Problems connecting GPSMap 76CSx to computer

[jniehof]

Background: I've had this GPSr for about 2 years, although I haven't used it particularly heavily. I've pulled waypoints and tracks on and off without difficulty. Updated to the latest software last October, which went fine. I've used it since the update but haven't hooked it up to the computer since.

Now the Garmin updater software can't find the device in Windows (XP). I tried reinstalling the Garmin USB drivers, and at the point where the drivers prompt you to plug in the device, a Windows bubble pops up that "a USB device attached to the system has malfunctioned." This is with two different USB cables, on two different computers, every USB port on each computer. Each cable (and computer) has been used to successfully transfer images off a digital camera.

Under Linux, plugging the device in pops this up in syslog:
usb 3-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 5
usb 3-1: device not accepting address 5, error -71
hub 3-0:1.0: unable to enumerate USB device on port 1

Under Setup->Interface, Serial Data Format is set to GARMIN (USB is listed as Not Connected.) I have tried the enter+page+power reset, doesn't change anything.

I get the same set of errors if I put the device into USB Mass Storage mode before connecting.

I can't figure out how to open the thing up to just take a look (see if the USB connector's good, etc.)

 

[hikingfish]

Seems like you tried a lot of stuff already...

Did you check on garmin's website if other had the same issue? Sometimes a quick email to their support group can go a long way in helping you as well. That's what they're there for!

Fish

 

[DougPaul]

One suggestion: don't use Garmin's webupdater.

Just download the update file and run it locally. Simpler and less to go wrong.

FWIW, I do my updates under Win XP. (One of the few reasons that I ever boot XP--I do just about everything else under Linux.)

You can also try updating over the serial connection. (OK for software updates, too slow for big maps.)

Doug

 

[jniehof]

Did you check on garmin's website if other had the same issue? Sometimes a quick email to their support group can go a long way in helping you as well.

I couldn't find anything in their FAQ or knowledge base, and not seeing anything else like a support forum.
Their email form is broken...in Firefox, the "send" button doesn't appear to do anything, and in IE I get a "Can't connect to this website, are you sure you're online?" error.

One suggestion: don't use Garmin's webupdater.
Just download the update file and run it locally.

I can't even get to that point anymore...the update file won't find the device and neither will the driver installer. I did use the "web" updater last time; I believe I was having some trouble finding the raw downloads (which are fairly easy ot find now.)
And, sadly, I have neither a serial cable nor a serial port to hook it up to, although that's a good idea.

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I'll just have to give Garmin a ring tomorrow. I suppose if it doesn't work out the refurb fee is $150, and I don't think I'd get a better GPS for that money.

 

[DougPaul]

If your GPS is running normally (when not connected to your computer), my guess is that the problem is more likely with your computer (software?) rather than with the GPS.


If the problem is the GPS, here is the latest firmware:

The GPS software would be v3.70 (Jul 02, 2008).
Available through https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsUpdates.jsp?product=010-00469-00&cID=145&pID=351
http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/7x_series/gpsmap76cs/GPSMAP76CSx_370.exe

The SiRF GPS chipset software v2.90:
http://www.garmin.com/software/GPSChipsetTypeG_290.exe
http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/chipset_firmware/Type_G/GPSChipsetTypeG_290.exe

WebUdater gives v3.00 as the latest, but Garmin never listed it explictly. AFAIK, Garmin has never published the changes between 2.90 and 3.00.
http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/chipset_firmware/Type_G/GPSChipsetTypeG_300.exe

(I am currently using GPS v3.50 and chipset v2.90 in my 60CSx. Same software as the 76CSx.)

You can determine which versions you are running through
main_menu>setup>system>menu>software_version


Under Linux, I download data from the GPS with GPSBabel.
% gpsbabel -t -i garmin -f /dev/ttyUSB0 -o gpx -F ofilename
(You may need to be root until you fix the permissions.)

Doug