DickCress

Here goes nothing.I have the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx and have a 4gb sd card in the slot. I have used my card reader to quickly transfer maps and waypoints from Map Source to the card. That appears to have been the easiest part.

I turned the unit on but apparently need to do sometning else to get access to the waypoints and maps that I have on the card. I know that on my Magellan, I need to be in the map area to see the topography but can still see the waypoints on the map, execute a Go To, etc.

So I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to access that data and view that data. I assume it is something simple. I have been reading and wondering whether this is an issue of unlocking maps . . . but I was thinking that when I installed the garming and MapSource that was not necessary.

HumVee

DickCress, the manual for your Garmin eTrex Legend HCx states on page 25 that you need to select the new map data for it to appear on your display. Go to Menu > Setup Map > Map Setup-Information and place a check mark next to the new map data. I don't actually own an eTrex or other handheld Garmin GPS unit (yet), so I can only help you by reading the manual. If you've already tried what I've suggested and it's not working for you, then we'll have to wait for an actual eTrex user to respond to the post....

DickCress

The map that I have set up does not even appear on the list. At least by the name that I used. I have four map areas saved to the sd card yet Only one shows. I have indeed followed the instructions in the manual when I started.

HumVee

Have you compared the map that does show up to the maps that don't? Are they saved in a different file location? I'm guessing that you are refering to the basemap that came with the unit versus 3 maps you loaded onto your microSD card? If not, and all 4 maps are on your flash memory card, do they have a different or missing file extension? That's the 3-digit part after the period in the file name. The Garmin unit will only recognize the file if it has the proper file extension at the end.

HumVee

Okay, I think I may have figured out a possibility.... The Garmin eTrex HCx manual references loading map data on microSD cards on page 5-6. You load maps onto your HCx by placing the flash card into the eTrex GPS unit and using the USB connector on the unit to sync with your MapSource software. That's the only way it references loading map data to your eTrex. You might try that method to load your maps & waypoints...perhaps there's a registration step that occurs when syncing the eTrex to MapSource that you don't get by just loading the data on to a flash card and sticking it in the slot....

Page 9 of the MapSource manual also references this method of data transfer, and page 12 says to check with your device manual to see if it can accept data transfered any other way (like directly loading the files to the flash card before inserting it into the GPS unit). Do you want to give loading the data through the eTrex USB with the flash card already installed a shot and report back?

DickCress

That was it HumVee. I called Garmin this morning.it is OK to transfer map regions with my card reader but waypoints stored in MapSource must be transferred from MapSource directly to the gps. As far as map accessability it is like it was with Magellan, the detailed maps are there when you are in the area.

HumVee

Great, DickCress! I'm glad you've got your maps & waypoints in working order - and I will definitely remember this when I get around to picking up my own Garmin handheld. Happy travels!

DickCress

And right back atcha.

Last year I drew a Bull Elk Permit with my partners and was lucky enough to take a 5 X 5 Bull. Then this year I had to start gathering points again. It is rare when a hunter gets draws with only one point . . . but it happened and I drew a permit for the same area again this year. So I know where to go and expect a really good hunt again this year.

HumVee

It sounds like you're in a lucky streak! May it continue! I'm not a hunter, but I tagged along with my dad in my youth. Having a GPS unit along on a back country trip has got to be good for your piece of mind - having a handy waypoint to tell you right where you bagged game in the past is extra gravy. Good (& safe) hunting!

DickCress

Thank you and you are right they are invaluable.