Vista - can not upload map with new computer, plug issue

[davehorne]

I bought my Vista eTrex about five years ago and never had any problems uploading maps from my old IBM laptop. My new Dell tower doesn't have the multi pin port that that old IBM had - that plus I lost the Vista cable when I moved last year.

What are my options? Does Garmin make an updated cable with a USB plug at the computer side? If this has been asked many times, I apologize. A link to a thread re this would be fine.

Thanks, Dave Horne

[kartracer]

I would guess that the multi pin port you refer to was either a 9 or 25 pin serial port. I don't know whether Garmin do a cable of the sort you are looking for, but you can buy generic serial to USB adapters.
_________________
Kam

[davehorne]

The problem - the cable attached to the Vista eTrex is only made by Garmin. The cable I had probably had 9 pins at the computer side.

I'd have to buy the original Garmin cable and an adaptor - 9 pin to USB.

Has anyone here actually done that? I hate to spend the money to learn that the pin configuaration is different than standard.

[crazyfingers]

The monochrome Vista communicates with the computer via serial port. There are serial to USB adapters on the market, Garmin sells one. If you buy the Garmin cables, the USB to serial and the replacement serial connector to the Vista, you're looking at $100 in cables to support an obsolete GPS unit.

I was faced with the same problem when I upgraded to my current computer - no serial port. I decided that it was time to retire my eTrex Legend and get an eTrex Vista Cx.

I have never regretted that move. The Vista Cx is far superior to the old Legend and Vista. It's far more sensitive. It easily sees though the trees and stays fixed. And with the vast amount of memory you can put on a mini SC card, I have all the maps I would ever possibly need on the Vista Cx. And, battery life is a lot longer on the newer unit.

I'd say that it's time to upgrade.

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!