Garmin Mapsource Unlock Code Keygen
Samantha Ferre
Here is a warning. I just got an email back from Garmin. They are saying that the UNLOCK code I used to link my MAPSOURCE MAP CD (City Select North America V7) with my Garmin Legend is now GONE!! If I sell the Garmin Legend.
I have a streetpilot 2610 that came with mapsource v5 and I just bought a GPSmap 60CSx, I wanted to upgrade my 2610 to v8 so I ordered the dvd and paid the $75, I got the unlock code for the 2610 for v8 and then went to the garmin mapsource update site and entered the s/n for my 60CSx and got another unlock code for it as well for free, my understanding is you can get unlock codes for 2 units. oh, I also got the second unlock code for my 60CSx for v 5. I think if you have the unlock code for your Legend and you have a new garmin unit you should be able to get a second unlock code for it.
...my understanding is you can get unlock codes for 2 units. oh, I also got the second unlock code for my 60CSx for v 5. I think if you have the unlock code for your Legend and you have a new garmin unit you should be able to get a second unlock code for it.
Be careful....not only does Magellan have a similar set-up, they actually tie your gps unit and software to a single computer, so if your computer dies and you replace it, guess what.....you're going to need to buy another unlock code.
You correctly explained Garmin's policy as I understand it and I don't have a problem with it. If you sold your existing software/gps/unlock code to someone else, they would be able to use it. Again, not possible with locked Magellan products (unless you threw in your computer too).
In one way it's a good process, I can share my software with anyone provided they have an unlock code for that version. This happened with a recent upgrade when people purchased an earlier copy after a new release.
I purchased City Select, and because of the timing of that purchase, got a free upgrade to City Navigator. I have only used one Unlock code so far. When/if I upgrade my GPSr, I will be able to put my City Navigator maps on it.
Here is a warning. I just got an email back from Garmin. They are saying that the UNLOCK code I used to link my MAPSOURCE MAP CD with my Garmin Legend is now GONE!! If I sell the Garmin Legend. ...Do I have this wrong??
Maybe in part. The unlock code should continue to work for that legend. You can't undo the unlock code for the legend and then use it again on another GPS. You should be able to use the 2nd unlock code that Garmin gives for their software for your next GPS.
Maybe in part. The unlock code should continue to work for that legend. You can't undo the unlock code for the legend and then use it again on another GPS. You sould need to use the 2nd unlock code that Garmin gives for their software.
2) Bought a Garmin LEGEND and used my second unlock code. (Looks like unlock code is perminantly linked to the serial number for the unit; and maybe your user name; and maybe even the original source DVD)
A) Send the 76CSX back to the company I bought from for a full refund (WALMART online in my case, so they will do a refund - just eat the cost of shipping). Then buy a used device with unlock code installed. (effectively a used unit with UNLOCK code assigned, is more valuable than a new unit)
A. As long as you have only obtained one unlock code for a given MapSource product and version, then simply follow the procedure a second time and get your second unlock code. You may unlock up to two units with one coupon code. (see ?What if I own more than one Garmin unit compatible with a specific locked MapSource product??).
If you have already unlocked a particular product (and version) for two different compatible Garmin units you own, then you would go through the procedure of purchasing additional unlock codes. We do NOT allow transfer of data when you upgrade your unit."
The GPS itself doesn't contain any unlock code -- the map data does. If you buy a used GPSr, you'd need to obtain the mapsource unlock code from the previous owner, as only he could get it from his personal Garmin website login. When you unlock map data, the mapsource software obtains an unlock code based on your GPSr serial number and data from Garmin's web site. This code is then written into any map data you save using that installation of mapsource. You can load that map data into any GPSr you want, but the GPSr will look at the unlock codes in the map data to see whether one is based on its own serial number. If not, you won't get the unlocked map features.
As I said, the code is contained in the map data, not the unit itself, so changing maps between units will not work. Each unit will check the embedded code in the map data and know whether it's valid or not.
This violates the Garmin licensing agreement, which indicates that unlock codes are not to be shared between multiple users. While you could technically do this, it's not legal. In other words, while you could "split the cost" of the software with a friend and each get one unlock code, doing so violates the Garmin license agreement.
I see many "vendors" selling CITY SELECT or CITY NAVIGATOR (DVD by itself in "sealed" package) on ebay that include the unlock codes. I could even buy a bundle package of a GPS and CITY NAVIGATOR with that extra UNLOCK code.
...In one way it's a good process, I can share my software with anyone provided they have an unlock code for that version. This happened with a recent upgrade when people purchased an earlier copy after a new release.
I may be wrong, but I don't believe you can sell your unlock code. From my experience the unlock code is not only tied to your unit, but also to your account with Garmin. Of course you could give someone access to your account.
I always read about people selling or giving their unlock codes for various map products. However, when I look at my account on Garmin's site, I can see my name and address. I suppose people use fake addresses when unlocking their maps?
One other thing gnbrotz said that might be overstating the case would be the need to buy a new unlock code if the computer died. First of all, the new information I just cited suggests that if you still have the unlock code, it could be used on a second computer (I'm sure he wasn't aware of this, and I only learned it after the posts he cited were made). Even if the unlock code was lost in the dead computer, I would expect that if the situation were explained to Magellan tech support they would issue a new unlock code...but it would be an exception to the general policy. I don't have a sense of whether they are flexible or rigid on this, as it's not come up too much on the boards I frequent.
That's about as concise an understanding as I know it--I'd be happy for any confirmation or disputation. The final point about buying a new unlock code because of a dead computer is sort of a worst case scenario, I suppose--what one would have to do if tech support took a hard line. Despite my generally negative feel towards Magellan tech support these days, I still think they would be reasonable about this.
Exactly, I am a Canadian in Florida, have US TOPO & there are NO UNLOCK codes .......as there are none for the Canadian TOPO. However the US one leaves a lot to be desired, would not recommend buying this.
I have a 60cx, which I bought with CS7. I eneded up getting a nuvi 350 for my wife (she kept taking my 60cx), and it came with CS7, but a free upgrade to NT8. I asked the garmin rep if I could get NT8 codes for my 60cx, and they zapped me codes without any questions, so I have NT8 on 2 garmin units. YMMV.
DirectRoute's copy protection is similar: DirectRoute v1 and v2 were sold on CD and allowed one to change serial numbers for up to 3 times (for a total of 4 different units). DirectRoute v3 comes on DVD and requires a dedicated GPS/computer pairing. Multiple MapSend programs (e.g., Topo3D and DirectRoute) can operate with the same computer so long as the unlock codes are for the same GPS.
P.S. If you or the Mkgmap guys make the search for addresses possible this would be a huge push for OSM! Because then you just need simple cheap hardware from garmin and you have workwide routable maps available.
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