Garmin Mobile XT: Can't Connect To Server

[desdinova]

I recently picked up a copy of Garmin XT Mobile on a MiniSD card and I'm having some curious problems (which Garmin has yet to help me resolve).

Initially, when I first ran the software, every time the GPS would lock, it kept insisting that I was heading down a back road in New Jersey at 154 miles an hour. As I was standing on a sidewalk just a few miles north of Washington, DC at the time strongly suggested that the Garmin was, uh, "overreaching the data". Updating the software solved this problem. However, whenever I try and use Garmin Online, I get a "Can't connect to server." error. When I try and check the activation of my subscription, it can't check because...it can't can't connect to the server. It suggests I call Garmin and get an activation number.

So I called Garmin and said the phone was asking for an activation number and since the packaging for the SD card didn't include anything close to one, how could I get one so I could start using the service I'd paid for? I was informed that there were no activation numbers so I couldn't have one and the help desk guy (who was very nice and polite) would look into the problem.

Meanwhile, a week later, no one has gotten back to me and I still can't get connected to the server. Is this a Garmin or a Nokia issue? Since none of my other apps seem to have any issues getting online to MediaNET when they need to, I'm leaning towards it being an issue with the Mobile XT, but I don't know for sure. Any help would be appreciated!

Another curious thing with the software is that the packaging is labeled North America, but when I first loaded the card it defaulted to Europe, including and displaying all the relevant roads and maps over there. The Garmin tech guy said it shouldn't and was surprised to hear this info was available to me...

[sp00k]

You "Picked Up A Copy" ? Where from?

If you didn't buy it from an authorised source, therein lies your answer, you have an unauthorised version.

If this is the case, then no further help will be given on here because anyone doing so will risk being banned!

[NZtechfreak]

From the description this sounds like a legit copy... I've no idea how to help one way or the other though I'm afraid...

[desdinova]

No fears, it's an authorized version bought from GG Outdoors through eBay (Garmin has also confirmed this). However, since the N95 users probably know more about the N95 than Garmin's Help Desk, I figured I'd put the question here and see if any folks could help, especially since Garmin (so far) seems baffled as to how to proceed..

[sp00k]

Fair enough...

You say that you bought it on a mini-SD card? Do I take it then that you've transferred the data to a microSD card and if so, are Garmin aware of this?

[Bartmanekul]

That is a Garmin problem, however I have updated/changed the software and it didnt ask me for an activation code.

Have you actually created an account on the Garmin site? This might be a way forward.

And never wait for companies to ring you back, they very rarely do.

I dont quite understand how you have it on mini SD though, as I thought XT was only bundled on micro SD with adaptors.

Also, the Europe maps shouldnt even be on there, you must be wrong about that. One way to tell is the space it takes on the card. Europe is about 1.4 GB if I remember rightly. I cant think they would have both North America and Europe on there.

I cant help but think it might be a funny copy. Did you get proper packaging with it (i.e. Garmin branded)?

Just out of interest, how did Garmin confirm its not a copy? Ive never found any sort of identifier, as Garmin rely on card protection rather than an activation method.

[desdinova]

Sorry, I meant MicroSD. It came in a clamshell case with Garmin full color inserts (in english and spanish) and a small plastic case with the card and two adapters.

As far as Europe and the U.S. maps are concerned, the rep was surprised also, but when I first fired it up, the default position was the UK and I was able to zoom in and see streets, places, etc. It wasn't until it got a satellite lock that it realized it was on the wrong side of the pond and it reoriented itself to New Jersey (which was incorrect). After I updated the main program it's consistently found my location with no real issues.

I initially tried to register the product on Garmin's site but I couldn't figure out how to do it. I went to Garmin.com>Regsiter Your Product and I created an account. From there it gives me three choices: 1.) Garmin Device or Accessory 2.) MapSource Software on Disk (purchased separately) or 3.) Preprogrammed Data Card. So I select option 3 and Mobile XT is not on the list. Once again, the rep said that there really wasn't any way to register this particular product. So either Garmin offers limited support for this item or the guy I spoke with had no real clue how to help me.

Man, this is getting VERY frustrating...

[Geoffers]

As far as the maps are concerned I think I can shed a bit of light on that.
I bought the UK & Ireland version of Garmin Mobile XT here in the UK. I quickly found that I could get down to street level in Paris (France), thank you very much Garmin.
Following on from your revelation I've now found that I can see roads in America, but not towns down to street level. Certainly enough to drive around on, in fact, it looks as good as any paper map!
I don't remember doing any sort of registration on the phone. Just popped in the Garmin card and it went into the install routine. A few minutes later and it was installed.

HTH!

[Bartmanekul]

Ah, I know Garmin has an overlay map, it must have been that you were looking at. it might contain major roads, but I cant see them sticking another country on there, there simply isnt the space.

I did setup a garmin account, but I cant remember what i did now, which isnt very useful to you Im afraid.

Not that it should work, because I 'hacked' it to put it on my 4GB card, rather than mucking about carrying 2 cards.

Im afraid the support your getting is symptomatic of symbian versions. I have said time and time again that Symbian simply isnt supported in the same way other platforms are, be it a dedicated device or windows mobile.

I'll look into it, as this will come in useful for others if a solution is found.

So at the moment all your missing is Garmin online, which is basically just the traffic data? I dont think theres anything else worthwhile, speed cameras are £10 more expensive than pocket GPS world (and you can use that for however many different satnavs you like), so your not missing out there.

[Bartmanekul]

Ok, just had a play around.

I logged into my Garmin account, and theres nothing in there, I never even registered my phone/garmin software.

What exactly are you trying to get? Unless you have bought a subscription on Garmins webby, you dont miss out on anything.

Traffic data is free, speedcams you can get elsewhere, and the weather is apperently free too (I thought you had to pay, but I can get it).

Also, I have just downloaded safety cameras again. Now Im sure it said 30 day trial, but that was well over 30 days ago.

But it downloaded fine. And they are switched on in the menu. I'll have to test it to find out if they are actually working, but I think they are.

However, when I go to 'Subscription status' (tools - Garmin online), and click on activate it asks me for a key. Of which, I have no idea and I assume Im then in the same situation as you.

But in reality, unless you have already paid for a speedcamera subscription, your not missing anything.


Edit: just been on the Garmin site, and tried to register. Your right, theres no identifier for it at all, Garmin must have messed up in this.

Try downloading the speed cameras -

Tools - Garmin online - Safety cameras - and see if your region is in there.

Oh, and make sure you dont have access disabled.

Settings - Garmin online - Set to prompted or Always.