MBlog

Applying Corrections

We've seen a few queries recently asking why the distance seen on the device or in Training Center is so different than it shows in MotionBased.  We usually see some variation, maybe a quarter mile difference at most.  Some of you, however, have seen huge discrepancies.  And by huge, we're talking 5+ miles difference.  Since there have been a handful of users who wrote in with this experience, we know there are more of you who are puzzled by this problem. 

What could the problem be?  Corrections.

Some users have no idea about Corrections.  Applying Corrections to every activity will clean up your data and bring your mileage into manageable distances.  Found under Account --> Preferences --> Tune-Up, select the option to have MotionBased apply our corrections for all of your data from this point forward.

If you have old activities needing Corrections Attention you'll need to apply Corrections to the individual activity.  See the previous MBlog post, Editing Multiple Activities, for a faster way to get this done.

Training Center for MAC Available for Download

Training Center for Mac is here!  Well, not here, but you can Download it from Garmin.com.  Mac users now have the ability to store their activities on client software. As well as, send courses to their device for racing and/or light navigation.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• If you've been using the Training Center on Windows and want your history on your Mac, you'll need to upgrade your Training Center for Windows to version 3.2.1 before exporting history!!

• If all of your data is stored at MotionBased and you don't have access to all activities (MB Lite users), you CAN still export activities from your Digest. Simply check the activities that you want to export (limit of 10 at a time) and choose "Training Center History" activity export from the "More Actions" drop down.

Grab Your Garmin, Take On the World

If you're a loyal Garmin Blog reader, you already know that Garmin will be airing a 30-second Super Bowl spot (sometime in the second quarter).  But have you seen the video?  Using excess footage, the Garmin crew created a music video. If this is excess footage, what will the final ad be?  Your guess is as good as mine. I just hope they keep the heavy riffs, big hair, and intimidating licks.  With lyrics like, "Rip him a new highway," "Serves up a sandwich with a side of provolone," and "Wears a suit of latex but he's metal to the bone" the final production can be nothing but sheer genius!  Great inspiration . . . so "Grab your Garmin every boy and girl!"

Go get 'em Garmin guy, and remember, "GPS power speaks the truth!"

Forerunner Rebate - Save $50

If you've been thinking about a Forerunner 205/305, but couldn't part with the clams. This might push you over the edge. From January 24 - May 15, 2007; Garmin is extending a $50 rebate on Forerunner 205 and 305 purchases in the US and Canada. See Garmin retailers for details.

The 411 on Adobe SVG Viewer

If you've been having trouble getting the Analyzer (paid feature), or the Map Player or Dot Racing to work, it may be due to not having the latest version of the Adobe SVG Viewer installed.  While it is our goal to have the Player out of BETA and fully replacing the Analyzer sometime in the Third Quarter, you'll still need to use the Analyzer with the SVG Viewer until then.  Don't forget, it's only compatible in Internet Explorer at this time.

If you've installed the latest version of the Adobe SVG Player and you're still having problems with the Analyzer or Map Player double check the following:

1. Make sure you're in IE.  These 2 features only work in IE.  If you prefer Firefox, you can use the IE tabs extension.

2. Check your security settings.  Firewalls should be set to Medium.  Other securities,  like Norton Internet Security, need to be set to allow MotionBased.

3. Pop-up blockers can sometimes interfere with the Analyzer, so make sure those are adjusted.

Forerunner 205/305 Quick Release Kit

Hey multi-sporters, your Forerunner Quick Release Kit is here. Well, almost here . . . as close as you can get without a shopping cart. Recently announced at CES, it should start shipping soon.

Over the past couple months, we subjected it to use and abuse testing. Our initial reaction was, "Will this contraption hold a Forerunner?"  We've been wrong before and we were wrong to question this clever design. After several long trail runs and technical mountain bike rides, it passed the Marin County test without a single dislodge. It's solid, and easy to remove once you find your method.

The critical part is a piece of plastic that receives the device pins. After removing the band and reinstalling the pins, the device attaches to the wrist and bike mount by seating the bottom pin in a U-shaped channel and rotating until the top snaps into place. For those that miss their Forerunner 201/301 velcro strap, you'll feel right at home. The kit comes with zip-ties for the bike mount and accommodates most any bar. Those using aerobars should consider a mounting stub.

Note: this kit is specifically designed for Forerunner 205/305. Forerunner 201/301 owners, check out your quick release kit.

Editing Multiple Activities

Recently, you may have seen a Newsletter item or MBlog post about editing your Activity under the Activity Options feature.  We frequently see requests for information on being able to change more than one Activity at a time.  Here's the scoop.  You can change more than one Activity following these simple instructions:

1. Login to MotionBased and go to your Activity Digest

2. Check the boxes next to the activities you wish to change - you can choose up to 10

3. From the "More Actions" drop down menu, select "Activity Options"

(If you have pop-up blockers you'll need to hold the "Ctrl" button so that all the separate windows open up)

4. Make your edits and Save each Activity

That's all there is to it.  No need to open up an individual Activity's Dashboard in order to access the Activity Options link.  Happy editing!

Units of Measure

Happy New Year!  With the New Year comes new users with new devices.  To help you get going on MotionBased we're going to give you some tips over the coming weeks.  These are solutions to some of our most frequently asked questions. 

Tip for this week?  How to change your Units of Measure from Standard (U.S.) to Metric, or vice versa.  Along with a slew of other feature adjustments, you can set your Units of Measure to your preferred unit by selecting the Units tab under Account Preferences.