Mac to Garmin eTrex

Question

Level 1

22 points

Mac to Garmin eTrex

Sorry, several questions in one here!

Anyone transferring data from their Mac to a Garmin eTrex? (The basic yellow one in my case.)

To plan a route I can manually enter waypoints read from a paper map into the eTrex but it's a long slow process. Is there any software which allows typing the name & co-ordinates on the Mac and then uploading it?

Some software I've found seems geared to transferring files in a specific format, (GPX?) but if I go this route, how do I create these files on a Mac? (If I use map software, I need it for walking or cycling in UK so need 1:25000 maps.)

I assume I have to buy the Garmin eTrex to Serial connector and attach that to the Keyspan Serial to USB connector (which I already have).

PowerMac G5 DC 2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on May 20, 2007 9:57 AM

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Answer 1

A A P L

Level 7

21,764 points

May 20, 2007 10:09 AM in response to macfan7

I have a Garmin Nüvi 660, and they do have Mac (beta) software now, but I am unfamiliar with your device.
Check Garmin's site, and goto versiontracker.com - there are lots of things there for GPS devices - I've not used anything but the Garmin software myself to date.

Scott

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Answer 2

macfan7 Author

Level 1

22 points

May 20, 2007 10:13 AM in response to A A P L

I looked on the Garmin site and got the impression that the software was :

a) Only for updating the OS of the Garmin (mine is up to date)

b) Only for USB devices - mine is serial.

I'd be happy if you tell me this is not the case.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 20, 2007 10:29 AM in response to A A P L

The new Mac software from Garmin doesn't work on older devices like the eTrek, unfortunately. I have one, too. Apparently the software only works on their "current" line of products.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 20, 2007 10:33 AM in response to macfan7

Garmin's software for the Mac won't work with the eTrek. However, I can highly recommend the shareware MacGPS Pro from James Associates.

You will need the serial cable and Keyspan adapter (be sure it's not the one specifically for PDAs.) James Associates sells the cables (may sell the Keyspan adapters, too.)

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Answer 5

macfan7 Author

Level 1

22 points

May 20, 2007 12:10 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks Kappy.

Looking at MacGPS Pro it seems a bit of overkill for what I need, but if that's all there is...

Keyspan - how do I tell? (It's a USA-19QW) I bought this when I first had a Mac (2002) and needed to link to a serial PDA so it may be the wrong one.

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 20, 2007 2:58 PM in response to macfan7

I'm not sure. I believe Keyspan has some info at their site that tells you which of the older "19Q" models were specifically for PDAs - Qw or Qi. I have both at home but right now I'm 3600 miles from there! If you bought it for use with a PDA then it's probably not going to work with the eTrek.

MacGPS Pro is not the only choice you have. It's simply the best of breed in my opinion. In fact there are quite a few options some of which are freeware. Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate. A recent item includes Automator scripts to use with one of them.

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Answer 7

macfan7 Author

Level 1

22 points

May 20, 2007 3:04 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks again.

The Keyspan site suggests the USA-19QW has been replaced by the USA-19HS but has a new driver which seems to cover both. As I already have it, it's worth a try.

I started on Version Tracker and unless I've missed the point, most apps seemed to want to transfer a file and not allow me to input co-ordinates. I'll probably just go with MacGPS Pro.

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Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 20, 2007 3:37 PM in response to macfan7

I've only used MacGPS Pro. I bought it when I bought my eTrek about 4 or 5 years ago. My wife now has a car with a navigation system installed so the eTrek is gathering dust. I know that Garmin has released a couple of updates since I purchased the eTrek but I have no idea how to update mine. I would need a "real" PC running Windows. It would be cheaper to buy a newer Garmin device! But I really don't need one. My wife may be directionally challenged, but I know how to read a map and ask for directions!!

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Answer 9

macfan7 Author

Level 1

22 points

May 20, 2007 3:43 PM in response to Kappy

LOL!

I actually want to use it for cycling. Maps are O.K. but they're tricky to handle on a bike - they keep blowing back into your face and obscuring your vision 😉

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Answer 10

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 20, 2007 3:54 PM in response to macfan7

Yes, that's true but think of the challenge. 😉 Perhaps you need one of those handle-bar gadgets with a windshield and map clip. Or go high tech - a full-blown HUD!

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