Garmin GPS HELP!

[~ Pakiha ~]

I am trying to get Mapsourse to read my eTrex on a serial port but NOTHING is working. I have been trying to get it to work for too long and all I want is a .gpx of my commute to work so I can input it in geoladders for points.

I am coming to you, my wise and knowledgeable family, for help. Can you help create a route for me if I give you the route? I tried doing it in my version of Mapsourse but most of the roads aren't identified and it will only save as an MPS.

This has my route to work and back HERE

THANK YOU in advance if you can help

[Sprockethead]

Does Mapsource see your Garmin in Com1 or 2? Check the set up of Mapsource first before trying to download your data. There should be some sort of test utility to see if your Garmin is recognized. Also, is your Garmin fully charged?

[~ Pakiha ~]

I don't think it is reading the COM's, at least it seems too fast; and I am not so sure how to tell the computer, "it's there Moron look again!"

[dstepper]

Has your computer ever recognized the GPS? Is the serial port disabled in the bios? Have you updated your Mapsource software to the newest version off Garmins site. Sometimes I have to turn my GPS unit on and off while connected to get my computer to see the GPS.

Older versions of mapsource did not allow you to save route in .gpx file format. Newest Mapsource version is 6.11.6.0

[Johnny Dirt]

I've tried to use my Gamin eTrex Legend for Geoladders and was NEVER able to make it work. I asked the Geoladder guys and didn't get anywhere, thus-I'm not on the big ladder. I think it had to do with converting the files from .tpo to .gpx

[dstepper]

Sometimes computer stuff can get way frustrating. I would try to narrow the problem down to the GPS or the computer. You do that by hooking your GPS unit up to someone's computer that has Mapsource and a serial port or hook up someone elses Garmin to your computer.

I have a Mapsource and contect by serial port and if you want to come to Laguna we will see if I get get the route out of your GPS.

Dean

[Abui]

Originally Posted by Johnny Dirt

I've tried to use my Gamin eTrex Legend for Geoladders and was NEVER able to make it work. I asked the Geoladder guys and didn't get anywhere, thus-I'm not on the big ladder. I think it had to do with converting the files from .tpo to .gpx

Get a free account on MotionBased.com. They provide an agent that reads directly from your GPS and uploads it to MB's site. (Garmin bought the motionbased site since it's so popular).
After the file is on Motionbased you can download it as GPX.

[allison]

Not at all helpful, but get an Edge

[Sprockethead]

Hey Jared,

Trekker's right, motionbased.com is pretty easy to use and probably your best bet for simplicity. It'll map your route, save your rides, read your gps and save it in gpx format. Ann has a Foretrex that she used with National Geographic software. She was saving files in gpx format, but Geoladders could never read them correctly. Once she tried Motionbased (and the software finds and configures your GPS) Ann was able to post her stuff on Geoladders.

By the way, are you using a PC or Mac?

[Kid A]

another vote here for Motionbased. i use it/love it (i had edge 205 not etrex)

[allison]

The only problem with Motionbased, obviously, is you can't work it with Geoladders. Do you do a lot of rides that aren't on there? You can also check the Personal Routes, as a lot of people do routes that aren't official/don't have photos. Hubby had a big Magellan GPS that he kept in his pack side pocket and could never get that to work with geoLadders. That's the main reason we switched to the Edge units. Not great for actual GPS mapping, though. I'll see what he did, as we did upload routes through the Magellan. He had to get a third party software, I believe.

[~ Pakiha ~]

I am on a PC, and unfortunatly because it is a work computer I can't access the Bios. I will try Motionbased today, it sounds great. Also, thanks to everyone for the help.

And about the Edge, thats on my list but I can only spen on bikes what I save in gas for riding to work. which is about $15 a week, So an Edge 305 is in my forcast around May.

[allison]

Just asked hubby, not sure it will help. He said he had to conver the files to .GPX with software he purchased online. That definitely allowed the upload to geoLadders, but we could never get way points to work.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by ~ Pakiha ~

I am on a PC, and unfortunatly because it is a work computer I can't access the Bios. I will try Motionbased today, it sounds great. Also, thanks to everyone for the help.

And about the Edge, thats on my list but I can only spen on bikes what I save in gas for riding to work. which is about $15 a week, So an Edge 305 is in my forcast around May.

never used my edge with geoladders so can't speak to that (only use mb). unless you are seeking Heart rate and cadence go for 205, prob $100 cheaper.

be advised as menitoned above edge more of a ride computer/stats than navigation

Also i got mine on ebay ~1 year ago and got great deal. merely put in a low bid and for some reason not much action on this one auction (others by same retailer went much higher). may be worth placing a bid and if doesn't hit no cost to you.

good luck

[~ Pakiha ~]

Is is just me or when I look at the supported devices list, the eTrex dosen't have a port type (ie: Serial / USB) could that mean that even though it has the pins it dosen't have the ability to interface???

[dstepper]

I have a ETrex Legend connented through the serial port. From the troubles you are expressing my bet it that it is a software setting either on the unit your in Mapsource software. You can buy a serial to USB contector, maybe try that to see if they will handshak.

Try going into the settings on the GPS Unit. Main Menu/Set Up/Interface/ and be sure they are right, Serial Data Format "Garmin"

On the computer, in the Mapsource menu bar, Utilities/Get unit ID.

[Sprockethead]

Originally Posted by ~ Pakiha ~

Is is just me or when I look at the supported devices list, the eTrex dosen't have a port type (ie: Serial / USB) could that mean that even though it has the pins it dosen't have the ability to interface???

Well, I just checked out the Garmin site and it says the eTrex comes with a RS-232 cable so it looks like you should be able to connect to a computer with the serial cable. Have you tried calling Garmin for support? That's probably your quickest fix.

Oh, one more thing Jared. Do you have a Palm connected to your computer? If you do, Palm Desktop locks the com port so you can't use it. You'll need to exit Palm Desktop then the com port will be available for your serial device.

[~ Pakiha ~]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

[...] If you do, Palm Desktop locks the com port so you can't use it. You'll need to exit Palm Desktop then the com port will be available for your serial device.

ANDY I LOVE YOU (in a strictly plutonic way)

It worked! and I am messing with it now. You're freeking Awsome (and I still want your bike)

[Sprockethead]

You're welcome, glad it worked out for ya.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by allison

Just asked hubby, not sure it will help. He said he had to conver the files to .GPX with software he purchased online. That definitely allowed the upload to geoLadders, but we could never get way points to work.

If Motionbased works for you, just download it back to your PC. It is in GPX format.

There is free conversion software on the web.
GPS Visualizer will convert it for you online!

Now for the waypoints. Use a digital camera and take a picture when you want to make a waypoint. Topofusion(.com) will make a waypoint in the GPX for every picture. Each picture's time is compared with the track point times and voila, a waypoint right where you took the picture! (I'm using the beta version, the current release makes a clickable map for your pictures (see the web site) - the wapoints are an extension of the idea).

Originally Posted by Kid A

never used my edge with geoladders so can't speak to that (only use mb). unless you are seeking Heart rate and cadence go for 205, prob $100 cheaper.

be advised as menitoned above edge more of a ride computer/stats than navigation

Also i got mine on ebay ~1 year ago and got great deal. merely put in a low bid and for some reason not much action on this one auction (others by same retailer went much higher). may be worth placing a bid and if doesn't hit no cost to you.

good luck

Get the 305, it has an altimeter which the 205 lacks. The 205 is very inaccurate on altitude.