In the HD ride planer if you know where you want to start just right click on that point on the map same for the end or any other point. And you can click and drag the route to suit you if the predefined route does not suit you don't see how it could get any easier.

 

I used the Garmin MapSource initially but switched over to the HD Ride Planner as it seemed easier to use. The frustrating part for me is finding the Zumo over rides my down loaded route at times.

I hear that MapSource is being replaced with something else - BaseMap / BaseCamp ???

 

I have the Road Tech/Garmin 550. Its not a hardware issue. Its the software. The software looks and operates like Version 1 from 1998 that was never updated, just my humble educated opinion as a computer programmer in four languages. The software is clunky, not intuitive, and downright difficult to locate and operate many of the functions.

I like this! One software anomaly I am really fond of is when you route using MapSource, then go back and expand the view to see more details and find out the software has you exiting off the Interstate for no apparent reason, routes you in a 5.5 mile circle, and routes you back on the Interstate 2 miles back from where you just traveled!

 

I have to agree with the OP.............I spend a few hrs. a day on the computer and do most of my shopping, photo work ect., use a ton of different software on it ........... The Garmin......(660)........ software seems like it is from the 90's.

I will try the HD.......Guys.........thanks for the link and info.

 

OP has a point though. About a year ago I was on a north/south road in central Fla for just over 35 miles and my Garmin showed I was not even close to ANY road for the entire ride, but riding in the 'green' area. The road was not new by any stretch of the imagination!
Hell, I've even pulled into my destination with the dumb broad (not riding partner, the Zumo!) telling me to turn around and go back a few miles.

What a useless pile of crap..........wanna buy it!?! (kidding!)

 

Well as far as mapping software and all of this stuff,and 550 bucks. It sounds like a pita. I think I will just use my iPhone and google maps. And google has voice command so I just gotta talk to it. It has navigated me through Calgary and was always within a few feet. Vancouver too.
And to be honest when I am riding across country I don't mind getting lost. I consider it the scenic route

 

When designing a route you MUST pay attention to what side of a divided hwy you put your Waypoint. The best tip I found on the Zumoforums is to go through your entire route at an increased magnification and pay attention to intersections and where you've put your Vias and Waypoints. Also, reversing a route isn't as simple as Reverse Route, you need to recheck your intersections, Vias and Waypoints. If you're using the Selection Tool you have to pay attention to the same things.

 

When I was outside sales for awhile the best mapping program I found was "Streets and trips". Haven't used it in a few + yrs but it is good for printing a hardcopy.

Not sure if you can dl to a gps or not but hey it works great.

 

I don't know about the HD Ride Planner, but the Zumo will follow a MapSource route if you use via points instead of waypoints. The difference is that viapoints are created on an intersection, not just any given point along a route. The Zumo apparently sees waypoints as suggestions while viapoints are more definitive, and if you use waypoints to force a specific route the Zumo may very well override your routing plans, as I've found out in practical experience. I'm not sure if this is covered in any documentation or if this is applicable to the HD Ride Planner, but it works for me with MapSource.

 

I agree with the OP to a point. Have not been able to figure out the Garmin outdated software. I do like the HD Trip Planner. At least you can drag and drop your rout. But as someone else said you have to go back and magnify the way points. Make sure it is on a road. If you miss a road the Garmin will mess up or "recalculate".