Adding LakeVu Maps to H1i

[RFtinkerer]

I had a 67i for 2.5 years when some dummy knocked it off a dock into a lake without a float thing attached on the 4th of July and couldn't find it in the depths despite repeated attempts to search the bottom. That dummy may or may not have been me, but regardless I decided (possibly re-earning a dummy badge given a stickied DO NOT BUY thread up on top) to replace it with a H1i since I like new shiny toys and would like a bigger screen, touch interface when not too sweaty.

I've used Outdoor+ map layers for hiking but recently got more into kayaking and was thinking of adding LakeVu maps to the unit when I get it. Given the buggy nature of the device, especially regarding multiple map layers, I'm somewhat reluctant since the maps are pricey. I think the best way is to download to a removable SD card with just those maps and having a working profile with only the LakeVu layer but...has anyone here tried it and have advice?

[WallyGator]

This is coming from an eTrex Touch 2 user (the Touch 2 and the H1 series share basically the same OS and hardware aside from some hardware differences like camera, SD Card slot, inReach hardware, etc).

That being said, the most recent firmware v10.13 seems to resolve any issues I’ve had in past regarding map layers. I can’t speak directly for LakeVU maps as I don’t own those so don’t have direct experience using them on my device.

I do have a combination of Garmin TopoActive, Garmin Topo US 24K West (older DVD version), TalkyToaster, and OpenMapChest maps on the unit’s internal (32GB) storage. Choose an Activity, & use Map Layers to select the visible maps for that activity. You may need to toggle, re-toggle map layers on/off on again to allow the layers to “stick” correctly but once done, I’ve found that they retain their activity associations after a power cycle (which was an issue with older firmware versions). Switch to a different Activity and repeat the process to assign different maps.

As mentioned this works well for my particular use case.

You may however have issues with select SD Cards not being recognized by your device. Garmin claims full compatibility but that has been proven not to be the case by others here with H1’s. Once again, I can’t comment on that since the Touch 2 has no SD Card slot. If you keep everything on internal memory, you will likely have little to no issues. Note however that moving maps to and from internal memory as well as its built-in SD Card slot can be time consuming due to the slow interface speeds on all Garmin devices. This can partly be alleviated by using an SD card reader connected directly to your PC once the maps have been downloaded.

[Wojtas81]

Note however that moving maps to and from internal memory as well as its built-in SD Card slot can be time consuming due to the slow interface speeds on all Garmin devices.

This interface speed was vastly improved on devices released in 2019, 2020 and later.
On older devices however, it is better to remove microSD card and use USB card reader.

[RFtinkerer]

Thanks for the replies, I'll go ahead and try it when I get it in. Though first thing I'll do when I get it is to update firmware lol. I'll report back with results successful or not and if I think it's worth it.

[GPSrChive]

I would buy a decent size microSD and test it on the H1i with some free maps, then once you are confident that card works OK with the device, buy the LakeVu maps download to that card. Before using it, make a full backup just in case you need to restore the files in the future.

[GPSrChive]

Also, the H1i does not float either.

Can you consider a dedicated device just for the water sports? Perhaps a GPSMAP 79? It floats!!!

[RFtinkerer]

Ha, I bought the flotation lanyard in the same order. And probably will attach it to the kayak too. Won't be repeating that expensive mistake again. (Will probably be making a batch of new mistakes but NOT THAT ONE! )

Good idea with the card. I'll give that a shot...have a fresh new 128 GB card just waiting to store some juicy maps.

[WallyGator]

I will add that when setting up your map layers for an activity, it helps to work from the basemap on up (disable all others). Then add the map layers one at a time building upon the basemap.

Many times, some map layers can get jumbled and/or interfere with other map layers in odd ways on the activity you're setting up. It may take some fiddling but once you get it set up the way you want, it will likely stay that way.

[RFtinkerer]

Whoa, I'm in love with this thing already! I want to give a shout-out to all the inadvertent public beta testers before 10.13 because I've been having fun with it. It addresses my desires for bigger touch screen, much faster map drawing (I set it to 'fast' in the configuration as well). I do advise to set the auto brightness to high for sure. Medium was not great for me but high is good.

As soon as I received the device, I loaded 10.13 firmware and updated maps. I purchased the LakeVu G3 US standard (not ultra, I don't think the improved features would be worth it on the H1i not supporting all but I don't know). The unit recognized my 128 GB card and I tried to install the maps to that, but it got stuck on 88.1% for 10 minutes or so. I don't know if it was my computer, card, or the device but whatever. I've never been accused of being a patient man so I unplugged, removed the card, installed to the internal device memory which worked fine as it had plenty of space. Checking the card later, there were several gigs of map files on it at least. I just ended up reformatting the card and will maybe see later loading third party maps...I ignored the advice here to wait for the lake maps because like I said, I have no patience.

I downloaded a lot of layers from Outdoor+ and got to configuring. It's brilliant. HD contours, shading, even slope aspect work well (though I keep that off because it's too psychedelic and distracting). I enabled the parcel maps and buildings because I like seeing the building and suburb layouts when I'm walking around or hiking. One thing I think is REALLY COOL is that the parcel maps and buildings show in the marine view too! If I had that going last weekend it would have been easier getting to my relatives' docks, had the lake contours going rather than looking up the Navionics app on my phone which doesn't have the parcel nor buildings and the satellite images are crap...my parent's pontoon does not have a chartplotter. Wish the H1i would do Auto Guidance but I guess I can't have everything! Switching between marine charts, topo maps, and hybrid satellite views is very easy...just a click on layers and select each as appropriate at the top level. Having the sub-layers on does not seem to interfere with display. They did well with it.

Anyway I spent a mountain of money but that seems to affect every hobby of mine. I've spent a whole lot more on astrophotography. Can't wait to do some more hiking, boating, kayaking...

[WallyGator]

installed to the internal device memory which worked fine as it had plenty of space. Checking the card later, there were several gigs of map files on it at least. I just ended up reformatting the card and will maybe see later loading third party maps.

You could always try to copy the map (don't forget it's associated *.gma/*.unl files) from the unit's internal storage to the SD Card using your PC. I believe it goes into the Garmin folder and not the root of the SD card. This will take some time however (blame the interface) but once you have it off the device, you can back it up (along with *.gma/*.unl files) to your location of choice.

Thanks for returning with your opinions of the device.