Garmin 76 GPS Questions

[bhcva]

I am able to receive gps data from the Garmin 76 just fine using NMEA/4800 settings on the 76 and COMx/4800 in OpenCPN. However, I am confused as to how to send routes to the 76. Is it possible? What is the meaning of "GRMN/GRMN(Host) mode" in the user guide? What should the garmin settings be to send a route to it? I haven't hit the right combo yet...I think I've tried all possible with no luck. Help much appreciated. Bruce

[barnakiel]

GRMN is the proprietary protocol used for software updates and use of Garmin proprietary planning software (etc.).

Probably use NMEA IN/OUT for routes, alas my G76 does not accept routes (e.g. from MaxSea). It accepts waypoints and I have to make the routes by myself (again).

With OpenCpn you can ask the question directly in the threads devoted to this subject.

b.

[fgd3]

Originally Posted by bhcva

I am able to receive gps data from the Garmin 76 just fine using NMEA/4800 settings on the 76 and COMx/4800 in OpenCPN. However, I am confused as to how to send routes to the 76. Is it possible? What is the meaning of "GRMN/GRMN(Host) mode" in the user guide? What should the garmin settings be to send a route to it? I haven't hit the right combo yet...I think I've tried all possible with no luck. Help much appreciated. Bruce

Here's how it works with my Garmin GPS 72. If I haven't checked Toolbox/GPS/Use Garmin... and if I have the GPS 72 set to NMEA/4800 I get position data from the GPS. If I try to send a route to the GPS OpenCPN thinks it worked but nothing happens on the GPS 72.

If I have checked Toolbox/GPS/Use Garmin... and if I have the GPS 72 set to NMEA/4800 I get position data from the GPS. If I try to send a route to the GPS OpenCPN posts "Error on Route Upload. Please check logfiles..." and nothing happens on the GPS 72.

If I have checked Toolbox/GPS/Use Garmin... and if I have the GPS 72 set to GRMN I don't get position data from the GPS. If I try to send a route to the GPS OpenCPN thinks it worked and the route appears on the GPS 72.

The GPS 72 has only the 4-pin Garmin connector. I have a cable that takes that to a DB-9 RS-232 connector which plugs into a serial port to USB adapter. Doesn't the GPS 76 have a USB port? Are you connecting with a serial port adapter or directly via the GPS 76's USB port? I don't know if that makes any difference (it shouldn't).

I don't know if that's any help to you. I have a Garmin GPS 12 that works the same way, so I figure Garmin isn't likely to have changed how they handle uploading routes.

Fabbian

[bhcva]

Thanks for the replies. After retrying with a clear head, I was able to get a route sent to the GPSMap 76. With the GRMN box checked in OpenCPN and the 76 set to Garmin it does work.

Bruce

[dacust]

Originally Posted by fgd3

...

I don't know if that's any help to you. I have a Garmin GPS 12 that works the same way, so I figure Garmin isn't likely to have changed how they handle uploading routes.

Fabbian

I have had several models of Garmins and I can confirm that all mine worked the same way. None of them would accept a route via NMEA. They all required using the Garmin mode.

I have had a few pieces of software. None of them would accept position data via Garmin mode. That's a shame, because it meant switching modes often. With some, it required an intermediate translation. At least OpenCPN doesn't require this.

-dan

[bhcva]

After trying one more time to be sure, it seems that the Garmin needs to be on the ROUTES page for it to accept a route. Bruce

[dacust]

Originally Posted by bhcva

After trying one more time to be sure, it seems that the Garmin needs to be on the ROUTES page for it to accept a route. Bruce

Interesting. None of mine required that. But they did automatically go into a data transfer mode and locked up the screen until they were done. Couldn't navigate and upload routes at the same time. But I haven't done this with OpenCPN, only with Garmin Mapsource and Nobeltec.

-dan

[PjotrC]

GPS72H soft 2.20, OCPN 2.3.1

1. USB cable, handheld in Garmin mode, Garmin USB drivers installed in Windows, GARMIN device as input, any setting for GRMN/HOST mode in OCPN - all fine for me (except across a USB hub and perhaps a crash not easy to reproduce). Position received and uploads without switching any settings.

2. USB cable, handheld in NMEA mode - idem (surprise!)

3. with a NMEA cable to RS232 port I did not succeed to upload RTE or WPT, although a couple of times I got a partial result ( 1,2 or 5 out of 9 route waypoints or so transferred, Garmin mode on both sides, error status signalled, COM1/NONE as GPS input, COM1 as route upload port).

[jenny2]

Originally Posted by PjotrC

GPS72H soft 2.20, OCPN 2.3.1

1. USB cable, handheld in Garmin mode, Garmin USB drivers installed in Windows, GARMIN device as input, any setting for GRMN/HOST mode in OCPN - all fine for me (except across a USB hub and perhaps a crash not easy to reproduce). Position received and uploads without switching any settings.

2. USB cable, handheld in NMEA mode - idem (surprise!)

3. with a NMEA cable to RS232 port I did not succeed to upload RTE or WPT, although a couple of times I got a partial result ( 1,2 or 5 out of 9 route waypoints or so transferred, Garmin mode on both sides, error status signalled, COM1/NONE as GPS input, COM1 as route upload port).

My handheld the cable it came with is a 15 pin and it has a female end on it and won,plug in being female on my pc's can I get a addapter for the cable for it to put on the end for it to plug in ?