connection issues (usb cable)

It may very well be a bad cable. My 660 did not come with a USB cable, so I tried a cable that I had from an exteranl HDD and its always worked fine. It stays in mass storage mode while connected to the PC. The USB cable is nothing unique or special.

If you really want to be sure you're using the proper cable, you can order the cable Garmin sells for it's units.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1345

You can get it cheaper from amazon.com, etc.

You can, but it's a very standard cable. I'm using one that I got with a memory card reader, and it cost less with the card reader than a "Garmin" cable would cost. I suggest that if someone needs a cable that a trip to a local computer store could find one, but sometimes something that includes this usb cable will cost less than the USB cable itself, so one should look around for memory card readers, mp3 players, and other small devices with a USB interface before they just pay list price for a cable only.

They do go bad though, I have another one that came with a digital camera. That one has intermittent problems with the camera similar to what is described in the first post. I certainly think that is the problem here, not that he isn't using the "right" cable.

Just get a new cable. They're cheap enough and the easiest thing to eliminate as the cause of the problem. Make sure it's 2.0 so you can use it with other devices if you have them (or get them in the future.)

I certainly agree with the "any USB will do" idea and that it is most likely a dodgy USB cable and easy to replace - but when connected to a computer with a standard USB the 255W should be in storage mode AND charging at the same time. I would have thought it should not actually display that as a switchover so don't discount some obscure problem in the 255W if it does the same thing with another cable.

If one of the data lines is intermittent but the power and ground lines are good this is exactly what would happen. It does sound like a cable problem to me and that seems much more likely than a problem with the GPS itself.

a thin retractable usb one time and it did not work. I'm guessing the gauge or the rating on the cable matter. It's works on other devices that uses less power. I guess the size/thickness of the cable matters as well.

I'm not aware of any "USB 2.0" cables. There is no standard for the cable itself, so any package marked USB 2.0 for a cable is marketing hype to get you to pay more for the same wire. (The same goes for the gold plugs - it makes no difference at the speeds you are playing with for USB.) Anyway, I think Garmin's Nuvi series is still USB 1.1 so it's really slow speed.

I’m still using my cameras USB cable sine it’s much longer. I don’t think the wire itself has to be 2.0 compatible to work right or am I wrong?

Since were on the subject of USB 2.0, Here’s something of interest. When I first I got my 755t I plugged into the usual USB port (1.1 USB port) that I have my 750 usually plugged into. Well the 755t would go into storage mode but I wouldn’t be able to access the drive. I just had a loading Icon appear and it would just hang. I thought I purchased a brick. As soon as I switched it to my 2.0 USB port the problem was solved. Just thought I throw that in there.

I was actually refering to the cables that were available prior to the 2.0 standard. The "2.0" cables are typically higher quality / quality standards for sheilding and there are differences in the connector ends. Dig one out and try to power a device and tranfer a bunch of data. I didn't think there was a difference either...

Yeah, you can use any usb cable that fits. But I would use one that has a lot of shielding and a...gosh, what do you call those things (dang beer) that the cable goes through to reduce interference (the coil thingy)...lol

my Garmin 255W just arrived and i'm having trouble connecting to Garmin while connected to my PC. The set turns on,says maps loading and then stays on a screen with the word GARMIN across the center of the screen and a pic of a unit connected to a desktop PC.
The unit works.....I went to my car and hooked up and all is well.
As the unit came without a USB cable, I connected with one from an external drive which I disconnected from the PC to use for my 255W (cable is obviously OK)
Any help will be greatly appreciated

If you have the picture of 'the GPSr connected to PC', it should show up as E drive on your PC.

I think I have seen some posts on this site of problems using non-Garmin USB cable.

You are seeing normal behavior. The Garmin goes into storage mode where it acts like a flash drive when connected to the PC by USB. This is how you do the updates and install POI. The car charger cable is slightly modified to keep the unit from going into storage mode so it just receives power.

If you power the NUVI up so it loads and is "Ready to Navigate" you can then plug it into the computer and it will act as if it is in the car.

unplugged unit fm PC................turned unit on..........got opening warning ......then to WHERE TO and VIEW MAP screen ....... plugged unit into PC ......... same screen as before with GARMIN and pic of unit hooked up to PC

Read the post directly above yours. What you are describing is normal behavior for the unit.

When you plug the unit into a computer it goes into "storage" mode. If you want to use your unit as a normal GPS when its plugged into the computer you need to take additional steps. I'm not sure what the steps are for your unit, but if you search this forum you will find numerous threads.

(For my 750, I just slide the power switch to lock position and then select Remove Device on my computer. The unit then reboots into normal GPS mode.)

I agree. That's default behavior. You're not going to see WHERE TO and VIEW MAP on the display while it's plugged into your PC.

normal behavior is fine for when i connect to the PC....BUT... i can't go anywhere from that normal behavior status to connect to Garmin to register,dowload map update,etc

Once you plug the GPS into the computer you don't need the GPS screen for anything. All of the programs (Webupdater, POI Loader, etc.) run on your computer and the programs will then communicate with the GPS unit.

then all I have to do is go to Garmin on the web,download the map update to my Garmin location on my pc..........register while online.......and download anything else,etc to my Garmin folder on my PC and it will automatically be entered on my 255W ? as long as my unit is plugged into the PC

When GPS unit is connected to PC
1. poi loader -- to install custom poi
2. mapsource -- create route* , install map to unit, read poi (gpx format)& track logs* from unit
3. web browser w/ communicator plugin -- add poi into favorite from google map, mapquest..
4. webupdater -- load firmware and software updates, load voices
5. my computer -- copy mp3*, jpgs, vehicles

*(if supported by the unit)

But it did work with my older 200. It's undergone a couple of updates since then so it may not work this way any longer.

That's correct. Use your PC to get necessary software, firmware or map updates. Save it into your PC hard disk. Do not save it directly into Garmin folder on the GPS device. Install proper Garmin software onto your PC. The software will "talk" to your GPS and transfer data to it at the correct location.

Registering is done at myGarmin website. Create an account if you don't have one yet.

all is now well on this end ... registered,updated maps and familiar with routine re: Garmin website thanx to info gotten here. Much of my dismay was due to GPS newbie-itis compouded by unknown troubles with my PC ...... switched to laptop,used info gotten here and BINGO. Definitely posted this site to my favs and look forward to continuing my education on GPS ......... THANX AGAIN