Garmin GPS - Real-time Tracking Isn't Working

Author

Real-time Tracking Isn't Working

phboss

2006-04-10, 5:48 am

Hi:

I'm having trouble getting my device to do a real-time track with
MapSource and CitySelect.

I have a new 76CSx handset. It appears to connect to my PC through the
USB connector. I can see it in the hardware manager. I can upload
maps from CitySelect to the handset.

In MapSource, I can read the handset's ID. I can also select the
device. When I select the "Start Tracking" button, nothing seems
to happen. The status seems to stick in "Trying Gamin Format".
The status doesn't switch between Garmin and NMEA.

On the GPS, in the Setup->Interface menu, the handset shows that it is
"Connected". It also lists a baud rate of 4800 (which I don't
think is relevant).

I've set the GPS's Serial Data Format to both"GARMIN" and
"NMEA In/NMEA Out" and the behaviour doesn't change at all.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I should try next? It almost seems
like the GPS isn't transmitting data. Hopefully I've just missed a
setting somewhere :)

peter

2006-04-10, 5:48 am

phboss wrote:
> I'm having trouble getting my device to do a real-time track with
> MapSource and CitySelect.

Which version of the MapSource program are you using? The latest
versions no longer support real-time tracking since Garmin now offers
the free nRoute program (downloadable from their website) to perform
that function. And the older versions that did support real-time
tracking may not fully support the USB interface on your 76CSx.

I'd suggest updating your MapSource and downloading the latest nRoute
version. Also be sure you have the latest USB drivers.
>
> I have a new 76CSx handset. It appears to connect to my PC through the
> USB connector. I can see it in the hardware manager. I can upload
> maps from CitySelect to the handset.
>
> In MapSource, I can read the handset's ID. I can also select the
> device. When I select the "Start Tracking" button, nothing seems
> to happen. The status seems to stick in "Trying Gamin Format".
> The status doesn't switch between Garmin and NMEA.
>
> On the GPS, in the Setup->Interface menu, the handset shows that it is
> "Connected". It also lists a baud rate of 4800 (which I don't
> think is relevant).
>
> I've set the GPS's Serial Data Format to both"GARMIN" and
> "NMEA In/NMEA Out" and the behaviour doesn't change at all.

The Garmin receivers don't send NMEA protocol over USB so this isn't
surprising. To get NMEA you need to use the optional RS-232 cable that
fits in the round connector.

Phil Wheeler

2006-04-10, 5:48 pm

phboss wrote:
> Hi:
>
> I'm having trouble getting my device to do a real-time track with
> MapSource and CitySelect.
>
> I have a new 76CSx handset. It appears to connect to my PC through the
> USB connector. I can see it in the hardware manager. I can upload
> maps from CitySelect to the handset.
>
> In MapSource, I can read the handset's ID. I can also select the
> device. When I select the "Start Tracking" button, nothing seems
> to happen. The status seems to stick in "Trying Gamin Format".
> The status doesn't switch between Garmin and NMEA.
>
> On the GPS, in the Setup->Interface menu, the handset shows that it is
> "Connected". It also lists a baud rate of 4800 (which I don't
> think is relevant).
>
> I've set the GPS's Serial Data Format to both"GARMIN" and
> "NMEA In/NMEA Out" and the behaviour doesn't change at all.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas on what I should try next? It almost seems
> like the GPS isn't transmitting data. Hopefully I've just missed a
> setting somewhere :)
>

If you want to follow maps on-screen in a PC, Mapsource is not the
program to use. Download nRoute from Garmin.

Phil

phboss

2006-04-10, 5:48 pm

Thanks Guys:

I loaded nRoute, and I was still having issues. The GPS was acquiring
adequate siganls from 5 satellites, but the nRoute software did not
receive this information. It said that it was only seeing 1 satellite.

I downloaded the firmware update for the 76CSx (not expecting antything
good), and the first item in the release note was "Improves
communications with nRoute software". After updating the handset from
firmware version 2.50 to 2.60, everything appears to be fine.....

Thanks for all of your help.

JG

Phil Wheeler

2006-04-10, 5:48 pm

phboss wrote:
> Thanks Guys:
>
> I loaded nRoute, and I was still having issues. The GPS was acquiring
> adequate siganls from 5 satellites, but the nRoute software did not
> receive this information. It said that it was only seeing 1 satellite.
>
>
> I downloaded the firmware update for the 76CSx (not expecting antything
> good), and the first item in the release note was "Improves
> communications with nRoute software". After updating the handset from
> firmware version 2.50 to 2.60, everything appears to be fine.....
>

Good to know those updates actually do something (sometimes!)

geo.croft@gmail.com

2006-04-12, 5:48 pm

Your MAPS need to be installed on your PC. Your GPS reads its loaded
maps to give you the tracking. If you are connected to a PC, then your
GPS becomes only a ssensing device and your maps must be on your PC.

There is a special way to copy the maps from the CD's to the PC and
have them work properly. COPY each map CD entirely to a fresh
folder... then RE-INSTALL the Mapsource program and maps from the new
location. That way, the program now looks for the maps on the PC hard
drive instead of the CD's.

Next time you boot up with the GPS properly connected, you should be
real time tracking.

TexGEOas

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