GPS and laptop question please clarify

[latinoguy]

Ok,
So I am just waiting on a USB to Serial Port adapter to connect my Garmin Vista GPS to my laptop, which is loaded with Mapsource.

I know that you can upload topo maps to the GPS...
I also know that it is easier to make waypoints on the laptop ...and transfer to the GPS...

What I am unclear is WHEN and how often the tracks are downloaded from the GPS to the Laptop...Is is something that must be executed or does it happen automatically as long as the GPS is connected to the laptop? This is how the laptop's large screen adds value right? no need to look into the tiny GPS screen if you are connected? you can see where you are at all times on the laptop screen?

 

[rusty_tlc]

I'm not 100% sure on the Garmin SW but with the Magellen SW you hook up the GPS then run the map SW. Once the map SW is running you establish comm w/ the GPS. As long as the GPS is connected it will track your progress on-screen. Meanwhile the GPS retains all the track info in it's own memory until you clear it. That way if the notebook dies you still have the backtrack info in the GPS.

 

[bajaphile]

I'll have to check when I get home, but I am pretty certain about this.

When downloading TRACKS from the GPS to your PC, you'll need to obviously have the GPS unit connected, and Mapsource open. There is a menu which you can choose to either transfer the information from the GPS to the PC, or from the PC to the GPS. This will automatically transfer your Tracks to the Mapsource map.

You can save that track, then re-open it up in Mapsource the next time you want to either add to it or whatever.

So yes, a simple answer to your question is that you must "execute" the transfer within mapsource to get the data off the GPS and onto the PC/Mapsource.

 

[latinoguy]

Making progress....I called Garmin and talked to tech support..The suggestion was to downloand Nroute and sure enough in the Nroute screen once downloaded...I was able to see the cursor on my laptop screen, the location matching that of the GPS unit... (the only thing is the trip computer on Nroute will be different that the GPS unless you clear and start both at the same time...)
some stuff to figure out but I found my answer...
thank you!

 

[T Y L E R]

nRoute .. yes.

I run Mapsource and nRoute both.

I always enjoyed Mapsource, BUT if you update the software you will LOOSE the ability to realtime track. The GPS tab falls into some abyss. Sucks. So I keep a copy of the legacy version so I can continue tracking. nRoute was a pleasant surprise when I started playing with it. Much like Mapsource, but a fuller set of bells and whistles.


Once you get into it you find you want different GPS programs for different reasons. Personally I like to run several - STreets and Trips 2009, nRoute, Mapsource, Google Earth Pro.


I run them all simultaneously using the same Pharos 500 GPS signal via a great program called GPSGate. It simply creates virtual ports so your programs can find that signal. Even sends it out to Google Earth which is sweet. Cache an area you want before leaving for the day, and navigate via satellite once you get there.

And if you do update Mapsource, I think I remember there being a 'view in Google Earth' option in the menus. So map out a route .. then import the route to Google Earth. On teenie trails in the middle of nowhere, this has saved my ass in helping navigate out of the area. Google Earth will show you that bridge is actually long gone, where topo maps might not etc.


Enjoy!


TY