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My GPS unit is no longer registering most of the GPX files (from geocaching.com) that I am sending to it. I went to a geocaching event on 10/03/09 and have had this issue ever since. Information: GPS unit is a Garmin nuvi 265WT. I use Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 8.0.6, and GPS Communicator Plug-In 281. At the cache webpage, I just choose the Send To GPS box (which previously worked just fine). It seems that since 10/03/09, the majority of the caches that are over 30 miles from my home coordinates won't load into the GPS unit. However, a couple of them are successfully loaded. But, in doing so, some of the caches that were loaded onto the unit right before 10/03/09 are being reloaded (whether the original ones are still on the unit or not). This week, I used a friend's computer (he has the same model Garmin as I do) to attempt to download some caches. He runs Windows XP and the Communicator Plugin 281. We've used both Internet Explorer and Firefox (not sure what versions) to download. The same thing is happening. We decided to download the same caches to his Garmin. The caches loaded (using the same method of just choosing "Send to GPS"), however, he has the same duplication problem that I have with mine. A second issue is that the Traffic function (as this model came with lifetime traffic) is no longer working either. We're both just about ready to Reset our units and wipe out all the cache information that is already loaded and start all over again. However, I thought that I'd consult with this forum before taking this drastic step! We're hoping to get this all straightened out as we're thinking about attending another cache event this coming weekend. Note: We are both premium members with geocaching.com. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much.

BCaching.com - although as the developer I'm a little biased, and granted it's not too useful without a mobile data plan and decent coverage... We have 2 automated daily PQs running on geocaching.com for our most-cached areas that are sent directly to our bcaching email account so our paperless data is always very nearly up-to-date with no manual intervention and cache logs are cumulative which usually gives much more than just the last 5. The pages are relatively small and compressed for quick loading but there are also links to gc.com pages for the absolute latest and complete data including the gc "print view" which loads quickly and more cleanly on mobile devices than the regular gc.com details page. As mentioned in an earlier post, PQs must be uploaded regularly since you only can view caches you've uploaded in the past 30 days, but with the automation you can mostly "set it and forget it". We use it for all our field notes (found, dnf & write note) which we upload to geocaching.com at the end of the day from the web site on a desktop computer (no need to hook up the phone to the computer since it's all stored on the web site). It also keeps track of our find count and adds the find# into "found" notes automatically. After a field note is posted the nearest caches to the previous one are shown. We use it to keep track of our TB inventory - tb# pick ups are added to our bcaching inventory, then entering a find allows us to select tb#s out of our inventory and those are included in our uploaded field notes. We use the desktop maps view (a google mashup) for any preliminary research where we can also add private notes (not uploaded to gc.com), and additional waypoints (with the upcoming release currently in test). Since we still rely on our trusty 60Csx for most road routing and last mile navigation, we use the desktop maps view to load the Garmin directly - using the Garmin communicator plugin like on gc.com but for up to 1000 waypoints at a time which also includes custom icons to show traditionals vs multis, puzzles, etc. and includes terrain, difficulty, and container. On the blackberry you can download the 20 nearest hides into Blackstar Navigator (direct) or Cacheberry (by GPX download). It also provides links for individual caches to BB Maps or Google Maps. With the upcoming release the Maps link also works on Android for Google Maps/Geobeagle and Windows Mobile 5+ Google Maps (haven't tried iphone yet).

Ok. But what specific internet browser and version are you using? Internet Explorer 6? 7? 8? Firefox ? (and what number version) Safari ? (and what number version) And what operating system is on the computer? Windows XP? Vista? Mac OSX? Something else? And did you download and install the Garmin Communicator plugin?

Remove Flip for Mac (Windows Media player app) if you have it. From Garnin Support http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/searchsupport "Question: Why is Safari for Mac not able to detect the installed Garmin Communicator Plugin? Answer: The Safari for Mac may not be able to detect the Garmin Communicator Plugin due to one of the following reasons: Garmin Communicator Plugin may not be installed Flip4Mac Browser Plugin conflicts with the installed Garmin Communicator Plugin (Note: Flip4Mac Browser Plugin enables to view Windows Media Video files in Safari) To verify if the Plugins are installed: Open Safari Click Help Click Installed Plug-ins (Note: This will list all installed plug-ins used by Safari) Locate if Garmin Communicator and Flip4Mac Plugins are installed If Garmin Communicator Plugin is not installed then it can be downloaded and installed from here. If Garmin Communicator and Flip4Mac Plugins are installed however, Safari does not detect the Garmin Communicator Plugin as shown, then it is likely that Flip4Mac Plugin is conflicting with the Garmin Communicator Plugin. Any of the following options can resolve the conflict between Flip4Mac and Garmin Communicator Plugins: Use the Firefox web browser when using Garmin Communicator Plugin Note: Firefox can be downloaded from www.mozilla.com/firefox/.This does not affect the ability to view Windows Media Video files on the Mac. Un-install Flip4Mac Plugin Open Macintosh HD Open Applications Open Flip4Mac folder Double-click Flip4Mac Uninstaller (Note:This will prevent the ability to view Windows Media Video files on the Mac. Windows Media Player for Mac can be used for Windows Media Video files.) Install Windows Media Player for Mac and disable the Flip4Mac Browser Plugin Windows Media Player for Mac can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme...p9/default.aspx To disable the Flip4Mac Browser Plugin: Open Macintosh HD Open Applications Open System Preferences Double-click Flip4Mac WMV In the Flip4Mac WMV, click Browser tab Uncheck Use Flip4Mac WMV Browser Plug-in Restart Safari if open Note: The ability to use Windows Media Video files on the Mac will be available but just not in Safari. This setting is needed until the plugins are compatible. Safari for Mac should now be able to detect that the Garmin Communicator Plugin is installed."

I've just bought the Discoverer Midlands and North 1:50,000 maps in download format which look really good. The only problem is, try as I might, I cannot get it to download... I go to the download page for them in the My Garmin website and they show up fine. I click the link to install them to my Oregon 400T (which has a 2Gb blank microSD card in, so should be enough space for the maps). It gets to the Downloading... stage and the green bar at the bottom saying "Estimating time remaining: calculating" displays. The only problem is it just sits there and gets no further. I've tried it on my Mac running Safari / Firefox and the latest Communicator plugin. I've tried it on a Windows Netbook running IE8 Firefox and the latest Communicator plugin and they both do the same thing. I've let it sit there for a couple of hours to see if it's just being slow calculating the download time, but not a thing more happens. I've even tried turning off all Windows anti-virus, firewall etc etc and it's still the same. The My Dashboard option on the site works perfectly with the Oregon and gets all the details of the unit. The only odd thing in the whole process is when it detects the unit as it for some reason cannot get the free space on the unit and just says "undefinedMB available". The My Dashboard option correctly gets the free space though. Garmin UK support are not now open until Monday morning, but I'd really like to get it working over the weekend. Has anyone any ideas what I can try / already managed to get the download working? Many thanks.

Hi Mr B. Thanks for your email. The lost data is a mystery to me as the unit wasn't touched at all. I hadn't taken out the battery or the memory card so ..... I have downloaded Easy GPS and have also tried GSAK but they cannot link with my Legend. Apparently you need to install the Garmin Communicator Plug-In for the computer to communicate with the gps but this software is not compatible with my O/S - Windows 2000Pro. Thanks for replying.

Well, I would forget GSAK for now and see if you can connect with the webupdater first. Then, try the communicator plugin. If you can' make those work, you won't be able to get anything else to work. webupdater: http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection....ct=999-99999-27 Communicator Plugin (Windows): http://www8.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=3607

I hope this hasn't been answered elsewhere, but I had this problem for a few weeks, which frustrated the heck out of me because we're pretty competitive about going out on FTF trips around here. I learned a decent lesson, when going out on trips, though -- always check to make sure the file(s) are there before heading out. Anyway, here's what I use and did to resolve the problem: Firefox 3.0.10, Windows XP, Garmin Communicator (whichever version was new as of this morning), Garmin nuvi 200. 1. Hook up the nuvi to your compy. 2. Navigate to the nuvi's drive letter --> folder: Garmin\gpx 3. Copy the current.gpx file to your desktop (just in case something gets really jacked up, you'll have a backup) 4. Delete all the gpx files in the GPX folder, including the current.gpx file and all other files there. 5. Unplug the nuvi and use the touchscreen: Tools-->My Data-->Delete Favorites. Select all and delete them all. Yes, this means you'll have to delete all the custom favorites. I had to re-input my Home and Work points. I had to do this twice. I rebooted the nuvi afterward and it showed I still had many Favorites stored. I manually ensured everything was cleared from the Garmin\GPX folder, re-deleted my Favorites, and it cleared out the second time around. Files sent using the Garmin Communicator plugin worked just fine after that. It's sort of a pain rebuilding the previous points in Favorites, but it's a small price to pay, I suppose. If there's an easier method, I don't know what it'd be. I suppose I could have used one of the variety of progs to edit the current.gpx file to clear out the favorites, but I don't particularly like using them.

Many of the newer Garmin units (the Colorado, Oregon, and I believe most of the Nuvi models) work fine with Linux. I connect my Colorado 400 to my Ubuntu desktop frequently. The GPS shows up as a mass storage device (similar to a flash drive), and cache info is transferred to the unit by moving gpx files (you can either download them individually from cache pages or through pocket queries if you are a premium member) into the correct folder on the GPS. I'm not sure if the "send to GPS" (Communicator plugin) works with Linux. However, you won't be able to transfer maps to the GPS or use any Garmin programs for managing waypoints/tracks/routes, as they are only for Mac/Windows. Will the Wherigo builder work under Wine? Can't say I've ever tried that.

Thanks for the info, but we are talking about on a Mac. The Communicator Plugin does not work at all on a Mac with serial devices and apparently never will. Even on Windows, serial devices are unsupported, but some people are lucky enough to have one of configurations that do work. This is what Garmin said, when asked: Hi all and thanks for the comments I too have contacted Garmin and told the same that Mac Communicator will not work with serial to usb cables However I have downloaded MacCaching onto my Macbook, inport cache data into this programme and my serial to usb cable works a treat. This programme also strips the GC part of the code when exporting to the gps which is great for the small field size on th etrex

Thanks for the info, but we are talking about on a Mac. The Communicator Plugin does not work at all on a Mac with serial devices and apparently never will. Even on Windows, serial devices are unsupported, but some people are lucky enough to have one of configurations that do work. This is what Garmin said, when asked:

You did not say where you obtained the drivers or what you are attempting to use them with, such as what software is reading/writing the device. That information might prove to be helpful. However, if you are using the factory drivers, that might just be your problem. The MacCaching blog states the Prolific drivers do not work and suggests using these. There is also an Open Source driver project for the PL2303 that can be found here, which may or may not be the same drivers as above. I did not look. We have used the factory drivers successfully with our old eTrex Vista, but the connection sometimes failed intermittently or would not connect or be recognized even when it had worked earlier on the same day. The factory Windows drivers did work using Parallels to run Windows XP and since we mostly used the device with GSAK and Windows, we did not try the alternative drivers. Other people have reported they work fine and they are Universal binaries so they should be OK even if you have a PPC MacBook. Hi and thanks for the reply At present I use my PC and serial to usb cable to simply download caches by using the Garmin Communicator plugin on Firefox to an etrexH and it works a treat The cable is http://gpsbitz.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=vi...mp;productId=42 I would like to do the same on my macbook and have installed the mac communicator plugin which collects cache information but says no gps found I have tried the mac driver recommened by the cable supplier and the open source driver you suggested was my last attempt before posting here Have also tried connecting the cable on another mac and still the same problem of not recognising the gps

You did not say where you obtained the drivers or what you are attempting to use them with, such as what software is reading/writing the device. That information might prove to be helpful. However, if you are using the factory drivers, that might just be your problem. The MacCaching blog states the Prolific drivers do not work and suggests using these. There is also an Open Source driver project for the PL2303 that can be found here, which may or may not be the same drivers as above. I did not look. We have used the factory drivers successfully with our old eTrex Vista, but the connection sometimes failed intermittently or would not connect or be recognized even when it had worked earlier on the same day. The factory Windows drivers did work using Parallels to run Windows XP and since we mostly used the device with GSAK and Windows, we did not try the alternative drivers. Other people have reported they work fine and they are Universal binaries so they should be OK even if you have a PPC MacBook. Hi and thanks for the reply At present I use my PC and serial to usb cable to simply download caches by using the Garmin Communicator plugin on Firefox to an etrexH and it works a treat The cable is http://gpsbitz.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=vi...mp;productId=42 I would like to do the same on my macbook and have installed the mac communicator plugin which collects cache information but says no gps found I have tried the mac driver recommened by the cable supplier and the open source driver you suggested was my last attempt before posting here Have also tried connecting the cable on another mac and still the same problem of not recognising the gps

IE - Garmin 60CSX - premium member- reloaded garmin communicator again today - DSL line - Windows XP - grrrrr - bought this gps because it worked so well with the website. Can't download....... The Garmin Communicator plug-in still works for me, using both Firefox 3.0.6 and Internet Explorer 7.7.5730.11. I just tried both browsers, and the plug-in worked as advertised. I honestly doubt that it matters, since the amount of data being transferred is fairly tiny, but I have a high-speed (cable modem) Internet connection. --Larry

Hi everyone Thanks for taking the time and helping.......however I still cannot connect. The cable I am using is made by NIKKAI and it states on the box that drivers are not required for windows XP. I have installed the PROLIFIC PL-2303 USB-to-serial driver OK and changed it to port COM1. I have checked the GPS interface and it is set to GARMIN. I try to download from the geocaching site and it askes me to install Communicator which I do but still no download. What am I doing wrong ??

Intitially had the problem when trying to download caches to my brand new Oregon 400t of getting the error mesage 'The plug-in was not unlocked successfully' and thought I had resolved it by upgrading to Premium Membership (see my post yesterday). However, it's back. So what have I done since then: 1. I've used Windows Explorer to transfer a Wherigo file to the Oregon 2. I've installed a mini-SD card of street maps With the card installed and the Oregon connected to the USB, I get the Windows Autoplay options on the PC and the Oregon goes to the Menu screen, not the connected to PC logo screen. I can't do anything from this screen and when I try to transfer cache files I get the 'The plug-in was not unlocked successfully' message. If I take the card out, I do get the logo screen but when I try to transfer I still get the error message. The Garmin Communicator Plugin page on the website shows me the unit is connected properly. Any ideas, anyone?

Well Iguess I'll jump in also. Windows XP, Comcast high speed conn. E-trex vista Hcx. Got it about a month ago and still learning. Loaded a few caches and found them, got hooked, about a week ago the icon on the GC site went from "send to Garmin" to "send to GPS" and it takes you to a new window that tells you to load the newest communicator. I did. puter says it is hooked up and comunicating with GPS fine. Even did a system restore. still no luck. I hope the web site gets things figured out.

I believe the problem was/is indeed the Garmin Communicator not being able to distinguish the serial-usb adapter. Hell, Windows Vista balked at this too until I found the antiquated drivers to make it communicate with the computer at all. But... the solution of using the GPX and Mapsource has worked so i'm not complaining, especially since i'm using such an old GPS. Thanks for help my friends. At least this GPS has allowed me to enjoy this AWESOME hobby. I'll probably get a more modern unit soon and when I do i'm sure I can pass this GPS along to someone getting started as well.

Normally for data transfer you want it in GARMIN mode. This will allow you to use MapSource or other software to send/receive waypoints and also use the Garmin Communicator plugin under Windows. Depending on what want to do, you may have to set the unit to NEMA and it will stream out realtime data (used with MicroSoft Streets & Trips for example). You can always set the GPS to NEMA out, and use Windows HyperTerminal set to 4800N81 to see if the unit is outputting this data (some serial~USB units have an LED that will blink to show data transfers). You would want the unit to have a lock before it will spool out the data.

Now that I know I can't use the Garmin Communicator on my Windows 2000 PC, I don't think I'll miss it. I was thinking about it and GSAK is better because it puts the coords in your gps and the cache page in your palm pilot at the same time.

I called Garmin and the representative told me that Garmin Communicator does not work on Windows 2000. I pointed out that the Garmin website said it does work on Windows 2000. He said that was incorrect.

I've got Windows 2000, and an etrex vista hcx. My browser is a Firefox 3.0.5. I've installed the most current Garmin Communicator Plugin and the most current drivers for my gps. After I click "Send to GPS" from the cache page, the pop-up comes up and says "We currently support only Garmin GPS units. Garmin Communicator Plugin NOT detected." On the test page for the Communicator, it says that I might see an option to "enable the ActiveX Control using the blue bar at the top of your browser window," But that bar does not come up for me. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!!!

Here is my problem. can't get my New Oregon 300 to work on laptop, Installed the Garmin Communicator ok, but It won't let me install the Garmin USB drivers This laptop is Running Window XP Pro and I am not set up as the adminstrator, thus cannot install drivers, Aside from Doing a re-install of Windows, Any body know of a work around to get them installed? thanks Dave

Solution to locked maps: use Openstreetmap instead. It's a collaborative mapping project. Think of it like Wikipedia for maps. Currently the completeness of it varies quite a lot depending on where you are, but some areas have quite good coverage (and if your area doesn't, go out and map it! ) The data is free so many people have converted it to the garmin .img format. Many of the maps are routable too! The OSM project is growing at an exponential rate - I fully expect that it will become THE mapping solution of the future. With regard to linux - yes I use Ubuntu Linux. I recently purchased a Garmin Colorado and am very disappointed to discover that the Garmin Communicator plug-in doesn't work in linux. Apparently cross-platform is just Windows and Mac Conceptually (to me) it would seem fairly easy to transfer the GPX file from Firefox to the Colorado USB mass storage device... and if they open-sourced their code then developers could take it to other OSes and beyond. (note that I am not a GC premium member though.)

Having a problem with downloading geocaches to my unit when trying to download to gps I get an erroer message "Internet explorer has encountered a problemwith an add-on and needs to close. "The following add-on was running when thi problem occurred: add on name: npGarmin.dll Company name: Garmin Internatioal Description: Garmin Communicator Plug-in 2.6.2.0 Anyone else have this problem? Anyone know how to fix? by the way I'm running windows vista home premium