MapSource fails to detect the Garmin GPS when using a USB to Serial converter cable

When attempting to use the USB to Serial Converter cable and it is not transferring data properly, the drivers for the device may not be installed correctly.

Please follow these steps to check for proper installation:

1. Click the Start button
2. Right-click My Computer
3. Click Properties
4. At the top of the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab
5. Click the Device Manager button (on Windows Vista and 7 simply click Device Manager)
6. From the Device Manager list, click the Plus Sign (+) next to Ports (COM & LPT)
7. Under the Ports (COM & LPT) heading, USB to Serial Converter should be listed followed by a (COM number)
   • If there is a Question Mark (?) or Exclamation Mark (!) next to USB to Serial Converter or it does not appear under the Ports (COM & LPT) heading, the drivers are not properly installed
   • If there is not a Question Mark (?) or Exclamation Mark (!) next to USB to Serial Converter followed by a (COM number), it is properly installed

If the USB to Serial Converter cable is not installed properly follow the instructions that came with the cable to install the drivers.

If it is properly installed however the MapSource® mapping software does not recognize the unit, the MapSource program may need to be configured to correctly see the GPS unit.

1. Open MapSource program
2. Click Edit
3. Click Preferences
4. Select the Transfer tab
5. Select Search for Garmin Devices on the following serial port
6. Select Auto from the drop down menu

If Auto does not work try the specific COM port the unit is on.

If it is properly installed, but will not transfer data, there may be a software program preventing the serial/COM port from being used.

Make sure that the GPS is set to communicate in Garmin Mode. See the user's manual for specific instructions for the GPS unit. Then try the communication again. If it still will not transfer data, exit out of any programs running in the background that can use a serial port. One way to shut down unnecessary programs on the computer is with the Task Manager. Please follow these steps:

1. Open the Task Manager dialog box by pressing the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys.
2. Click the Processes tab.
3. Click the first column heading labeled Image Name to alphabetize the Processes list,
4. End Process on items named:
   • Hotsync
   • WCESMgr
   • wcescomm
   • UPS
   • X10net
   • Lvcomm
   • BBDVMonitor
   • BESMonitor
   • Parachute
   • Weatherpak
   • Zune
   • Sidekick Mojo
   • Intercept
   • Tablet.
     
5. Click Yes to the WARNING message.
   • NOTE: These programs will automatically start again every time you start your computer.
     
6. Retry transferring data with the GPS unit.

If these procedures do not resolve the communication issue, try a different USB to Serial Converter cable produced by another manufacturer to see if it will transfer data properly.

If there are no serial ports on the computer and the USB to Serial Converter cable attempt has failed, there may be another solution. A Serial PC Card Adapter for laptops or Serial PCI Card for desktops can be purchased to give the computer a true serial/COM port. These can be purchased through some Internet online retailers, or most computer/electronics retailers. When purchasing any hardware for the computer please make sure that it had the proper drivers for the Operating System especially when it is a 64 bit version.