GPS Garmin Zumo 660LM Update Questions

[A1A]

I haven't tried to use my Zumo 660LM for almost 3 years. Put it on my Spyder last week and discovered the battery needed charged and it needs updated maps. I have some questions and hope someone can answer all of them.

Do I need to pay for these downloaded maps from Garmin?

Does the Zumo 660LM have a MicroSD Card? If so will I need to replace it or increase the GB capacity for the new maps?

I need to download Garmin/Express and follow there guidelines correct?

The battery display is fully charged at 4 green bars correct?

Please wish me luck as I haven't completely arrived in the 21st century when it comes to all the device technology.

Cheers!

[Highwayman2013]

LM means Lifetime Maps. (no cost) It will take a microSD card but I don't think you need it unless it says you need more memory. (they don't come with the microSD card) Download Garmin Express and all will become clear.

[SilverFox1]

It can take quite a while. Up to five hours sometimes.

SilverFox

[Bfromla]

Once Garmin Express reads your unit & verifies the sidereal number as LM the rest will just following instructions to update the maps. Either by card or direct USB Easy & recommend you set a reminder to keep updates regular, twice a year minimal depending on your travels. Also little know fact about the updates it helps the unit communicate with the satellites not just the maps but all the other unseen info that helps it work.

[Trailboss]

Make sure you check your PC's POWER settings for when the PC turns off. If the download is going to take awhile, change your POWER OFF settings for about 3 hours.

[bmwlarry]

a word of advice. If you plan on using Garmin BaseCamp for route planning, when you download the map, click the advanced button and choose "download map to device AND computer". This way your computer will have the latest map that matches the one on your device. You will not need to plug in device when planning routes except to upload routes.

[billybovine]

Since you have a 2014. You should have a 660LM. The LM stands for Lifetime Maps. It will say for sure under the battery. Since you have not updated your GPS since it went into service. Going into service is defined by the first time it is turned on, acquires a satellite lock and travels some distance. If the map has not been updated in 2 years. Garmins' policy is that the Lifetime has expired. But in practise Garmin express may or may not let you update the map. The only way to find out is to try. The other updates will install no matter how old it is.

[Bob Denman]

They've got you covered... Just be prepared for a lengthy time on the computer...
Good luck!

[A1A]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback responses. I'm still not clear about some of the things I need to do before the Garmin downloads.

Should I purchase the MicroSD Card in advance prior to attempting any Garmin downloads? If so what GB storage capacity should I ask for?

If my Garmin GPS doesn't use a MicroSD Card. What is the GB capacity for direct downloads to the device?

Very good information on downloading BaseCamp. I won't be doing any trip planning, but very good information to know if you do.

Anybody know how long the Garmin GPS will run with a fully charged battery?

Cheers!

[Bfromla]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback responses. I'm still not clear about some of the things I need to do before the Garmin downloads.

Should I purchase the MicroSD Card in advance prior to attempting any Garmin downloads? If so what GB storage capacity should I ask for?

If my Garmin GPS doesn't use a MicroSD Card. What is the GB capacity for direct downloads to the device?

Very good information on downloading BaseCamp. I won't be doing any trip planning, but very good information to know if you do.

Anybody know how long the Garmin GPS will run with a fully charged battery?

Cheers!

No problem we like to help hope this helps you enjoy miles of smiles.
Per the card if you are going to save a lot of favorite locations, then yes an expanded memory will help fyi I have a 16GB micro SD working just fine in mine. (Older ones are lower)You will have to remove the battery to access the slot. (Inserts toward middle) the 660 has a slot LM or not. The capacity of the internal memory should be 4GB. How long it last Depends a lot on your setting of screen brightness & how long you leave it on. May require checking location occasionally & not full turn by turn directions, should easily hold for a day maybe 1/2 if on whole time Never really tested that mine mounts & has constant power when I use it off spyder, I have charge cord & back up power, it does not like operating with the battery door open

[A1A]

No problem we like to help hope this helps you enjoy miles of smiles.
Per the card if you are going to save a lot of favorite locations, then yes an expanded memory will help fyi I have a 16GB micro SD working just fine in mine. (Older ones are lower)You will have to remove the battery to access the slot. (Inserts toward middle) the 660 has a slot LM or not. The capacity of the internal memory should be 4GB. How long it last Depends a lot on your setting of screen brightness & how long you leave it on. May require checking location occasionally & not full turn by turn directions, should easily hold for a day maybe 1/2 if on whole time Never really tested that mine mounts & has constant power when I use it off spyder, I have charge cord & back up power, it does not like operating with the battery door open

Ok thanks, I was worried about battery life during long period of map downloads from Garmin. I'll probably pick up a Micro SD Card, just in case Garmin/Express tells me to install it.
Cheers!

[SilverFox1]

A1A, when you plug in your gps through the USB plug, your computer is going to charge your gps. Keep it plugged in. Obviously you have to for the updates.

PS. A lot of folks out there are running with a gps that has never been updated. A lot of people don't know that it can be done for that matter. We had a few discussions about this at the homecoming. Some leaders had old stuff for sure!!!

SilverFox

[A1A]

Wow, I appreciate all the input, feedback & help from everyone. I really feel quite chuffed to complete the Garmin Map downloads today. Because of your help everything went very smooth and as you described. But I was still sweating bullets during the whole procedure.
Looks like I have 126.58 MB of free space left. So next time it looks like I'll need to add the Micro SD Card.

Cheers!

[Bob Denman]

outta_sight_artist_1297078189.jpg

[UtahPete]

Anybody know how long the Garmin GPS will run with a fully charged battery?

Why are you asking this? Battery life should not be an issue since when it is mounted on the bike and the bike is running, the gps is being powered (and internal battery recharged) by the bike's battery. When you shut the bike off, the gps will ask if you want to continue on battery power or not? If you don't respond, it shuts itself down as a fail-safe for battery. If you're going to be stopped for any length of time (i.e. over an hour) and you're away from the bike, you probably want to disconnect the gps is store it somewhere safe.

Does that answer your question about battery life?

As to the other questions, follow the instructions in the quick-start manual for the gps. This will include instructions for registering your gps with Garmin and setting up an account where you can update maps, etc.

[A1A]

Why are you asking this? Battery life should not be an issue since when it is mounted on the bike and the bike is running, the gps is being powered (and internal battery recharged) by the bike's battery. When you shut the bike off, the gps will ask if you want to continue on battery power or not? If you don't respond, it shuts itself down as a fail-safe for battery. If you're going to be stopped for any length of time (i.e. over an hour) and you're away from the bike, you probably want to disconnect the gps is store it somewhere safe.

Does that answer your question about battery life?

As to the other questions, follow the instructions in the quick-start manual for the gps. This will include instructions for registering your gps with Garmin and setting up an account where you can update maps, etc.

Thanks for your response UtahPete,
I was originally thinking you had to remove the battery from the unit to access that Mini connector for map downloads.
Cheers!