Importing Routes from Other Sources

To import a route from another source onto you iWay, you will need the following:

• The data file you wish to import
• A conversion program, such as one of the following:
  • GPSBabel (http://www.gpsbabel.org/)
  • GPSU (http://www.gpsu.co.uk)
• Optionally, a copy of Lowrance's GPS Data Manager 6 (http://www.lowrance.com/software/GDM6/default.asp)

Converting the File

How the file is converted will depend on what package you're using, but you want the ultimate result to be a Lowrance USR file, which is the native format for the iWay. Some packages can convert directly; others require that you first convert to an intermediate format first. Consult your conversion package's documentation for the correct procedure.

In this example, the finished file will be called myroute.usr.

If you want to make changes to the USR file before importing it, Lowrance's GPS Data Manager can be used to open it and edit the waypoints and routes.

Loading the USR file onto the iWay

1. Connect the iWay to your computer.
2. Copy myroute.usr from your computer to the unit.
3. Disconnect the iWay and reboot it.
4. Using the Advanced skin, Mountain View skin or MotorcycleSkin, locate the Transfer Data button.
5. Select Load.
6. Select the myroute.usr file and press OK.

Each of the points in the imported route will be added to the address book, and a route will be created that joins them. Unfortunately, this means that if you ever want to delete the route, you will have to delete each of the waypoints individually from the address book.

Navigating the Route

You can start navigating the route by selecting it from Route via Waypoints.

Because a route consists of points and not specific turn-by-turn information, the iWay may navigate an imported route differently than the navigation software used with the original source (i.e., Microsoft Streets and Trips or Garmin Mapsource).

-- MarkFeit - 17 Sep 2006