Learn Garmin BaseCamp Tutorial Videos

[Norwood]

During the 2014 MOA Rally BaseCamp seminar, Dan Townsley mentioned these videos for beginners. I am listing these Youtube videos for your use. The only intend is to get you over the learning curve of BaseCamp. As you will note, these are non-professional videos produced by myself with screen recorder software. Also please note while the lessons date back to late 2013, BaseCamp has updates very often and I try to add Nuggets of information to keep current.

Using Window 8.1 - Zumo 660 -

I hope they are helpful. I have a discussion forum with some other very versed volunteers located at: http://forums.delphiforums.com/garminbasecamp/start

Each video can run from 2 to 15 minutes...

Lesson 1 - The Garmin BaseCamp Map and Menu
http://youtu.be/jDqVvHvd754

Lesson 2 - Data storage for Garmin BaseCamp
http://youtu.be/kpRaWRii7hE

Lesson 3 - Edit and OPTIONS
http://youtu.be/qwDSNPyVX-Q

Lesson 4 - Create My Collection, your database
http://youtu.be/stpwMUBQLNc

Lesson 5 - The Drawing Tools
http://youtu.be/ECNujneoot0

Lesson 6 - Backup Database, Google Earth
http://youtu.be/freaF_WciZk

Lesson 7 - Find, Search, Yelp, Icons and Data
http://youtu.be/ayGruPddSRE

Lesson 8 - Connecting your GPS and moving data
http://youtu.be/DZk5-wQbm84

Lesson 9 - EXTRAS on your GPS unit
http://youtu.be/fQmuT1tmVhM

Lesson 10 - Routing with NEW ROUTE tool only
http://youtu.be/1WkOq3_FurM

Lesson 11 - Routing with Waypoints your create
http://youtu.be/qB8N7nAGb_0

Lesson 12 - BaseCamp created route and then modify
http://youtu.be/pFTjsqucHSo

Check out Nugget # 4 at the bottom after this lesson Easier method with rubber band using the ALT key

Lesson 13 - Auto Routing using your data
http://youtu.be/mu4r-ee1XSk

Lesson 14 - Adding a stopover and your time element
http://youtu.be/MJbI5STi7uo

Lesson 15 - Common routing errors and how to avoid them
http://youtu.be/uS93soMx0Mg

Lesson 16 - Shared Data Files Conversion to GPX format
http://youtu.be/pnQSKZJd5So

Lesson 17 - Garmin POI Loader moving data to your GPS unit
http://youtu.be/uGvgv8mVPPw

Lesson 18 - Garmin Custom Waypoint Symbols
http://youtu.be/AuMFEzGNv3Q

Lesson Nugget 1 - Making your map larger and more controls.... short video. http://youtu.be/s1cD2v3xSKk

Lesson Nugget 2 - The best accessory for Garmin BaseCamp is the Mouse with center track wheel...as this video shows... Less than 2 mins.. http://youtu.be/R5ZBd04MoWI

Lesson Nugget 3 - How to extend a saved routed your created. I offer three methods...I hope to plant an idea that you may use. http://youtu.be/sO45PNp5Jns

Lesson Nugget 4 -The "ALT" key will make using the "Rubber Band Routing" method easy and simply and will use less keystrokes to edit data.
http://youtu.be/QiVT1QlvHEg

Update More great documentation to Learn Garmin BaseCamp for PCs and MACs

Kudos to Ed Conde for his Learn Garmin BaseCamp for PCs
http://www.newenglandriders.org/Learn_BaseCamp_PC.pdf

Kudos to Ed Conde and Steve Bruning for Learn BaseCamp for MACs
http://www.newenglandriders.org/Learn_BaseCamp_MAC.pdf

This documentation is an excellent presentation to help you Learn BaseCamp for both PC and Mac.

 

[visian]

Don - do you have to speak Alabaman to watch these videos?

Seriously - good work on these

(Have you tagged them so they're easy to find on YouTube?)

Ian

 

[RandyBailey]

Don, I just got a new bike with a NAV V GPS. I just downloaded BaseCamp and will use your videos to learn the program. Thanks for your tutorials!

 

[Norwood]

Don - do you have to speak Alabaman to watch these videos?

Seriously - good work on these

(Have you tagged them so they're easy to find on YouTube?)

Ian

Ian, When I started I wanted to share with the motorcycle community and really didn't have a clue about the interest or much about YouTube, therefore I chose to share with forums that I am member... POI Factory, MTF, local clubs...but after Dan mentioned the videos in the Q&A part of the presentation when someone ask if there was a "BaseCamp tutorial for dummies" He recommended my series.. ... Now I can take that several ways.... and several ask for the links after the session, I decided to include them here... I still prefer to answer questions about BC issue on my forum rather than hopping around to many forums.

I also have the Learn Garmin BaseCamp forum as well with some great guys helping.....and I have several that have subscribed to my Yourtube channel...

Got couple sessions scheduled, Curve Cowboy Reunion next week in Chattanooga and another session in September at Ironhorse with MTF.

Now, you don't have to speak Alabaman, but you must like boiled okra and cornbread and of course grits. Oh, I can't talk any slower on the videos either....

I must admit this has been a learning process for me as well, but a collection of ideas from many folks across several forums.

Just hope it help someone get over the learning curve... Dan did it for me out in Salem last year...where the idea was born..

 

[Norwood]

Don, I just got a new bike with a NAV V GPS. I just downloaded BaseCamp and will use your videos to learn the program. Thanks for your tutorials!

Randy, hope they do help... the Nav V is loaded with many great features. During the MOA Rally in St Paul, Dan Townsley gave a presentation of BaseCamp and the Nav V ...

With you Nav v connected and BaseCamp and the V do the tech handshake, your ready to open many of those features.... Hope these tutorial will give you a start with this great mapping software... BaseCamp is getting better with each update and I can attest they do listen to ideas about issues and bugs on their developer's page...granted the updates do take time but I have seen two updates that my group suggested.

 

[Norwood]

New Version , please read link first for requirements!

Update: please click and read the link....

This version may not support Window XP.....

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

Changes made from version 4.3.5 to 4.4.1:

Added notification that eligible devices can install maps on the desktop using Garmin Express
Added ability to create and manage areas to avoid while routing
Added properties (and shading) for public land survey types
Added progress bar in the data list for downloading BirdsEye
Added progress bar on the BirdsEye wizard for downloading BirdsEye
Added way to activate BirdsEye subscriptions within BaseCamp
Added ability to go back on the BirdsEye wizard dialog and select a new area (subscription only)
Added option to disable imagery display in the map views
Added ability to mark a geocache as unattempted
Added some additional waypoint symbols to be more consistent with newer nuvi and zumo devices
Added Duplicate List and Contents menu option
Added a column in the data list for waypoint category name
Added map context menu option to search for the most recently used search category
Improved response time when populating the list of Birdseye providers
Changed how nearest area results are displayed on the map when hovering
Changed to ask if the waypoint should be shared between routes when splitting a route
Changed to preserve the settings in the print page settings dialog
Changed the default behavior of the 'recalculate routes to match maps on device' option. This is now only enabled by default for zumo devices.
Fixed problem with marine heights being displayed incorrectly
Fixed issues when reading GPX files that contain invalid times
Fixed odd rendering on newer City Navigator maps
Fixed issues with inconsistent track stats
Fixed Select All in lists not selecting the last item

 

[globalrider]

I have come across Base Camp and I still do not know what it is and what it will do for me. What is its prime purpose?

You might start off (edit) your first post with an explanation of that.

Its a replacement for MapSource. Got it after using it.

 

[Norwood]

I have come across Base Camp and I still do not know what it is and what it will do for me. What is its prime purpose?

You might start off (edit) your first post with an explanation of that.

Without even look at one of the lesson video tutorials, one who have to just read the titles of the lessons (18+) to get an idea what Garmin BaseCamp is all about... A mapping Software program by Garmin for Garmin GPS units.

Another would Google Garmin BaseCamp (http://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp) to get a commercial explanation of the software. This software has been around for several years and will replace at some point MapSource and since Microsoft Trips and Streets is to be phrased out, this is the choice of many that use and own Garmin GPS units.


As you handle applies... GobalRider...I would think you need some type mapping software compatible for around the world... Garmin BaseCamp is used around the world with the proper maps.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[glospolbiker]

Don,

Thank you for taking the time to compile these excellent video's !

Rossy

 

[Norwood]

Changes with BaseCamp, Google Earth, MapQuest,

For those who have viewed and followed this thread, as with most everything, changes happen to effect the working of programs.

For example: BaseCamp and Google Earth are not operating together as per the tutorial... with upgrades to Window 10 and Upgrade to BaseCamp 4.5 it has improved, but the following link will explain what is taking place.

Within this link there is another link to a discussion about another options and some reasons as to why this has happen.

I hope you find this helpful!

http://forums.delphiforums.com/garminbasecamp/messages/?msg=125.1

 

[omega man]

For those who have viewed and followed this thread, as with most everything, changes happen to effect the working of programs.

For example: BaseCamp and Google Earth are not operating together as per the tutorial... with upgrades to Window 10 and Upgrade to BaseCamp 4.5 it has improved, but the following link will explain what is taking place.

Within this link there is another link to a discussion about another options and some reasons as to why this has happen.

I hope you find this helpful!

http://forums.delphiforums.com/garminbasecamp/messages/?msg=125.1

It's all helpful! Thanks again for taking the time to do it and keep it up
OM

 

[Norwood]

BaseCamp software update Version 4.5

Windows version
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435


Change History
Changes made from version 4.4.7 to 4.5.0:
Added user preference to configure mouse hover tool tips
Added selection of map product and search to the Create Route dialog
Added menu item to launch the Create Route dialog
Added hotkey (Ctrl) to draw direct route segments while routing
Added postal code searches for supported map products
Added ability to add and edit certain data directly on PND devices (data that has not yet been read by the device)
Added ability to manage waypoints on the fenix 3, including delete (requires firmware version 4.21 or greater).
Added icons for VIRB action camera and wearable devices
Made it easier to see and access BirdsEye help
Improved first time speed of quick search and address search
Improved street matching in address search
Improved handling for Google Earth's discontinued support
Updated Garmin Express instructions
Fixed routes sent to nuvis and zumos not displaying Junction View
Fixed reading track time from VIRB X action cameras
Fixed issue where route information was not showing in map tool tips
Fixed issue where memory cards would not display for some devices
Fixed issues with Garmin Custom Maps
Fixed issues exporting KML files
Fixed crash exporting trips
Fixed crashes opening trips
Fixed crash when disconnecting Base Station devices
Fixed crash after opening GPX files with far future timestamps
Improved error handling with some devices
Fixed various bugs
Added support for new TDB flags from cartography (no files are in the field yet)
Includes brute force street name searching

Version 4.5 for Mac link
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4449

 

[Norwood]

New updates today for Garmin BaseCamp 4.5.1

Window new update 4.5.1

https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

MAC update for 4.5.1

https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4449

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Thank You - Basecamp looks useful

I have used a GPS on a motorcycle since 2001. However, mostly used Mapsource. The early Basecamp seemed foreign and confusing to me and only recently have I been getting familiar with it. Your tutorials are a real eyeopener in terms of the database hierarchy and strategies you use. Also, you have so many waypoints and routes - you must have an enormous budget for gasoline, lol.

Thanks again.

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Q for Don re: Garmin Cloud storage

My newest version of Basecamp allow me to store My Collection items in the Garmin Cloud. But there is no structure when I do so. Do you use it? Is it of any real use? Without a structure, does it affect how one would name stuff that is created in the kind of structure you suggest and use?

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Q for Don re: Nav V lacks Extras and POI folders

Seems to have something called the Trip Planner for waypoints and routes. Initial view is that it is a flat list, not a structure of folders. Have not loaded any POIs yet, but am about to try that. Any comments from you?

Seems to me the Zumo 550 had the structure you describe for your 660. Wonder why the change? Mystery.

 

[Norwood]

My newest version of Basecamp allow me to store My Collection items in the Garmin Cloud. But there is no structure when I do so. Do you use it? Is it of any real use? Without a structure, does it affect how one would name stuff that is created in the kind of structure you suggest and use?

I do not use the Cloud with Garmin.

My entire Master database contains over 30,000 waypoints and routes with extra data from the properties window... and uses 5GB, so I backup on SD card or thumb drive with that data as well to my Main backup system, a T3 Seagate.

In the videos I speak about the Zumo 660 has the Extras folder...I have nearly 10,000 waypoint saved in that folder for recall to my favorites as well... the video explains. That data does not take up much space....stored in Internal memory.

I use the SD card to store routes, waypoints and maps updates as well... without eating away at my internal memory. I find that the response time is NOT a factor from the SD card.

From the videos, you may see that I have several databases, however they are all part of the Master... having several is for use with seminars and etc.... The way I have mine structured, I can expand or compact to clear clutter...

Everyone has to find the best way to structure their own Folder and List... some like only List... I prefer to use Folder and List...

Transfering from BaseCamp to my connected GPS... I never move the entire List, rather I open the list and highlight the data within the list and drag it down to the SD card drive. I find moving the entire list, Garmin is in charge and they organize it.. I want to be in charge or my data and see it as I have organized.

I hope this information is helpful. Not a Geek, but trial and error user.

 

[Norwood]

Seems to have something called the Trip Planner for waypoints and routes. Initial view is that it is a flat list, not a structure of folders. Have not loaded any POIs yet, but am about to try that. Any comments from you?

Seems to me the Zumo 550 had the structure you describe for your 660. Wonder why the change? Mystery.

Not familiar with Nav 5 enough to be helpful. Nav series has some great features you will like.. for example skip a waypoint just to name one...

One bit of information, when you are offered an updated version of maps, be sure to load them both on you computer and GPS, otherwise if you just load to GPS, you unit has to be connected and BaseCamp uses the GPS version.

Trip Planner in BaseCamp I have used....but never liked... I found I have more control over creating my routes and waypoints that Trip Planner offered...as you become user of BaseCamp and it's features, I think you may agree. Just don't like canned programs to put in start time and day and so on... heck I may want to sleep in or talk to someone and not get started on time. Just me, but I am more of a waypoint rider than sticking to the route, if I see a road I like, I take the adventure. To me, the Trip Planner is like getting AAA to plan you route and vacation...

Trip Planner does convert the time element as you travel (time zones), if you stick to a schedule ride.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Yes, it was helpful

I was very impressed in your videos by the way you organize stuff using a hierarchy of folders and lists. For the large number of items you have, there really is no other way. Very nice concepts which I suspect took you a while to figure out. I may not do quite as elaborate a system.

One thing I did notice on your maps - the number of curvy roads, compared the the rather strong grid here in Southern Ontario. We must be hugely more flat. Which is good for a farmer, not so much for a rider!

The latest version of Basecamp has the Curvy Road feature, as does the NAV V. In Basecamp, I have made 3 profiles based on Motorcycling to do routing based on the traditional Faster, Shorter and now Curvy. That produces quite different routes for me and I will need to experiment more. May try a Curvy plus no main highways, no interstates combo and see what happens.

Anyway, thanks to your videos, I will be using Basecamp from now on.

 

[rkildu]

Thanks for these Don!

Don, I just wanted to thank you for all the effort you put forth in making these Tutorials. It's an Intimadating Program!

After going through all of them about four times I am beginning to get the hang of it.

Question: You mention "Discussuions" a couple of times. Are these on line, and if so, where can they be found?

Thanks Again,
Rod