USB Connector

[TwoWheeledExplorer]

Fred or anyone,
Anybody know of a GPS that mounts on handlebars and connects to your computer with a USB port rather than a series port. My Garmin eTrex has a series connector and my laptop doesn't support it. I bought the Garmin because of the easy GPS bar mount.

Any ideas?
Hans

Minnesota Backcountry Trails
www.wintersnowtrails.org

[FredHiltz]

Hi Hans,

Most of the modern handhelds connect via USB, as far as I know. My 60CS does, and I know that all the 60 series and 76 series do. I use the 60CS on my road and mountain bikes almost daily. Several people have reported that the 76 series handlbar mount positions much of the case aft of the bar, where it hits your knees, especially when out of the saddle. One guy bought a secondary bar that clamps on the handlebar and put his 76CS on that to get it out of the way.

Fred

[JayH]

Have you tried a Serial to USB adaptor? My Etrex Vista connected via a 9-pin serial port but I know they make adaptors for it.  

Jay

[TwoWheeledExplorer]

That would hopefully be cheaper than buying a whole new GPS for use with my laptop.

Thanks,
Hans

Minnesota Backcountry Trails
www.wintersnowtrails.org

[JayH]

Hans, it should be much cheaper than a new GPS! :-)

I did look at Garmin's website for support about issues with a USB to Serial Adaptor, found this:

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 Q. I am using a USB to Serial Converter Cable to connect my unit to my PC and still cannot connect. What might be the problem?

A. What brand or manufacturer of cable are you using? Each brand requires it?s own special setup or drivers in order to create the virtual communications port. Check with your cable vendor or manufacturer to ensure proper installation of your cable drivers. If this is a Garmin cable, then you can use the CD that comes with the cable or contact Garmin Product Support for replacement drivers. Garmin cables require specific drivers to be installed and they will show up in your Device Manager under "ports" as a Serial to USB Port Com ?x?. When checking your port settings on your cable, MapSource and the Updater programs will only recognize ports 1 through 8.
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Garmin actually makes a USB to Serial adaptor, but it's costly:

http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10310%2D00

I believe you can probably buy a third- party adaptor from say a computer store by a reputable mfgr like Belkin or so for perhaps less...

Jay