Topic
Garmin Geko 301 question
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › Garmin Geko 301 question
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Oct 27, 2013 at 9:29 pm #1309194
I recently purchased a Garmin Geko 301 off of Gear Swap. Awesome unit which has everything I need with the exception of a good way to connect to my Mac. The unit was sold with a Belkin USB to Serial adaptor. Unfortunately Belkin doesn't have a driver for Mac. I already have $55 invested into this GPS and accessories so I'm at the upper limit of what I want to spend on this unit already.
I'd be willing to bite the bullet and buy a Mac compatible adaptor but am concerned that there will be compatibility issues and then be out an additional $40.
The largest reason that I'm going through all this trouble is that I volunteer with SAR and would like to download GPX files and email it to our command center after a mission.
I really like this GPS and am not too concerned about upgrading to an Etrex whatever for maps, GLONASS, or WAAS but might just so I can access these GPX files.
Bottom line any BPL Mac users running OS X Lion 10.7.5 who are successfully downloading GPX files from a Geko and if so, how?
Oct 28, 2013 at 12:05 am #2038553I've connected a 201 (which I have since sold) to my Mac. I'll check on what cable/software I used and will post back.
Mike
Edit: I used a Serial-to-USB cable with a PL2303 chipset in it (ebay $7), a Garmin Serial etrex serial cable (ebay $10), and the LoadMyTracks software (http://www.cluetrust.com/loadmytracks.html).
I saw that there is now a combo USB/data cable for the 201/301 but I've never used it. http://is.gd/TvmOEK
Oct 28, 2013 at 5:23 am #2038563Are you using software to connect with the GPS? Or just hoping to drag the GPX files off?
Much of the time Macs don't need drivers. I have a Geko 301. I've never tried to connect it to my Mac, but I did some reading a while back and I thought the main hang up was the scarcity of programs that recognize the Geko.
The software MW refers to is a free small download, so I suggest downloading that and seeing if it works:
http://www.loadmytracks.comOct 28, 2013 at 6:30 am #2038570Mike,
I can't thank you enough! I appreciate you taking the time to share your insight.
Ian
Oct 28, 2013 at 6:32 am #2038573Hi Dan,
I'd be fine with just accessing the file itself but right now my hardware isn't compatible. I'd like to be able to upload waypoints from my Mac to the GPS but I can get by with just manually entering them into the GPS.
Thanks,
Ian
Edit: I was able to download loadmytracks. Thanks again you two as I was unfamiliar with this program.
Oct 31, 2013 at 6:07 pm #2039948Update for those who run into the same problem with their Mac/Geko:
I ended up ordering both the adaptor cable and the USB/data cable.
The USB/data cable showed up today http://is.gd/TvmOEK. Plugged it in without success. I ended up downloading a PL-2303 driver for the Mac, restarted the computer, and voila! MW I can't thank you enough for nudging me in the right direction!
I still have the USB/serial w/ PL-2303 chip coming so I can't speak how that works yet.
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:00 pm #2039970You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. :)
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:57 pm #2039979"but I did some reading a while back and I thought the main hang up was the scarcity of programs that recognize the Geko."
Dan,
I've been able to upload and download waypoints from caltopo with no problems so far.
Edit from googling, it sounds like they offer some layers for the Canadian Rockies but I haven't played around with them to see the extent of the coverage or how well they work.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.