mozy_mercator Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 So...I'm a little embarrassed to ask this basic question but how does one go about importing gpx files to a Garmin device? I am working with a MAC laptop and a Garmin 400t. I downloaded a gpx file from the internet and can not figure out how to get my Garmin to accept it. I have installed Garmin RoadTrip thinking this would somehow magically help...but it hasn't. Any tips would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment
Wintertime Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 If you connect your Garmin to your Mac ("MAC" is something else in the computer world!) via a USB cable, does the Garmin show up on the Mac's desktop as an external storage device? If so, just open the Garmin, look for the "GPX" folder, and drag your .gpx files to that. If you have a premium membership with Groundspeak, you can download a browser plug-in that will let you use the "Send to GPS" button on individual cache pages, which will put the .gpx file right on the Garmin for you. Quote Link to comment
mozy_mercator Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 If you connect your Garmin to your Mac ("MAC" is something else in the computer world!) via a USB cable, does the Garmin show up on the Mac's desktop as an external storage device? If so, just open the Garmin, look for the "GPX" folder, and drag your .gpx files to that. If you have a premium membership with Groundspeak, you can download a browser plug-in that will let you use the "Send to GPS" button on individual cache pages, which will put the .gpx file right on the Garmin for you. Quote Link to comment
mozy_mercator Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 Thank you for the tip. I actually have done that...found the GPX folder under my Garmin device and dragged the file there. But when I look at the waypoints on my Garmin, I don't see that particular gpx file. I might have to upgrade to the premium Groundspeak membership...that might be a little easier. Quote Link to comment
Wintertime Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 Did you check under Geocaches as well as under Waypoints? Quote Link to comment
+SmallsKC Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 We just bought our first Garmin handheld tonight. I did the same thing. I created a pocket query and dragged the .gpx file to the Garmin device, in the GPX folder, shown on my Mac. I have looked in waypoints, geocaches and practically everywhere else on the device and it does not show up. I have verified on my Mac that the file is indeed on the device. Looking for help too. Quote Link to comment
+SmallsKC Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 Also, I am a premium member and that has nothing to do with it. Quote Link to comment
mozy_mercator Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 I have looked under both Waypoints and Geocaches (and most everything else) and do not see the file. When I look on my Mac browser I see that it's in the GPX folder on the device so I know it exists. Quote Link to comment
+keehotee Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 I have looked under both Waypoints and Geocaches (and most everything else) and do not see the file. When I look on my Mac browser I see that it's in the GPX folder on the device so I know it exists. Probably a silly question, but PQ's arrive zipped. You did unzip the file before you dragged it to your Garmin, didn't you? Quote Link to comment
mozy_mercator Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 Oh...I didn't realize they are zipped files. However, when I try to unzip, I am not given the option. I can open it and view it...it's just a series of text strings (geocoords)...it's a very small file. Not worth zipping. Quote Link to comment
+Bear and Ragged Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 (edited) Oh...I didn't realize they are zipped files. However, when I try to unzip, I am not given the option. I can open it and view it...it's just a series of text strings (geocoords)...it's a very small file. Not worth zipping. Premium Membership. Is your GPS new? (Newish!?) Go here> http://www.geocaching.com/garmin/freetrial.aspx and register it, you will get 30 days Premium Membership. That will allow you to try Pocket Queries and get GPX files. Markwells guide to Pocket Queries > http://www.markwell.us/pq.htm I'm also tempted to say download and try MacCaching GeoCache Manager for Mac OS X from http://www.maccaching.com/ It can open the files, and you can at least see if the files contain any information! Daft question, have you connected the GPS and tried to 'Send to GPS'? I'm not too sure how much information is sent to non-Premium Members. IF you have any GPX files added as a non-PM, delete them before adding PM files. The units have a default of making all files non-PM if there are any on the unit... Edited October 13, 2011 by Bear and Ragged Quote Link to comment
gitarmac Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 Do you have hide user waypoints turned on? I havn't found this choice on my units but it's my understanding it's there on some units. Quote Link to comment
+SmallsKC Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 If it is a .gpx file then it is not zipped. I don't have the "send files zipped" option checked. I reran my PQ, copied the 2 .gpx files over to the gpx folder on the GPS in Finder (on Mac) and it worked great. Have you tried this? Quote Link to comment
mozy_mercator Posted October 14, 2011 Author Share Posted October 14, 2011 Thanks for all of the tips but I just can't get this to work. I did download the maccaching.com program (which is awesome!!) and can open the gpx file there. I can even "Send to GPS" and it seems to work but once I look in my Garmin I don't see the file. I'm looking under Geocaches, Waypoints, Geocoords...I think I looked under every possible tab but I just don't see the files. I also checked my settings to see if the waypoints would be hidden but they aren't. Not sure what's going on. Quote Link to comment
+Bear and Ragged Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 Thanks for all of the tips but I just can't get this to work. I did download the maccaching.com program (which is awesome!!) and can open the gpx file there. I can even "Send to GPS" and it seems to work but once I look in my Garmin I don't see the file. I'm looking under Geocaches, Waypoints, Geocoords...I think I looked under every possible tab but I just don't see the files. I also checked my settings to see if the waypoints would be hidden but they aren't. Not sure what's going on. OK. Daft question time. Are the caches more than 50 miles away from where you are now? They will only show on the unit if you search by name, rather than nearest. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.