unit on my computer?

Both Garmin and TomTom have a free software that will allow you to view and update maps and firmware on PC.


(This post was edited by DavidMcL on Mar 15, 2012, 4:15 PM)

caddesign

Oct 24, 2011, 8:41 AM

Post #2 of 106 (18719 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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4. Can I use Apple iPhone GPS in Mexico? Yes

For now only TomTom software can be used for iphone, Ipad, Ipod
in Mexico.
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/..._iphone_and_ipod.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAdYtnQK3-I


(This post was edited by Rolly on Oct 24, 2011, 8:43 AM)

caddesign

Oct 31, 2011, 9:05 AM

Post #3 of 106 (18559 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Tips & Tricks, GPS long distance travel planning in Mexico

To help both Garmin and TomTom, have a free software, that will allow you to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them to your GPS device.

http://www.garmin.com/.../onthetrail/basecamp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U515-wNzzFc

http://www.tomtom.com/services/service.php?id=16&tab=87
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS39tG4Ofgw

Why is the route that I created on my GPS not following the road?
Because you need to input (Via) Points into the Garmin,
or waypoints for TomTom users

For this example, we will travel over 700 miles from Guadalajara Mexico to McAllen Texas for a shopping vacation.

I used Garmin nuvi 1300 with new map of Mexico.
Input city names along my route.

Select from Garmin menu Where to?>Cities> Enter the city names.

McAllen, TX Final Destination
Reynosa, TAMPS Add as a Via Point
Monterrey, NL Set as a Via Point
San Luis Potosi, SLP Set as a Via Point
Ojuelos de Jalisco, JAL Set as a Via Point
Lagos de Moreno, JAL Set as a Via Point
Tonala, JAL Set as a Via Point

I used TomTom One XL with new map of Mexico.
Input city names along my route.

Select from TomTom menu Itinerary Planning> Enter the city names.

Tonala JA mark as waypoint
Lagos de Moreno JA mark as waypoint
Ojuelos de Jalisco JA mark as waypoint
San Luis SL mark as waypoint
Monterrey NL mark as waypoint
Reynosa TM mark as waypoint
McAllen TX mark as destination

Next month topic
Why should I update Mexico map in my GPS?
Because roads are constantly changing, on average 15% of roads change every year.

Can I update 2001 Garmin StreetPilot with new Mexico maps? Yes
2009 was the last year Garmin sold (NON-NT) maps for older
GPS units, More on this topic next month.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OISJwAidSzo

caddesign

Nov 7, 2011, 7:37 AM

Post #4 of 106 (18406 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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How do I use Google maps with my GPS device?
Both MapQuest and Google maps can be used.

Garmin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suQ6nJt84AA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_p1x-fL2zc&feature=relmfu

TomTom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUk3pICUcPk
http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/search/?q=google

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
http://www.mapquest.com/

telcoman

Nov 13, 2011, 4:09 PM

Post #5 of 106 (18285 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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I have used BICI maps for my Garmin. This year I am trying Garmins which are now included with lifetime updates. From what I can see, they are now superior. here is a side by side comparison.

Comparison

caddesign

Nov 14, 2011, 7:46 AM

Post #6 of 106 (18250 views)

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Re: [telcoman] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Can I use Garmin CityExplorers maps in Mexico? Yes
only in Mexico City.

As there is a bit of confusion about CityXplorers maps usage , I try to explain this matter more clearly-CityXplorer maps are special maps that contain CityNavigators map parts (important cities ones) + EPM features.

What is EPM? EPM means Ehanced Pedestrian Mode.
Enhanced pedestrian navigation helps you navigate the city's public transit. Get directions for where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram, or other transportation (where available). Also learn how long it will take to get there. In some cities, data is even available for transit schedules, such as subway or bus times and routes.
So in CityXplorers you'll have pedestrian features and Public Transports.

http://www.garmin.com/us/maps/cityxplorer
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=276&pID=70067

jrpierce


Nov 14, 2011, 12:22 PM

Post #7 of 106 (18229 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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What a great thread! Thanks to you all. I am eager to try linking Google or Mapquest maps to my Garmin Nuvi.

I have used Bicimapas for three years now, and while very useful, I fully realize it isn't up to the quality standards of the Garmin maps. I've not purchased the Garmin Mexico maps because of my concern about their coverage for smaller towns in Mexico. However I know they keep improving that.

Does anyone know where I might find more detail about their coverage of Mexico? The map they normally show is woefully inadequate. For example, I live in Morelia, Michoacán. Their coverage of Morelia would be very important in whether I would switch over.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

Jim

chinagringo


Nov 14, 2011, 6:00 PM

Post #8 of 106 (18209 views)

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Re: [jrpierce] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Jim:

We purchased the Garmin card back in 2009 and have been amazed by the details in many if not most of the small towns and villages. Since you live in Michoacan, here are a couple of examples: San Francisco Pichataro, Cocucho, Paracho, Patamban, Ocumicho, Capula, Cheran, Cuanajo, San Jose de Gracia and numerous others. In a couple of these towns/villages, we are talking dirt roads and they were on the GPS maps. On the other hand, where the cuota (Hwy 43 ?) heads north from Morelia across the lake towards Cuitzeo, it showed us driving across the lake with no highway.

What I don't get is that our version of the Mexico maps shows as being the 2010 version but when I hook the GPS to my laptop, it shows no updates available. Maybe because our maps are on a card, it cannot update?
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


jrpierce


Nov 14, 2011, 6:37 PM

Post #9 of 106 (18205 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Hi Neil,

Interesting. When you say they have coverage for these towns, do you mean city street maps of the towns, or routes to the towns? For example, did Garmin have complete street maps for Pátzcuaro, Morelia, Santa Clara de Cobre and Ajijic? I don't know why I didn't think to raise this with you when you were in Morelia.

Saludos, Jim

chinagringo


Nov 14, 2011, 6:51 PM

Post #10 of 106 (18202 views)

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Re: [jrpierce] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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As near as I could tell, the city/town/village street maps appeared to be complete. We were on some streets or burro paths that we had no business driving on with our minivan and the streets showed. Probably should have had warnings that streets were SUV only.

As far as Patzcuaro, Morelia, Santa Clara del Cobre and Ajijic go, I never found a missing street. I did notice that around Lake Chapala, the location indicator was often off by a block or a few hundred feet. No idea why.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM



(This post was edited by chinagringo on Nov 14, 2011, 6:53 PM)

jrpierce


Nov 14, 2011, 7:23 PM

Post #11 of 106 (18197 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Good news! Thanks Neil!

Does anyone else know of any cities/areas in Mexico where the Garmin maps don't provide good coverage?

Jim

esperanza

Nov 14, 2011, 9:45 PM

Post #12 of 106 (18187 views)

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Re: [jrpierce] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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We use the Garmin maps too. Our experience has been that they are only fair in some situations. For example, they do not differentiate between roads that split into upper and lower levels; they will tell us to go straight ahead when there is a choice of taking either the lower or the upper level, which end up in totally different places. They often tell us to 'turn' right or left when a street or road simply curves in one of those directions, and Garmin knows almost nothing about one-way streets.

I remember a night in Chalco, Edomex, when the damned thing kept trying to get us to 'turn left in 200 meters'--onto a one-way street going the wrong way. When we couldn't make that turn, it 'recalculated', taking us around the block at the next street and insisting AGAIN that we turn left onto the same one-way street that ran the other direction. Chalco is not a place where you want to stop and ask directions at 1AM.




http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com








jrpierce


Nov 15, 2011, 7:26 AM

Post #13 of 106 (18166 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Thanks for the input, Esperanza. I've found similar problems with Garmin maps in the US from time to time, and had almost exactly the same issue with the Bicimapas product in Mexico. One evening Linda and I got lost in a rough neighborhood in in Guadalajara, and the GPS kept sending us in circles. There were people on the streets keeping warm around fires in oil drums, and they were starting to realize we were lost when we finally figured out how to leave the area.

I know how much you travel in Mexico. Except for these "glitches" are you satisfied with the Garmin product? Thanks,

Jim

chinagringo


Nov 15, 2011, 7:46 AM

Post #14 of 106 (18162 views)

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Re: [jrpierce] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Using a GPS in North America is never an absolute as proven by the horror stories when people followed blind faith in taking provided directions. Common sense and a bit of sense of direction comes in handy. Using maps in MX also requires a sense of humor like so many things.

One way streets are problematic anywhere especially when the direction is changed between mapping cycles. The comment about the unit telling you to turn rather than simply following the curve in the road is often caused by the fact that in MX, the street name may often change at the curve. The same can be true when entering and exiting a traffic circle.

One trick that I use in MX is that I always have "tracking" turned on and then when I arrive at a location that has been problematic, I save our final destination. This seems to work well when returning to that same site at a later date. For example: two years ago we had a heck of a time finding the Best Western in San Miguel de Allende when coming into the city from the south. That attempt, I was using their provided address. This past August, we came in from the same direction but I used the saved location and it worked much better.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


esperanza

Nov 15, 2011, 7:50 AM

Post #15 of 106 (18158 views)

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Re: [jrpierce] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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In Reply To
I know how much you travel in Mexico. Except for these "glitches" are you satisfied with the Garmin product? Thanks,

Jim
Well...I swear at it a lot--if I never hear the word "RECALCULO" again it will be too soon!--but it is also pretty helpful in getting us around.




http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com








caddesign

Nov 21, 2011, 6:37 AM

Post #16 of 106 (18031 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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How can I view map details and coverage of Mexico?
Use Garmin online interactive map.

1. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=1456
2. Select: Coverage Detail
3. Click to view detailed, interactive map
4. Click on the map to launch interactive map viewer.
Pan and zoom to see detailed roads and points of interest.


More information and coverage details.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=11427

Mexico GPS Atlas 2012
1. http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/Mapas_GPS_EN.htm
2. Select: Mexico GPS Atlas for Garmin
3. Select: Images

Download a sample located in the western area of the City of Puebla.
http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/MapasGPS/DNLD/MuestraMGA.zip

caddesign

Nov 21, 2011, 6:39 AM

Post #17 of 106 (18026 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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TomTom partial map coverage of Mexicio 61%

1. https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/shop/maps/
2. Select your model: GO LIVE
3. Select your map: Mexico
4. Select: More Information

caddesign

Nov 28, 2011, 5:42 AM

Post #18 of 106 (17874 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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How can I use my GPS to find, Bus Station in Manzanillo, Mexico?
We will need to use a little Spanish, and google maps.

1. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
2. Set default location: Manzanillo, Mexico
3. Search for: Terminal de Autobuses
4. Search results: Terminal de Autobuses Manzanillo
Foca, Valle de Las Garzas, Manzanillo, COL, Mexico

Garmin with 2012.30 map
A. Address
B. Change state/Country>Mexico, Colima
C. Enter City name>Manzanillo, Col
D. Enter Street>Foca
E. Enter House Number>Done>Go

TomTom with fresh new map
A. Address
B. City: Manzanillo CL
C. Street: Calle Foca
D. House number: OK
E. Cross Street: Calle Atun

caddesign

Nov 28, 2011, 5:46 AM

Post #19 of 106 (17873 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Can I use Garmin language guide in Mexico? Yes

Some GPS units come with a 30 day trial version.
From main menu Tools>Language Guide

Oxford Travel Language Guide: Western Europe and the Americas contains a multilingual word bank, phrase bank and 5 bilingual dictionaries (with data provided by Oxford University Press).
The multilingual word and phrase bank supports 9 languages and dialects, including American English, British English, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, European Spanish and Latin American Spanish.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1280&ra=true

caddesign

Nov 28, 2011, 5:51 AM

Post #20 of 106 (17872 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Why will my Garmin not find parking garage for Guadalajar Mexico?
This because in Mexico, we use name estacionamiento.

From Garmin menu>Where to?> Points of Interest >Parking>select from list>
Estacionamiento

From TomTom main menu>Navigate to>Point of Interest>POI in city>Guadalajara JA>
Parking garage>select from list>Estacionamiento

caddesign

Nov 28, 2011, 3:46 PM

Post #21 of 106 (17834 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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by Antuan Goodwin

GPS buying guide
How GPS mapping works

http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-12489_7-263-1.html?tag=page;page

caddesign

Dec 5, 2011, 6:32 AM

Post #22 of 106 (17652 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Can I use Garmin nüMaps Lifetime in Mexico? Yes
Mexico is now included with this new map update.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=33379&ra=true
http://www8.garmin.com/support/lifetime_updater.html

TomTom Lifetime Map Updates
https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/maps/lifetime-map-updates/index.jsp

allows you to get the latest maps up to 4 times per year
for the life of your device

This map update only can be used to update the preloaded maps that came installed on your device. For example, a device preloaded with North America maps cannot be updated with nüMaps Lifetime Europe, and vice versa.

caddesign

Dec 5, 2011, 6:36 AM

Post #23 of 106 (17650 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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Can I replace the battery in my 2008 Garmin nuvi 260? Yes
This is a common problem that can be fixed easily and cheaply.

A GPS battery under the hot Mexico sun will not last long.

When ordering new replacement battery, confirm that Torx and Shim tool
(necessary for installation) are included.

These tools are shown in the videos.

Garmin
http://www.newpower99.com/Battery_for_Garmin_Nuvi_260W_p/garmin%20nuvi%20260w.htm

TomTom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcbebExQmx8

http://www.newpower99.com/

chinagringo


Dec 5, 2011, 7:10 AM

Post #24 of 106 (17644 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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I can understand how the map updates would work if you have the Mexico maps loaded to your internal memory. My question is: if you have the Mexico maps on a microSD card - does the update load to the card?
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


caddesign

Dec 5, 2011, 9:44 AM

Post #25 of 106 (17629 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Tips & Tricks for using Garmin & TomTom GPS in Mexico

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-----from Garmin FAQ-----

Question: What is the largest SD (Secure Digital) card that my nüvi can accept?

Answer:
As long as your nüvi has the most recent version of system software your nüvi will be SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) compatible. This means that there is no limitation to the size of SD card that your nüvi will accept.

To ensure that your unit has the most up to date system software please use our WebUpdater program

and......

Although any brand of SD or microSD card should work without any problems, Garmin recommends using SanDisk or Kingston brand cards. Most SD and microSD cards work with out any issues however Ultra, High Speed (such as 133x or faster), or SD and microSD cards specifically used for high end or professional electronics might not work.
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