"There was an error communicating with your GPS" error in MapSource

Description

An error message may be received in MapSource® mapping software when the application is unable to communicate properly with the GPS device. The error message may state:

• There was an error communicating with your GPS
• The Garmin device cannot program the requested memory region

Resolution

To resolve these errors, verify the device is properly connected to the computer and that all software and applications are up to date:

• Update MapSource software to the most current version
  1. Close MapSource program if it is running
  2. Download the latest version of MapSource¹
  3. Click Download (the 57.05 MB size file)
  4. Save the file to the Desktop
  5. Run (or Open) the saved file
  6. Click Next on the Welcome screen
  7. Click the box to Accept the terms of the license agreement
  8. Click Next
  9. Click Done when finished

• If the device connects to the computer via a cradle, clean the contacts on the device and the cradle

• If the device is Garmin Mode,  reinstall the USB drivers

• Ensure the correct device is selected in MapSource program
  1. Click the Transfer menu in MapSource program
  2. Click Send to Device...
  3. Click the drop-down arrow located under the Find Device button (if sending to a card reader, select the appropriate drive letter)
  4. The unit or drivers may not be installed correctly if it does not display here

• Disable the power management function on the USB Root Hubs in the Device Manager
  1. Click the Start button
  2. Right-click on My Computer or Computer
  3. Click Manage
  4. Click Device Manager from the list on the left
  5. Click on the + next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers
  6. Double-click on the first USB Root Hub that appears in the list
  7. Click the Power Management tab at the top of the screen
  8. Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power box
  9. Click OK
  10. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each of the USB Root Hubs

• Master reset the device (search "master reset" and the model of the GPS device for instructions)

• For the recommended methods of connecting GPS devices to computers, see the article in Related Content.

MapSource program should no longer display the error. 

¹To check the version of the MapSource program that is installed or to verify the update was complete in MapSource program, click on the Help menu and choose About MapSource. This will display the version below the MapSource title.