Oregon 300/400 beta 3.41 and 550 beta 2.71

[+g-o-cashers]

cool new stuff for Oregon users. Check out the trail tech post here:

 

http://garmin.blogs.com/softwareupdates/20...navigation.html

 

and grab your updates here:

 

Oregon 300/400

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4741

 

Oregon 550

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4743

 

Release notes:

 

* Added ability to view elevation plot of upcoming active route or currently navigated track in blue.

* Added Compass, Stopwatch, Active Geocache, and Elevation Plot dashboard options.

* Introduced dashboard options to the Compass and Map pages.

* Improved track navigation. Visit http://garmin.blogs.com/softwareupdates/trail-tech/ for more information.

 

Be sure to check out the new "Geocaching - Active" dashboard. I'll have a post up on GPSFix with screen shots soon.

Edited December 8, 2009 by g-o-cashers

[+g-o-cashers]

Here's a shot of the Geocaching - Active dashboard on the Map page:

 

http://twitpic.com/smawx/full

 

Compass dashboard

 

http://twitpic.com/smbd2/full

 

Stopwatch dashboard

 

http://twitpic.com/smb4y/full

Edited December 8, 2009 by g-o-cashers

[ZeMartelo]

Its a step in the right direction but I would prefer to have the dashboard with a transparent background otherwise the screen loses a considerable chunk of the map.

The compass doesnt need to be that big imo. They should copy the Colorado and just have the title on top and use the same compass graphic (transparent) and distance to destination and the geocache button if its navigating to a geocache, otherwise dont show the dashboard at all.

 

Finally a button to go directly to the geocache page. About time!

 

Also, I set up the Oregon to navigate to a waypoint and the dashboard still shows up and the compass points to the nearest geocache and the bar on top also shows the name of the nearest geocache.

I hope this was an oversight by Garmin and will be corrected!

[kafkar]

Yes it seems to be Garmin understanding of user requirements. Nice one! Thanks..

 

What I would like to add is altitude based coloring of active&stored tracklog. To where was climb up and where my path goes down.. Travel up with warm colors, travel down in blue (cold) color set.. There will be visible what direction I came on map (up/down). Intenzity of this color is based on speed up/down.

It would be fine for pilots to see where was thermal area and also for turists to see how hard was/is track..

 

Garmin..Please think about this idea

 

Example of google map with flight record (3D tracklog)

 

Edited December 8, 2009 by kafkar

[+ryan3295]

WOOOTTT!! Earth cache icons appear on my 400!!!

[+Team Typowiz]

Also, I set up the Oregon to navigate to a waypoint and the dashboard still shows up and the compass points to the nearest geocache and the bar on top also shows the name of the nearest geocache.

I hope this was an oversight by Garmin and will be corrected!

 

If you click the little icon on the bottom right-hand corner, you'll have a choice for several options. One of them is Geocaching-Nearest (which is what you have chosen). Geocaching-Active is there, too, and that's what you are looking for. I think they did a stellar job with this update; I only wish I could still display GPS accuracy on that screen, but the Oregon is so accurate, it's rarely an issue.

[+Chrysalides]

I only wish I could still display GPS accuracy on that screen

Wait - the EPE is gone?? That seems rather... unwise of them. And most of the icons on the compass page looks rather cryptic to me. The shape of the arrow, however - wonderful!

 

I'm curious about this update. If I update to the beta, can I roll back to 3.40 release? If so, how, and anything I should be wary about?

 

Thanks in advance.

[+Maingray]

Installed fine on my 300. Have yet to use in the field.

 

Likely a first sign on the Apocalypse, but the x00 units now appear to have the correct Earthcache icon.

 

Love the new features..again. Garmin are so on the ball with this unit.

 

Another vote for transparency on the active dashboard.

[+Maingray]

I only wish I could still display GPS accuracy on that screen

Wait - the EPE is gone?? That seems rather... unwise of them.

 

He specifically means on the new active dashboard. EPE still there as normal on all the old screens' data fields.

[seldom_sn]

I'd like to see them rotate the entire display 180 degrees. That way I could view it without taking the biner off my belt.

[+Chrysalides]

He specifically means on the new active dashboard. EPE still there as normal on all the old screens' data fields.

Hmm, I'm confused. I'm not familiar enough with the Oregon to know what is meant by dashboard - guess it is one of those things that is easier if experienced personally than read about. I'll give the new firmware a try once I figured out how to roll back. Thanks.

[+Maingray]

He specifically means on the new active dashboard. EPE still there as normal on all the old screens' data fields.

Hmm, I'm confused. I'm not familiar enough with the Oregon to know what is meant by dashboard - guess it is one of those things that is easier if experienced personally than read about. I'll give the new firmware a try once I figured out how to roll back. Thanks.

 

The *active* dashboard is a new addition, yes. It overlays the top half of the map view. g-o-c has a picture linke din his post up there ^

[+Maingray]

Also, I set up the Oregon to navigate to a waypoint and the dashboard still shows up and the compass points to the nearest geocache and the bar on top also shows the name of the nearest geocache.

I hope this was an oversight by Garmin and will be corrected!

 

 

edited as it was bs. I don't mind this feature.

Edited December 8, 2009 by Maingray

[+g-o-cashers]

Is the geocache truly sticky, in other words, is the geocache displayed the last one which was searched or does it just happen to be the closest one to your current location?

[+Maingray]

Is the geocache truly sticky, in other words, is the geocache displayed the last one which was searched or does it just happen to be the closest one to your current location?

 

Dashed. Yes, you are right. It defaults back to "nearest". I don't mind that either, it's probably more useful in general to have that up all the time with an actual button to details.

[+g-o-cashers]

Hey -- you got earthcache icons on your 300/400 today -- isn't that enough?

[+splashy]

@Chrysalides

 

I have the 2.51 B for you, from there you can upgrade to the Alpha version 2.70 via webupdater

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4523

Edited December 8, 2009 by splashy

[+Chrysalides]

I have the 2.51 B for you, from there you can upgrade to the Alpha version 2.70 via webupdater

Thanks. I have the 300, so it'll be a different version. There's no instructions on the beta firmware page regarding upgrading. I guess it might be one of those "proceed only if you know what you're doing" kind of deal. I'll search around to see if I can find instructions before proceeding. Someone must have documented it somewhere.

[+MrRocketMan]

@Chrysalides

 

I have the 2.51 B for you, from there you can upgrade to the Alpha version 2.70 via webupdater

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4523

 

2.70 is the regular version right now for the 550. It is not alpha.

[+g-o-cashers]

My post on GPSFix is here:

 

http://www.gpsfix.net/garmin-oregon-beta-d...oards-tracknav/

 

Pictures of all new dashboards and tips on how to use the new features.

[+Captain Gore-tex]

fantastic, this release works perfectly with the GB Discoverer maps, no freezing or tile rendering issues, really pleased.

[+mty55]

Anybody else having trouble opening the link to the installation instructions?

[+g-o-cashers]

Yes, but it is just an exe file. Download it and double click (assuming you are on a PC). The rest is just a matter of following instructions. I did notice that the installer indicates it is for version 3.15 or something like that -- just ignore it.

[+Chrysalides]

Anybody else having trouble opening the link to the installation instructions?

That's what I mentioned above - it's an anchor on the same page, except that it doesn't exist on that page.

 

For Windows I see an executable, maybe I should just run it and see what happens. For downgrading (or updating) I found my answer : http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Versions#toc3

[+larryc43230]

... maybe I should just run it and see what happens.

That's what I did about 20 minutes ago, and my 550t now has the latest beta software. Just make sure your unit is attached to the PC, and in Mass Storage mode, when you run the program (the installer), and follow the instructions.

 

-Larry

[+Chrysalides]

That's what I did about 20 minutes ago, and my 550t now has the latest beta software. Just make sure your unit is attached to the PC, and in Mass Storage mode, when you run the program (the installer), and follow the instructions.

Thanks, my long lost twin brother (referring to the avatar).

[+Evshro & son]

I second the 180 view. I always thought that when dealing with geocaches that the Colorado had a more user friendly interface. I have changed my thoughts on that! The Oregon's dashboard is great!

[+larryc43230]

Thanks, my long lost twin brother (referring to the avatar).

Amazing! We're even wearing the same outfits.

 

--Larry

Edited December 8, 2009 by larryc43230

[+Chrysalides]

Bummer... I guess the screenshot is from a 550. I still see the thin arrow on the 300 compass screen.

 

To Larry : we need to determine which of us is the good Calvin

Edited December 8, 2009 by Chrysalides

[+Maingray]

Is the geocache truly sticky, in other words, is the geocache displayed the last one which was searched or does it just happen to be the closest one to your current location?

 

Dashed. Yes, you are right. It defaults back to "nearest". I don't mind that either, it's probably more useful in general to have that up all the time with an actual button to details.

 

Works well, nice dynamic live (active!) display of closest cache with easy one click access to details. Of course I wish I could show this AND one or two data fields but hey! Its a small screen. Thanks Garmin.

 

 

 

Oh and I also want the waypoint list icons on the x00 as well...

[+larryc43230]

Bummer... I guess the screenshot is from a 550. I still see the thin arrow on the 300 compass screen.

I have a 550t so this may or may not apply to your 300... I changed the thin arrow to the thick one by going to Setup... Heading... Go To Line/Pointer, then selecting "Bearing (Large)".

 

... the good Calvin

Sounds like a classic oxymoron to me. I do really like the little urchin, though.

 

--Larry

[+Chrysalides]

I have a 550t so this may or may not apply to your 300... I changed the thin arrow to the thick one by going to Setup... Heading... Go To Line/Pointer, then selecting "Bearing (Large)".

Thanks for checking. No, the 300 sadly doesn't come with that option. Wouldn't seem too difficult for Garmin to add it, guess they'd rather use it to differentiate the newer models from the x00 series. Oh well. At least the dashboard looks good.

... the good Calvin

Sounds like a classic oxymoron to me.

Yeah, the Replicator with Ethicator didn't work too well as I recall...

[+larryc43230]

At least the dashboard looks good.

Agreed. I don't normally go for beta versions of unit software, but the new dashboards are way cool.

 

Yeah, the Replicator with Ethicator didn't work too well as I recall...

I remember it well.

 

--Larry

[vagabond]

Bummer... I guess the screenshot is from a 550. I still see the thin arrow on the 300 compass screen.

 

Same here on my 300 everything else looks good

[+ervind]

WOW !!!!! I love the Oregon Beta's ....but i still LOVE my 60CSX for accuracy when hiding caches !!!

[+Maingray]

WOW !!!!! I love the Oregon Beta's ....but i still LOVE my 60CSX for accuracy when hiding caches !!!

 

[+ryan3295]

Oh and I also want the waypoint list icons on the x00 as well...

 

I second that!!

[+djw_bmw]

I wish we had a truly dynamic list of waypoints and caches one day... I can imagine this feature very useful when on move as wps and caches list changes as approaching one item and leaving another behind...

 

do you guys also miss this simple thing?

[wwjd7]

When is Garmin going to move the WAAS issue off the back burner to the front and get it working for the Oregon 300? My HCx is able to get WAAS easily 85% of the time. I have yet to see it on my Oregon 300.

[+djw_bmw]

had another bug on my 550 equipped with 2.71

 

in gps "demo mode" no longer possible to set coords other than last known gps position. this could be done by clicking on hidden spot very down right corner of the "satelite screen" while oregon gps in demo mode.

 

 

this was extremely useful when e.g. planning a trip to distant place as initial coords for the map display could be set (and fixed until puting gps in "normal mode" to other desired coords.

Edited December 9, 2009 by djw_bmw

[majormajor42]

I second the 180 view. I always thought that when dealing with geocaches that the Colorado had a more user friendly interface. I have changed my thoughts on that! The Oregon's dashboard is great!

 

I third the 180 view request.

 

I clip it backwards (screen facing my leg) from a belt loop. then when I want to look at it I fold it up so I can look down and everything looks proper BUT it is kinda tight to my waist.

 

When I wear a backpack or camera "purse", I have a better place to clip it. I need a jacket with a good place to clip it about chest high to make viewing easiest.

 

but a way to flip it 180 degrees on the next release would certainly help.

 

another request would be to have more options for the heart pulse rate. Right now, all I see is an instantaneous reading in a data field. It would be nice to have additional Max and averages. Even better might be a way to graph the heart rate or at least attach it to a track so I can view and/or manipulate in mapsource when I get home.

 

The downside of more data field options is that there are so many options as it is. Sure takes a while to scroll through all the options to find the one you want.

 

looking forward to updating (just did a couple weeks ago for the raster maps) and trying these new options out.

[+djw_bmw]

sry for this post, dunno how to remove unwanted one

Edited December 9, 2009 by djw_bmw

[+g-o-cashers]

had another bug on my 550 equipped with 2.71

 

in gps "demo mode" no longer possible to set coords other than last known gps position. this could be done by clicking on hidden spot very down right corner of the "satelite screen" while oregon gps in demo mode.

 

 

this was extremely useful when e.g. planning a trip to distant place as initial coords for the map display could be set (and fixed until puting gps in "normal mode" to other desired coords.

 

Interesting, I've never heard of that easter egg. However, I think this FAQ covers what you are looking for:

 

http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Navigat...and+Routes#toc3

[+MaliBooBoo]

Perhaps g-o-cachers or someone can help me. I like the new geocaching dashboard but can't for the life of me figure out how to get it to show up with the map like you have in that picture. I only have the choice of all the other data fields. Forgive me as I realize that this is probably super basic but I haven't been able to figure it out. Thanks!

[+Maingray]

In the profile you want, ....Setup..map...data fields..choose the dashboard you want.

[+MaliBooBoo]

Thanks maingray! I figured it would be easy! Hey, what's the chances that this update will be for the Colorado as well?

[+smstext]

When is Garmin going to move the WAAS issue off the back burner to the front and get it working for the Oregon 300? My HCx is able to get WAAS easily 85% of the time. I have yet to see it on my Oregon 300.

 

I did wonder this, they managed to get the WAAS spot on on the etrex h which iirc has a ceramic antenna, so why is it so hard for the 300? surely its a case of telling the garmin which order to look for the satelittes?

 

I second the 180 view. I always thought that when dealing with geocaches that the Colorado had a more user friendly interface. I have changed my thoughts on that! The Oregon's dashboard is great!

 

I third the 180 view request.

 

Yes another vote here!!

[+Snwjnky]

Putting my yes vote in on the "180 flip option".

[+kev-val]

Another yes vote for the "180 flip option". That would be the greatest gift.

[+2Wheel'in]

I loaded Ver 3.41 beta on my Oregon 400t yesterday, and ran it through it's paces today. I'm pretty pleased with both the performance, and the new dashboards. I did notice one thing though...when auto-routing to a cache location, or waypoint, and my vehicle is stationary (such as at a traffic light) the map page "quivers", "wiggles", moves back and forth every so slightly. This behavior was noted with the new compass dashboard selected on the map page. Turning the compass dashboard off (reverting to just Data Field option) and the map displays without quivering. Recalculating to off-road also stops the map from quivering. Wondering if anyone else has noticed this behavior.

 

Bill