Garmin GPS

[Stu Jackson]

Just bought a new GPSmap 76Cx.  We do have a BlueChart disk (from a friend).  Any ideas on how to avoid the "big blue monster" to get the charts (which do work on the computer) downloaded successfully to the handheld unit?

[Wayne]

I have a 276; downloading is easy.  Assuming that you have your blue chart loaded onto your computer and mapsource software, just go to the windows file tab, then 'save to device'.  My software has a choice of using a serial connection or a USB connection.  Mine has always gone without a hitch.  Only problem is Garmin is really generous with software updates (bought my unit over 3 years ago) and I still get free software updates.  When I download updates to my handheld it wipes out all waypoints, routes, etc.  Since most of the updates aren't of value to me, I just don't update anymore . . .

[Steve McGill]

Stu,

My experience has been that the Blue Chart software will work on any PC. This allows you to make edit or change any waypoint, route etc.

In order to upload or transfer to your GPS you need to register the GPS to the desktop software. My Blue Chart software allows me to "register" two different GPS units to the single copy of software I have.

If I remember correctly this involved registering the GPS within the software application, having the GPS connected to the PC and accessing the Garmin site via the internet.

With all of my previous investigation (educational only) I was unable to find any way around this for this particular software package.

Steve M.