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I have found another interesting use of virtual
mode in conjuction of a manual route. Ever wish that you can make a route
alternative to one that that the GPS will create, one that is more straight
forward, fewer turns, and maybe even quicker? Well, there is the way of creating
a manual route, but this would require to be at the physical location and to
layout waypoints at each and every single turn. Well, let's say you want to
create a route that you are familiar with and know it is doable, but the GPS
insist on an alternative route, it is possible to mmake a route in virtual
mode.
Once in the GPS program, you will want to switch to
virtual mode by hitting the letter v. It can be confirmed in which
mode you are in at the present time by hitting chord i. You will want
to open a route by first getting into route command by hitting the letter
r, followed by o for open. Specify a drive, folder, and a route name, ; it
will have a confirmation message that the route you are trying to open does
not exist, you can hit y for yes to confirm. You will want to specify
your starting point by either doing an address match, searching for it by
using a POI lookup, or by lat/lon coordinates. You will then want to set this
point as your virtual position, by hitting chord v. Then here is where
you will want to make your first waypoit, by hitting chord k, the
description can be left blank. ;Then you will want to go to the
first intersection you will be turning at, but don't turn yet, but make another
waypoint, by hitting chord k, it will ask for the direction, enter the direction
of the turn, then make the turn. Continue to do this until you get to your
destination, just keep in mind to put in the direction prior to making the
turn, or else there will be many 6 o'clock turns or behind turns. Once the
last turn is made prior to the destination, you will want to set
your ;destination as a virtual position, then making it into a
waypoint, for the direction, input straight. Now, that you have spent the time
and energy into making this route in virtual mode, you will want to save it by
going into route command by hitting r followed by s for save. ;
When you are ready to follow this route, you will
want to open the route by going into route command by hitting r followed by o
for open, then select the route. There are two ways of navigating the route, by
either asking for the next turn or for the next waypoint. If you are asking for
the next waypoint, all of the information is given, including the waypoint
name, the direction of the turn, and the distance to that waypoint. If you ask
for the next turn, you will get the distance to the next turn and the direction
of the turn. So, it is a matter of more information, or what is really
important.
Thhis is only recommended for those routes that you
travel on a regular basis and you know the route you are getting ready to make
is either a shorter distance, has fewer turns, or requires less time to
travel. It can also be used in those situations where the GPS creates a route
that is not physically possible due to the nature of the roads and you have
access to alternative directions. You are able to input directions that are
given to you, so you can still have route following on and be givne notification
of the next turn or waypoint.
Kevin |