MAC user needs Garmin help

[Schattenjager]

I want to hook up my Garmin 60CSX to my MacBook Pro. My ultimate needs are quite simple - up/download waypoints, see my tracks on a map on the Mac, and save various points of interest. Maybe even integrate Google Earth.

Is there an application that can do this that does not require Automator, or code breaking, or NASA level hacking?

:088:

[gjackson]

Yep. MacGPS Pro. www.macgpspro.com.

You can even calibrate your own maps. The current version 7.1 is a universal binary so it will work well with intel macs. Just check on compatibility with your garmin before you get it. It does do NEMA in/out, so it will com with most Garmins.

cheers

[Schattenjager]

Thanks for the rapid reply! If I go that way - will I need a special cable or can I use the Garmin USB to USB mini cable? THe 60CSX has a mini port as well as the big port.

Your help is appreciated!

:coffee:

[Desertdude]

There is also a yahoo user group - Macmap (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/macmap/) tons of great info on connectivity

[gjackson]

If your Garmin has a serial com, then you will need a serial to USB converter. I've been using Keyspan, and it has worked very well!

cheers

[Schattenjager]

It has both - the four prong serial and the mini usb... do I have to use the serial?

[SinCity4r]

http://www.macgpspro.com/html/newhtml/macgpspro/faq.html#60CS

loadmytracks (http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html) is a free option, however it doesn't allow you to author tracks on your computer, only up/download.

[Desertdude]

Someone posted a how to here (http://www.bensinclair.com/article/how-to-use-a-garmin-gps-with-your-mac?printer=2)

[Schattenjager]

Perfect - thanks for the info!!!

[KMR]

Schattenjager, I am in exactly the same boat as you. What a nasty surprise to get a brandy new GPS and realize it does not work with a Mac!

Have you guys purchased MacGPS Pro?
Is it worth it?
It seems to have way more features than the free options I have been able to find. Is it the only option?
Thanks,
Kevin R.

[geodasher]

Schattenjager, I am in exactly the same boat as you. What a nasty surprise to get a brandy new GPS and realize it does not work with a Mac!

Have you guys purchased MacGPS Pro?
Is it worth it?
It seems to have way more features than the free options I have been able to find. Is it the only option?.
Most Garmins work fine with a Mac. The only thing you can't do without Windows is create a mapset using Garmin's proprietary MapSource. Garmin promised Mac support a year ago but has been dragging their feet.

There are several ways to transfer data via the USB cable, including mounting the memory card (for the x-series Garmins) on the desktop. For simple waypoint transfer the free app MacGPSbabel does the job in fine style. For tracking yourself in real-time on topo maps buy a copy of MacGPS Pro--pretty good product with excellent support and reasonably frequent updates.

Other options that might be suitable depending on exactly what you want to do are Google Earth Plus and National Geographic TOPO! Or you might want to wait for the promising RouteBuddy to evolve into a more complete navigation tool. Finally, if you have a boat get the excellent GPSNavX.

[KMR]

Hey, thanks for the additional info.
I am crossing my fingers on the Garmin stuff and planning on getting the GPSmap program if they don't come through soon.

I would just really like to load some maps on my GPS.

And, welcome to Portal. :sombrero:

[Schattenjager]

Glad to see some activity on this thread again - I have yet to find something as user friendly as the Garmin stuff. I just might buy an el cheapo laptop, but man - that burns...

[Schattenjager]

Anyone use the National Geographic TOPO? This look s great and it is Mac friendly! :

http://www.gpsnow.com/wftstates.htm

[Tucson T4R]

I use NG Topo for Arizona all the time. Obviously you can't load their maps directly into the Garmin GPS but NG Topo has a lot of great features and detail. It works well with Garmin as far as transfering waypoints, tracks, and routes back and forth. It also has a nice 3D fly over feature that is pretty cool. The detail is true 7.5 degree which is a lot more map detail than the Garmin Mapsource topo maps.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m125/bgarland40/SampleCopperCreek.jpg

[DesertRose]

I'm still trying to sort out how all this works, but I wanted to see if I have the plan right for trying to utilize GPS on my Mac to record waypoints and information in Kenya for one of our projects - a cool self-drive safari adventure program in the heart of Maasailand!

- I have the use of a loaner Garmin GPS III; will be working on getting a donation of a newer one.

- I need a USB-serial conversion cable. May have one, but can get one via CompUSA.

- I need something for the Mac for viewing maps, planning routes, and storing my data. Is this MacGPSPro? [Garmin supposedly will have an OSX MapSource this summer but I can't wait on that.]

- I need something for uploading and downloading data because MacGPSPro won't do this. Is this right? Do I use GPSBabel? This is where I get lost.

Thanks for any info on planning this.

Oh - I have G4 Powerbook (PowerPC) 1GB - and please, don't suggest I run a Windows emulator for MapSource. I just can't do it!

[Tucson T4R]

I can't help much with the MAC specific questions since I'm a Windows kinda guy but.... If there is anyway you can get the newer model Garmin GPS receivers you will be much happier. I suggest either the Map76CSX or Map60CSX which are identical in function, just in different packaging. Both of these have mini USB ports so you can direct attach via USB without the slower serial conversion. Also the newer units now have greatly improved SiRF III chipsets in them that have receivers that are many times more sensitive than the previous technology.

If you want to post your Mac/Garmin questions or just browse this website is loaded with GPS gurus.....even some that speak MAC.:shakin:

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=161510&hl=MAC

[GeoRoss]

I'm still trying to sort out how all this works, but I wanted to see if I have the plan right for trying to utilize GPS on my Mac to record waypoints and information in Kenya for one of our projects - a cool self-drive safari adventure program in the heart of Maasailand!

- I have the use of a loaner Garmin GPS III; will be working on getting a donation of a newer one.

- I need a USB-serial conversion cable. May have one, but can get one via CompUSA.

- I need something for the Mac for viewing maps, planning routes, and storing my data. Is this MacGPSPro? [Garmin supposedly will have an OSX MapSource this summer but I can't wait on that.]

- I need something for uploading and downloading data because MacGPSPro won't do this. Is this right? Do I use GPSBabel? This is where I get lost.

Thanks for any info on planning this.

Oh - I have G4 Powerbook (PowerPC) 1GB - and please, don't suggest I run a Windows emulator for MapSource. I just can't do it!

DR, you are partly incorrect on MacGPSPro. While you cannot download maps to a Garmin unit with MacGPSPro (you can only do this with Garmin software even w/ a PC), you can upload and download waypoints, routes as well as satellite constellation data. It is very easy to work with and very stable. One of the things I really like about it is how easy it is to geo-rectify any tiff.

If you need to be able to see real-time map information, you will either need to be able to download the maps to your GPS unit or use it in conjunction with a laptop. I do both depending on the situation. Personally, I find trying to navigate using the GPS screen annoying. I'd rather use it in conjunction with a paper map (I always have the paper map anyway) since I have to stop to read the screen anyway.

You will need a USB-serial port adaptor. It will need to be a Keyspan unit. I don't know why the Belkin adaptor doesn't work, but the Keyspan adaptor does.

I can't say enough nice things about MacGPSPro and their customer support. If you have any other questions let me know. I will say, what ever route you choose to go, work out the kinks stateside, but I am sure you already know that. :)


Ross

[bigreen505]

You will need a USB-serial port adaptor. It will need to be a Keyspan unit. I don't know why the Belkin adaptor doesn't work, but the Keyspan adaptor does.



There is no logical reason why you have to use a Keyspan adapter, but that does seem to be reality. They are about $40, widely available and the only reliable option. You might check out GPSy, there is a relatively new version out that not too many people have experience with.

I'm hoping Graham checks in because he is the only person I know of with experience using an old Garmin attached to a Mac in Africa. One concern with the Powerbook, I have exactly the same one and have a horrible time seeing the screen in the car. Not sure what the deal is, but it is almost unusable.

[DesertRose]

There is no logical reason why you have to use a Keyspan adapter, but that does seem to be reality. They are about $40, widely available and the only reliable option. You might check out GPSy, there is a relatively new version out that not too many people have experience with.

I'm hoping Graham checks in because he is the only person I know of with experience using an old Garmin attached to a Mac in Africa. One concern with the Powerbook, I have exactly the same one and have a horrible time seeing the screen in the car. Not sure what the deal is, but it is almost unusable.

Thanks for all the tips - likely I won't nav with the Powerbook. I would be downloading tracks and datapoints at the end of the day in camp.

For these purposes, there really aren't any regular roads anyway, so navigating by the GPS would be. . . looking at a blank screen!

What we're doing is pioneering a new private safari route just for our groups - and it's just unmapped 2-tracks and cattle trails (and some elephant trails) meandering through the heart of Maasailand in the South Rift Valley of Kenya. Most of these roads disappear in the rainy season anyway - but I want to map where we go, points of interest, and campsites.

Daktaried's going to help me sort out some stuff this weekend, too - I've only used GPS units to take datapoints of wildlife sightings and stuff like that, never for navigation.

[Tucson T4R]

I'm not sure if they are available for Africa but if they are, Garmin Topo maps are pretty handy to have loaded on the GPS when in the back country like that. They help to keep you in touch with your surounding hills and water features.

[DesertRose]

DR, you are partly incorrect on MacGPSPro. While you cannot download maps to a Garmin unit with MacGPSPro (you can only do this with Garmin software even w/ a PC), you can upload and download waypoints, routes as well as satellite constellation data. It is very easy to work with and very stable. One of the things I really like about it is how easy it is to geo-rectify any tiff.

This is what's confusing to me. A while ago I was looking at the Lowrance Baja 530 . . . and I sent a question to MacGPSPro to see if it would work with their software.

Here is what he wrote back, which made me think it could not transfer data:

"You should be able to use the NMEA output from the receiver for realtime information. You will not be able to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs."

Is this because it's Lowrance? Will Garmin allow me to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs?

[GeoRoss]

This is what's confusing to me. A while ago I was looking at the Lowrance Baja 530 . . . and I sent a question to MacGPSPro to see if it would work with their software.

Here is what he wrote back, which made me think it could not transfer data:

"You should be able to use the NMEA output from the receiver for realtime information. You will not be able to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs."

Is this because it's Lowrance? Will Garmin allow me to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs?

Yes, MacGPSPro doesn't work with every mfg. It originally only worked with Garmins and has slowly incorporated other mfgs, but this is spotty. Which Garmin unit are you planning to use? They have a page of compatible units.

Ross

[gjackson]

I use a Garmin GPS Map 176, which is about the same vintage as the G III. It works really well with both GPS Pro and GPSy.

As has already been stated, you cannot upload maps to the GPS from either GPS Pro or GPSy, but you can track real-time on both if you have the Keyspan adaptor. (And yes, Keyspan is the only one that works well enough to be worth buying). If you are tracking real time on the Mac, (or downloading tracks later and want to see where you were) then you need maps on the Mac. You can calibrate any tiff file (GPS Pro) or any tiff/jpeg (GPSy), so it is pretty easy. Or you can get the Fugawi Africa Maps which are pre calibrated. I have the Russian topos, which are phenominal maps given their vintage.

If you want to upload maps to the GPS, you are looking at T4A. To do that you need Mapsource and a Windows box. But then you have an amazing resource on your GPS, but are limited by your GPS capabilities in storing tracks and points.

In Africa I used T4A on the Garmin for navigation (and because I am a contributor to their project) and used GPSy on self-calibrated Russian and Fugawi maps for general navigation and fine navigation in areas where T4A did not cover (hence our contributions). Then every evening I downloaded the track from the garmin to the mac for archiving. If you store tracks on the garmin, you can loose resolution (depending on what model you have). It all worked very well.

Hope that makes some sense!!

cheers

[DesertRose]

Thanks to everybody for the great answers - it's clearer to me now I need some serious upgrades to do this right.

We're working on it now, from a non-profit, sponsorship angle.

Now if only I could get Apple to sponsor us with a new Macbook Pro . . .:)