Flying on Instruments: How To

In this article, I'll discuss my method for using a Garmin Edge 705 fitness GPS to guide me on route. The procedure is identical for an Edge 605. A very similar procedure will also work with the Edge 205 and the Edge 305, albeit without the cool mapping feature. This is neat because, apart from updating the firmware, you do NOT need Internet access for any of these steps (after the first couple of times).

Ingredients:

• A PC running Microsoft Windows XP (sorry!).
  
• Garmin Edge 705. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160&pID=10885
• Additional maps. I suggest City Navigator NT. You can also use MetroGuide: http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/MetroGuideNT.jsp. Unlock the maps with MetroGold: http://www.geodude.nl/community/content/view/20/28/.
  
• DeLorme Topo USA 7.0. http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=27525&section=10050&minisite=10020
• GPSBabel. http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html
• gpx2crs. http://www.niniu.com/Garmin/Gpx2Crs.zip.
  

Directions:

1. Using the Garmin MapSource application, transfer maps and routing data to your GPS device.
2. Create your route in Topo USA. Go over it a few times to make sure it makes sense. When you're done, right click the route, and select Manage Route > Save as GPS Log File... . Save the GPL file somewhere convenient.
3. Launch GPSBabel. Click the "Tracks" button to convert tracks. Then, click Filter, and under Routes, enable Simplify and limit the route to 499 points. Convert the GPL file you just created to a GPX file using the program.
4. Launch gpx2crs. Convert the GPX file you just generated to a CRS file. If you'd like, enable the option for automatically adding turns when the path curves more than 60 degrees. This may or may not be helpful.
5. Launch Training Center, select File > Import > Courses, and select the CRS file.
6. Make sure your Edge 705 is connected to your PC. This is a good time to update the firmware on the device, just in case!
   
7. In Training Center, click the "send to GPS" button to send the CRS file to your device.
8. Your route is now on the device! To navigate it, turn on the device, then press the Menu key, go down two to Training, press Enter (press the little stick), scroll down to Courses, press Enter, select your course, and select Do Course.

If you've done everything properly, your course will appear over a street map, and you'll never be lost!

Garmin: WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT.