How to get Mapsource for free?

[lurkin]

[Dear Guest/Member you can't see link before replyclick here to register] also known as Garmin Trips and Waypoints is supplied free with certain models of GPS units when purchased (like Garmin 60,76 X series and others) but not with other models like car based NUVIs and ZUMOs.
Unfortunately, if you don't have Mapsource, you won't be able to install these and any other 3rd party Garmin GPS maps to your GPS unit.
Selecting and transferring maps also presents another obstacle which is surmountable using other software.
Other advantages of Mapsource are:-

• Opening and saving files in gdb, mps, gpx and loc formats
• Free world road basemap (very rough but useful enough to do quick searches for major cities, countries and highways)
• Create and save waypoints, routes and tracks
• Export waypoints, tracks and routes to Google Earth (opens in Google Earth)
• Unlocking locked maps like City Navigator and other locked third party maps

If you do need it, you could purchase it from Garmin or get it free using the following method:-

1. Install the [Dear Guest/Member you can't see link before replyclick here to register] that is in itself a very good introduction and tutorial to using Mapsource

2. Once installed, download latest [Dear Guest/Member you can't see link before replyclick here to register]


Source: rcmaps website

[lurkin]

Based on an information published on another forum, the free Mapsource workaround via the Training Center installation won't work any more

The latest version of the Training Center (25. August 2011) software requires a licensed copy of Mapsource being installed.

So what's the solution?

1. Download a legacy version of the training center (as long as it is available) from here: [Dear Guest/Member you can't see link before replyclick here to register]. This version will still allow the free Mapsource installation.

2. Alternatively you will need to modify your computers registry PRIOR to the installation of the new Training center update.
Adding following to the registry will solve the problem (as for now):

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Garmin\Applications\Ma pSource]
"InstallDir"="C:\\Garmin\\MapSource.exe"
***

Those are the available options as for now. But I personally expect Garmin to close this loop hole sooner or later.

Thanks