Mac GPS help

[+Narniaexpert]

I have wanted to connect the Garmin eTrex to the mac so I purchased a USB to RS-232 serial adaptor since this is the only way. I have installed all the drivers I could find to run this, but it is not detected by any GPS software. I found on the internet a Mac Caching software that can detect it in a serial mode.

System profiler detects the adaptor when it is plugged in.

Garmin web updater and garmin communicator plugin do not recognize it.

I would like to be able to use the garmin communicator plug in, but do not know how.

The device has the latest software 3.9

Edited March 14, 2009 by Narniaexpert

[+Bear and Ragged]

Have you tried connecting as USB?

 

 

I know Windozy machines still see the adaptor as serial, Mac may see it as USB

[+Paul_Aris]

I never had much luck getting my old etrex to work on the mac. Those units were built before Garmin beganning building units that are supported on the Mac. I think Mac GPS and some of the other aftermarket software would work with it but not garmin.

[SirCrumpit]

I have the same problem when using Safari. Try Firefox, it worked for me.

[+Narniaexpert]

I have the same problem when using Safari. Try Firefox, it worked for me.

 

The plugin does not work in Safari 4, but works in firefox.

 

Have you tried connecting as USB?

 

 

I know Windozy machines still see the adaptor as serial, Mac may see it as USB

 

I have tried USB and it does not work.

[Wintertime]

I have wanted to connect the Garmin eTrex to the mac so I purchased a USB to RS-232 serial adaptor since this is the only way.

I would like to be able to use the garmin communicator plug in, but do not know how.

Are you sure that Communicator is supposed to be able to work with serial devices via a USB-serial adapter? I thought I had read a long time ago that Communicator would only work with native USB GPS units.

 

My Macs get along just fine with my ancient Garmin GPS III+ via a Keyspan USB-serial adapter. I use MacGPS Pro software on both my desktop Power Mac and this MacBook. But I don't think Communicator will work. The version notes on Garmin's website are ambiguous: does "RS232 serial devices are not supported on the Mac" mean they aren't supported natively, or they aren't supported even with a USB adapter? I think it's both, but would be happy to be proven wrong.

 

Patty

[+Narniaexpert]

I have wanted to connect the Garmin eTrex to the mac so I purchased a USB to RS-232 serial adaptor since this is the only way.

I would like to be able to use the garmin communicator plug in, but do not know how.

Are you sure that Communicator is supposed to be able to work with serial devices via a USB-serial adapter? I thought I had read a long time ago that Communicator would only work with native USB GPS units.

 

My Macs get along just fine with my ancient Garmin GPS III+ via a Keyspan USB-serial adapter. I use MacGPS Pro software on both my desktop Power Mac and this MacBook. But I don't think Communicator will work. The version notes on Garmin's website are ambiguous: does "RS232 serial devices are not supported on the Mac" mean they aren't supported natively, or they aren't supported even with a USB adapter? I think it's both, but would be happy to be proven wrong.

 

Patty

 

That could be the issue. It works fine with the adaptor on a PC.

[+dakboy]

The Keyspan adapter is the only one known to work properly w/ Macs in all tested scenarios (it's recommended by the author of MacCaching, BTW). Did you buy a Belkin (I know from experience this one doesn't work) or some other brand?