I think you are downloading the wrong file for GNII.
1) There are lots of files that end in .dat or .txt on the World Wide
Turnpoint Exchange web site (
http://soaringweb.org/TP) but only one
kind that works with GNII. I believe that all the GNII files
are .txt, at least mine are. Once you navigate to the correct country
(and then state and then location within the state), click on "Files
formatted for downloading and importing into your programs". Then
look for "Soaring Innovations Glide Nav II". Click on the icon of
four hands holding a file (I think that is what the icon is) to
download the file. Don't click on the Eyeglass icon (which opens the
file) and then doing a save-as ~ I find that the resulting file
doesn't always work.
2) Make sure that the .txt file is stored in the same directory as the
GNII executable. I keep all the files right at the root of "My
Documents" (on my memory card). If GNII can see the files in the "SUA
and WA Files" menu, then you have them in the right place. Again,
GNII will find and seem like it is reading .txt and .dat, but
only .txt files specifically formatted for GNII will work correctly.
3) There is a Yahoo groups for GNII users. You and/or your friend
should join. It isn't very active until you ask a question.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GNII/.
4) Paul Remde is *THE* go-to guy for GNII questions. His web site has
some how-to documents which are helpful.
http://cumulus-soaring.com/gn.htm
Some comments on the above comments.
1) I always keep all of my files on the memory (CF) card on my HP
2215. Never had a problem. The advantage is that I never have to
worry about keeping the PDA charged up between flights (so I don't
loose the built in memory contents. And I can edit all the contents
on the memory card from within my PC (via a card reader). I find that
much easier.
2) Only older Cambridge GPS devices have the 256 waypoint issue I
believe. The Cambridge 302 and 302A has a much larger memory. Then
again I don't download waypoints into my Cambridge 302, I keep them in
my PDA only.
I hope that this helps. Let us know. As always, "my $0.02".
- John DeRosa
http://aviation.derosaweb.net