Transferring User Data from a Garmin Legacy Unit to a New Chartplotter

A legacy chartplotter, such as the GPSMAP 2xxx or 3xxx series device, but also others that used the Garmin proprietary data cards, can pose a challenge to owners if they want to upgrade to a newer chartplotter. Most often, the cables to transfer that data to the computer were not purchased and are no longer available. Garmin frequently receives questions on how to transfer user data from these legacy devices. The easiest way to transfer user data, such as waypoints, routes, tracks, is to wire the old unit to the new chartplotter using the NMEA 0183 wires.  As the legacy device ages, it may become incompatible with newer chartplotters, which would mean that the device could no longer transfer that data using this method. If the  legacy chartplotter uses an SD card, see Related Content below. 

Wiring the legacy unit to the new GPSMAP unit

1. Connect the Red (Power) wires of the devices to the positive side of the power source of the boat

2. Connect the Black (Ground) wire of the devices to the common ground of the boat. Be sure the two devices connect to the same grounding point, or the transfer may fail

3. Connect the Blue wire (legacy device) to the Brown wire (new device)

4. Connect the Brown wire (legacy device)  to the Blue wire (new device)

Note: On legacy models and current models the Blue and Brown wires are Port 1.

From the new GPSMAP

Select  Options > Settings > Communications  > NMEA 0183 Setup > Port Types > NMEA Input 1 set to Garmin.

From the legacy device

1. From the main menu, select System > to select the COMM tab (GPSMAP 2xxx series is slightly different; the COMM tab is not found under the System but is own tab)

2.  On Port 1

   • Under the Serial Data Format set to Garmin Data Transfer

   • Under the Transfer Mode set to - Send Waypoints, Send Tracks, or Send Routes.  Repeat with each of the sets of data to be transferred to the new device

GPSMAP 2xxx Series Devices

GPSMAP 3xxx Series Devices

GPSMAP 39x, 49x series devices

Both units set to Garmin Data Transfer on some series it's called Garmin or Garmin Standard.

The data transfer protocol came before the release of the MapSource program and cabling that allowed the Garmin Data card to transfer to the computer. Although it currently works on older devices, it may not work on all of the new chartplotters. See the Owner's Manual for the correct wire connections.