Tread Changes Exisiting Routes - Shaping Point Issues (XT3)

[FrankB]

It looks like there is yet another workaround for this problem available on the XT3. No it doesn't work for the XT2! I call it the "Wireless transfer method", explained below.

(My) Definition: When a GPX route is loaded in the route planner, containing Shaping Points, the Shaping points can get renamed and/or relocated, resulting in a different route. Typically these GPX files are created using BaseCamp, MRA, Kurviger or similar route-planner, placed in the Internal Storage (Or Sd Card) in the folder GPX of the Zumo. From the GPX folder they are imported in the Route planner. Also routes transferred by TripManager and send as 'trip files' are affected.

Summary of Workarounds

• Use only Via points in your routes.(XT2/XT3)
  Cons
  • Via points need to be visited while driving, making it hard to deviate.
  • There is a limit on the nr. of Via points you can use.
  Pros
  • Weather and Traffic info is available
  • Wireless transfer possible
  • Plan routes with the Tread App

• Use tracks and convert the track to a route on the device.(XT2/XT3)
  Cons
  • All route points are lost.
  • Difficult to restart a route, from a random location.
  • Only ETA available is the destination.
  • These routes tend to exhibit RUT behaviour.
  Pros
  • Weather and Traffic info is available
  • Wireless transfer possible
  • Plan routes with the Tread App

• Dont install Tread (XT2, XT3)
  Cons
  • No Wireless transfer possible.
  • No Weather/Traffic data available
  Pros

• Install Tread, but dont allow 'Cloud storage' (XT2, XT3)
  Cons
  • No Wireless transfer possible
  Pros
  • Weather and Traffic info is available

• Wireless transfer method (XT3)
  Cons
  • Transferring routes to the Zumo is not well supported.
  Pros
  • Weather and Traffic info is available
  • Wireless transfer possible

Wireless transfer method. Setting it up.
- It may not be really needed, but I started with a 'clean' explore database. Clearing all routes/tracks/waypoints on the XT3 and in Explore.Garmin.com
- Setup the Tread App, make sure to allow 'Cloud Storage'.
- Setup WIFI. Choose your home network when you're at home. You can set up your phone as a hot-spot and use that connection as a backup.
- Verify sync is working by loading some tracks/waypoints in Explore. You may need to check the XT3 has a GPS fix and the correct date/time.
- Now forget the Phone on the XT3, and forget the XT3 on the Phone. Uninstall the Tread App.
- Now comes the surprising part! The XT3 will continue to sync to Explore using ONLY the WIFI connection.
- But since the Tread App is not involved anymore the routes remain unchanged.

eg:
- It will sync track logs, saved by the track recorder and put in a collection, to explore.
- It will sync way points and tracks uploaded to explore.garmin.com to the XT3.
- Routes are not well supported by explore, and when synced to the unit hardly usable. To transfer routes reliably you will still need to use the USB cable. Preferably using TripManager, but that is not a requirement.
- You can use both the browser, or the Explore App.
- Weather and Traffic info is also available. I have always questioned the quality of the traffic info, but it appears on the map.

What are the advantages of this method?
- First of all, and most important for me. Routes in the route planner, containing shaping points, remain unchanged.
- Should you have the need to load a route (as a track) onto the XT3, when you have no access to a PC, you can use this:

• Use Kurviger, or MRA to create/modify the route.

• Export it as a track and upload it to Explore.

• It will get synced to the XT3 when it has a WIFI connection. Optionally use your phone as a hot-spot.

• On the XT3 convert the track to a route, or just make it visible on the map.

- Weather and Traffic is available. Optionally use your phone as a hot-spot.
- Syncing can easily be en/disabled on the XT3 by en/disabling the Wifi.