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Getting info out of my old vista

 
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 9:34am

I just bought a new Vista Hcx to replace my old Vista. I have a data cable with a RS232 serial port But do not have a computer with one. I was wondering if there is anyone in the Seattle area with the ability to download data from an old Etrex vista unit? I could do it manually but the toggle switch on the front doesn't always work.
Also I have read a lot of bad reviews of garmin topo software. What, if any are my options for downloading maps for my new Vista hcx

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Will nuvi 265W, Vista HCX, amateur radio
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 9:38am

USB to serial converter

You can pick up a USB to serial converter for under $10.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 9:46am

Good Idea

I hadnt thought of that. I had talked to a Garmin service Rep and he just said that a data cable from them was more expensive than it was worth to fix a bug (in the waas) in my old unit. I will check out the computer stores for that converter.
Thanks

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Will nuvi 265W, Vista HCX, amateur radio
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 10:09am

Try here for a Cable

Try www.cablestogo.com I needed a usb cable to work on my magellan as I didn't have a serial port and was able to get one from them. good luck

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 10:25am

E-bay

I picked up one on E-bay for 3.99, 5.00 shipping, had it in less than a week.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 8:53pm

no worky

It was a valiant effort but the driver has a mini cd rom that won't work with my Mac. I think I'll just punch them in manually 235 to go

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Will nuvi 265W, Vista HCX, amateur radio
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 9:05pm

Should be no problem

you OS might already have the driver or you should be able to dload the drivers you need from here on the Internet, I would think.

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Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
Mon, 04/13/2009 - 9:29am

Update

I was able to download the driver from the company I bought the converter from. My old Vista however is still not recognized in the Garmin Roadtrip software. I have managed to manually extract the most important waypoints (difficult do to the intermittent problem I am having with the enter/rocker key).
On the brighter side my new vista sure is Easy to use with the Roadtrip software!
Garmin sells an adapter cable but it is 59 bucks, and if I just keep working on it I could have the rest of my waypoints out in a year or two.

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Will nuvi 265W, Vista HCX, amateur radio
Sat, 04/18/2009 - 12:25am

update 4/17

Garmin tech support just sent me this
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

Unfortunately, our Garmin devices that are using a serial or a serial to USB connection are not currently compatible with any of our Garmin software on the Mac. You will need to have access to Bootcamp on your Mac or a Windows PC. The software on the Mac currently does not have the capabilities to communicate through a serial connection. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

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Will nuvi 265W, Vista HCX, amateur radio