Question about eTrex cables and adapters

[+gr8johnson]

I have the old yellow eTrex. I want to download my way points. I know I need the serial port cable. I will also need the adapter to go from serial to USB because my computer does not have a serial port. Do I have to buy the Garmin brand adapter? I have found some off brand serial to USB adapter cables much cheaper. Garmin wants 60.00 for theirs. Too much.

[+Idahogreggory]

gr8johnson

 

Nope you don't need to buy Garmin's serial to USB adaptor; I have Belkin adaptor that works just fine. Read post # 7 on how to setup the com port in Win XP:

3rd Party Serial to USB for Garmin

[+XopherN71]

I got one off ebay for my Geko that looks like a regular USB cable, has the adapter built-in, real slick.

[+gr8johnson]

So, I saw some that hame a CD that comes with it. Do I not need the CD with the driver?

[+Idahogreggory]

So, I saw some that hame a CD that comes with it. Do I not need the CD with the driver?

 

You do need a driver but most often you can find the latest by Googling the manufacture and model number of the adapter.

[ao318]

I read somewhere on the Garmin FAQ's once that these type of cables or adaptors work 80% of the time.

[+Idahogreggory]

I read somewhere on the Garmin FAQ's once that these type of cables or adaptors work 80% of the time.

 

The only reason they wouldn't work is becaue you don't know how to configure the COM port correctly in the Device Manager. I have had to use USB to Serial I/O for years with laptops becasue laptops haven't come with serial port for quite awhile and I have never had an issue once you got configured correctly without any conflicts.

[table/cache]

Check out www.pfranc.com for Garmin cables USB - serial adaptors, etc.