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Original question: Feb 24, 2010, 8:28am Pre Programmed Card Backupable? , Christopher, Lewisville Tx
Reply #1: Feb 24, 2010, 1:19pm OK! So you are saying I can back them up on computer or on a DVD disk, then reformat the existing Garmin preprogrammed card and just copy the img and other files back onto it? Is this correct? But I will not be able to copy the backup maps to a store bought 2gig Sd card?
So if the preprogrammed card goes bad I'm really screwed if this ever happens. Do SD card go bad? I've had USB storage devices go bad on me.. not sure why or how etc..
Thanks for your time and info!
Reply #2: Feb 24, 2010, 11:15am Hello Chris,
You can back-up your maps but you can only load them onto the card they were shipped with.
You can copy the *.img and *.uln file to your computer and if the card gets corrupt you can format the card and copy the files back to the card. Please note the maps will only work on the card they were programmed to because they are unlocked to the serial number of that card.
Reply #3: Feb 24, 2010, 1:24pm I forgot to give the specs on what unit i have and the SD micro card type.
My unit is a SP c330 with Sd card slot, The map I'm going to buy are Inland Lakes South central area.
Reply #4: Feb 24, 2010, 2:34pm The card will work in your Streetpilot unit but is not recommended for it. If you are doing a lot of marine activities you may want to consider the Nuvi550 (Waterproof and has Marine modes) or a handheld GPS unit.
Reply #5: Feb 24, 2010, 2:42pm Yea I looked into that unit, but I'm trying use what I got, I'm not really one of those fishing guys that rely on equipment. But since I already have this unit and Garmin said the maps are compatible to run on the c330. I went this route. Hey thanks for the Info, you have helped me out alot!
Reply #6: Feb 24, 2010, 3:54pm You are correct the maps will work. The unit doesn't have the most outdoor friendly options.
Question:
So you are saying I can back them up on computer or on a DVD disk, then reformat the existing Garmin preprogrammed card and just copy the img and other files back onto it? Is this correct?
A) Yes, you can copy the data, format the card and put the maps back on the same card and have it work.
But I will not be able to copy the backup maps to a store bought 2gig Sd card?
A) You can copy the maps to another card as a backup but if you put that card in a GPS the maps will not read. The unit will check the serial number in the map and compare it to the card. If they don't match it wont read.
Reply #7: Feb 25, 2010, 7:04am I see! Thanks! It seems Garmin's maps are lock per unit. Make since!
Ok! So what the deal with unlocking a Map? When I get this SD micro card do I have to unlock this card so my unit will read the SD card? And if so how do I do this? I seems Garmins does not really go into detail about this unless I'm looking in the wrong spot on their web page.
Reply #8: Feb 25, 2010, 8:04am The maps on the preloaded cards do not require unlocking, once you receive it you just put in the unit and load the unit up. The maps will automatically load and nothing needs to be done.
Reply #9: Nov 30, 2011, 8:50am This thread is the closest I have found to my question. I have a Garmin 276C and have been given a couple of "Preprogrammed Marine Data" cards that fit it, but for which I have no current use. Can I format these cards to use as normal rewritable data cards? Is it possible to back up the original data to reinstall at a later date?
Reply #10: Dec 1, 2011, 7:49am With the 276C cards you can not back to data up. When you load a new map to them it will erase the old maps. If you have Mapsource you can format the card using tools but you will loose the marine maps and not be able to get them back.
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