GPSmap 176 not communicating with laptop via serial/USB adaptor

This devices interface is extremely old technology the 9 pin connector is most likely a rs232 serial interface . If your laptop has a 9 pin rs232 interface you may need a DTE to DCE adapter .
if you do not have this old rs232 port on your laptop I think this device a usb to null modem rs232 DB9 Serial DCS Adapter Cable with FTDI.
http://www.startech.com/au/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/USB-to-Null-Modem-RS232-DB9-Serial-Adapter-Cable-DCE-FTDI~ICUSB232FTN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_modem
from my reading of the manual a null modem may be needed

Hello,

The 6 pin DIN plug found on the GPSMAP 421s data/power cable (Garmin part number 010-10918-00) is used for the sonar input.

Data transfer from the GPSMAP 421s is easily transferred by memory card.
Information about data transfer on the 421s is at about 50 seconds into this video.
http://www.youtube.com/gpscity#p/search/6/8ddIgvCAUmI

Real time NMEA data can be transferred using Garmin part number 010-10918-00 wired to a DB-9 serial connector (Instructions are on the cable).

It then can be adapted to USB using a serial to USB adapter.
http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-serial-to-usb-port-4in-adapter-for-pc-and-mac.html

Hello,

There are serial to USB adapters that can be purchased so you will still be able to load the GPX datum off your unit. Here is a link to one http://www.gpscity.ca/gilsson-serial-to-usb-port-4in-adapter-for-pc-and-mac.html.


Hope this helps!

Make sure you installed the driver for the serial to USB adaptor cable.

Try reloading the software, then load the program, then attach the GPS.... Should start communicating at this point. Make sure the cable is seated correctly....

you must use a serial to USB adaptor go in to data 1 or 4 network connector is ethernet protocol!

Hi fire1961,

Downloading data from my FURUNO GP-30 gave me no problems. But it took me long time to figure out why I coudn't upload waypoints and routes to the GP-30 via the serial port in my ThinkPad T30.

I tried nearly everything tested the cable, tested a lot of different software and even wrote a little c-program to communicate with the serial port. I also tried a serial-to-usb converter with no results. Then I stumbled over this RS232 Tutorial. According to this - serial ports are not just serial port but can be divided into three general categories:

The types of driver ICs used in serial ports can be divided into three general categories:

* Drivers which require plus (+) and minus (-) voltage power supplies such as the 1488 series of interface integrated circuits. (Most desktop and tower PCs use this type of driver.)
* Low power drivers which require one +5 volt power supply. This type of driver has an internal charge pump for voltage conversion. (Many industrial microprocessor controls use this type of driver.)
* Low voltage (3.3 v) and low power drivers which meet the EIA-562 Standard. (Used on notebooks and laptops.)

Then I installed the waypoint upload software to my ten years old Compaq Presario and suddenly I could upload routes and waypoints but only via the on board serial port. The serial-to-usb converter didn't still work.

So if people experience no result trying to upload data to these old GP-30's from their notebooks and laptops. Then I think it could be a matter of these Low voltage ports not are able to provide the FURUNO device with enough voltage. See the above RS232 Tutorial.

Best Regards

Lars Erting

I bought a usb to serial cable from Radio Shack.

Hmmm..

Make sure your using a USB cable, specifically a USB cable with a mini connector on the end. Specifically, a USB cable with the second one from the left in this picture:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:USB_types_2.jpg

If you are using the USB port, you should have no need for setting COM ports.

Another technique you can use (which I just figured out today) was to place the Garmin Unit in "USB Mass Storage Mode". This allows you to offload saved tracks, but I don't think you can download waypoints or other things that the WayPoint Manager allows.

You can access this option via the Garmin Unit

Goto: "Main Menu" -> "Setup" -> "Interface". Press Down to get to the button "USB Mass Storage". Plug in that USB Mini cord, and you have a thumb drive!

Good Luck!

Google Franson GPS GATE this little software utility is what you need