Need help downloading to GPS

[+wreckdiver]

I need help in downloading caches to my gps. I have a Garmin Montana 650T and Windows 10. I used to download through GSAK and/or another program, but I haven't done it in a couple years, have a different computer, without gsak. I had a stroke in March and am have problems doing certain things, but I really want to get a bunch in my Montana. I've been working on it all week. Solved the connection problem by switching to a different port. I've downloaded a Delorme thing, found the found to gps button on a cache description, but then a message comes up that says it doesn't talk to Firefox. I know that there is most likely this information already somewhere in the forum, but so far haven't found what I need.

 

Any instructions that get me there will be so greatly appreciated!!

[+Desert-Dust]

I need help in downloading caches to my gps. I have a Garmin Montana 650T and Windows 10. I used to download through GSAK and/or another program, but I haven't done it in a couple years, have a different computer, without gsak. I had a stroke in March and am have problems doing certain things, but I really want to get a bunch in my Montana. I've been working on it all week. Solved the connection problem by switching to a different port. I've downloaded a Delorme thing, found the found to gps button on a cache description, but then a message comes up that says it doesn't talk to Firefox. I know that there is most likely this information already somewhere in the forum, but so far haven't found what I need.

 

Any instructions that get me there will be so greatly appreciated!!

 

There is a Firefox add-on that you might need to download and install. Search "Geocaching.com GPX Downloader" on google and it will take you to a location where you can download it. Hope this helps you out.

[+kunarion]

I need help in downloading caches to my gps. I have a Garmin Montana 650T and Windows 10. I used to download through GSAK and/or another program, but I haven't done it in a couple years, have a different computer, without gsak. I had a stroke in March and am have problems doing certain things, but I really want to get a bunch in my Montana. I've been working on it all week. Solved the connection problem by switching to a different port. I've downloaded a Delorme thing, found the found to gps button on a cache description, but then a message comes up that says it doesn't talk to Firefox. I know that there is most likely this information already somewhere in the forum, but so far haven't found what I need.

 

Any instructions that get me there will be so greatly appreciated!!

One simple way to get a cache onto a Garmin GPSr is to click the "GPX File" button on a cache page. Save the GPX file on the USB-connected Garmin, into the folder called "Garmin/GPX".

 

You can load a lot of helper software and learn it and keep it functioning as it breaks in new Operating Systems or browsers. Or just click that button and save the file. Choose wisely.

 

But there's a whole other process, called Pocket Queries, to save a whole townsful of caches (1000 per PQ). Once set up (it's pretty easy to make a basic PQ), run the PQ before going out caching, unzip and place the Pocket Query GPX files in exactly that same folder, "Garmin/GPX". No special software needed for either PQs or the "GPX File" button, and you can use your favorite browser, even if for some weird reason your favorite browser was "Edge".

Edited August 20, 2016 by kunarion

[+wreckdiver]

I need help in downloading caches to my gps. I have a Garmin Montana 650T and Windows 10. I used to download through GSAK and/or another program, but I haven't done it in a couple years, have a different computer, without gsak. I had a stroke in March and am have problems doing certain things, but I really want to get a bunch in my Montana. I've been working on it all week. Solved the connection problem by switching to a different port. I've downloaded a Delorme thing, found the found to gps button on a cache description, but then a message comes up that says it doesn't talk to Firefox. I know that there is most likely this information already somewhere in the forum, but so far haven't found what I need.

 

Any instructions that get me there will be so greatly appreciated!!

 

There is a Firefox add-on that you might need to download and install. Search "Geocaching.com GPX Downloader" on google and it will take you to a location where you can download it. Hope this helps you out.

Thank you, but I cannot seem to find the correct download. I did as you suggested, and found one for Firefox and downloaded that. I aslo downloaded the one that comes up when I click on the "send to my GPS" button that I finally saw.

 

The response is the same: "Garmin Communicator Plugin NOT detected. Download and install now"

[+wreckdiver]

I need help in downloading caches to my gps. I have a Garmin Montana 650T and Windows 10. I used to download through GSAK and/or another program, but I haven't done it in a couple years, have a different computer, without gsak. I had a stroke in March and am have problems doing certain things, but I really want to get a bunch in my Montana. I've been working on it all week. Solved the connection problem by switching to a different port. I've downloaded a Delorme thing, found the found to gps button on a cache description, but then a message comes up that says it doesn't talk to Firefox. I know that there is most likely this information already somewhere in the forum, but so far haven't found what I need.

 

Any instructions that get me there will be so greatly appreciated!!

One simple way to get a cache onto a Garmin GPSr is to click the "GPX File" button on a cache page. Save the GPX file on the USB-connected Garmin, into the folder called "Garmin/GPX".

 

You can load a lot of helper software and learn it and keep it functioning as it breaks in new Operating Systems or browsers. Or just click that button and save the file. Choose wisely.

 

But there's a whole other process, called Pocket Queries, to save a whole townsful of caches (1000 per PQ). Once set up (it's pretty easy to make a basic PQ), run the PQ before going out caching, unzip and place the Pocket Query GPX files in exactly that same folder, "Garmin/GPX". No special software needed for either PQs or the "GPX File" button, and you can use your favorite browser, even if for some weird reason your favorite browser was "Edge".

 

Thank you for your advice. I had seen the direction to click on the button in Another forum called How do I download, but I couldn't find the button! Found it, and it required me to download the Firefox add-on. This was also suggested by another nice person who responded, but as I replied to them, I can't seem to get the correct add-on. Don't know how many there are.

 

I have used Pocket Queries in the past, and did set one up and ran it for a route that we plan to take. But I couldn't get them into my gps! Yesterday when I was doing something different, "Basecamp" popped into my head and I was excited to think I might get this. But when I opened the gpx file, "Easy GPS" opened, I clicked on send to GPS, and they went!!! Needles to say I am very happy. Another thing that might have helped was that I connected my gps directly into a computer USB port, instead of going through two hubs. Don't know it it helped, but it can't hurt.

 

Many thanks to both of you for the help!!

[+wreckdiver]

Well, I got excited because I did do one pocket query download and one single cache download. But apparently the number of pocket queries allowed has changed. I thought it was five queries per day, but it's now only one per three days. That sure makes planning a month-long trip a lengthy process. I have taken notes, but I hope I don't forget how I did it before the next three days...............

[+niraD]

Only the special "My Finds" PQ is limited to running once every three days.

 

Regular PQs can be run once per day, and you can run up to 10 PQs per day.

[+wreckdiver]

Only the special "My Finds" PQ is limited to running once every three days.

 

Regular PQs can be run once per day, and you can run up to 10 PQs per day.

 

Thank you!!! I saw the one per three days somewhere and my second try did not get a response (within half an hour, but maybe it's just busy), so I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Thank you so much, I will develop a couple extra queried to submit tonight and maybe get responses tomorrow. Back to planning my trip!!

 

[ohgood]

Well, I got excited because I did do one pocket query download and one single cache download. But apparently the number of pocket queries allowed has changed. I thought it was five queries per day, but it's now only one per three days. That sure makes planning a month-long trip a lengthy process. I have taken notes, but I hope I don't forget how I did it before the next three days...............

 

tumbleweeding for a month sounds fun. the conveniences of midden technology have spoiled our planning process...

 

1 pan zoom to area we're going, and turn on the live gc map

 

 

 

scroll throw the list for one that actually sounds interesting instead of another micro, and then check its find and favorite ratios

 

save it to the phones database, and move on to the next. takes about five minutes to weed out the inactive/broken caches and be done. sharing the caches to other is a Bluetooth sync away.

 

we don't cache for the numbers or bragging rights about finding a thing though, just for a sidetrack from the hike we're already on.

 

if you're heavily into numbers/PT's its even faster to just download 500 from an area and display them closest to farthest. but we aren't :-)

Edited August 21, 2016 by ohgood

[+on4bam]

1 pan zoom to area we're going, and turn on the live gc map

 

And this downloads to a GPS how? (that was the original question, you know). The answer is not always "use a phone"

 

The communicator plug in for Firefox that works can be found here.

For a large® amount of caches PQs (10/day with 1000 caches each) is a better option.

Another possibility is using software like GSAK (windows) and import 6000 full info caches or 10000 "light" /24 hours via API, PQ's can also be imported by API.

[+kunarion]

One simple way to get a cache onto a Garmin GPSr is to click the "GPX File" button on a cache page. Save the GPX file on the USB-connected Garmin, into the folder called "Garmin/GPX".

 

You can load a lot of helper software and learn it and keep it functioning as it breaks in new Operating Systems or browsers. Or just click that button and save the file. Choose wisely.

 

But there's a whole other process, called Pocket Queries, to save a whole townsful of caches (1000 per PQ). Once set up (it's pretty easy to make a basic PQ), run the PQ before going out caching, unzip and place the Pocket Query GPX files in exactly that same folder, "Garmin/GPX". No special software needed for either PQs or the "GPX File" button, and you can use your favorite browser, even if for some weird reason your favorite browser was "Edge".

 

Thank you for your advice. I had seen the direction to click on the button in Another forum called How do I download, but I couldn't find the button! Found it, and it required me to download the Firefox add-on. This was also suggested by another nice person who responded, but as I replied to them, I can't seem to get the correct add-on. Don't know how many there are.

 

I have used Pocket Queries in the past, and did set one up and ran it for a route that we plan to take. But I couldn't get them into my gps! Yesterday when I was doing something different, "Basecamp" popped into my head and I was excited to think I might get this. But when I opened the gpx file, "Easy GPS" opened, I clicked on send to GPS, and they went!!! Needles to say I am very happy. Another thing that might have helped was that I connected my gps directly into a computer USB port, instead of going through two hubs. Don't know it it helped, but it can't hurt.

 

Many thanks to both of you for the help!!

I'm glad you got it working. You have a lot of things installed (Easy GPS, Basecamp), so that complicates the matter. Plus you seem to have your heart set on installing even more add-ons, which is a popular suggestion around here. So I won't try to talk you out of it.

 

But just for reference, on a cache page the, GPX File button is labelled "GPX File". Click that particular button, and it allows you to download one quick file with no add-ons required. Place the file in the GPSr, in the folder Garmin/GPX. This is handy even if you use add-ons, and if at some point they don't work.

 

When loading a Pocket Query, it must first be unzipped, and if you have a lot of specialty software, you may need to perform the extra step of right-clicking the zipped Pocket Query (select "Extract File"). But once PQ files are unzipped, copy them to the same Garmin/GPX folder and you're done.

 

 

Edited August 21, 2016 by kunarion

[+wreckdiver]

Well, I got excited because I did do one pocket query download and one single cache download. But apparently the number of pocket queries allowed has changed. I thought it was five queries per day, but it's now only one per three days. That sure makes planning a month-long trip a lengthy process. I have taken notes, but I hope I don't forget how I did it before the next three days...............

 

tumbleweeding for a month sounds fun. the conveniences of midden technology have spoiled our planning process...

 

1 pan zoom to area we're going, and turn on the live gc map

 

 

 

scroll throw the list for one that actually sounds interesting instead of another micro, and then check its find and favorite ratios

 

save it to the phones database, and move on to the next. takes about five minutes to weed out the inactive/broken caches and be done. sharing the caches to other is a Bluetooth sync away.

 

we don't cache for the numbers or bragging rights about finding a thing though, just for a sidetrack from the hike we're already on.

 

if you're heavily into numbers/PT's its even faster to just download 500 from an area and display them closest to farthest. but we aren't :-)

 

Thanks. I will keep this info in case I ever use my phone for caching. And I love technology! When I started this, I would print about a ream of paper with geocaches and then have to sort through them all. Input to my gps was manual, number by number.

[+wreckdiver]

One simple way to get a cache onto a Garmin GPSr is to click the "GPX File" button on a cache page. Save the GPX file on the USB-connected Garmin, into the folder called "Garmin/GPX".

 

You can load a lot of helper software and learn it and keep it functioning as it breaks in new Operating Systems or browsers. Or just click that button and save the file. Choose wisely.

 

But there's a whole other process, called Pocket Queries, to save a whole townsful of caches (1000 per PQ). Once set up (it's pretty easy to make a basic PQ), run the PQ before going out caching, unzip and place the Pocket Query GPX files in exactly that same folder, "Garmin/GPX". No special software needed for either PQs or the "GPX File" button, and you can use your favorite browser, even if for some weird reason your favorite browser was "Edge".

 

Thank you for your advice. I had seen the direction to click on the button in Another forum called How do I download, but I couldn't find the button! Found it, and it required me to download the Firefox add-on. This was also suggested by another nice person who responded, but as I replied to them, I can't seem to get the correct add-on. Don't know how many there are.

 

I have used Pocket Queries in the past, and did set one up and ran it for a route that we plan to take. But I couldn't get them into my gps! Yesterday when I was doing something different, "Basecamp" popped into my head and I was excited to think I might get this. But when I opened the gpx file, "Easy GPS" opened, I clicked on send to GPS, and they went!!! Needles to say I am very happy. Another thing that might have helped was that I connected my gps directly into a computer USB port, instead of going through two hubs. Don't know it it helped, but it can't hurt.

 

Many thanks to both of you for the help!!

I'm glad you got it working. You have a lot of things installed (Easy GPS, Basecamp), so that complicates the matter. Plus you seem to have your heart set on installing even more add-ons, which is a popular suggestion around here. So I won't try to talk you out of it.

 

But just for reference, on a cache page the, GPX File button is labelled "GPX File". Click that particular button, and it allows you to download one quick file with no add-ons required. Place the file in the GPSr, in the folder Garmin/GPX. This is handy even if you use add-ons, and if at some point they don't work.

 

When loading a Pocket Query, it must first be unzipped, and if you have a lot of specialty software, you may need to perform the extra step of right-clicking the zipped Pocket Query (select "Extract File"). But once PQ files are unzipped, copy them to the same Garmin/GPX folder and you're done.

 

 

[+wreckdiver]

One simple way to get a cache onto a Garmin GPSr is to click the "GPX File" button on a cache page. Save the GPX file on the USB-connected Garmin, into the folder called "Garmin/GPX".

 

You can load a lot of helper software and learn it and keep it functioning as it breaks in new Operating Systems or browsers. Or just click that button and save the file. Choose wisely.

 

But there's a whole other process, called Pocket Queries, to save a whole townsful of caches (1000 per PQ). Once set up (it's pretty easy to make a basic PQ), run the PQ before going out caching, unzip and place the Pocket Query GPX files in exactly that same folder, "Garmin/GPX". No special software needed for either PQs or the "GPX File" button, and you can use your favorite browser, even if for some weird reason your favorite browser was "Edge".

 

Thank you for your advice. I had seen the direction to click on the button in Another forum called How do I download, but I couldn't find the button! Found it, and it required me to download the Firefox add-on. This was also suggested by another nice person who responded, but as I replied to them, I can't seem to get the correct add-on. Don't know how many there are.

 

I have used Pocket Queries in the past, and did set one up and ran it for a route that we plan to take. But I couldn't get them into my gps! Yesterday when I was doing something different, "Basecamp" popped into my head and I was excited to think I might get this. But when I opened the gpx file, "Easy GPS" opened, I clicked on send to GPS, and they went!!! Needles to say I am very happy. Another thing that might have helped was that I connected my gps directly into a computer USB port, instead of going through two hubs. Don't know it it helped, but it can't hurt.

 

Many thanks to both of you for the help!!

I'm glad you got it working. You have a lot of things installed (Easy GPS, Basecamp), so that complicates the matter. Plus you seem to have your heart set on installing even more add-ons, which is a popular suggestion around here. So I won't try to talk you out of it.

 

But just for reference, on a cache page the, GPX File button is labelled "GPX File". Click that particular button, and it allows you to download one quick file with no add-ons required. Place the file in the GPSr, in the folder Garmin/GPX. This is handy even if you use add-ons, and if at some point they don't work.

 

When loading a Pocket Query, it must first be unzipped, and if you have a lot of specialty software, you may need to perform the extra step of right-clicking the zipped Pocket Query (select "Extract File"). But once PQ files are unzipped, copy them to the same Garmin/GPX folder and you're done.

 

 

 

Thank you again. I do not want more downloads, I thought I needed them. In your opinion, which is better, EasyGPS or Basecamp? One of my winter projects is to clean the excess stuff off of my computer.

[+kunarion]

Thank you again. I do not want more downloads, I thought I needed them. In your opinion, which is better, EasyGPS or Basecamp? One of my winter projects is to clean the excess stuff off of my computer.

It depends on what you want to do. I've used EasyGPS to make custom GPX files from scratch. I've used Basecamp to visualize waypoints for possible caches on a map. You need neither program to simply send a GPX file from the web site to a modern Garmin GPSr. You don't even need an add-on.

 

Most of the time, I load a Pocket Query or two to my GPSr. Unzip, place it in the Garmin/GPX folder. I do a similar thing with one or two GPX Files from a couple of cache pages. This keeps it simple, and so far, that technique seems to work consistently.

 

I have Garmin Communicator, and as a personal challenge, I try to keep it working. This allows the "Send To GPS" button to send a cache file. But it takes a lot of work and research, and you'll see many threads where people are working on it instead of placing the file into Garmin/GPX (which is all that the add-on does). Since you should manually delete old GPX files anyway, manually placing them is a suitable choice, especially compared to all the work of keeping the add-on functional.

Edited August 21, 2016 by kunarion

[ohgood]

1 pan zoom to area we're going, and turn on the live gc map

 

And this downloads to a GPS how? (that was the original question, you know). The answer is not always "use a phone"

 

The communicator plug in for Firefox that works can be found here.

For a large® amount of caches PQs (10/day with 1000 caches each) is a better option.

Another possibility is using software like GSAK (windows) and import 6000 full info caches or 10000 "light" /24 hours via API, PQ's can also be imported by API.

 

see ops next post. :-)

[+on4bam]

see ops next post. :-)

 

Any idea when he's going to post it?

[+kansashicks]

Can't understand why things always have to "upgrade"?  I have 3 Garmin etrex LEGEND HCx handhelds. Also purchased a new etrex 30x, but don't like it at all.  Keep in mind, I'm old, slow, and dumb, but would like to be able to download single hides to the GPSr.  We do try to accept some change, and much of the new stuff is OK, we have an iPad, reader, iPhone7(hers, mine is a fliptop), and a couple of laptops.  Mine(Mr,) was Windows7, and I liked that, BUT, now they are both Windows10, and I can still download from internet explorer, but have been using Google Chrome, because some of the older programs don't work on W-10, more change!!!   We don't go for numbers, and if folks want to, that's great for them, but many times one search will take us most of a day.  Sorry, long story.  Anyway, is there some way to use the "old" downloader on Chrome??   Thanks, Dick T   

 

BTW, would anyone be interested in a never used (kinda'), Garmin etrex 30x?

Edited May 25, 2018 by kansashicks

[+on4bam]

33 minutes ago, kansashicks said:

Can't understand why things always have to "upgrade"?

 

It's called progress , I guess you drive a car and not the old horse and carriage anymore....

As for the plugin, it's a security risk based on 1990's technology. You can still easily transfer caches to your GPS by downloading the GPX file and manually moving/copying to your GPS, you can use lists + garmin express, pocket queries or 3rd party software like GSAK.

I have used the communicator way of loading caches only a handful of times since 2006 and never missed it when it stopped working.

 

[+HHL]

2 minutes ago, on4bam said:

[...] You can still easily transfer caches to your GPS by downloading the GPX file and manually moving/copying to your GPS, [...]

That's wrong as the Legends only support Garmin's serial protocol and do not read gpx files.

[+cerberus1]

33 minutes ago, kansashicks said:

Can't understand why things always have to "upgrade"?  I have 3 Garmin etrex LEGEND HCx handhelds. Also purchased a new etrex 30x, but don't like it at all.  Keep in mind, I'm old, slow, and dumb, but would like to be able to download single hides to the GPSr.  We do try to accept some change, and much of the new stuff is OK, we have an iPad, reader, iPhone7(hers, mine is a fliptop), and a couple of laptops.  Mine(Mr,) was Windows7, and I liked that, BUT, now they are both Windows10, and I can still download from internet explorer, but have been using Google Chrome, because some of the older programs don't work on W-10, more change!!!   We don't go for numbers, and if folks want to, that's great for them, but many times one search will take us most of a day.  Sorry, long story.  Anyway, is there some way to use the "old" downloader on Chrome??   

 

Have you tried the  Send to Garmin feature that came out last year?  It's sorta like send to GPS.    

I'm not sure your legends are compatible though, but there is a list.  The 30 should still be on the list.

 - But like you, I may spend a day on one cache (due to terrain mostly), and have loaded caches manually since we started.  Simple.

The other 2/3rds only used her phone since '05,  feeling she needed a handheld only when in the boonies. 

[+on4bam]

2 minutes ago, HHL said:

That's wrong as the Legends only support Garmin's serial protocol and do not read gpx files.

The etrex 30x does.

 

[+HHL]

17 minutes ago, on4bam said:

The etrex 30x does.

 

Right. But he wants to sell it and hold the old units. That way your solution seems to be useless.

Edited May 25, 2018 by HHL

[+NanCycle]

13 minutes ago, HHL said:

Right. But he wants to sell it and hold the old units. That way your solution seems to be useless.

Well, maybe if he had a good reason to keep the 30x, he'd change his mind about that.  That would make On4bam's solution helpful, not useless.

[+colleda]

1 hour ago, kansashicks said:

Can't understand why things always have to "upgrade"?  I have 3 Garmin etrex LEGEND HCx handhelds. Also purchased a new etrex 30x, but don't like it at all.  Keep in mind, I'm old, slow, and dumb, but would like to be able to download single hides to the GPSr.  We do try to accept some change, and much of the new stuff is OK, we have an iPad, reader, iPhone7(hers, mine is a fliptop), and a couple of laptops.  Mine(Mr,) was Windows7, and I liked that, BUT, now they are both Windows10, and I can still download from internet explorer, but have been using Google Chrome, because some of the older programs don't work on W-10, more change!!!   We don't go for numbers, and if folks want to, that's great for them, but many times one search will take us most of a day.  Sorry, long story.  Anyway, is there some way to use the "old" downloader on Chrome??   Thanks, Dick T   

 

BTW, would anyone be interested in a never used (kinda'), Garmin etrex 30x?

Don't give up so quick on the Etrex 30x, they're a great little unit. We've been using Etrex 20 & 20x for last few years. We also load using GSAK or Send to Garmin.

[+StefandD]

eTrex Legend: Download the GPX file from the cache listing, import it into MapSource or BaseCamp and send them from there to your Legend. You can also use third party software like EasyGPS or GSAK.

eTrex 30x: You can also use MapSource/BaseCamp/EasyGPS/GSAK, but you can also save GPX files directly or use lists like stated above.

 

5 hours ago, kansashicks said:

Anyway, is there some way to use the "old" downloader on Chrome??

No.