| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
...anyone have one they aren't using? I got a (what looks like) fully functional Quest unit as a spare screen for my Quest II. But...since it seems to work, I'd like to toss some maps on it and see if it does indeed function. This is an original Quest I, regional maps only, and I think I need a CD with its unlock code...and that should do it. My QII is nationwide, this one (being regional) is only set up right now for west coast. And I'm in Maryland. Talking with Garmin customer "support", I'm getting the party line of "yes, your unit is fully functional and should provide years of faithful service for you...but we don't support it anymore and don't have any software we can share with you". Now since my Q2 is national, I don't know if they "bundled" the software for the Q1 by region or if you got the whole country and could only load part of it at a time...if it's sectioned out, I need east coast/northeast (most of my riding is MD/PA/WV/VA/DC/DE - anything outside that I can take the Q2). Anyone? | ||
| Reepicheep |
The unlock codes are tied to the particular GPS. So you can't just get a CD with an unlock code, you need the CD and *the* unlock code that came with the GPS... or a new one Garmin makes for you (which I am not sure they can even make anymore for older version of the software). I had this same situation.... here is how I fixed it: 1) Call or email Garmin customer support, be polite and helpful, but express what a terrible travesty in user experience their ill conceived idea to implement strong digital rights management created. Make it clear that *they* have a problem. But again, be polite and positive. They will need your serial number. 2) They will tell you what the highest registered version of the software for that particular GPS was. They will email the last known owner (if they have it). 3) If they hear back that the owner sold it, or don't hear back in a couple of weeks, they will transfer ownership to you, set you up as the registered owner, and give you the last unlock code. 4) They will not give you the original CD's. You are on your own for that... but we can probably help you. The CD's can be copied without much hassle. 5) You will have to install the old CD, praying it gets far enough to get the maps in and to let you enter the unlock codes before it explodes because it is so out of date relative to your operating system. Then you can install BaseCamp right off the Garmin web site (which at the time would not let you load maps to the Quest, but now hopefully will). There! Easy Peasy.  As much as I love Garmin hardware, and some aspects of what they were able to to, they have me SO infuriated with their DRM and their unwillingness to support it the way it has to be supported in order to not be a burden on their customers.... that I won't shed a tear when the revolution comes and they are lined up against the wall. And make no mistake, the revolution *is* here, between IPhone and Android devices and Waze. Garmin is toast. It will take a while for them to die because the smart phones are not currently particulary durable... but that problem will be solved before long (or with good external enclosures). | ||
| Dtaylor |
Hey Joe, You might have some luck with this routable, open source map project, which generates non-NT Garmin maps: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl You select the map(s) you want, and it will generate installers for BaseCamp/MapSource. Once the map is installed, you *might* be able to transfer the map to the Q1 with MapInstall? It will also generate an individual map file that you *might* be able to copy directly to your GPS' file directory. You should be able to roll a map that has MD and a neighbour or three, and still fit in the Q1's tiny memory. that's a lot of "mights", but good luck! Doug (Message edited by dtaylor on March 28, 2013) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Mapinstaller has pulled a long alphanumeric "code" out of the device that I've emailed to garmin. We'll see what they say about it. I also sent the SN and asked them to contact the last owner (all via email because I don't get home till well after they close for the day). It really is a shame they lock this stuff down like it has launch codes in it or something...and then stop supporting the software even though the hardware is still going strong. I find it hard to believe they don't archive their old software...but whatever. | ||
| Eaglerider |
In my experience, Garmin has great customer support. My fleet of GPSs, both auto and motorcycle units, were serviced at reasonable prices. They often send me parts to repair the device (i.e. Zumo 550 mounts) for free even though the unit was long out of warranty. Their map supplier, NAVTEQ dictates the DRM for the maps. IF NAVTEQ does not have such tight DRM, the market would be flooded with cheap GPS units with bootleg maps. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If that is true, Garmin failed to manage their DRM (and their vendors) appropriately, and NAVTEQ, like many other companies in near monopoloy positions, made sure they ran themselves out of business. The Open Maps stuff is great these days. Waze, MotionX GPS Drive, and NavFree are getting very good these days. I've not tried Navigon but I hear good things about it as well. If I didn't have a pile of very nice Quest's that do such a good job of letting me control the route and do nice turn by turn prompts in a weatherproof package, I'd have ditched Garmin long ago. Heck, as it is now, if I broke another mount and had to go buy it, I'm not sure I would pay money to replace it. I'd probably start hunting "voice prompt through bluetooth with GPS in an otterbox" type solutions or something. | ||
| Ratbuell |
And that's about where I am...good solid unit that does what I want...and...lessee....SEVEN cradles that would have to be dismounted, unwired, replaced, rewired, and remounted. As long as the units continue to serve...I'm not looking to change platforms. Unfortunately garmin has joined the ranks of the "disposable tech" mentality. If its not the latest and greatest, nobody is going to use it so why bother supporting it? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Kinda tempts a person to try and crack it, once the manufacturer has effectively abandoned it. | ||
| Afsoc_commando |
Reepicheep, There are forums where the software is available and cracked. I use Waze on my Cell on the bike. Looking for a house recently I bought a BRAND spanking new high speed Garmin car unit. The wife will get it. I upgraded it to the latest and greatest software and maps and it still did not have roads that have been laid and driven for over a year. My Waze did, but the Garmin did not. My Waze routing has proven to be better then the Garmin as well. The wife is getting the Garmin and I'll stick to my Waze. | ||
| Froggy |
As a Waze map editor I love hearing that more and more people are using it. I hope you guys get a chance to do some map editing too, it gives you a better understanding of how Waze works and you can prevent others from getting a bad route. |
