Using GDB files in Garmin Oregon600

[scoha]

Can anyone help me understand how I can use a GDB file in my Oregon600? Do I have to convert to GPX? How do I do this?

cheers

Scoha

[neilmny]

Do you have Mapsource?
If so send the tracks and way points in the GDB file to the GPS from Mapsource.
The GDB file is just a file to contain the tracks and waypoints and as far as I know can't be loaded into the GPS.

[keithy]

Hamish - You'll have to convert to GPX to use in the Oregon.

There are quite a few free apps that will do this. I have been using GPS Babel for many years http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html

But there are other options, including using BaseCamp or Mapsource to export to GPX (or save as), and the online http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/. But I have to admit I haven't used these other options for ages, I just rely on GPSBabel.

[neilmny]

So ...not wanting to hijack the thread but does a more up to date GPS like an Oregon actually use the whole GPX file Keithy?
My Vista Hcx only uses the tracks and waypoints from a GDB or GPX file.......loaded as I mentioned above.

[keithy]

does a more up to date GPS like an Oregon actually use the whole GPX file Keithy?My Vista Hcx only uses the tracks and waypoints from a GDB or GPX file.......loaded as I mentioned above

If you mean the additional data extensions like air temperature, street address, phone number, etc, then yes, the newer ones have those optional elements used and displayed. I have had some issues with geocache gpx files, but I'm not sure that those weren't user errors yet, so it might just be my fault somewhere.

I use http://www.gpstrackeditor.com/overview to edit GPX files but it is a Windows based program. I know some people are using http://kobotsw.com/apps/adze or https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/adze-li ... 7341?mt=12 for Macs (it's a paid USD$20 program). GPS Prune is a java based app so it should work under Mac OS as well http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/GpsPrune, and you can check the GPX file has been saved properly before transferring it to the Oregon.

Check if the file is displaying the route/track as intended, then copy the file to the \Garmin\GPX\ of the Oregon 600. Note that the GPX route will not appear as a "map" on the gps, but a track, under "Track Manager".

There are some basic how-to videos that Garmin put together here http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/o ... il/oregon/ but they are very simple.

Rich Owings over at GPStracklog has some good GPS 101s that will help clear up the terminology which can help if you are new to GPS handhelds as well: http://gpstracklog.com/2010/03/handheld ... racks.html