Garmin Edge 205, Mapping? Anyone else here use one?

[Matthew_Eames]

Just managed to get myself a Garmin Edge 205 GPS unit from work (only paid £42 aswell... what a bargin) and am trying to figure out if there is any way of downloading some routes from the web (local trail info or good road routes), and also if there is a way of porting routes from your PC (via google earth which the unit is capable of outputting to) for a couple of longer rides I have planned in the near future, as the included map within the garmin training centre is well absoultey useless

Unit itself is brilliant, particularly for the money, anyone else on here got one? any tips for getting the most out of it?

[mat205125]

Where'd you get it for that price?

[john_p]

You can't do full on maps but you can outline a course (so you can see where you need to turn or what road to follow)

1. www.bikehike.co.uk - plot a course
2. Save as a tcx file
3. Import into Garmin as a Course
4. Select it on the device and "Do Course"

You can then see on the screen a route to follow. You can't reference it against a proper map, but you can see where to go next on roads/trails. If you are going on a complicated route you should bring a printout/OS map as a reference.

You can also put waypoints on with directions such as "turn left" but I've not really researched this as the number of waypoints is quite limited.

I think you can convert Google Earth KML files into TCX (Garmin Training Center XML) using GPSBabel.

It's an awesome datalogger though. I tested my 305's accuracy against some aviation gear and it was just as good. Download SportTracker and use that instead of the Garmin proggie, much better!

Edited by john_p on Monday 17th August 11:49

[mikee boy]

^^^

What he says, except that the en-route waypoints are called 'coursepoints'. Thanks for the heads-up about SportsTracker.

[936ADL]

I've been using one now for nearly 3 years and couldn't recommend them more.

Getting some mapping that interfaces with the unit really unlocks the potential of it.

I've used tracklogs maps - www.tracklogs.co.uk - and have found them to be excellent.

[mackie1]

I just got one of these for my birthday but haven't had a real chance to play with it much. I shall definately be looking at some of the links above

[Roger645]

I use one, great bit of kit, we pre-planned some rider before we went to France last year and loaded them in, worked really well. the latest Garmin software allows you to view your ride on google earth as well which is good.

[Matthew_Eames]

mat205125 said:

Where'd you get it for that price?

It was an 'Ex display' model at work, halfords have them in clearance for £50 (though the non display ones are £99,).....a bargin but I'm not sure if many other stores have any, I could check tomorrow if it would be of use to anyone.

Thanks for the info, Really I only bought the thing as a cycle computer, but it really is VERY capable.....and i have just figured out the basics so far, will download a few programmes and have a play round with it, all I want really is to be able to place some trails on the system and also plot any longer rides in advance

34mph is the best I have seen so far, must try harder, and find more hills!