Transfer Waypoints Between Gpsr And Pda?

[+BaldEd]

Does anyone know how to store sets of waypoints in a PDA? What I am looking for is software which will enable me to store/transfer waypoint sets to and from my garmin 12XL and a Palm m105 PDA. The 12XL has a limit of 500 waypoints. I have more waypoints than this (in a number of sets) and would like to be able to change sets in the 12XL out in the field.

[+TheThunderbirds]

I use a sony clie palm. I use GSAK (www.gsak.net) to load pocket queries from geocaching.com. GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) will export to cachmate format (.pdb) directly into palm during hotsynce.

 

Cachmate is the best $7 investment. i have description, hints, past logs, and allows you to log your visit. I just did 19 caches in one day with my gps and palm only. Finally, got ride of paper. only need it for PUZZLES caches.

 

I also use Plucker (http://www.plkr.org/index.plkr). GSAK will also export an HTML format the plucker converts to its palm viewer. This allows you to see a graphically view of the cache page (cachemate is text only).

 

They are a great combination.

 

Happy Caching,

ShaneP and the Geokids

[+BaldEd]

Thank shanep for the reply.

 

But maybe I didn't make myself clear. I am familiar with paperless caching and in fact do that with GSAK and my Palm. I also use GSAK to tranfer waypoints to my gpsr.

 

What I seek to be able to do is reload my gpsr with another set of waypoints from a file of waypoints stored in my PDA. I have a mapping program from which I can upload waypoints to my gpsr. But when I have my cache waypoints from GSAK loaded I cannot upload all of the mapping mapping ones as well as the total is greater than 500. It would be great to be able to transfer both sets of waypoints in separate files to the PDA and then as and when desired once away from my home computer to swap the waypoints in and out of the PDA.

 

I have a serial PDA to GPS cable which I use to download/upload tracklogs, using PDA program 'GPilotS', from/to my gpsr to/from my PDA. I would like to be able to use something similar, if it is availble, with waypoint transfers when away from home base. I am sure that I am not the first to desire this.

[+PDOP's]

BaldEd

 

The program you want is GPilotS. I don't have the link handy but if you visit my site (click on my sig line below) there's a page about PDAs with all the links you'll need.

 

I used GPilotS with my old Palm m100 and and Garmin GPS12 to do exactly what you're describing. I now use it with a Palm m105 and my GPS76 with equal success.

 

GPilotS also has a host mode in which it emmulates a GPS receiver so that data can be downloaded directly to a PC mapping program without having to hotsync.

[+BaldEd]

Aaaah. Don't you hate that when it happens. Just a minute or so after placing my last post I got to thinking seriously about GPilotS and that lead me to drag out the manual. I have been experimenting over the last few minutes. GPilotS DOES DO ALL I REQUIRE.

 

Just returned here to post this and see that PDOP's has replied. Thanks PDOP's.

[+YeOleImposter]

I transfer waypoints from cachemate on my palm to my garmin with no problem.

[+Egnix]

I transfer waypoints from cachemate on my palm to my garmin with no problem.

How do you do that? I can't seem to figure out how to export waypoints from CacheMate to my etrex. Is it possible to export an entire catagory of waypoints?

[+Egnix]

Ah...you need an extra plug-in. Never mind.

[+gnbrotz]

I transfer waypoints from cachemate on my palm to my garmin with no problem.

YeOleImposter,

 

Could you briefly explain how you go about this. I have the latest version of CacheMate and the GarminUpload plugin, but do not see any menu items to actually send waypoints.

Edited January 8, 2005 by gnbrotz

[+BaldEd]

Hi gnbrotz,

 

To transfer groups of waypoints back and forth between your garmin and your PDA, forget about cachemate and go download and install the freebie GPilotS palm program and get yourself a serial garmin/PDA cable. I have many groups of waypoints stored in GPilotS and I just upload the particular series I want when need demands it whilst away from home. e.g on a recent visit to Australia I had separate files of waypoints for each state. Whilst I did have most of the waypoints loaded into the gps before I left home, the PDA file storage was a vital backup when far from my PC. At home, I have stored the waypoints for the various gps orienteering caches around the country each in their own file and these will stay only in the PDA until I eventually get to visit the appropriate city and want to find a particular cache - it is only then that I will upload the orienteering waypoints to the gps.

 

GPilotS also has other features you may want to investigate, such as tracks etc.

 

Have fun.

Cheers

[+gnbrotz]

I have used GPilotS, mostly on long trips to keep things segregated by stopping area.

 

I'm interested in the CacheMate abilities for spur-of-the-moment caching opportunities. Friday I found myself with time to spare after a dentist appt. While in the waiting room, I sorted through the 1000 caches in CacheMate and chose about 6 as possibilities for the day. Since I don't typically keep many caches in my gps, it would have been ideal to send those 6 right to my unit, instead of entering them manually.

 

Also, CacheMate is a bit more appealing for this task because I don't need to attach the pda to the computer for initial archiving. I just sent the .pdb file to my SD card with my card reader and it's done in a fraction of the time, with less hassle (IMO).

[+PDOP's]

Also, CacheMate is a bit more appealing for this task because I don't need to attach the pda to the computer for initial archiving.  I just sent the .pdb file to my SD card with my card reader and it's done in a fraction of the time, with less hassle (IMO).

gnbrotz

 

I'm not sure if this would work for you but GPSBabel or GSAK (using Babel under the hood) will export GPilotS PDB files. You'll be limited to six character waypoint names but other than that it works fine.

 

I haven't used Cachemate but being able to view that cahce pages and upload cache waypoints from the same program looks appealing..

[+gnbrotz]

I'm not sure if this would work for you but GPSBabel or GSAK (using Babel under the hood) will export GPilotS PDB files. You'll be limited to six character waypoint names but other than that it works fine.

Please elaborate....While I'd still like to figure out the solution to my original query, making GPilotS easier to use would be useful info as well, even if I'll still have to use the "old fashioned" way if I want to include routes/tracks!

 

I'm assuming I'd use the "CacheMate" export on the GSAK list, since that's the entry that generates a .pdb file? Should I place it in a special directory so GPilotS only recognizes the one's it supposed to in relation to my other CacheMate files (and to keep CacheMate from trying to import it)?

[+NightPilot]

In Cachemate, if you have the Garmin Export plugin installed, you'll see a small button at the bottom of the screen labelled "Ex". Tap that button and use the dialogs that come up to do the export. This button is on the main cache listing page and also on each individual cache page, on all the views.

 

The limitation of Cachemate in the OP's case is that you can't import waypoints from the GPS, only export to the GPS. Cetus is another freeware program that allows transferring waypoints in both directions, as well as giving detailed descriptions. I've tried GPilotS, but prefer Cetus. YMMV.

[+PDOP's]

First off we'll use GPSBabel alone because it's shorter to describe. Create a batchfile as described here. except use this code

 

gpsbabel.exe -i gpx -f %1 -o gpilots -F %n1.pdb

 

Follow the instructions for creating a drag and drop operation and you're set.

 

Let me know if you want to do this in GSAK. It's a little more involved to setup and my supper's calling.