Upgrading from Zumo XT to XT2

[Don Stauffer]

I've been using a Garmin Zumo XT for several years with MRA. Generally I've had good luck. Recently my XT has been giving me problems, inventing bizarre routing from the MRA route, and failing to connect reliably using either the Drive app on my Pixel phone or USB cable to my Win11 computer. I'm frustrated, and considering replacing the XT.

I'm curious how the XT2 performs with MRA. If users have specific feedback I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance!

[Con Hennekens]

@Don-Stauffer, why would you prefer a locked-in old-design one-purpose device over a modern flexible rugged and much cheaper phone or tablet? To be honest I can think of only one thing: glove operation. Which can be overcome with the right gloves or a remote control.

[John S Parry]

@Con-Hennekens said:

why would you prefer a locked-in old-design one-purpose device over a modern flexible rugged and much cheaper phone or tablet? To be honest I can think of only one thing: glove operation. Which can be overcome with the right gloves or a remote control.

I can think of many reasons, from the perspective of a Garmin XT3......

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.

Operationally, the Garmin utilizes 3D terrain maps that put any phone app to shame. It's like operating a video game watching you route progress through mountains, canyons and valleys. One of the crown jewels of the device are the dynamically captured Trip Data metrics which can be selected in different combinations and displayed on the screen. Another cool feature is the ability to start a secondary route to an unplanned search point and then easily restart your main route when you reach that destination. All of this happens without altering your main route at all. Then there are the off-route recalculation options that are a completely different subject.

Is the Garmin a one-purpose device? To a degree. I prefer to call it a specialized device that can perform navigation at the highest functional level. This isn't a knock on the MRA app specifically. Phones simply have limitations. If your navigation requirements exceed those limitations, the Garmin is your device.

Ideally, you mount your Phone and the Garmin side-by-side (I do). Then you get the best of all worlds to cover most possible situations

[Marinus van Deudekom]

@John-S-Parry Con wasn't talking about a normal phone but the rugged versions of phones and tablets. They perform under Hush conditions like you mentioned.
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

[John S Parry]

@Marinus-van-Deudekom said:

Con wasn't talking about a normal phone but the rugged versions of phones and tablets. They perform under Hush conditions like you mentioned.
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 wasn't aware that there is a "rugged" version" of an iPhone. 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. As far as tablets, they're too overwhelming for my BMW dash area, even if I wanted to do the surgery necessary for shoehorning it on.

HW aside, I outlined many functional areas where the MRA phone app (or any phone app) does not provide the functionality of the XT3. This is simple fact. Con asked why anyone would consider a Garmin, and this more than anything else is the primary reason.

BTW, do you own an XT3 and use it to is full capabilities?

[Don Stauffer]

I appreciate the discussion of alternate navigation devices, but for me the Garmin is a simpler, more reliable solution. John S has done a nice job of outlining some of the advantages. For me, the Garmin with the Migsel mount puts the display exactly where I want it. It's easily visible without taking my eyes too far off the road. It works well with gloves, and mounts and unmounts in milliseconds. It always has maps, and in no way is it reliant on an internet connection. When I'm off the bike, it's in my automobile.
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.

[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.