Etrex Vista HCX USB issue.

[Braid Beards Gang]

I wonder if anyone can help me with this issue. I have a Garmin Vista HCX. When I connect the unit via the USB cable to my PC the unit shuts off and can not be turned back on until it is disconnected from my computer. The unit works regularly when not connected to my computer.

I recently cleared all information from the unit and was wondering if that could be the problem. If so, how can it be rectified.

Thanks in advance.

[Mister Greenthumb]

You’re a pirate, just go steal one from some other geocacher.

[CodeJunkie]

I have the eTrex Legend HCX, so I assume it pretty much the same. I always turn off the GPSr before connecting it to the USB cable. After it’s plugged in, then I turn it on.

Just looking at mine and doing a little playing it sounds like it might be in “Mass Storage Mode”. When I put it in this mode the screen changes to a device / pc connection image. To get out of this just press the power / light level button once like you were changing the light level (while it’s plugged into the PC) and it will switch from “Mass Storage Mode” back to normal mode.

[Braid Beards Gang]

I received an e-mail from Garmin support today. This is a common problem with this unit. It is too old to return and I don’t want to pay to have it repaired. I guess I am manually entering coordinates until I follow MR. G’s advice.

Might be time for a shiny new Delorme.

[CodeJunkie]

I just stumbled on the following suggestion tonight.

Try a hard reset on the GPS.

With the unit turned off, press and hold PAGE + Enter on the click stick. Then press and release the POWER. The unit will power up asking if you want to release all user data. Select yes, and the unit will be reset. After the master reset, place your unit outside, so that it has a clear view of the sky for 25 to 30 minutes for the unit to acquire new almanac data.

Other suggestions included:
1) Fresh new batteries
2) Ensuring the USB port is “powered” and not passive.
3) Using a “Garmin” cable instead of a standard usb cable.

[JBase]

The Garmin cable may do the trick. If I use the Garmin cable with my cell phone I cannot access the SD card in my phone. Something is different with the wiring configuration in the Garmin cable.

It’s worth a try?

[Author]

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