Etrex Serial Connection Problem Solved

[+Gustavo]

Hope this helps someone...

 

I was setting up a course for a 4-H event, and I had to mark waypoints with 1 Garmin eTrex, and dump them (via EasyGPS) to 9 others. My HP notebook computer does not have a 9 pin serial I/O to fit the Garmin cable, only a 25 pin. Why doesn't Garmin sell a USB data cable??

 

I tried a 9 pin to 25 pin adapter, but this does not work - later confirmed by Garmin Tech Support.

 

What DID WORK is the Radio Shack USB-to-Serial Port Cable, Catalog #: 26-183, $39.99. The additional 6 ft. of cable is a hassle, and you have to install it EXACTLY LIKE IT SAYS IN THE INSTRUCTIONS, but it worked. It comes with an install disc, and I was using MS XP.

 

Gustavo

[+welch]

"Why doesn't Garmin sell a USB data cable??"

They sell a usb/serial adaptor cable, for 50 bucks. Which you can buy at best buy for 30, and other places for even less.

If you want a usb cable that can connect directly between the computer and gps, you need to buy a newer gps

[+Crystal Sound]

FYI -

 

More than likely - that 25-pin port is not Serial, but a Parallel port.

 

If it is truly a serial port, a "null modem" might be needed.

 

A little late now, but I put this info out there just in case somoene else might have use for it.

 

Anyways - the USB-Serial adapters are what most are going to, for lack of serial ports on computers.

[+Greymane]

One thing to watch for is the drivers for the serial-to-USB cables. Some of these were buggy initially. If you find you are having problems, try to find an updated driver for the cable.