USB to Mini USB

What's a SD 50? Is it a Garmin GPS, maybe a DriveSmart 50? If so, could it be in MTP mode and needs to be switched to MS mode?

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/41416

Cloning should work for the DriveSmart 50 IF (and it is a big if) you have a copy of the GarminDevice.xml file for it, even if it is an old version for an earlier map. Although, even if you get the cloning to work, you still need to copy some of the feature files back to internal storage. You might be able to get access to the new map on the SD card, but probably some of the advance features won't work that way.

Without that, since the 50 doesn't have WiFi you would need to connect to a computer in either MTP or Mass Storage mode. Have you tried switching the 50 from MTP to Mass Storage (or vise versa) and using the cable you have? Or does the DriveSmart require a micro USB cable like my DriveLuxe 50 does?

The only other things I can think of trying is to try a different USB port on your laptop, or if you have a USB hub, try going through that. Finally, do you have a friend or neighbor with a computer that might be able to loan you a cable or let you try their computer?

CraigW, you are correct. I get the letters reversed.

Alandb, I'm pretty sure the DS 50 is set for Mass Storage Mode since I had already updated the map at home twice.

Hadn't used it for just under 4 weeks and I need to charge it up. Using my iPhone AC 1amp adapter to do that. Then I'll be able to see if it is in MTP mode. Or I wonder being so low in charge if that could be the culprit?

I'm in Mexico right now until April 2020 and most snowbirds here use iPads or tablets now. I've tried all 3 USB ports on my laptop. The cable for the 855 and the DS 50 would be identical. The only difference being the 855 has a powered bracket and a separate upload connection. The DS 50 uses the same connection for both. A friend brought me the Garmin cable from home.

After I did the 855 clone and the DS 50 was on charge for some time I plugged it back into my laptop. Same cable, this time the laptop was able to see the DS 50. It is being updated right now.

So now I am wondering if a not sufficient charge in the DS 50 did indeed cause the problem.?

Thanks guys for trying to help.

Glad you got it sorted out.

I expect so. Yesterday I received a used Garmin GPS from an eBay seller—more on this soon. The battery was dead and connecting it to my PC resulted in no recognition of the device by the computer, even after the battery started charging. Once I had about a 5% charge as shown on the GPS, the PC did recognize it even in its MTP mode. With a fuller charge and still in MTP mode, both Garmin Express and POI Loader recognized the GPS and did multiple updates with success.

Well designed devices/chargers have circuitry to prevent overcharging. These same devices/chargers can place a battery into a "sleep" mode to prevent battery damage like polarity reversal. Once a minimal charge level is reached, the "sleep" mode is disabled and then normal charging and behavior will be obtained. See
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/low_voltage_cut_... for some explanation.