Garmin question AC/PC adapter

FREESPOOL · Apr-29-2007, 04:24 PM

I just finished installing my new 498 chartplotter/ff that I got from boatersworld for $480 w/ducer.Anyhow I am getting ready to fill it up with waypoints,spots ect-has anyone used the pc adapter to load their gps with #s? I want to know if it is way easier/faster than putting them in using the gps buttons. Any info would be appreciated. thanks,JIM

Swazi · Apr-29-2007, 04:33 PM

I use my PC to add most of my waypoints. Way easier and faster.
You can also share your waypoint files with friends through e-mail.

Do the newer Garmin units come with software for uploading to the unit?
I use the Blue Chart Software.

FREESPOOL · Apr-29-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swazi

I use my PC to add most of my waypoints. Way easier and faster.
You can also share your waypoint files with friends through e-mail.

Do the newer Garmin units come with software for uploading to the unit?
I use the Blue Chart Software.

Thanks Tim-and NO software with the unit,thats the way they get more $$$$$ from dumb ass fisherman

Drydocked · Apr-30-2007, 07:34 AM

I don't have a Garmin unit, but just a thought - the PC is a quick way to back up all those waypoints after you enter them, if your unit does not have a removable memory card.

Depending on the unit, you might lose the waypoints when you send it in for service, if you have a major hardware failue, or if the unit is stolen.

jiminoc · Apr-30-2007, 08:43 AM

I LOVE this feature about my garmin. The night before a trip I'll get on the puter, check all the boards, check the temps, check the weather and click on all my points for the next day. Quick uploaded through the usb uploader and I'm done.

The best part is coming back and viewing all your data about your last trip so you can compare against other trips.

cvjarrod · Apr-30-2007, 03:37 PM

You can wire that unit into a serial cable and use it on any computer. I use it with a laptop and only put in a short cord. It makes it real easy to interface with the unit without taking it out of the boat. It's also a solution that will cost less than $5.00 for the wiring.

If you have a desktop computer, you can either use a really long serial cable (cheapest), or pay for the Garmin adapter or memory card/reader.

First thing you should do when you get setup is upgrade the software on the unit.

Good luck.

jiminoc · Apr-30-2007, 08:37 PM

yea good call, you literally have to upgrade the software if you want to transfer data back and fourth.

horn toad · Apr-30-2007, 08:50 PM

I just set up a Garmin 3006c with Mapsource and a data card reader...Data card reader is worth it for transfering waypoints, routes, active tracks between PC and unit, as well as, transferring waypoints and such between different units (i.e. you and any garmin using buddies). You can even just email waypoint files as attachments and load them in with the card reader. There are even other benefits too. There are several free GPS waypoint transfer programs and well as GPS related file conversion tools. With these tools you can transfer waypoints, etc. between all different types of GPS manufacturers and file formats. I actually used Google Earth to make some waypoints for Baja and converted them into .gpx file and loaded them into my Garmin

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HT