etrex

[adminKeymaster]

Someone in our group got her very first GPS for her birthday from her favorite cachers. I picked up the data cable so we could download caches to it, using the easygps software. I cannot, however, get it to recognize the GPS. I get messages like “check wiring” or “GPS not connected or turned on” or something goofy like that. Yes, the GPS was connected, Yes it was turned on. I know it is not my computer because the data cable for my Magellan works fine.

Any suggestions?

I was hoping to have it tested so we could sent the cable with her this weekend so she would not have to enter each cache individually.

[kbrabandParticipant]

Others will have their data cables there this weekend. We will also have computers for downloading the coordinates. You could connect using someone else’s cable. If that works, you know the problem is with your cable.

[adminKeymaster]

I appreciate it. Hope you all have a great time. I would rather be caching myself.

[JeremyParticipant]

You may have the serial interface turned off on the unit or set to the wrong protocol. Go to the “Menu” page, then go to “Setup” and hit enter. From the “Setup” menu, go to “Interface” and hit enter.

Look at the I/O format. It should be “Garmin”… if it is None or some other type, change it. Try downloading the waypoints to the unit again… hopefully it works this time.

Note that in the Garmin units, disabling the serial port doesn’t reduce power consumption (that is, it doesn’t affect battery life), so I would just leave the serial interface enabled and set to “Garmin”.

[wzbt03Member]

The most likely reason is that one of your resident programs is using the port you need. Try turning everything off and see what happens. I know that my resident program for my palm pilot uses the same one and I always have to close it down first. I get the same messages you do if I don’t.

[MiataParticipant]

I go with jvechinski’s reply. If the serial port on the computer is working, then I would bet on the GPS’s setup.

[adminKeymaster]

Well, I tried all of those things, and got notta. Since Maryann will be at the registration desk with Trudy and the Beast, maybe someone could look at it for her.

[SnoshuMember]

I believe I’ve got an extra etrex cable around here. In the event that it turns out to be the problem, you could probably just have it…

It came with my Legend but, I ended up getting another one with the 12v supply.

Look me up at the campout if you find the problem is the cable..

Billy
Team Flushingrouse

[adminKeymaster]

I did not see your post before the camp out. I checked my computer, it downloads just fine to my gps. I checked the cigarette lighter adaptor, and got the light and the GPS showed the connection. Therefore, I figure the problem has to be in the part going from the junction to the computer. I tried several ports on my CPU and it did not work. I am going to take it back to the store and exchange it to see if a new one will work with my set up. By the way, she did download at the picnic and those cords worked fine. I guess it’s just me.

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