Lost serial connection

[Ted]

Just installed V7 Mapsource, all ok. When I have gone to load info maps etc, hit the load to device only shows the USB card reader (I have SP3). This works ok loaded maps on to data card no probs. When connecting the GPS unit to down load track log, hit search for device, will not show the serial connection so cant take track log off GPS or add routes to unit. Had a look through old installation instructions no mention, I seem to remember having to down load driver for USB, but the serial port was automaticaly on and working. Any one got a solution how to get back my serial connection?

 

[MikeO]

It's been a while since I played with loading an SPIII, but your post rings a vague bell.

Try disconnecting the serial plug, re-booting your computer, then connecting the serial plug after the PC's up & running.

Get Mapsource to 'autosearch' (or whatever it's called). If that doesn't work, use the drop down menu and highlight each of the serial ports in turn. I'm pretty sure that'll do it (although I was using a USB to Serial converter, so it may not work for you).

HTH

Mike

 

[Howie]

also try another USB port!!!!!!!!!!!

I switched USB ports when I had that problem

 

[Ted]

Thanks for the input. Just reloaded map source it detected the unit, downloaded track log ok. Then went to add some routes but would not detect it again. I am using the serial big screw in multi pin plug not a usb port. Using usb card reader ok. Will take unit in to work have map V6 on work comp. Will try before I update it. This was ok last night did a couple of routes for today no probs. Keep the ideas coming. thanks

 

[Ted]

Just reloaded maps for the 4th time. It detects gps first go. Download routes, gps auto switches off, then thats it cant detect it again.

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

sp111

Do not put a tick in the 'turn off after download, box and your sp111 will stay on and still be seen on the serial port.

 

[WWFC]

I had a similiar problem when I upgraded to version 7. What I did was to then delete v6 which caused me no end of problems. I was unaware that the v7 update requires v6 to run correctly. What I ended up doing was reinstalling v6 then installing the update and everything worked fine. Hope this helps.

 

[HMR]

I detect some confusion here.

I assume you are all running MapSource v6.5? Arn't you?

What version of the map, v5 or v6 or v7, you are using shouldn't impact how MapSource v6.5 is commuicating with the hardware? Or?

 

[Ted]

just spent two and a half hours removing and reinstalling all the garmin v7 and v6 files, still no good. have spoken to Garmin, never heared of this before. Suggested it was other stuff on my comp causing the problem. The only thing that has changed is the garmin software! Have V6 installed at work + more stuff than I have on home PC, same or tougher firewall, same pa and camera stuff and it still works no probs. Looks like I am going to have to take a day off to sit and ring garmin from home so they can go through the setup with me. Noway am I going to install this crap on my works unit. If that fails might as well junk the unit. As you can tell pissed off. Thanks for all the info and suggestions. Keep them comming. If you are having similar probs ring garmin, let them know

 

[Ted]

Hi HMR, yes original disc is City Navigator Europe V6. taken all garmin files off and re installed from new. Batteries now flat on my SP111 so given up for today. I will contact Garmin tomorrow for help. The USD card programmer works no probs. down load maps. but cant down load traks or update routes. Thats the problem.

 

[Whiteliner]

I've had the same problem with Mapsource V6 and V7, sometimes the serial port is recognised, and sometimes it isn't. I think that it is a problem with the PC recognising the internal modem before it finds the GPS. If you disable the modem (right click on My Computer, properties, hardware profiles, modems, select the modem then right click and disable - as far as I remember!) then the GPS on the serial port is recognised every time.

As I have broadband now, having the modem disabled is not a problem - unless I wast to send a PC fax and forget to re-enable the modem.

This might be a bit of a faff, but it's quicker that shutting down the PC and re-booting.

Swapping the serial connector to a different port does work sometimes, but it can be a struggle to get to the back of the PC!

 

[MikeO]

If you disable the modem (right click on My Computer, properties, hardware profiles, modems, select the modem then right click and disable - as far as I remember!) then the GPS on the serial port is recognised every time.

Excellent - how long did it take you to track that down?

Mike

 

[Ted]

WHITELINER Just the job, fixed. Just about to nip into the garden for a few branches to give the PC a dam good thrashing. I have broadband, never thought to disable the old modem. Once again many thanks for all the ideas.

 

[Whiteliner]

Glad to be of service, I can't remember when this started to be a problem because I'm sure that it was OK when I first installed Mapsource. Must have been one of those early updates I installed I think.

Happy GPSing

Sitting looking at a 2 day old R1200GS waiting for the snow to go away!!!!!