Garmin Nuvi series: How to free up more memory?

Partsmonkey

Partsmonkey

Joined
May 15, 2009
Messages
139
Age
49
Location
Denver, Colorado
Bike
2008 ST1300
I have a Garmin Nuvi 1490T. It has been an alright unit so far. Most of its use is in the car, although I have a Ram mount set-up for the ST's handlebars.

After about a year and a half of use, frequent software and map updates from the myGarmin website, its memory is nearly full. Not that this unit had very much built-in memory to start with.

My problem is this, when I use the updater to get the newest map, now I can only load the lower 49 state map, where as before I could load the 49 state plus Canada map. I'm afraid it's only going to get worse as time goes on. On the next map update I might be able to download only (my) half of the lower 49.

Does anyone know a practical, straightforward method to free up more memory? I've tried the easiest thing first, I've deleted all the foreign (to me) voice files that I'll never end up using. Other than that any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
The download is a file that the gps loads from, once you have the new file installed and you confirm that the gps shows the new update you delete the file download from the folder. To me it sounds like you are leaving the files in the folder and all those files are taking up space.
 
Just buy an SD card and put the over flow maps onto it. I'm already in that situation with my zumo 550. The zumo seamlessly accesses the maps on the expansion card when you cross into that territory on the card. I also have a nuvi 1490 (LMT) and it works the same way. Not a problem.
 
I have not updated the Garmin because they want as much for the map updates as buying a whole new unit (And the battery does not last when hand held anymore). Even though my home is not listed on my Garmin, I am still able to find it....so I do not see any reasons to update maps.
 
HueyDriver said:
I have not updated the Garmin because they want as much for the map updates as buying a whole new unit (And the battery does not last when hand held anymore). Even though my home is not listed on my Garmin, I am still able to find it....so I do not see any reasons to update maps.
Click to expand...

It's a bad idea to list your home as your home in a GPS anyway.
 
Partsmonkey said:
Yeah, I suspect that I'll need to be getting a micro SD card soon to try and help give the unit more memory. Thanks for the advice. :)
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention that when the latest CN 2012.30 just came out it wouldn't initially fit, but the update program (option 2) asked me if I wanted to create more space. I clicked yes and the entire north American map then fit in the main unit. Don't think that will be the case next time 'round though. The update installed a Garmin Back up folder on my computer containing all the .jpg images of the various Garmin office buildings that were included on my GPS from the factory. I guess it must have removed those to make the space it needed. Didn't see any other files in there.
 
Yes, the latest map 2012.30 was the one I was trying to install yesterday.

I'll try again with what you're stating, by using option 2. I'll also make sure I select the 'radio button' that says something to the effect of "download to the device and save files on the computer". It seemed like that move helped free up more room for you.
 
HueyDriver said:
I would not even know how to open the case. There are no screws visable.

It's a bad idea to list your home as your home in a GPS anyway.
Why is it a bad idea?
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see following video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shjOXo69Fbs&feature=related
a company sells the tools and the battery. btw, the screws are behind the bezel.

If you put your home in it and the gps is stolen from yr car/bike they know 1) your home location 2) your not home 3)many garmins use the home location to reset your lock code ...so put your home under another name, use a local pd pct to reset yr lock code or something else you wont forget.
 
Cool video on how-to change the battery in this unit. I might be needing it soon.

I've noticed that the charge doesn't last as long as it use to. Most of the time it's connected to the 12V adapter but sometimes I'll put it on the bike for a quick ride and run on battery power.
 
Tom Mac 04a said:
see following video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shjOXo69Fbs&feature=related
a company sells the tools and the battery. btw, the screws are behind the bezel.

If you put your home in it and the gps is stolen from yr car/bike they know 1) your home location 2) your not home 3)many garmins use the home location to reset your lock code ...so put your home under another name, use a local pd pct to reset yr lock code or something else you wont forget.
Click to expand...

It does not tell anyone if I am home or not (I might have gotten home by the time they got it...or someone else may be home), I also do not lock mine...so I guess the only thing they know is the location...but since it does not show up on any street in the GPS, they will not know the exact address anyway. I can see most of your points if all other things are working normally.

I will have to look at that video when I am able. Thanks for posting it. I should have known to go look for one. There is a video for just about everything now.
 
Thanks for everyone's input and replies to this topic.

I finally got around to buying a 4GB micro SD card. I installed it during the latest map upgrade. It seems to be working fine now but I'll have to keep the card in there full time. If it's removed from the device I'll have no map at all. Should be plenty of storage space for the next several upgrades.
 
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