Etrex 30 switching gpx files in the field

[+sktqch]

I am about to leave on a trip.  I have several PQ files that have been "massaged" in GSAK that I want to load onto my Etrex 30.  In total they are too big to effectively use so I want to be able to switch .gpx files in the field.  (ie: without connecting the gps to a computer)  Is this even possible?

sktqch

[+HHL]

36 minutes ago, sktqch said:

I want to be able to switch .gpx files in the field.  (ie: without connecting the gps to a computer)  Is this even possible?

No. But you may consider the use of different µSD cards containing one GPX file and just change the cards instead.

 

Hans

[+NYPaddleCacher]

2 minutes ago, HHL said:

No. But you may consider the use of different µSD cards containing one GPX file and just change the cards instead.

 

Hans

That's what I do with my Oregon.  I have a "local" micro SD card ane one I use for traveling.  I update the maps form openstreetmaps before I leave home

[+GeoTrekker26]

You can do this by storing you gpx files on SD cards. Install the SD card that has the files you want active. When you change the cards you should restart once with no cards Installed to clear out the internal index. 

Edited August 18, 2020 by GeoTrekker26
typo

[+ecanderson]

One thing I hadn't noticed mentioned in the posts above:

 

It is necessary to manually create a folder on the uSD card called Garmin and a subfolder under that called GPX (and the upper case GPX and G and lower case armin are required!), and then to place the *.gpx file(s) into that Garmin/GPX folder.  This mirrors the structure of the device's internal memory.

If the *.gpx files are not placed just as described, they won't be seen by the device.

 

[+TommyGator]

12 hours ago, sktqch said:

am about to leave on a trip.  I have several PQ files that have been "massaged" in GSAK that I want to load onto my Etrex 30.  In total they are too big to effectively use so I want to be able to switch .gpx files in the field.  (ie: without connecting the gps to a computer)  Is this even possible?

 

If you also have an Android smartphone, you can use an OTG USB adapter to connect your Etrex30 to the phone using a USB cable, then transfer files using the Android file transfer utility.

 

I have to agree that swapping micro-USB cards is probably the easiest for your specific purpose.  However, I have found it convenient to carry "extra files" in my Android phone and, with an OTG adapter, can connect USB devices (such as my Etrex30 or a USB stick) to the phone and transfer a variety of files. 

[+sktqch]

Thank you for all that advice everyone, especially TommyGator.  I'll definitely look into the OTG adapter trick.

Stan