My Garmin foretrex101 has a RS232 cable, not USB and my laptop only has USB ports. I've installed the USB to RS232 converter, but my GPS Action Replay software only picks up the device attached (converter), not the GPS (error message say "No Garmin device found on COM5)
Anyone experienced this? OR have any suggestions (other than buy a different GPS or the $79 GARMIN cable )?

decrepit said..

Is it possible to download the data from the garmin to the computer directly, then open the file with gpsar?
Most of us are using the GT31 or GT11 these days, so garmin expertise is a bit thin on the ground.

yeah, well its over 8 years old that model, well before GT11 was thought of. If you want to update try a Garmin Foretrex 301 or a 401 they dont make GT11 or GT31 anymore.

I'm sure there must be a stock of GT-31s somewhere...

Make sure you have installed the driver for the Serial to USB adapter on your computer.

All valid points thanks, but the problem is not with the GPS - I've downloaded my tracks many times to GPSAR, but with the fact that GPSAR picks up the converter rather than what's on the end of the cable - the GPS. I think I should just get a different RS232 to USB converter... Pity I'm poor, otherwise I could just get a new GPS :)

Thanks, have bought the name brand converter cable (USB to RS232) with a driver disk, instruction manual and LOCAL support line, so hope to report success tomorrow. Will nut it out tonight, using hyperterminal, etc. Thanks to everyone for the advice, have a few ideas now that I haven't tried before - I have checked the COM port selection in GPSAR, but haven't tested the comms, have checked the port drivers in Device Manager, as well as the port assignment, have checked the cable is actually fully inserted into the GPS (common fault). Garmin eTrex10 (waterproof) now available at Harvey Norman for $88, basically the same unit in a different packaging (and with a USB cable), so might just splash out and buy it if nothing else works, and eat dry bread and black coffee for the next few weeks!

Success! I bought the Targus cable from Harvey Norman and it worked just fine - thanks to all for the help and advice!