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Gpses And Mac Users


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Could use some help here.

 

I've been developing a Mac OS X app specifically for geocaching and Garmin GPSs. I've seen some of the PC apps out there, and really didn't like the UI or the user experience in any of them. That's one of the reasons I began writing a Mac-native one.

 

What I'd really like to hear is what Mac Geocachers would like to see in a Mac Geocaching app. This is the time to get your two cents in as I'm working on the UI currently. If you're interested in beta testing let me know. I've been writing for serial units so far, but have obtained USB-specific code. I guess I'll have to go out and buy a cheap USB unit now. :D

 

Anyway, if you're interested in helping out, drop me an email and let me know what you'd like to see in the app, what you don't like in other apps, and what kind of GPS/Mac you have.

 

PilotMike

----------

Unix SA - Apple Computer

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Here’s a list of what I’d love to have in a single piece of caching software. As it is, there are those programs that to various parts of this, but to get the full functionality you have to jump between them all. And of course this list is just me. I’m sure others would like to see different functions, or find what I like to be a little too much (or a little too little). If I sound demanding, I’m just throwing in my two cents, for what it’s worth.

 

As for beta testing – count me in! I’m on a G4 PowerBook with a Garmin Map60c. (Right now I do all my waypoint etc. uploads via another’s PC. What a hassle.)

 

Info I like to have on hand when in the field caching:

- Geocaching code name (GC***)

- Cache name

- Coordinates

- Terrain/Difficulty

- Cache type (standard, virtual, micro, etc)

- Cache description

- Decoded hint

- Last successful find

- Notes (not necessarily the same as the waypoints’ notes field in the map60c/s)

- Maybe have the logs (just those that show up on cache page)

 

Function I’d like to have:

- Output to text (.txt, .doc) and/or spreadsheet (.xcl) for paper caching (I’m a paper cacher, myself.)

- Output to [Palm Pilot, Pocket PC, iPod, etc.] format for paperless caching

- Transfer of waypoints to/from Garmin unit via USB (is this even possible at this point?)

- User decide whether to name the waypoint by cache name, or GC*** code

- Organize waypoints by distance from point; alphabetically, etc, by field)

- Hyperlink to cache’s page (for easy logging)

- Editable notes field

- Upload of selected waypoints only

- Download of waypoints overwrites matching waypoints (so you know what you’ve found and have yet to find. Then you just go to the found caches, click the name and go right to the cache page so you can log your find.)

 

Cache query filters:

- Zip code, distance from point

- Found / not found by [name]

- Older than / newer than [date]

- Terrain, difficulty [min / max]

- TB only

- Virgin cache only

- Cache found / not found within [# of days]

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Could use some help here.

 

I've been developing a Mac OS X app specifically for geocaching and Garmin GPSs. I've seen some of the PC apps out there, and really didn't like the UI or the user experience in any of them. That's one of the reasons I began writing a Mac-native one.

 

What I'd really like to hear is what Mac Geocachers would like to see in a Mac Geocaching app. This is the time to get your two cents in as I'm working on the UI currently. If you're interested in beta testing let me know. I've been writing for serial units so far, but have obtained USB-specific code. I guess I'll have to go out and buy a cheap USB unit now. :lol:

 

Anyway, if you're interested in helping out, drop me an email and let me know what you'd like to see in the app, what you don't like in other apps, and what kind of GPS/Mac you have.

 

PilotMike

----------

Unix SA - Apple Computer

I think I summed up what I'd like to see for map transfers to a Garmin GPS in this post of the thread:

 

Mac software to upload maps to a Garmin

 

Parsa

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I've been developing a Mac OS X app specifically for geocaching and Garmin GPSs. I've seen some of the PC apps out there, and really didn't like the UI or the user experience in any of them. That's one of the reasons I began writing a Mac-native one.

 

What I'd really like to hear is what Mac Geocachers would like to see in a Mac Geocaching app. This is the time to get your two cents in as I'm working on the UI currently. If you're interested in beta testing let me know. I've been writing for serial units so far, but have obtained USB-specific code. I guess I'll have to go out and buy a cheap USB unit now. :lol:

I know this doesn't pertain directly to Geocaching with Garmin units, but it does relate to a shiny GPS app for Mac. The new Mac Mini is the size of a car stereo, and some people are modding their cars and installing them. A place in new york is even doing custom installations. It would be really sweet to see a Mac GPS application that you could use with a touch-screen interface or simple keyboard strokes that would also sync up your GPS. That way you could load your Geocaches on your in-car Mac Mini, or even a Mac laptop to take in the car with you, then have it drive you to the trailhead, at which point you could go out on foot with your handheld GPS. Obviously this has *huge* outside of Geocaching.

 

What blows my mind is the GPS Vendors reluctance to support Mac. I e-mailed both Garmin and Magellan *again* yesterday and they both said "no plans." The first vendor to pull their head out of their a** and see the wide open, devoid of solutions Mac GPS market will capture the devotion that Apple is already well acquainted with.

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Wow, all of these suggestions sound great, but lets come back down to earth.

 

All I want is an app that will allow my OS X Mac to communicate with my USB only Garmin GPS. If you can come up with something that will do that, then I will be the first person to buy it, regardless of what other features it has.

 

Oh, and I would definitely like to be a beta tester if you are working on something that will do this.

 

Thanks!

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All I want is an app that will allow my OS X Mac to communicate with my USB only Garmin GPS. If you can come up with something that will do that, then I will be the first person to buy it, regardless of what other features it has.

 

GPSBabel will do it and the code's already checked in, but there's a catch. As explained earlier in this very thread, you need merely to wait for either Garmin to fix their USB implementation to not violate the protocol spec or for Apple to release an OS that includes the "do what windows does, not what's actually required" fix that's allegedly in 10.4.

 

Until the OS and the hardware play nice with each other, the apps can't work.

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I am now using MacGPSBabel (version 1.2.5_beta01162005) that came out last week. There's a new upload option for GPX (geocache.loc) files, and it's working for uploads and downloads from my Mac OS 10.3.7 to the Garmin Legend.

 

I use the Keyspan Serial/USB adaptor and am now a happy geocacher.

 

--Marc

January 27, 2005 @ 12:45 PM

N40°46.565' W073°58.756'

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There's not one, but several PC programs for converting digital maps to MapSource files and loading them into the Garmin. If all these small programs work for PC users, I see no reason why a Mac program could not be made to do the same thing. As I understand it, PC users have to use a few different programs to convert and send the maps to the GPS unit. it would be cool if there were a single Mac program to do it all. I'd buy it yesterday if there were.

 

Look at just a few of the many web sites about making custom Garmin maps using a PC. Where's the Mac program???

 

http://www.keenpeople.com/index.php?option...rtid=4&Itemid=3

http://www.keenpeople.com/index.php?option...tid=17&Itemid=3

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~clarko/garminmaps/...rial/index.html

http://www.gpstm.com/eng/dekode_eng.htm

http://www.gpsinformation.org/adamnewham/a...1/gpsmapper.htm

http://www.angband.org/~dan/Montauk/ENC_to_Garmin.html

 

Parsa

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What I'd really like to hear is what Mac Geocachers would like to see in a Mac Geocaching app.

GSAK is pretty darn good, the only drawback being that it's PC-only! If there were a Mac program, the essential features I'd want it to be able to do:

1) export cachemate .pdb files

2) have good filtering/search capabilities

3) import .gpx files

4) support upload/download to GPS!

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I been really trying to dig around and find all the Mac GPS software out there (paricularly OS X native) and here's what I've come up with:

(NOTE: some of this I've used and some I haven't. For the one's I haven't used my synopsis of features might be a bit off but hopefully I'm not too far off). Feel free to add any I've missed!

________________

GPS Connect- (Free/donate)

Upload/download waypoints and routes to many models of GPSr. (**I have used this in the past: It's okay but the waypoint doesn't load with the geocache "chest" symbol)

http://www.chimoosoft.com/gpsconnect.html

 

Link2GPS- ($12 by itself or $25 bundled with TopoDraw and gpsWrite)

Upload and download of waypoints and routes. (**I'm currently using this as a program as a trial- It does use the geocache symbol on uploaded geocaching waypoints on GPSr :-)

http://www.hiketech.com

 

MacGPSbabel- (Free/donate)

Can convert many file formats to many other file formats. Upload and download to many GPSr

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=58972

 

Magellan Waypoint Manager- (Free/donate)

Magellan specific upload and download of waypoints

http://www.studiosoich.com/MWM.html

 

MacSimpleGPS- (Free/donate)

for use with LOC files uploading and downloading to GPSr

http://www.macsimplegps.com

 

Terrabrowser- (Free/donate)

Manually input a coord to see on terraserver aerial photo and/or topo maps.

(**I've used this program may times: It's okay but it almost never loads all the panels of the photos/maps. It is very useful to find coords for points to calibrate park maps for use in other mapping programs like MacGPSpro or TopoDraw)

http://www.chimoosoft.com/terrabrowser.html

 

TopoDraw- ($12 by itself or $25 bundled with Link2GPS and gpsWrite)

Shows waypoints and routes on top of maps (you have to calibrate a map or load one already calibrated by someone else because it doesn't come with any). Must use Link2GPS to download/upload GPSr waypoints and routes. (**I did successfully calibate a map with this program but could not figure out how to load a map calibrated by someone else for ExpertGPS)

http://www.hiketech.com

 

MacGPSpro- ($39)

Upload and download waypoints and routes to/from GPSr and show on topo maps (you have to load maps from various sources because it doesn't come with any). (**I bought this program but didn't figure out how to load maps and gave up- needs better documentation but you can often get answers via email)

http://www.macgpspro.com

 

GPSy (must use Classic mode)- (GPSy is Free, but Pro is $50)

Shows realtime data if connected to GPSr. Can load maps from various sources. Upload/download waypoints and routes. Text-to-speech of navigation data. Plus other features. Improved nautical stuff in Pro version. (**I haven't used this)

http://www.gpsy.com

 

Route66 USA for Mac- ($39)

Can plot position realtime when connected to GPSr. Very detailed road maps. Upload and download waypoints and routes to GPSr. (**I haven't used this myself but I've heard it takes up A LOT of room on the hard drive- Gigabytes)

http://www.66.com/route66

 

National Geographic State TOPOs- ($99 per state)

Upload and download waypoints and routes to/from GPSr and show on their own detailed topo maps.

http://www.ngmapstore.com/shopping/product...&iProductID=346

 

CacheMate- ($7)

Have a Palm and want to go paperless? This'll do it. (**This is what I use and recommend)

http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/

 

MacCMConvert- (Free/donate)

Converts GPX files to Upload to PDA and use with CacheMate. (**This is what I use and recommend)

http://www.jfatherton.co.uk/MacCMConvert

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With a "fixed" USB stack from Apple and some minor changes I'll soon commit to my source, I have confirmed that GPSBabel will work with Garmin/USB on OSX.

10.3.8 contains a workaround for Garmin's non-conformance on their USB models. dmesg will even show which chapter and verse Garmin is violating.

 

Users of 10.3.8 have reported success with the GPSBabel beta from December. (FORWARD compatibility. I rule.) Jeremy has added USB to the option, but that was after that beta. The USB-aware GUI will be in the next beta that we put up and we'll try to get that out soon. But the command line core seems to work now.

 

Watch http://www.gpsbabel.org and the mailing lists for more info.

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GPSy (must use Classic mode)- (GPSy is Free, but Pro is $50)

Shows realtime data if connected to GPSr. Can load maps from various sources. Upload/download waypoints and routes. Text-to-speech of navigation data. Plus other features. Improved nautical stuff in Pro version. (**I haven't used this)

http://www.gpsy.com

 

Correction on prices: GPSy is $50. GPSy Pro is $149. Neither one appears to have been updated in a few years.

 

I used to use GPSy, but now I use MacGPS Pro.

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I been really trying to dig around and find all the Mac GPS software out there (paricularly OS X native) and here's what I've come up with ...

 

Route66 USA for Mac- ($39)

Can plot position realtime when connected to GPSr. Very detailed road maps. Upload and download waypoints and routes to GPSr. (**I haven't used this myself but I've heard it takes up A LOT of room on the hard drive- Gigabytes)

http://www.66.com/route66...

Uh, yeah, I guess.

 

Route 66 will work with a GPS, in the sense that you can hook your GPS up and it will show you your position on the map. And it is native Mac OS X application. By that measure, it certainly belongs on your list - but that's about it.

 

I could even say some nice things about it. Pretty good maps, including elevation data. Extensive and POI database with a powerful search feature. Decent point-to-point driving directions.

 

BUT ... I'd have a real hard time recommending this software to anyone - and I certainly wouldn't recommend it for geocaching. There's no way to enter a waypoint by coordinates, nor is there an easy way to GET the coordinates of any waypoint, pushpin, or POI.

 

As far as I know, the file formats that it reads and writes are not usable by any other geocaching or GPS related utils like GPSBabel.

 

Furthermore, the program is buggy and slow, the user interface is horrid, and "technical support" from the maker is almost non-existent.

 

Having said all that, I admit to owning a copy. I only paid $12 for it and figured it was worth trying. I don't think it was worth the $12 - and it's certainly not worth the full retail price.

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When I bought GPSy it was $100. Now it's $50, but they still haven't gone OSX native despite requests. It does have one advantage in that it let's you open and use Mac StreetAtlas software under emulation, which won't normally work with my USB port (only serial). I see that you have to pay $5 for that feature now, however. It really is a good DRG viewer. Too bad they decided not to keep working on it. They also have a very informative web site.

 

Parsa

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Jason

Would you post the Garmin address you wrote to asking for Mac support?

 

Adriana

Send the email to: mobile@garmin.com

 

Cheers,

-Jason

Ok how is this

 

<snip>

Come on already get with the program. There are millions of Garmin users who are also Apple OS X users. We demand that you guys support the OS X community. We need data cables which will plug-in-play from our GPS units into our Macs via USB. I do not even think silly Windows-based computers still have serial ports.

 

Regards,

JD

<snip>

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Frankly, I don't know why PC users aren't running away from their computer screaming. I spent ALL DAY to get viruses, adware, spyware, and trojans off my wife's computer. It's still messed up. She'll probably have to take it to her work's system admin and get the HD reformatted. I don't even get popups in Safari, let alone all that other crap. How do they stand it?

 

Parsa

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My mother-in-law got a message on her PeeCee that Windoze 98 needed to be updated, so I put a smile on my face and tried to do it for her. An hour later, after numerous error messages from IE and rebooting, the machine froze and I gave up. I called a self-described PC power user friend who works @ HP and he told me, "my browser has a problem with that too, so I simply use "Firefox" and go to their 'alternate browser' download area." I replied, "One would think Microsoft's own browser would work to update its OS. Or better yet, update directly within the OS itself. I wonder which OS could do that..." He didn't get it.

 

Just when I thought my list of reasons to switch was all filled up.

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With a "fixed" USB stack from Apple and some minor changes I'll soon commit to my source, I have confirmed that GPSBabel will work with Garmin/USB on OSX.

10.3.8 contains a workaround for Garmin's non-conformance on their USB models. dmesg will even show which chapter and verse Garmin is violating.

 

Users of 10.3.8 have reported success with the GPSBabel beta from December. (FORWARD compatibility. I rule.) Jeremy has added USB to the option, but that was after that beta. The USB-aware GUI will be in the next beta that we put up and we'll try to get that out soon. But the command line core seems to work now.

 

Watch http://www.gpsbabel.org and the mailing lists for more info.

Do you know if the fix in 10.3.8 has fixed the issues with USB and Mapsource within VirtualPC?

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Could use some help here.

 

I've been developing a Mac OS X app specifically for geocaching and Garmin GPSs. I've seen some of the PC apps out there, and really didn't like the UI or the user experience in any of them. That's one of the reasons I began writing a Mac-native one.

 

What I'd really like to hear is what Mac Geocachers would like to see in a Mac Geocaching app. This is the time to get your two cents in as I'm working on the UI currently. If you're interested in beta testing let me know. I've been writing for serial units so far, but have obtained USB-specific code. I guess I'll have to go out and buy a cheap USB unit now. :lostsignal:

 

Anyway, if you're interested in helping out, drop me an email and let me know what you'd like to see in the app, what you don't like in other apps, and what kind of GPS/Mac you have.

 

PilotMike

----------

Unix SA - Apple Computer

I would like to see all the info in a GPX file displayed in a nice aqua interface!

 

Although the interface & user experience is pretty windows horrific :rolleyes: GSAK (GPS Swiss Army Knife) is one of the most complete programs out there - sure wish something lie that was out for the Mac!

 

Regarding the Garmin MapGPS 60CS USB problem, I still can't figure out WHY the USB doesn't work! What you have to do is (oh I just LOVE this!) get a Garmin SERIAL cable ($30) and then buy a Keyspan serial to USB converter :blink: Go Figure!

 

Please let me know if you need beta testers for your GPS app - I can hardly wait!

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With a "fixed" USB stack from Apple and some minor changes I'll soon commit to my source, I have confirmed that GPSBabel will work with Garmin/USB on OSX.

10.3.8 contains a workaround for Garmin's non-conformance on their USB models. dmesg will even show which chapter and verse Garmin is violating.

 

Users of 10.3.8 have reported success with the GPSBabel beta from December. (FORWARD compatibility. I rule.) Jeremy has added USB to the option, but that was after that beta. The USB-aware GUI will be in the next beta that we put up and we'll try to get that out soon. But the command line core seems to work now.

 

Watch http://www.gpsbabel.org and the mailing lists for more info.

Do you know if the fix in 10.3.8 has fixed the issues with USB and Mapsource within VirtualPC?

But how do you get MacGPSBable to use the USB port? I don't see that option with my 22 DEC build of GPS Bable.

 

Also, I can confirm that VPC 7 kinda-sorta recognizes my Garmin GPSMap 60CS - but using GSAK it fails to download waypoints.

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After reading the last notes concerning changes for USB in OSX 10.3.8 ,

I started a new series of tests to get my Garmin eTrex VistaC running with

Mapsource on Virtual PC on the MAC.

 

Here are the results of my tests:

 

a.) Definitely, there was a change concerning USB support:

- before updating to 10.3.8 (I used 10.3.7), I did not get the

Windows within Virtual PC to recognize the VistaC.

I managed to install the USB driver, but Windows always did

say, that there is a problem with the device and it is not operable.

Also Virtual PC always did deactivate the information, that the

"Unknown USB device" was made available to VPC.

- Now, with 10.3.8 , Windows directly recognized the device and

installed the needed driver by itself, again. Now, the Hardware Manager

shows the device as available AND activated.

Also, VPC stopped deactivating the "Unknown USB device".

b.) Despite the fact, that Windows seems to recognize the device properly

as a "Garmin USB GPS" and shows it, being available with the correct

driver, Mapsource still tells me, that there is no GPS device available.

 

I tried everything, like de-/reinstalling the driver, disconnecting/reconnecting

the GPS device, de-/reinstalling Mapsource => nothing made a difference.

 

My tests did show the same results independent of using VPC version 6 or

VPC 7 and independent of using Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional.

(I also used MAC OSX 10.3.8 on a 12 inch G4 powerbook)

 

I somehow have the impression, that OSX is now working with the device,

which allows VPC to recognize it (that is an improvement), but Garmin would

still have to adjust MapSource to make it really work...

 

:-(

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;):):huh: Actually need a smilie that runs around in circles and pulls its hair out. I just found out about this whole idea and was super excited that it was something DH and I could do together and have some fun now that we are both retired -- have been reading for 2 solid days and am so confused.

 

I have had Mac's for years and because they are so easy to use - all that I have read the past 3 pages is greek to me.

 

I can learn most anything but it is a SLOW learning curve -- and when I read that I need 4 or 5 different things to make it work it scares the pants off me

 

So here it goes -- I have an iBook- OS 10.2.8 - Memory 640 MB - Processor: 800 MHz PowerPC G3

 

Easiest possible terms -- what do I need to see if we really would love doing this like I think we would?? And remember that we are dealing with retirement income here. I figure it is something we could combine with trips we take too - to make them even more fun.

 

thanks

rho

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rho,

 

I see from your profile that you are new to caching. All you really need is a GPS receiver, access to the geocaching.com website, and a sense of adventure. Everything else is just icing on the cake. I printed out cache pages and went hunting for a couple years before I did any fancy stuff.

 

Some things that you can use your Mac to do:

 

1. Download cache waypoints into your GPS receiver. Every geocache page (and list of caches) has a way to download files. These can be opened with software like MacGpsBabel and loaded right onto your receiver by means of a cable.

 

2. When you become a Premium Member of Geocaching, you can do what are called Pocket Queries. These are searches that are highly adjustable and result in a file containing cache lists with all the information on the cache pages. These can be loaded into PDAs like the Palm. You can at the very least use the coordinates in the list to load large batches of geocaches into your receiver.

 

3. You can run mapping software on a Mac laptop, and if you connect your GPS to the Mac by means of a cable, you can track your position just like those expensive auto navigation systems. If all the caches are plotted in the software, you can see where they are on the map as you search for them.

 

Well, those are the main things you can do. Very little money is involved since a lot of the programs are free. An appropriate cable is a useful thing. Mapping software generally runs around $50, and for long trips like my Route 66 trip, it easily pays for itself in keeping you from getting lost!

 

Parsa

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Thanks everyone -- I saved this information -- still don't have a GPS to use it on. But I am still excited about all of this and looking forward to getting out there.

I'm not specifically responding to the quote above, but I was corresponding privately with a Mac user and thought I'd post the step-by-step procedure that I outlined:

 

- I'm using Mac OS 10.3.7 and the Garmin Etrex Legend (the blue GPS).

- On the Geocaching.com site I mark the checkboxes of the caches I want, and then download them into one or more ".loc" files.

- I use MacGPSBabel (version 1.2.5 beta) to convert the files from ".loc" to "GPX XML" (I also use the filter to "Generate smart short names" of 10 characters).

- I use GPSConnect (version 0.2) and open all of the GPX files so I can drag all the entries into one window. I save that single window to use for the upload.

- Back to MacGPSBabel and use the new GPX file as the input, and the GPS receiver for output. (Remember to indicate the GPX XML file type for the input).

 

After the above steps, the caches I've downloaded are now in my GPS and ready to find. One note: I had to buy the Keyspan Serial to USB adapter - an older one by another maker that I had on hand didn't show the code for the serial port (USA19H1813P1.1) in the drop-down menu, it only showed "modem".

 

If this info is useful to anyone else, I'll be happy to know I helped!

 

--Marc

February 27, 2005 @ 12:31 AM

N40° 46.565' W073° 58.756'

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…I was corresponding privately with a Mac user and thought I'd post the step-by-step procedure that I outlined:

 

- I'm using Mac OS 10.3.7 and the Garmin Etrex Legend (the blue GPS).

- On the Geocaching.com site I mark the checkboxes of the caches I want, and then download them into one or more ".loc" files.

- I use MacGPSBabel (version 1.2.5 beta) to convert the files from ".loc" to "GPX XML" (I also use the filter to "Generate smart short names" of 10 characters).

- I use GPSConnect (version 0.2) and open all of the GPX files so I can drag all the entries into one window. I save that single window to use for the upload.

- Back to MacGPSBabel and use the new GPX file as the input, and the GPS receiver for output. (Remember to indicate the GPX XML file type for the input).

 

After the above steps, the caches I've downloaded are now in my GPS and ready to find.

  In place of all those steps between MacGPSBabel and GPS Connect, I suggest you give MacSimpleGPS a try.  It reads .LOC files directly, (.GPX too) and transfers them to the GPSr without all that back and forth.

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- I use GPSConnect (version 0.2) and open all of the GPX files so I can drag all the entries into one window. I save that single window to use for the upload.

You actually don't need this step - MacGPSBabel will take multiple input files... Just keep on adding files until you are done and then upload them all to your GPS in one go.

 

As an aside - in test versions of MacGPSBabel running on OS 10.3.8 we have had some success with communicating with the USB Garmin GPSrs. There are still a few bugs to iron out and I could do with some more people to test it - so anyone running OS X 10.3.8 with a USB Garmin who wants to try USB communication should email me and I will send you a test build.

 

JeremyA

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Hello, fellow Mac users!

 

I just bought an IoGear USB to Serial adapter. Not only did it not take long to set up, but it actually lists GPSrs FIRST on the list of items you might use it with!

 

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the waypoints actully on my Meridian Color.

 

Next step will be setting it up in Virtual PC6. I have the XP Home version, and just upgraded it to 6.1.1.

 

Will post back soon with mapping results!

Edited by Wet Knives
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I have a iMac G5 OSX 10.3.7 and Virtual PC 7. I can't even load Mapsource. It gets about 20% and kind find the TOPO100DBE.TBD file. There is a file like that there but I think mac naming convention shows it a little different. Anybody else have this problem and how do I fix it?

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I have a G3 iBook running 10.2.8. I have upgraded my VPC6 to the most recent version. I bought MapSend Topo 3D a few weeks ago, and had no problem loading it. It runs fine, except the G3 is not capable of drawing the 3D :( . I am trying to figure out how to upload to the GPS (MagGold) without using a card. I do have one, in case I cannot.

 

Just my 2 cents.

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It would pay for those of you who are new to this forum to at least skim the previous posts, as there is a wealth of good info & ideas presented in the past. Many of the frequent posters, including myself have successfully avoided the Virtual PC thing and have found fully satisfactory solutions outside of the Windoze trap.

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Route66 USA for Mac- ($39)

Can plot position realtime when connected to GPSr. Very detailed road maps. Upload and download waypoints and routes to GPSr. (**I haven't used this myself but I've heard it takes up A LOT of room on the hard drive- Gigabytes)

http://www.66.com/route66

I found the $$$$way Garmin USB is not supported in Route 66 in the Mac world. So if you have a Garmin and are MAC...this is not the mapsource for you.

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It would pay for those of you who are new to this forum to at least skim the previous posts, as there is a wealth of good info & ideas presented in the past. Many of the frequent posters, including myself have successfully avoided the Virtual PC thing and have found fully satisfactory solutions outside of the Windoze trap.

That's great. I for one read everypost on this thread and a few others about the mac and Garmen. However, I already have the Mapsource Topo Disks that I use with my etrex legend. The topo maps have been great for not getting lost while on my snowmobile and hunting. I just thought it would be nice to be able to do everthing on my powerbook instead of my Dell laptop that is PC that my company gave me. No sense dragging that home on the weekends and nights if I don't have too.

 

I did get mapsource loaded in Virtual PC and it runs great. However, I have not tried to upload or download from the etrex. I am sure this is where the problem would be. At least I have topo maps on my computer now for reference. Mine is the one that has the serial cable so if I get a USB to serial adapter I will try again and then explore some of the other mac options.

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It would pay for those of you who are new to this forum to at least skim the previous posts, as there is a wealth of good info & ideas presented in the past. Many of the frequent posters, including myself have successfully avoided the Virtual PC thing and have found fully satisfactory solutions outside of the Windoze trap.

Good advice but keep in mind VPC is the ONLY solution for mac owners (other than getting a cheap PC) to upload maps to your Garmin device.

 

I've been using VPC for several years now (first with my GPSV and now with my GPS 60CS). I've found it to be a great solution and relatively painless.

 

Uploading maps is a bit slow via USB/Serial adapter/cable but doable. (takes about 3 hours to fully load my GPS 60).

 

I simply select my maps and start uploading before going to bed or whatever. Everything is waiting for me when I wake up in the morning.

 

As for the user who is having problems installing Mapsource via VPC7 -- I've never encountered this problem. Have you tried installing an older rev from a MapSource CD first and then updating?

 

Mapsource has been really stable on my VPC. I should point out I use Wndows 2000 which is the best option for VPC. It's better optimized for emulation than the other window oses. (even Window 98 which runs much slower via VPC).

 

Looks like OSX is getting closer to being able to utilze Garmins with USB ports. 10.3.8 ALMOST got us there. I can use other programs with my Garmin USB port but not MapSource.

 

If Tiger gets it right VPC will a perfect solution.

 

Anyway, just wanted to post and say there are some of us who use VPC with our GPSr's and love it.

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