Garmin 530 map set ...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

Garmin 530 map set up

16 Posts
7 Users
0 Reactions
757 Views
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Hi,

I brought one of the 'cheap' 530s from Amazon a few weeks back. I am having a massive problem setting up the map. My understanding is that it can with OSM style maps installed avd that seems to be the case based on the installed maps. However I cannot get anything other than a black background with different shades of gray lines and slightly different thickness to differentiate motorways down to footpaths. Not very useful. The road set up is marginally better. Even with display contours on nothing comes up. I am using the highest detail setting. Anyone have any tips?

Trailforks is connected and the segments come up as coloured tracks, so all good there. Just need the base map sorted!


 
Posted : 09/08/2022 10:36 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I had a similar issue when I first got mine, after using Garmin's web chat support, they identified that the base maps for the uk had installed incorrectly. It was a couple of years ago so I don't recall exactly what I did but it basically involved deleting and reinstalling/updating to the newest maps and that sorted it.


 
Posted : 09/08/2022 10:43 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

That might be it. Maps are all 2019 ones. Will Google. Thanks

Amy other suggestions?


 
Posted : 09/08/2022 10:53 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I was very impressed with Garmin tech support when I actually phoned them so maybe try old school phoning them up!


 
Posted : 09/08/2022 11:00 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

The express software keeps crashing on update. I assume I can update the maps by downloading and replacing the file manually?

Got rid of the black background for mountain biking. Turns out it was the international basemap.
Still cannot get contours!


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 8:37 am
Posts: 1141
Full Member
 

There's no contours on Garmin's maps. They are very basic

For that you need to buy and install the talkytoaster maps.

I did after seeing a thread on here about them. They are very detailed and only about £14...


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 12:54 pm
Posts: 215
Full Member
 

Is there any way to install Komoot or OS mapping onto the 530?
Or is it just talky toaster?


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 1:47 pm
Posts: 1421
Free Member
 

I've just installed OSM maps using Garmin Basecamp and Garmin Map Install using the maps downlaoded from Here

You may also need to change your map settings as well Menu>Settings>Activity Profiles>Select the profile you want to alter>Navigation>Map> Change the Map theme to Classic

This will show the map as intended.

To add there's also a local trails feature if you go into Navigation>MTB Trail Navigation


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 2:01 pm
Posts: 34376
Full Member
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

^^^
@nickc
That DCRainmaker article is a few years old and now has some dead links. Basically, the map provider he linked to no longer works BUT the website re-directs you to another provider with a slightly different method of generating the map downloads...

Anyway, the technique is still valid but it helps if you know what you're doing (i.e. if you've had a 520 in the past and are used to swapping map files)


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 4:32 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks all. Some useful stuff there. Will look at the options.


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 5:36 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

So are talkytoaster maps any better than the free ones?


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 5:50 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

So are talkytoaster maps any better than the free ones?

Well, there's no harm in trying free maps first and seeing whether they meet your needs 😉


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 6:14 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

True. But it seems a pretty involved process to get these maps on the GPS. And I am becoming increasingly rubbish at this kind of stuff! Happy to spend 14 quid to save me the effort.


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 6:58 pm
Posts: 1421
Free Member
 

It takes about 20 minutes (download speed dependent) to get the OSM maps using the link I posted above on to an Edge 530, using the right software. It's also free.


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 7:20 pm
 mrl
Posts: 497
Full Member
Topic starter
 

I will stop being lazy. Thanks all


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 8:11 pm
Posts: 215
Full Member
 

Thanks all for the replies.


 
Posted : 10/08/2022 8:28 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!