importing AC waypoint files

[smf]

i have downloaded the AC waypoint files for the transam route to my computer and am now stuck at figuring out how to import these to the mapsource program on my computer.  i have read through the AC gps guide on the website but hope that i am just missing a simple step here.  thanks for any tips!

sue

[ptaylor]

Hi smf. Welcome to the forum.

I think, as you suggested, you are missing something simple, but have no idea what it may be. The ACA gives you several file formats for all the worlds users, and this my be throwing you a curve. Try them all if you are unsure.

If you still have no success, give us your specific problem. Fred Hiltz, the guru of GPS can probably help, if I can't.

Paul

[smf]

Thanks for your reply Paul.  A friend told me that i need to install POI loader software from the Garmin website to do this.  I'm not convinced however - it seems that this step would be included in the AC gps guide if this was the case.  i did note the 3 different file formats - in my case i am using Garmin mapsource so i will use the ones with the mps extension - correct?  What i seem to be missing is the step that says to load the files into the gps data program.  i assume this means when i transfer the files i want to use into the mapsource program on my computer.  Then i will build the routes and transfer them to the gps.

i'll keep tinkering - thanks again!

sue

[FredHiltz]

Hi Sue,

Garmin's POI loader would do no harm, but it has a different job: loading files that contain points of interest like restaurants and museums. You do not need it for the ACA waypoint files.

MapSource is your GPS data program. Just open one of the .MPS files in MapSource. You will see all the waypoints and sample routes there, from which you can build your own routes as described in the User Guide.

Here's a hint. Open two instances of MapSource, then copy and paste waypoints and routes from the ACA data in one instance to your personal collection in the other.

The Transfer menu handles the transfer to your GPS receiver.

Please write back if you get stuck.

Fred

[smf]

Fred,

Got it!!  Thanks!  This is great - a bit more tinkering and i'll get it mastered.

sue

[Cupocoffee]

Hi Sue. While riding the TA last year I used a program called Easy GPS. I used a Garmin GPS with their mapsource software. You have to have a program to upload the waypoints to your GPS. Once I finally learned how to do it, it was a lifesaver. You can get the program free at http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tg=dl-20&qt=easygps&tag=srch . My GPS is pretty old and has little memory so I could only load a couple of states at a time. If you have a newer GPS you can probably put all the different states in at once, which would be much better. I carried my laptop on my trip so I was able to upload the different states as needed. As good as the ACA maps are, there are times when you just might get confused by the mapsand it is good to be able to turn on your GPS and see exactly where you are and where you need to go. You absolutely cannot go wrong if you have the waypoints loaded and they are a fabulous addition to the ACA maps. I rarely used my GPS out west but the more east I got, the more I used it. It is well worth your time. You will need to load the files into Easy GPS, THEN upload them to your GPS. One thing I should note ... there are a lot of places on the map sets and the waypoints which are no longer in business but probably 90% of them are. Plus, there are a lot of new places which are not on the maps or waypoints. I also only turned my GPS on as needed to save batteries. Good luck!!!
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