Hi, I'm trying to upload maps from Mapsource/Basecamp to a microSDHC card in my brand new Etrex Vista HCx. As you can see in the attached screenshot, the Vista is recognized by Mapsource.
But when I click in the 'device' box, the SD card doesn't appear like its supposed to. The same thing happens in Basecamp/MapInstall, plus Basecamp doesn't show the SD card as a Removable Storage Device (see attached). As an alternative, I removed the SD card, put it in a USB card reader, and Mapsource & MapInstall both recognized the card. I was then able to select map tiles/segments and upload a gmapsupp.img file. The maps are now usable on the Vista. I can also query the card status to see how much memory is being used, etc. I also found out I can leave the SD card in the Vista, then its the menu to put it into a 'USB mode' where Mapsource see's the card as if its in a card reader.
I was able to upload maps this way too. So I know the SD card is working with the Vista plus Mapsource/MapInstall can see the card as a mass storage device. The question is, why doesn't Mapsource and MapInstall see the SD card when its trying to communicate in a non-mass storage mode???
Every tutorial and guide I've read says this mode is supposed to work to. Could this be some kind of Garmin USB driver issue? Perhaps 64-bit isn't supported? I also just noticed that Mapsource says no USB drivers are installed (see attached). Here are details: - Running latest versions of Mapsource 6.16.3 and Basecamp 3.2.2 - Running latest firmware on the Vista HCx per WebUpdater. PC is running Windows 7 x64 (64-bit). Transcend 4GB microSDHC, class 6 with factory FAT32 formatting.
Map is Garmin Topo US 2008. Install/update order was Mapsource first, then Basecamp. Thanks for any help, I've spent hours trying to figure this one out. The Vista HCx needs to have the (PC) Interface mode switched from 'Garmin' to 'USB Mass Storage' to access the SD card. When that's done, not only is the card accessible by Windows Explorer, its.also. visible from within Mapsource and Basecamp.
But accessing internal memory and the SD card is an either or thing, can't see both at the same time. It makes sense now, but wasn't clear after checking out these links: What was confusing is the last link shows Basecamp attached to a Dakota where both the Dakota and its SD card are visible at the same time. That's what I was expecting with my Vista HCx but I guess it doesn't work the same as the Dakota. Well, just to confuse the issue a little more, if your Vista is the same as my Legend, there isn't really any PC-accessible internal memory. I'm not sure how to explain that so it's clear. If you look at the product specs on Garmin's site it says 'Built-in memory: No'. That means a couple of things.
First, you cannot store maps on the internal memory. Second, the internal memory is not accessible via USB Mode. That doesn't mean the eTrex has no internal memory. But it's only used for the GPS operational functions and is not usable for anything else like storing maps and such. You need to add a microSD card for all of that. Perhaps an example will help clarify. If I install an SD card in my Nuvi and connect it to the PC in USB mode I will see two removable drives added to my PC.
One drive is the PC-accessible internal memory; the other is the SD card. If there is enough room, I can add maps and other stuff to the portion of the Nuvi's internal memory that shows up as a removable drive. I can't do any of that with my Legend HCx. It all has to go on the microSD card. The tech specs on the Dakota say that there is 850MB of available internal memory.
That means it will work like the Nuvi (e.g. It has PC-accessible internal memory that will show up as a removable drive) not like an eTrex.ken. I agree its a little confusing, but those are great comments. On the one hand, the internal memory is accessible in the (albeit limited) sense that the user can access tracks and transfer them to the PC. Enable The Console.
But on the other hand, maps can't be added to the internal memory so in that sense, its not accessible. I must say, I'm really liking my new Vista HCx. First GPSr I've ever owned (although I've used commercial GPS cards at work from Meinberg and Symmetricom). Garmin Communicator adds some nice web integration and I like the Mapsource/Basecamp integration with Google Earth. Routing on routable maps is a nice bonus for travel although I'll use mine mostly for hiking. Kudos to thegpsstore.com for offering rock bottom pricing (got it for almost what Costco is selling the Summit for). Now I must learn about map making as I can't afford all those 24K topo's!
Too bad Etrex doesn't support Garmin's custom map feature, but can't have it all at this price level. It is ignorance (the dictionary definition, not a judgement) that results in basemaps or POIs getting overwritten. The only way a basemap will get 'overwritten' is if you use Windows Explorer to copy another file with the same name over it. If you do this, Windows Explorer will always ask if you want to overwrite the file with the same name. (Basemaps are named GMAPBMAP.IMG.) In other words, you have to intentionally shoot yourself in the foot.
It can't happen by accident or invisibly. When you 'upload' a map from Mapsource or Basecamp's MapInstall, you are actually transfering it to the unit.
The map file that is created on the unit by Mapsource or MapInstall when you transfer map data is named GMAPSUPP.IMG. When they do the transfer, they will create a new GMAPSUPP.IMG on the unit and overwrite the old one. They will do this without notifying you or asking your permission because they assume you know what you are doing. This is not always a safe assumption, I think. This means you can never 'add' more map data to an existing detail map on your unit. You need to use Mapsource or MapInstall to re-select all of the original map pieces plus the new ones you want to 'add' and ask it to transfer the entire package again. Detail maps contain POI data as well as roadmap data so when you try to 'add' only new pieces instead of transferring the entire package again, the POI data in the original GMAPSUPP.IMG is lost and you only have the POI data for the new piece(s) you tried to 'add'.
If you use Garmin's POILoader to create your own custom POIs, it will use a default filename of POI.GPI and will automatically overwrite any existing file of the same name without notifying you or asking your permission. It also assumes you know what you are doing. I hope that helps a little.ken. Yes, that makes sense. I've always thought of gmapsupp.img as a designated cache file. I didn't know about POI.GPIU but it sounds like it should be treated the same way.
On my Vista HCx, gmapbmap.img would have to be stored in the non-volatile (e.g. Flash) portion of internal memory. And since Mapsource/Basecamp can't even access internal memory for transfering maps (only for moving tracks/waypoints/routes back and forth), it makes sense gmapbmap.img can't get overwritten.
Did a little more reading - many of the folks alluding to overwritten basemaps seem to have ended up here (a problem with the older POI list for the Legend's basemap being in accessible internal memory): Are there any other interesting file names used by Garmin in the Etrex series? It would be nice if there was a wiki somewhere with this info but I've not found.
Updates & Downloads eTrex Vista HCx software version 3.20 as of December 3, 2009 (2.05 MB) Change History Changes made from version 3.10 to 3.20:. Fix shutdown issue when press menu key at first power on with 100% backlight setting. Fix minutes to hours roll over issue.
Changes made from version 3.00 to 3.10:. Fix potential lock up when SD card installed. Fix the contour data intermittently drawing over interstates of Topo Map. Improve the blue shading color when using the setting 'Marine colors' in Daytime display mode. Correct the brightness can't move over 50% in eTrex Vista HCx.
Correct upside down direction of vertical speed. Fix incorrect highlight index at unit field in 'Area Calculation' page after select reset in menu. Changes made from version 2.80 to 3.00:. Correct time scale of altimeter chart. Add support for maps greater than 2 GB. Modify track log function for steady barometer output at power on. Changes made from version 2.70 to 2.80:.
Fix 'Highway Page' shutdown issue with menu key operation. Correct power-on failure issue. Changes made from version 2.60 to 2.70:. Improve distance calculation in odometer. Fix system freeze issue. Fix shutdown issue when browse detail map. Correct user grid.
Disable route calculation icon when GPS is off. Changes made from version 2.50 to 2.60:. Correct German translation of 'delete all waypoints'. Fix data card unlock failure when 2 cards of the same map set are used in one device. Improve sun times for polar regions. Fix issue where ETA in non motor vehicle modes can be unreasonably short. Increase precision of distance measurement to the cursor on the map page.
Allow backlight adjustment on the track back point selection page. Fix shutdown when editing Estonian Grid coordinates. Correct daylight saving time for New Zealand. Improve selection of the names of cross roads with NT maps. Correct potential shutdown when viewing a vertical profile. Correct European word translation of 'Find' and 'Mark'.
Support multiple languages in American version. Fix screen fading issue in cold temperature. Correct total ascent calculation.
Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx Usb Driver
Correct direction symbol of vertical speed. Fix reboot issue of GPS firmware update.
Correct battery issue of lithium battery. Changes made from version 2.40 to 2.50:. Removed the turn backlight on action when unit is initially powered on. Changes made from version 2.30 to 2.40:. Fix compass hint message issue when compass turn off.
Changed odometer calculation to more closely match track log distance. Change number of lines of text in the address field on map feature review page from 4 to 6.
Limit number of custom POI bitmaps to 64 to ensure enough memory resources. Added better compatibility with Mac computers in USB mass storage mode.
Tuneup utilities 2008 archive rar. It takes a long time to shut Windows down.
Improved pedestrian route calculation for shortest distance method. Changed datum used in the SWEREF 99TM grid from GEONAD83 to GEONONEGRS80. Changed datum used in the Estonian grid from GEONAD83 to GEONONEGRS80. Fix potential shutdown when using TOPO West 1999. Fix potential shutdown on track setup for data card when track log files have long file names.
Corrected French translation for 'Log track points'. Improve track log recording for sensor products to continue recording sensor data even when GPS doesn't have a fix. Fix potential shutdown when propagating in a cul-de-sac across a map boundary. Add A905/D900 unlock code communication protocol. Make route recalculation on MPC maps behave like City Navigator maps. Fix second power on issue. Fix WebUpdater issue of GPS firmware.
Changes made from version 2.20 to 2.30:. Fixed Swiss grid issue. Fixed postcode issue with CNE v.9 NT. Added hint message when the E-compass of the unit has never been calibrated successfully by user.
Change 'Lithium Ion' text to 'Lithium' Installation Instructions. It is recommended that you disable screen savers or other programs running on your PC while you go through the update process. Disruptions to the update process may render your GPS inoperable. If the transfer is interrupted, turn off the GPS and then turn it back on. Reboot your PC, go to step #9 and attempt the download again. GARMIN is not responsible for failed downloads of operating software to the GPS and factory resetting the GPS unit will fall under our Flat Rate Repair Policy. Click on 'Download' and choose to save the file to your computer.
Choose a location where you can easily locate the file by saving it to a location such as the 'My Documents' folder or to 'C: '. Once the download is complete, go to the location where you saved the file. Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it. This will launch the Win-Zip Self Extractor. This program compresses the data to allow for a faster download of the needed files. A program window will appear asking you where to 'Un-zip' the files. This is by default C: Garmin.
You can change this location if you like. Be sure to note where the un-zipped files are going to allow you to find them!. Click on the button labeled 'Un-zip'. Once the un-zip process is complete, click on the 'Close' button to exit the Win-Zip Self Extractor.
Connect your GPS to your computer using a GARMIN PC Interface cable to an open USB port. Turn the GPS on. If your computer asks for a driver, please see the software and installation instructions that came with your device, or download and install the USB driver from Garmin's website at www.garmin.com. Open the C: Garmin folder (or other folder where you un-zipped the files), locate the file named 'Updater' and double click on it. You should see the name of your GPS device next to the 'USB Device' option on the Updater program window. Select the 'USB Device' option, then click on 'OK' on the Updater program window to start the data transfer.
System requirements. IBM-compatible PC running Windows 7 SP1 or later operating system and an available USB port.
Ideal for serious hikers and climbers, the rugged eTrex Vista H features a high-sensitivity receiver, detailed basemap, barometric altimeter, electronic compass and 24 megabytes (MB) of internal memory for extra data storage. Enjoy Clear Reception With its high-sensitivity, -enabled GPS receiver, eTrex Vista H locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Vista H to help you find your way when you need it the most. Get Your Bearings The Vista H has a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even while you're standing still, and its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
Add More Detail The Vista's basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, major routes, railways and coastlines. And, with Vista's extra 24 MB of memory and USB port, you can download even more map detail with data from Garmin's entire line of MapSource® mapping products. General Physical dimensions 2.0' x 4.4' x 1.2' (5.1 x 11.2 x 3.0 cm) Weight 5.3 oz (150 g) with batteries IPX7 Battery 2 AA batteries (not included) Display type 4 level gray LCD Display size 1.1' x 2.1' (2.8 x 5.4 cm) Display resolution 160 x 288 pixels Battery life 18 hours Memory/History 24 MB High-sensitivity receiver Interface USB Maps & Memory Ability to add maps Basemap Waypoints/favorites/locations 1000 Routes 20 Track log 10,000 points, 20 saved tracks Sensors Barometric altimeter Compass Outdoor Recreation Features Area calculation Hunt/fish calendar Sun and moon information.
WebUpdater Update your device software with WebUpdater, a free application that lets you check for and install software updates without using an Internet web browser. How does WebUpdater work?
First, and install WebUpdater. Once installed, connect your device to your computer and run WebUpdater. It will help you download and install software updates on your device.
Once you have successfully located the button, press and release it. Wall mounted garage door openers. • Press and release button. On your MyQ control panel, just lift the push bar and search for the learn button. On a commercial door opener or, the learn button is found on the control board with an LED light beside it.
WebUpdater updates most products, excluding Palm and Pocket PC devices, fixed-mount marine devices, chartplotters, fishfinders and certain discontinued devices we no longer support. It does not perform Beta updates. WebUpdater only updates unit software.