Connecting GPS with Computer

[Guest darkbodhi]

Hey all,

 

I just started geocaching for the first time two weeks ago with my new

Christmas toy, but have run into a problem downloading and uploading

waypoints from my computer to my GPS unit (and vice versa). I don't know if

anyone out there can help me with this (it is a fairly unique set up) but

I'll give it a try. First, a list of my components:

 

1) Computer: Macintosh G4/512MB RAM/60GB Hard Drive (Note: Only USB

available)

2) Operating Systems: OS 9.2/OS 10.1/Virtual PC 5.0 running Windows 98

3) GPS Unit: Garmin Venture with Serial Port cable

4) Connector: Keyspan Serial-to-USB converter cable

5) GPS Management Program: EasyGPS

 

Now the problem. I've installed Virtual PC 5.0 running Windows 98 on my Mac

and have successfully downloaded EasyGPS. At this point both products

appear to be working well and as advertised. Next, I've locked in the

Serial cable onto my Garmin and attached it to the Keyspan Serial-to-USB

converter and plugged that into my computer. I've tried receiving waypoints

from my Garmin using Easy GPS, but nothing is working. I'm not sure how to

set up everything so that they talk to each other properly. The Keyspan is

shown in Windows Device Manager to be on the COM3 port, but when I choose

COM3 in EasyGPS's preferences I get a message that no connection can be

found (and yes, the Garmin is on at the time). Virtual PC allows you to

configure COM1 and COM2 ports, but I don't see a way to point either one to

the Keyspan/Garmin (the only choice that shows up in the pull down menu is

Internal Modem with a place to Check "Non-Modem Device"--I've tried this

setting, but that hasn't worked either).

 

Has anyone else out there run into this issue? Any suggestions on how to

set everything correctly? I'm sure that I've seen references that this is

all supposed to work, but I'm clueless at this point as to how.

 

Thanks in advance for any help,

 

darkbodhi

[Guest darkbodhi]

O.K. Here we go. I finally figured it all out and it is now working the way it should. First and formost, I needed to download the Windows version of the driver/software for the Keyspan Serial-to-USB connector directly into Virtual PC Windows 98. Next I had to make sure that Serial Data Format in my Venture was set to "Garmin" (this is found under Main Menu-->Setup-->Interface). And finally (and also oddly enough) I had to TURN OFF the USB in Virtual PC. This forced the COM1 port to list the Keyspan Connector as a choice (along with Internal Modem). Also, I made sure that "Non-Modem Device" was also checked. Anyway, there it is. I am now merrily downloading and uploading waypoints from my Mac to my Garmin and vice-versa. Hope this is of help to others out there!

 

darkbodhi