Bushwalk Australia

Hey there, just wondering if on new gps devices, the option to input someone else's routes is available. For example if I buy a new etrex which I'm looking for any excuse to, could I load someone else's course route into it for a particular walk or do I have to record my own.

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Yes.

Yes. The Garmin software called "BaseCamp" (free download) allows you to import and export tracks and waypoints to and from your Etrex via USB.

You don't even need basecamp. Just drag and drop the .gpx file into the device folder.

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Strider wrote:You don't even need basecamp. Just drag and drop the .gpx file into the device folder.

That's true!

Strider wrote:You don't even need basecamp. Just drag and drop the .gpx file into the device folder.

I understand the /Garmin/NewFiles folder? Or would /Garmin/GPX folder also work? Must say I have never done it this way but have always used BaseCamp as my central repository before loading.

They need to be copied to /Garmin/GPX folder.

I read elsewhere that /Garmin/NewFiles would work also but have just tested it out on my Oregon 650, it doesn't. So /Garmin/GPX folder is it.

GPSGuided wrote:I read elsewhere that /Garmin/NewFiles would work also but have just tested it out on my Oregon 650, it doesn't. So /Garmin/GPX folder is it.

The \Garmin\Newfiles\ folder is only for certain devices - I think it was the cycling devices. It doesn't work on existing handhelds like the Oregon 6xx series or the eTrex 20/30/20x/30x. Not sure if it works on the new eTrex 25/35 though.

When using GPX files from other people or sources on the web, be aware that sometimes there are issues with the GPX file.

You can use JaVaWa Device Manager (http://www.javawa.nl/jdm_en.html) - use the option 'Extra' > 'Check for corrupt data files (GPX, TCX, CRS)' to see if there are compatibility problems or an faulty gpx file.

Sometimes gpx files are stitched together, and have waypoints with the same name, which Garmin handhelds don't like, and some gpx files have tags that some Garmins don't like either. Sometimes these faulty gpx files will cause your handheld to reset/reboot.

Most Garmin units can exchange routes and waypoints wirelessly with other Garmin units. The eTrex 30 certainly can and most of the new eTrex models have that capacity now save for the eTrex 10x and eTrex 20x, according to the Garmin website. I climbed The Hippogriff and Mount Gell over the weekend and we were arranging a rendezvous after ascending The Chimera on the way out on Sunday and it only took a a few seconds (literally) to share a route between my Etrex 30 and a Montana 680t. It was very simple and very quick, but admittedly not much use if the sender and receiver are well out of wireless range of each other.

rucksack

sounds great I think I have picked what I want from wifey for xmas then. cheers.

can anyone recommend a garmin etrex unit and also a good place to get one. I have the old etrex from like 1990 which has served me well, however my garmin watch was more useful on the six foot track a couple of weeks ago, so its going to be retired. I would like something with colour and the ability to create routes etc. not interested in the hunting fishing, sunrise etc all that jazz is worthless to me as its basic stuff to know anyway.

Etrex 20/25/30/35

cheers.

If you want an eTrex that can wirelessly transfer routes and waypoints with other Garmin units, you will need an eTrex 30, 30x, Touch 35t, or a Touch 35. The eTrex 20 and Touch 25 models don't have wireless capacity according to the Garmin website. The 30 series have some other specs that the 20 series don't have, (such as an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter), but if these are not important to you and you don't need wireless, then it could come down to an eTrex 20x, or if you want a touch screen, an eTrex Touch 25. Choices eh?

rucksack

davecambo wrote:can anyone recommend a garmin etrex unit and also a good place to get one..

The etrex 20x or 30x might suit.

I mentioned in this thread viewtopic.php?f=21&t=20738 why I don't think the etrex 35 or the 25 is particularly goood value at the moment.

I also posted some videos comparing the speeds of the etrex 30x to both an older etrex 30 and the 64s here viewtopic.php?f=21&t=21316#p281028

I've not seen any spectacular pricing on the etrex 20x or 30x recently. Currently the base model 20x model is going for around $267 from Ryda/NofrillsGPS, and I've seen the 30x for around $325 (GPS-R-US).