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AR15.COM
4/27/2010 1:42:48 PM EDT
We have three Garmins (255, 755) and all of the software needs to be updated.  Is there a way to update them without having to buy all of the software directly from garmin?  I tried a torrent (noobie) but I couldn't get it to work.
4/27/2010 1:54:29 PM EDT
[#1]
No.

All the GPS mfgrs have you by the short and curlies when it comes to maps.  Just the way it is.

And guess what?  If you want to update 3 units, you'll have to buy three sets of maps.  At $100 per, that's some serious coin.

I'm not so sure the map updates are particularly critical;  I'm running City Nav NA from 2006 with no troubles.  But I don't let my unit lead me around by the nose.
4/27/2010 2:38:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
No.

All the GPS mfgrs have you by the short and curlies when it comes to maps.  Just the way it is.


That's not really the case anymore.

See:
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/09/free-gps-topo-maps.html
and
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
4/28/2010 2:54:58 AM EDT
[#3]



Quoted:



Quoted:

No.



All the GPS mfgrs have you by the short and curlies when it comes to maps.  Just the way it is.





That's not really the case anymore.



See:

http://gpstracklog.com/2009/09/free-gps-topo-maps.html

and

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/


thanks!  at a quick glance those sites seem to be just for trail maps?  I did find one site that had a way to install a torrent to an unlocked Nuvi.



 
4/28/2010 4:46:39 AM EDT
[#4]



Quoted:


No.



All the GPS mfgrs have you by the short and curlies when it comes to maps.  Just the way it is.



And guess what?  If you want to update 3 units, you'll have to buy three sets of maps.  At $100 per, that's some serious coin.



I'm not so sure the map updates are particularly critical;  I'm running City Nav NA from 2006 with no troubles.  But I don't let my unit lead me around by the nose.


For a hundred bucks a pop, I'd just as soon buy a new GPS....



 
4/28/2010 5:33:36 AM EDT
[#5]
Magellan.    Maps are way cheaper.
4/28/2010 12:49:01 PM EDT
[#6]
Do you mean the maps (as apparently everyone else assumed), or the firmware in the GPS itself?

If it's the firmware, it should be available at no charge from Garmin, for each model.  Other manufacturers do the same.
I've updated both my Lowrance & that of a friend, & our 2 Garmins, as well.

Some databases are also free from the mfr website.

Also, I may be mis-remembering this, but I think you can legally load Garmin map software onto up to 2 units, depending on
compatibility & which specific units/software.  It's been a while since I updated ours, but I recall thinking that I'd be able to
do both mine & my sons with the same expenditure.

Check the Garmin website to be sure.

David
4/28/2010 2:38:07 PM EDT
[#7]



Quoted:


Do you mean the maps (as apparently everyone else assumed), or the firmware in the GPS itself?



If it's the firmware, it should be available at no charge from Garmin, for each model.  Other manufacturers do the same.

I've updated both my Lowrance & that of a friend, & our 2 Garmins, as well.



Some databases are also free from the mfr website.



Also, I may be mis-remembering this, but I think you can legally load Garmin map software onto up to 2 units, depending on

compatibility & which specific units/software.  It's been a while since I updated ours, but I recall thinking that I'd be able to

do both mine & my sons with the same expenditure.



Check the Garmin website to be sure.



David


I meant the mapping software and not the firmware.  



 
4/28/2010 7:21:09 PM EDT
[#8]
Had to ask; wasn't sure.

Thanks.

David
4/29/2010 3:50:13 PM EDT
[#9]
Well I got as far as the torrent but now I am stuck.



Any tips?