Upgrading from Zumo XT to XT2

[John S Parry]

@Don-Stauffer said:

So, back to my original question, does anyone have comments regarding the newer version of the Zumo XT using routes developed with MRA?
I was not aware that there is now an XT3 model available.

Hey Don. I'm a long-time user of the Zumo XT executing routes developed with MRA Routeplanner. I'm a huge fan of Routeplanner, even though I still use Basecamp (BC) for very occasional special cases.

The Zumo XT3 has been out for about 6-months. The only reason I bought it was because I misplaced my XT and needed an immediate replacement. I've since found that XT but I'm so impressed with the XT3 that it's the only model I'll use moving forward.

Now to your question -- The XT3 is perfectly compatible with routes developed in MRA Routeplanner. I've only had my XT3 for a couple of months, but I developed several routes, many longer and complex, without any execution issues. The updated 3D Maps going from the XT to the XT3 are eye-popping and make the navigation experience even more compelling.

Be aware that the XT2/XT3 devices are designed to make greater use of the Garmin Explore DB. This is Garmin's attempt to create a HW ecosystem similar to what Apple has done across their devices. What this means is that whatever routes you create are kept in their storage Cloud, where different pieces of your routes (Collections) are available for use in other Garmin devices you might own. It sounds good in concept, but there are high chances that your routes will be manipulated in ways you don't intend. It's been a serious problem that has been the subject of many social media forums. Many users have thrown their hands up out of frustration and given up Garmin altogether. The answer is to NOT enable external storage (Explore DB) when you install the Tread app, which is the XT Drive app equivalent. The downside is that you'll have to copy your GPX files manually to the XT2/XT3 device. The advantage is that your route will in no way be manipulated/altered. I've used the manual method forever, so I personally didn't look at it as a downside at all.

BTW, if you haven't tried the MRA GPX 1.2 download format, give it a shot. There is a great topic explaining how it works in the Export Assistance Forum:

https://forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/11124/gpx-versions-1.1-vs-1.2-for-garmin-visually-explained/181

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Don Stauffer]

Thanks John, performing a factory reset on the XT has restored connections in both PC (USB Connect) and Android Drive app. I do appreciate the info regarding the XT3. From what I've read, the power connections to the XT3 are now 12V in place of 5V. That's not an issue for me, as it takes one more part (12V to 5V converter) out of the wiring on the bike. I'm assuming all connections are through the gold pressure contacts in the mounting plate.

Have you used the XT3 in an automobile? How is the 12V requirement implemented in that case?
I'll look at the GPX 1.2 format as you suggest. When I was originally getting things configured with the XT and MRA, once I found a combination that worked reliably I stopped experimenting.

[Don Stauffer]

John, I'm somewhat familiar with the Explore issues that I see in the XT. I have little green flags all over my routes, destinations that I once searched on the GPS. I deleted the Explore app from my phone, and have not spent the time to figure out a way to make them all disappear. I don't mind having a Garmin on line database of places I've searched, but I don't want them cluttering my map view.

[John S Parry]

@Don-Stauffer said:

John, I'm somewhat familiar with the Explore issues that I see in the XT. I have little green flags all over my routes, destinations that I once searched on the GPS. I deleted the Explore app from my phone, and have not spent the time to figure out a way to make them all disappear. I don't mind having a Garmin on line database of places I've searched, but I don't want them cluttering my map view.

Don, I'm not an expert on everything Explore DB. I just know enough about it that I've avoided it from day #1.

Too many users have had issues with it. I want nothing to do with any SW that can manipulate route components. The manual method of a wired copy of your GPX file from your computer to the GPX folder on your XT bypasses any unwanted manipulation. Additionally, I store all my routes on the SD Card within the Garmin, which protects against internal storage corruption issues. Ask me how I know...

From what I've read, Explore is like a virus that is very difficult to eliminate once you enable it. I wish I could offer the correct steps, but some Internet searches should provide the answers you need. What I can say with certainty is that eliminating Explore and using the manual copy technique will provide a stable environment for MRA to XT transfers. I've never had a glitch going down this route.

[Guzzist]

@Don-Stauffer ...let me help to find the best solution for you. I don’t want to persuade you – at best, I want to get you thinking...

I have been using Garmin Devices for decades. But at some point, I was frustrated with navigation, planning, data transfer, performance, overheating and map correctness! I tried several devices and apps at smartphones. But nothing satisfied.
Similarly, Android Auto and CarPlay devices aren’t a solution for me, as they’re ‘dumb’ devices that can only mirror a smartphone – and even then, with fewer features.

I discovered MRA and came to love it for my detailed travel planning. I wouldn’t have needed it just to find my way to the nearest ice-cream parlour. And I was able to transfer all my routes from Garmin Basecamp and continue to use MRA as an archive.
But as well as route planning, MyRouteApp also offers route navigation. I found this app much better than others on the market too. Best of all: routes planned in MRA no longer need to be laboriously transferred to the Navi device via file transfer – there’s wireless automatic synchronisation; that's a game changer!

After comparing lots of different Navis, I found that a DMD model was the best choice for me. The manufacturer designs the hardware and software specifically for the tough and harsh conditions of off-road driving – in heat, cold, wet weather, bright sunshine and under heavy vibration.
That does come at a price, of course. Standard rubberised outdoor devices may be cheaper – but they didn’t last the test for me.
The devices run on Android, so the MyRoute Navigation Next app can be installed without any problems. And it works perfectly alongside the DMD2 app, which is preinstalled on the device. So I use the MyRoute app for on-road navigation and the DMD2 app for off-road navigation.

The next game-changer is a remote control from DMD – a small button mounted on the handlebars – pre-wired with connectors. This allows you to operate the app without taking your hands off the handlebars and without having to take off your gloves.

But I could go on and on about it here; why not give it a go at a trade fair – I reckon you’ll be impressed too.

[Don Stauffer]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for the DMD / Android solution. I've already worked out the mechanical, electrical and software requirements for the Garmin. It's old fashioned, I admit. But it fits my old school BMW very nicely, and I'm not very keen on starting over with a new system. I'm not sure you appreciate how limited the cockpit area is on an older RT. I'm now in my 5th decade of touring, and I value simplicity over new features. Navigation assistance with minimal distraction is my ultimate goal.

[John S Parry]

@Marinus-van-Deudekom said:

If you compare an Garmin XT 3 to my T865X tablet it will be quite obvious that mine is not alone better but its multifunctional

I'm here to learn. How is the T865X tablet "better"? A more detailed explanation would be appreciated.

[Don Stauffer]

@John-S-Parry Thanks John, I'll look more into the Explore and Garmin interface / interference at some point. I have spent some time with 3rd party GPX editors, and have in mind a stand-alone file of 'permanent' destinations that I could maintain and use off-line. Like many others, I started routing with Basecamp, but never found it intuitive or easy to use in any way, even after working through several tutorials.

We'll see what future versions of the Route App have for Favorite and POI support, that could replace the need for any independent Garmin or GPX archive.

I do appreciate your help and comments!

[Con Hennekens]

@John-S-Parry said:

At the physical device level. The Garmin doesn't overheat. It can tolerate Death Valley USA level heat and other abuses that a phone can't. Additionally, the Garmin screen is completely readable in glare, while the phone isn't.

This is largely depends on the choice of phone. Mine is military specced with a 3000 Nits brightness. More than enough to be used with a matte screenprotector to reduce glare.

And on the Android side, the rugged versions of phones I've researched don't provide the full functionality of regular phones for everyday use.

Motorola has a large lineup of these military specced high brightness phones. The Edge 60 Neo for example can be bought for around 225 euro, and is perfectly fit to be used as a daily phone. If you are a high-end phone user perhaps it is not your thing, but choosing a Zumo also means an extra device. I bought my motorola dedicated for navigation alongside my daily pixel.

But yes, a Zumo can be, under specific conditions, be preferable. It would be very bad if it could not... I did not mean to start a flame war, thanks for your motivation in favor of an XT3.

[Mzokk]

FWIW I have a Zumo XT but now use MRA for navigation. Part of the reason is that my honda Africa Twin adventure sports has a built in AA/CP screen (Made by Garmin!!) I can control the map and waypoint skipping etc from the bar buttons on the Honda. I've found the app to be reliable for me for over a year and 5 multi day trips. I still use the Zumo XT and have it mounted on the Honda as I still have a use for proximity alerted POI's and I use it as a backup with all of my planned routes on the Zumo and I also run the track of the route on the Zumo. I had a look at the XT2 when It came out and a couple of things Garmin did put me off it. Number one was that you can't bluetooth routes to other Garmin devices on the XT2 and I often lead groups and this facility was important. For the XT2 and I believe 3 you can only share directly with Zumo's that can run Tread?? John would probably be able to correct me on this. For me this is not so important now as I can connect older Zumo devices to my phone and transfer routes via a Garmin Lead. In your scenario since you already have an XT give the routing app a go for a while and if you don't get on with it its no loss. I too used Garmin devices for over 20 years and their hardware is good and reliable. Unlike others I have no issue using Basecamp and still use it for POI handling along with POI loader. I also still use it to combine daily track files for tours and have no issue creating routes on it. For me the USP of MRA is the ability to create routes quickly on the fly when I'm on tour and the ability to access them on any device anywhere. Garmin's software support and the routing algorithms they use for their devices after the 390/590 range no longer suit my needs. Its good that we are now spoilt for choice though.

[John S Parry]

@Con-Hennekens said:

But yes, a Zumo can be, under specific conditions, be preferable. It would be very bad if it could not... I did not mean to start a flame war, thanks for your motivation in favor of an XT3.

Con, no flame war. I don't have stock ownership in Garmin, and would stop using Garmin devices in a minute if I felt there is a superior (for me) alternative.

At a practical level, a military grade phone (as you pointed out) would meet durability standards. I'm not sure that I could personally live with that kind of a phone as a primary everyday device, given the added weight/bulk, and a less than highest end camera. At least that what I've read about this class of phones. And of course, it's not Apple.

HW aside, there are the many functional differences between a phone app (MRA or otherwise) and an XT3. I outlined many, and they're features I wouldn't want to live without leaving an XT3.

I respect your loyalty towards the MRA phone app. I have the same allegiance towards MRA Routeplanner. I do hope the MRA app continues to evolve and someday reach a level of stability I could live with.