Garmin Montana 650 GPS

bigntall said:
Thanks Auke. Are you talking about an adjustment in the map file itself or a control on the Montana display?
Click to expand...

I am talking about one of the sub-files (the xxxx.typ file) which forms part of the map. The .typ files basically contains information on how certain tracks and waypoints are going to be shown on the map in the GPS. So it is possible to make the lines for the tracks and single trail much thicker and/or with another color so that they are easily recognizable.
 
Great info Auke, thanks heaps. Another point for the Montana.

Is this possible on the 60csx?
 
Are you a viable subject to get the new Laser surgery on long-sightedness Justin?
 
Lone Rider said:
Yes, the 60csx has this options also. Please let me know what you would like to have changed and I will prepare it for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks Auke!!! Dunno though. if i can see the tracks properply on the GPS I may not have the joy of listening to LUFC whinging about "those damn GPS's" when we take one of many wrong turns.
 
Mate... can you see the track on this Montana?

055-5.jpg
 
I'm in Kratie today Phil. Heading south tomorrow. Just replaced the rear wheel bearings for the second time in 500km... one of them was shot at 200km. I'm down to one spare for front and one for rear.

N12. 29. 256
E106. 00.967
 
With the GPSmap60CX as you have the option within the unit itself to change the startup message to anything you like.
I had something like "If found, please call Peter on 0458 XXX XXX. There's a carton or bottle in it for you."

I have been wanting something like this with the Montana too & I have found it.
Attach the unit to your PC/Laptop
Go My Computer/Garmin Montana 650t/Garmin
There is a .txt document called startup.
Open this & you'll see

<!-- Edit this file to display a message while your unit is powering on -->
<!-- Allow one full power cycle after editing for your message to be updated -->

<!-- Set the display number to the minimum number of seconds your message is displayed -->
<display = 0>

<!-- Type your message on the next line -->

So all you do is type what you want to say here, I have done a similar message with my phone number in case someone honest enough does find it & is good enough to return it if I lose it.
 
Pounce said:
With the GPSmap60CX as you have the option within the unit itself to change the startup message to anything you like.
I had something like "If found, please call Peter on 0458 XXX XXX. There's a carton or bottle in it for you."

I have been wanting something like this with the Montana too & I have found it.
Attach the unit to your PC/Laptop
Go My Computer/Garmin Montana 650t/Garmin
There is a .txt document called startup.
Open this & you'll see

<!-- Edit this file to display a message while your unit is powering on -->
<!-- Allow one full power cycle after editing for your message to be updated -->

<!-- Set the display number to the minimum number of seconds your message is displayed -->
<display = 0>

<!-- Type your message on the next line -->

So all you do is type what you want to say here, I have done a similar message with my phone number in case someone honest enough does find it & is good enough to return it if I lose it.
Click to expand...

That's a great idea - done it.
 
bigntall said:
Ian - Did you spend anytime in the Red Mekong bar in Kratie? A very colorful owner.
Click to expand...

Geez mate... you think I can remember back that far? Lessee, the Balcony, and some Karaoke place in the backblocks... and a booze-up with my Cambodian host are all I can recall.

.... and that idea on startup... good move... I'm about to have a go at it.
 
The Bigfella said:
Mate... can you see the track on this Montana?

055-5.jpg
Click to expand...


Ok got my Garmin 650 in front of me and after looking at each and every menu option on the Garmin I cant find the basic function buttons to:

1. Change the color of routes
2. find a way to manipulate the size of routes and tracks so they are absurdly large like in BigFellas pic above.

Any insight?
 
Geez mate.... you don't expect me to remember, do you?

I THINK I had it set up with the Nuvi interface.... and there's an option in there for motorcycling as well, but I'm not sure. That particular Montana went back to Garmin and I'm on my third one now. btw... the first lasted a day and a half before it got screen registration issues, that one lasted five months. I've got my fingers crossed this time... they argued about replacing that one.

As nice as the Montana is... I don't think touch screens are up to rough terrain yet.
 
Try

Setup ----> Map ----> Dashboard ----> nuvi

AND

Profile Change ----> Motorcycling




I'm pretty sure that will give you the big tracks
 
The Bigfella said:
I'm in Kratie today Phil. Heading south tomorrow. Just replaced the rear wheel bearings for the second time in 500km... one of them was shot at 200km. I'm down to one spare for front and one for rear.

N12. 29. 256
E106. 00.967
Click to expand...

Hi Pounce

This is where the TomTom rider beats the Garmin hands down. With it you can change the start up picture AND have a password. So, the start up picture is just some text or whatever giving a reward for return and the password stops them from using it

There is still a chance it will get binned, but if they cannot use it there is more incentive for a monetary return

Cheers
TS
 
Thanks Ian. I had the motrcycling set-up in Profiles but not the Nuvi in the Dashboard.

When routing the default color is pink, which does not contrast sharply with the map background colors for my crap eyes. I've looked everywhere to change the route color but cannot find that option anywherw like the 60 CSX. Anyone know where that option is buried on the Montana?

I thought the screen issues were only when they were first released. Is this continuing to be a problem for users? Damn Ian if I had two fail I would be quite hesitant about giving it another go. Your a braver man than I. Hoping I dont regret the montana purchase.
 
I dont have a Montana but I do have the Manual ;)


Manuals

Seems unlikely that you could change the Route colour if the manual only mentions changing the Track colour but not the Route :(


Ally
 
The Bigfella said:
I changed the setup of my Montana 650t the other day and the route is now quite apparent. I've got it set up as:

Nuvi dashboard
Motorcycling user profile
Dirt Slinger
Track up
Auto resizing.

As I approach a turn, the track gets larger... up to nearly a centimetre wide. It zooms out when there's a long way to go to the next turn.
Click to expand...

Ian - Whats this Dirt Slinger setting of which you speak?
 
Thanks Ally. Tis a bit sad when a simple function like that is missing from their premier do it all GPS.
 
bigntall said:
Thanks Ally. Tis a bit sad when a simple function like that is missing from their premier do it all GPS.
Click to expand...
Could you consider making a track on computer from a route ?

Then onboard the gps device switch between tracks ?

But maybe thats just crazy !

Ally
 
bigntall said:
Ian - Whats this Dirt Slinger setting of which you speak?
Click to expand...

Dirt Slinger is the icon that shows on the display, the default is a blue arrow, you can change this to what ever you want from the ones that come with the Montana.

Go to Map, Setup, Advanced Setup, Vehicle and choose one of 12

You can do this in main menu settings or from the map screen
 
bigntall said:
Ian - Whats this Dirt Slinger setting of which you speak?
Click to expand...

I got that slightly wrong mate... its Mud Slinger not Dirt Slinger. Not that that makes much difference eh?

Its in.....

Setup ----> map -----> advanced setup ----> vehicle (and then select Mud Slinger, or whatever you want)

Zoom levels are in that same area, btw. That's where I had auto resizing, so that the track gets larger when needed.

Not sure if its been mentioned in this thread already, but one of the issues with the Montana, which stuffed me around a fair bit for a while, is that the battery can jiggle a bit and the damn thing turns off and on. The cure for that is to put an earplug under the battery cover... stops it jiggling around.

So.... what are you riding these days?
 
Oops.... I see Richard beat me to it. I wrote most of that post up and the damn phone rang....
 
TravellingStrom said:
Hi Pounce

This is where the TomTom rider beats the Garmin hands down. With it you can change the start up picture AND have a password. So, the start up picture is just some text or whatever giving a reward for return and the password stops them from using it
Click to expand...

Many people, at least in Europe, prefer the Tom Tom over the Garmin but unfortunately there are very few Tom Tom maps for Asian countries so its use is limited in Asia.


For the other issues there is a very handy source of information available for several types of GPS equipment - The WikiSpaces or for the Montana: http://garminmontanagpsr.wikispaces.com/

You can change the "Wallpaper" as Garmin calls it with a picture and you can design your own Wallpaper. Details here: http://garminmontanagpsr.wikispaces.com/WallPaper This is not really the same as the Welcome screen on the 60/72 series where you can show your name and phone number etc. although you probably can make a picture of the text showing your name, etc. and use that as Wallpaper.

However, for the computersavvy people (Uber User in Wiki Language) you can make a Start Up Message: http://garminmontanagpsr.wikispaces.com/Startup+Message and show that at Start up of the Montana
 
I do have the start up message but it was the password system that I particularly like

Actually the TomTom rider I and II both had reliability problems mechanically and why I "upgraded" to the Montana

Of course this is my 3rd Montana in less than 12 months, 3rd time lucky I hope
 
bigntall said:
Thanks Ian. I had the motrcycling set-up in Profiles but not the Nuvi in the Dashboard.When routing the default color is pink, which does not contrast sharply with the map background colors for my crap eyes. I've looked everywhere to change the route color but cannot find that option anywherw like the 60 CSX. Anyone know where that option is buried on the Montana?I thought the screen issues were only when they were first released. Is this continuing to be a problem for users? Damn Ian if I had two fail I would be quite hesitant about giving it another go. Your a braver man than I. Hoping I dont regret the montana purchase.
Click to expand...

So, to change the route colour, open basecamp, create a route, the default is Magneta, change the colour to what you want and the job is done. This is also the time to create the track, if you want to and can only be done here.

[If you do use the track function you will have to do the following to use it. On device, Where To, select route, then go to main menu/track manager and select the track, you will have options, quite a few, press the button that says "show on map" It now changes to "hide on map" and it is here also you can now select the track colour]

The change of the route colour cannot be done on the Montana itself at this stage afaik.

I am also on my 3rd Montana, first one kept freezing locking up, 2nd one did the same and ended up with a broken screen(due to continuously doing a master rese,t a crack developed in upper left corner, water got in, loss of screen control) Garmin replaced that and am now a bit happier.

I still get hesitations on big city interchanges, but not as many and have not had to do a reset for ages.

As mentioned on ADVRider, change you profile to Automotive style, not Track or North Up, this will give a large and wide track. If you have Autozoom set, it may back out a bit so it is smaller on long sections, but then zoom right in for changes

Cheers
TS
 
Ally - That looks like its the only way to do it sadly. spent two hours on the ADV Rider thread (mind numbing 7000 posts) and according to that thread tis the only way to do it.

A special thanks also to Travelling Strom and Ian for the guidance, in their posts above.

Following the pink route is dfficult for my eyes when in a city setting and there are multiple roads that are colored orange, the pink route (magenta) blends in too much and is difficult to distinguish. i've tried looking for ways to to change the map road colors on the Montana to no avail. If set in night mode the route is a bit clearer, however the magenta does not distinguish from the main roads that are colored orange on the map. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the Mud slinger icon however the standard triangle is clearer for me.
 
The Bigfella said:
Not sure if its been mentioned in this thread already, but one of the issues with the Montana, which stuffed me around a fair bit for a while, is that the battery can jiggle a bit and the damn thing turns off and on. The cure for that is to put an earplug under the battery cover... stops it jiggling around.

So.... what are you riding these days?
Click to expand...

Thanks Ian - Yes saw that on the ADV thread and have the earplug in the battery cover and a couple wraps of electrical tape around the battery. Just waiting on some mounts to arrive to get it on the bike.

Well just got back to the states and have unwrapped a KTM 500 with 20 miles on the clock I purchased second hand. Took it for its maiden spin about the hood and got pulled by the rozzers already. This trip is getting expensive far too quickly.
 
screen fragility

I purchased the Montana because they had been out more than a year and was hoping for most of the issues to be resolved. I know the early releasees had screen problems but thought the later models were up and running a bit more reliably. However seeing that both Big Fella and Travelling Strom have been through three make me nervous. Were these first release models for you boys that were failing or are they more recent releases? Phil was your screen an early release model and how about Dons?

One thing I was hoping for was quicker computer processing speed, however it does not seem that much quicker than my 60 CSX when calcing routes. I'm guessing maybe the North america City Navogator map I have loaded is a fraction larger than my Thai map :) and making it wheeze a bit.
 
bigntall said:
I purchased the Montana because they had been out more than a year and was hoping for most of the issues to be resolved. I know the early releasees had screen problems but thought the later models were up and running a bit more reliably. However seeing that both Big Fella and Travelling Strom have been through three make me nervous. Were these first release models for you boys that were failing or are they more recent releases? Phil was your screen an early release model and how about Dons?

One thing I was hoping for was quicker computer processing speed, however it does not seem that much quicker than my 60 CSX when calcing routes. I'm guessing maybe the North america City Navogator map I have loaded is a fraction larger than my Thai map :) and making it wheeze a bit.
Click to expand...

Screen colour, not much you can do if you plan a route away from the computer, sorry, but with it you can try different things

My screen problem was secondary, the electronics were crap on my version, a later model than screen issue one, my screen failed due to excessive pressure on the screen during master reset which cracked it. I never knew until it got wet and water got between the glass and the touch screen

processing speed -Go into Map and turn off everything except world map(global map) and the map you are currently using, if you don't know what birdseye is, you aren't using it and can turn all them off until you learn and use them

It may still take time to load from scratch - TIP - change profile to Recreational(default) then do the map changes then a full reboot and then go back to previous profile, for some reason it helps
 
So my screen got cracked, Garmin want like $200 to fix it, so I bought a screen off ebay for $60.
Can anyone recomend a place in Chiang Mai to fit it for me? I dont trust myself with this kind of thing

Big n Tall, I have a KX450 pointer on mine
 
Why not try the phone repairs shops its not much different to replacing an iPhone screen methinks

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
 
Montana 650 - Touch Screen Problem

I was using my Montana 650 last Sunday and the touch screen stopped responding. It sat on the front screen but would not allow you to select anything. It then started raining, and the screen worked again. Rain stopped and the sun came out, stopped working.

It recorded the route no problem and now works fine again at home. It appears it stops working when it gets hot? I've done a software update but am pretty sure it's going to happen again. I've contacted Garmin, but no response as yet.

Has anyone else had this issue?
 
Matt said:
I was using my Montana 650 last Sunday and the touch screen stopped responding. It sat on the front screen but would not allow you to select anything. It then started raining, and the screen worked again. Rain stopped and the sun came out, stopped working.

It recorded the route no problem and now works fine again at home. It appears it stops working when it gets hot? I've done a software update but am pretty sure it's going to happen again. I've contacted Garmin, but no response as yet.

Has anyone else had this issue?
Click to expand...

Mine has to go back to Garmin for touch screen problems
 
Montana repair fee is now $170 plus $35 postage.

After the replacement screen on my iphone, I need to try a different repair shop for the montana
 
I've been looking on the net and the below video is exactly what mine does. Once it has cooled down, it works fine again..

[video=youtube_share;x8bFHVBeTqU]http://youtu.be/x8bFHVBeTqU[/video]
 
I tried another sd card and it writes to that, so must be the sd card that is the problem
Thats easily fixed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
KTMphil Garmin Montana waypoints full GPS - Help and Discussion 3
kiwiphil Garmin Montana 650t for sale GPS - Help and Discussion 3
G Garmin Montana 650 Touch Screen Digitiser Replacement GPS - Help and Discussion 3
2wheels Garmin Montana 650 repair woes GPS - Help and Discussion 29
johnnysneds Garmin Montana 650 v 650T GPS - Help and Discussion 18
Similar threads
Garmin Montana waypoints full
Garmin Montana 650t for sale
Garmin Montana 650 Touch Screen Digitiser Replacement
Garmin Montana 650 repair woes
Garmin Montana 650 v 650T
Back
Top Bottom