GPSrChive Discussion Forum

Is it possible to enable the group ride tracking option on a Tread 5.5" Powersport edition for units sold in Canada? The group ride option is not available in Canada due to broadcasting laws, so they don't offer this option. I can order the group ride antenna from Europe and was hoping to flash the Tread with USA firmware to unlock the group rider features. Is this possible? The current software is 6.90. Thank you!

Our understanding is that the Tread firmware is the same world wide. The Tread uses GPS location to enable/disable Group Ride Tracking.

Send a copy of your GarminDevice.xml file to:

Spoiler

webmaster@gpsrchive.com

Thanks and will do that soon. Is there anyway to disable that feature?

None that we are aware of.

DPike wrote: ↑Wed Nov 23, 2022 7:56 pm The current software is 6.90. Thank you!

Why haven't you updated to the latest release?

BTW, we checked the file you sent and your firmware part number is the same as all other Tread Devices.

<PartNumber>006-B3738-00</PartNumber>

Thanks and I'm not sure I will keep it now that it doesn't offer the ride tracking feature.

You can still do group ride tracking via the Tread App.

Thanks and does the Tread App require mobile signal to work? We rarely have signal when snowmobiling in the backcountry.

The 'Radio Group Ride' uses the Group Ride Radio to send and receive location data, and the 'Mobile Group Ride' uses your mobile device internet connection to send and receive location data.

How do you normally communicate with each other if no phone service is available? Do you carry portable radios?

We use two way radios and each of use have an inReach or similar device.

Canada has some archaic radio broadcasting laws that limit broadcasting to less than 3 watts. I guess thats the issue with the ride tracking feature and radio.