Customer Reviews

GARMIN PC Interface Cable - RS232 Serial Port Connector (eTrex H, eTrex Legend, eTrex Vista, eTrex Venture, eTrex Summit, Geko 301,201)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The quality of this cable is fine, but it doesn't give you access to the power pins that are in the Garmin interface. Get the cable that does power and data instead... or if you're a hardware geek, then make your own with the stuff from purple open projects (pfranc.com)

This little cable is very, very overpriced, but unfortunately, for those of you that own the original eTrex or any eTrex model with no cable, you'll want to own this or an equivalent so you can download the latest updates to your GPS receiver from garmin and load them onto the unit. And you want this ability because Garmin does a good job of fixing bugs and adding new little software features. But if you can't build your own cable, then you should grab one of these...

The cable doesn't come with any software, but is great for upgrading the software on your eTrek(avilable from Garmin's website) You will need a GPS compatible mapping program to get the full advantage. The cable connects very securly to the GPS, and is plenty long enough.

The cable works as it should. Just be careful to note that this needs a Serial port connection at your computer. My laptop on which I made my map and waypoints doesn't have one, only USB connections. Luckily I have an older desktop with a serial port and transferred my work there to download it to the eTrex. I've heard of a serial-to-USB converter cable, that would allow you to connect to a USB port, but I've had no experience with one.

I own a Sony VAIO computer. In the computer, there are no ports to put in this cord. Ended up buying something for [money] to convert it to a USB connection. Then, I couldn't find a program that would be able to send and receive data to my eTrex GPS via a USB port. Was definitely a hassle.

Good little cable.
Don't worry about the people who complained about the price.
If you can use it, buy it.
And you will be glad you have it.

Does what it's supposed to do. It'ds much slower than USB, but I have an older GPS unit.

Product slides into place quickly and works exactly as described. Cable is long enough to conveniently use the GPS real time with a mobile computer.

Perhaps is a expensive cable, specially if you don't earn dollars, but it is perfect to complete Google Earth software.
I tried it in my contry, Costa Rica, and I am very happy with the results.

Found a great data cable on e-bay that uses a USB instead of a serial - no need for adapters or an older computer. Works great.