Upgrade from XT to XT2

[Chopperbob]

So is it worth it?

I like the thumb control that can be connected to the XT2,

But on balance is the XT2/Tread a significant better system than the XT/Basecamp combi?

[smfollen]

I had an XT and moved to the XT2 about 8 months ago so I’ve had a reasonable amount of experience with each. If I had neither and was looking for a first purchase, I would go with the XT2, but If I already had an XT, I would not spend the money to "upgrade".

The XT2 is definitely better hardware with a bigger, brighter screen and has a few nice features including the keyboard on one screen, the ability to sort routes, etc. However, the XT2 software still suffers from the same important problems as the XT – e.g. RUT. You can find workarounds for those issues that work for both the XT and XT2 but why spend money to keep the same problems? In addition, the Tread app with the XT2 introduces a whole new set of significant issues. Tread and the XT2 might become a great system someday, but so far Garmin appears to be very slow, and even reluctant, to fix the issues, at least as I see it.

At this point, I use my XT2 in a similar manner to my previous XT. After several attempts with the Tread app, I now avoid it entirely, primarily because it makes significant, undesirable route changes, especially when shaping points are included. It also introduces Bluetooth issues. There are posts about those, and other issues, on this forum.

For route planning, I still use Basecamp, which runs on a big screen computer rather than a small screen phone or tablet. Yes Basecamp does work just fine with the XT2, as do several third party tools. I import gpx files to the XT2 via sd card. I find it simple and reliable.

For perspective, the primary reason I have a SatNav (aka a GPS) on my motorcycle is for planned route navigation, with spoken directions. The second reason is to always have a map handy when I’m not following a planned route. Third would be the ability to search for nearby facilities and attractions. The various other features available are nice extras, but they are not why I bought the device in the first place. When an app like Tread adds nice to have features but breaks the much more important base functionality, it gets purged from my devices.

[jfheath]

There is no option for what I want to select in the quiz.

The XT1 has its issues. Serious issues. But I now know how to make it behave in the way that I want it to behave - ie more like the Zumo 590. Predictable. Reliable. Pity about the 590's dim screen and the battery that never properly charges.

So the XT1 may change the name of route points on transfer. It will definitely mess up your route if the route is impoted from BC or obtained from a GPX file - if it is allowed to recalculate the route - eg by needing to press Skip. You can get round most of these issues using various techniques.

The XT2 is not physically that much bigger than the XT1 - but the visible display is XT2: 133mm x 75mm XT1: 121mm x 68mm
This makes makes the are 21% larger, and the display is much brighter - a whiter light.

The XT2 comes with souped-up issues - most of which I have eliminated by refusing to link the XT2 with the Tread's route storage. I can still use the Tread App for Road works, traffic, weather info. But not allowing it to synch to the Tread/Explore database means that routes and routepoints are not changed.

I do like the fact that collections are now properly implemented on the XT2, so all data for a single day's ride (routes, tracks, waypoints) can be saved in a collection for a single day - and that collection can be displayed on the map, and all others turned off. The RUT issue which plagued the XT1 - is fixable. On the XT2, this can be achieved very easily using the XT2 screen.

I still have a 590 and a 595 - but the cradles are no longer mounted on the motorbike.

The XT2 cradle is in prime position on the dash - a simple glance away. The XT1 cradle is still there between the bars just above the tank. Difficult to just glance at - but on unknown routes I will take both. But I am happy enough with the XT2 to have it as my main unit. But it is not as Garmin would intend it.

Garmin has now developed a remote handle bar controller for the XT2. I have one - but goodness what were Garmin doing with the info that they provided about the cables that were required ? I cannot comment on how well it works as I have only just obtained a refund for the cables that they originally recommended, and the replacement will be available in 4-7 days. (But it said that a couple of weeks ago).

[Oop North John]

I like the XT2 for it's ability to route plan off the unit, and not having to use a computor / laptop to do it.

But I still use Basecamp to route plan for the XT2, but then do the dance of sending the routes by e-mail to myself for Tread / XT2 synchronisation.

But I'll be keeping my XT as Garmin Express doesn't seem to let me download maps to the laptop, probably because Garmin say that the XT2 isn't officially supported so why would I need maps on it

[jfheath]

But I'll be keeping my XT as Garmin Express doesn't seem to let me download maps to the laptop, probably because Garmin say that the XT2 isn't officially supported so why would I need maps on it

So far I have not had issues updating the maps on my PC with the XT2 connected. Last time, it wouldn't let me install to the PC until it had already installed them on the XT2.

But you make a good point. You can always install maps to the PC if you have an older Garmin (eg the XT1, 595, 590, ....)

At some point in the past, for doing something else, I read that you can insert an SD card which has been formatted/named/loaded with files/... I do not recall - actually I didn't take much notice because it wasn't something that I had the need to use at the time. But apparently in doing so, the content of the card made it look like a particular Zumo was connected - which allowed certain things to be done that otherwise could not be done.

I'm wondering if the magic SD card trick would allow maps to be installed on the PC.

Am I talking rubbish - or is this a possibility ?

[Oop North John]

At some point in the past, for doing something else, I read that you can insert an SD card which has been formatted/named/loaded with files/... I do not recall - actually I didn't take much notice because it wasn't something that I had the need to use at the time. But apparently in doing so, the content of the card made it look like a particular Zumo was connected - which allowed certain things to be done that otherwise could not be done.

I'm wondering if the magic SD card trick would allow maps to be installed on the PC.

Am I talking rubbish - or is this a possibility ?

I think that the correct term is creating a virtual drive, which Basecamp then "sees" as a real Garmin GPS.

Lots of articles on a Garmin forum which links to the page below page. I did something like this in the past for out of the GPS's normal mapping area, so it could be more quickly used than accessing the maps through the GPS. Usual caveats, you decide if you want to use it!

https://www.javawa.nl/virtualdevice.html