ETrex legend serial to usb cable problem

You won't find a cable or adapter that will allow both computers to connect simultaneously to the printer. This is because the printers would interfere with each other's signals. That said, adapters are available, but not cheap. Again, the problem is the language that each type of connector uses is different. On top of that, chances are that the printer software would not allow you to select a serial port output on the printer knowing it does not support serial port interface. Same issue with the parallel port. You apparently are using very old computers if all you have is serial or parallel port outputs. You may be able to get a USB card to install in the computer(s) to provide you with a USB interface. This would be cheaper than attempting to get a pair of adapter cables and more likely to work better as well. Often the adapter cables don't work right and will cause slow printing. Also, you CAN get a switching box that can connect two USB computer ports to a single printer.

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

I've not successfully managed this ... trouble-is that although you can get USB-to-serial converters, most computers that only have USB ports do not properly 'recognise' COM ports, which is what your Artlink software expects to talk to. I still use an old PC with a 'proper' 9-pin serial port on the back in order to talk to the old Artista range of machines. One of the drawbacks of a 'throwaway' PC industry that expects the rest of the world to continually update everything in response to new interface standards!

Not surprised at that, don't know much about these units but from what i was able to find out they don't use a usb cable to load software they use a serial cable, and computer do not have a detection process for the serial cable, You need the cable as well as the software to load information up to or down from the unit. Quick check brought this to my attention and maybe something in here will help you.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=173#accessoryTab

Hope this helps.

Re-installed the USB-to-serial driver, the DNRGarmin software, and the Garmin Communicator to resolve the problem.

you can buy a USB to serial adaptor at almost any computer store. it will install and show up as a com port, you can then update that way. i have the same GPS.

What program are you using and what cables are you using? To hook mine up to my non-serial Mac, I had to get an adapter cable which needed drivers. With a PC, you need to make sure you have your settings correct. Often, the manual for the software you're using to download maps will tell you how to set it up correctly.

Sounds like the screen is shot and theres nothing really you can do to fix it, sorry :(

You can send it to Garmin for the flat rate repair fee of $79 dollars. I would recommend getting the new eTrex Legend H with the high sensitivity receiver if you want a similar model. It's sat reception will blow the prior version out of the water and has 24mb of memory rather than the 8mb it used to have.

have you checked to make sure that your serial port is enabled in your computer bios.

to check:

some computers require you to press del while booting other esc.

the message should read somthing in the line

press ???? to enter setup

go to the advanced tab

look in IO (Input/Output) devices or somthing similar.

Make sure Com1 or UART is enabled.

If the device is enabled, then check to make sure that your cable is making a connection properly.

(May require you to open up the unit) if out of warantee

To check that the cable is connected properly on the outside contact to db9 port.

Pin 1 2 5 are used on the db 9

on the inside there is a cable with 4 wires soldered to a board which links the outside to the inside.

Connect your serial cable to the GPS, using a multimeter check continuity by holding red lead on pin 1 of db9 serial port and checking each pin for continuity. only 1 should indicate continuity, continue with pin 2 and pin5 on serial port connector.

If you are sure that there is connection between cable and GPS, check the cable from the soldered points to the GPS Board. If those are ok, then you may have a problem on the board. Would then sugest you take it in for checking.

Change the interface setting to NMEA Out and see if that helps. That is what I did on my Legend, bought in 2003. It still crashes the computer every so often, however, and I haven't figured out why.