MAC user needs Garmin help

[DesertRose]

I'm still trying to sort out how all this works, but I wanted to see if I have the plan right for trying to utilize GPS on my Mac to record waypoints and information in Kenya for one of our projects - a cool self-drive safari adventure program in the heart of Maasailand!

- I have the use of a loaner Garmin GPS III; will be working on getting a donation of a newer one.

- I need a USB-serial conversion cable. May have one, but can get one via CompUSA.

- I need something for the Mac for viewing maps, planning routes, and storing my data. Is this MacGPSPro? [Garmin supposedly will have an OSX MapSource this summer but I can't wait on that.]

- I need something for uploading and downloading data because MacGPSPro won't do this. Is this right? Do I use GPSBabel? This is where I get lost.

Thanks for any info on planning this.

Oh - I have G4 Powerbook (PowerPC) 1GB - and please, don't suggest I run a Windows emulator for MapSource. I just can't do it!

 

[Tucson T4R]

I can't help much with the MAC specific questions since I'm a Windows kinda guy but.... If there is anyway you can get the newer model Garmin GPS receivers you will be much happier. I suggest either the Map76CSX or Map60CSX which are identical in function, just in different packaging. Both of these have mini USB ports so you can direct attach via USB without the slower serial conversion. Also the newer units now have greatly improved SiRF III chipsets in them that have receivers that are many times more sensitive than the previous technology.

If you want to post your Mac/Garmin questions or just browse this website is loaded with GPS gurus.....even some that speak MAC.:shakin:

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=161510&hl=MAC

 

[GeoRoss]

I'm still trying to sort out how all this works, but I wanted to see if I have the plan right for trying to utilize GPS on my Mac to record waypoints and information in Kenya for one of our projects - a cool self-drive safari adventure program in the heart of Maasailand!

- I have the use of a loaner Garmin GPS III; will be working on getting a donation of a newer one.

- I need a USB-serial conversion cable. May have one, but can get one via CompUSA.

- I need something for the Mac for viewing maps, planning routes, and storing my data. Is this MacGPSPro? [Garmin supposedly will have an OSX MapSource this summer but I can't wait on that.]

- I need something for uploading and downloading data because MacGPSPro won't do this. Is this right? Do I use GPSBabel? This is where I get lost.

Thanks for any info on planning this.

Oh - I have G4 Powerbook (PowerPC) 1GB - and please, don't suggest I run a Windows emulator for MapSource. I just can't do it!

DR, you are partly incorrect on MacGPSPro. While you cannot download maps to a Garmin unit with MacGPSPro (you can only do this with Garmin software even w/ a PC), you can upload and download waypoints, routes as well as satellite constellation data. It is very easy to work with and very stable. One of the things I really like about it is how easy it is to geo-rectify any tiff.

If you need to be able to see real-time map information, you will either need to be able to download the maps to your GPS unit or use it in conjunction with a laptop. I do both depending on the situation. Personally, I find trying to navigate using the GPS screen annoying. I'd rather use it in conjunction with a paper map (I always have the paper map anyway) since I have to stop to read the screen anyway.

You will need a USB-serial port adaptor. It will need to be a Keyspan unit. I don't know why the Belkin adaptor doesn't work, but the Keyspan adaptor does.

I can't say enough nice things about MacGPSPro and their customer support. If you have any other questions let me know. I will say, what ever route you choose to go, work out the kinks stateside, but I am sure you already know that.


Ross

 

[bigreen505]

You will need a USB-serial port adaptor. It will need to be a Keyspan unit. I don't know why the Belkin adaptor doesn't work, but the Keyspan adaptor does.

There is no logical reason why you have to use a Keyspan adapter, but that does seem to be reality. They are about $40, widely available and the only reliable option. You might check out GPSy, there is a relatively new version out that not too many people have experience with.

I'm hoping Graham checks in because he is the only person I know of with experience using an old Garmin attached to a Mac in Africa. One concern with the Powerbook, I have exactly the same one and have a horrible time seeing the screen in the car. Not sure what the deal is, but it is almost unusable.

 

[DesertRose]

There is no logical reason why you have to use a Keyspan adapter, but that does seem to be reality. They are about $40, widely available and the only reliable option. You might check out GPSy, there is a relatively new version out that not too many people have experience with.

I'm hoping Graham checks in because he is the only person I know of with experience using an old Garmin attached to a Mac in Africa. One concern with the Powerbook, I have exactly the same one and have a horrible time seeing the screen in the car. Not sure what the deal is, but it is almost unusable.

Thanks for all the tips - likely I won't nav with the Powerbook. I would be downloading tracks and datapoints at the end of the day in camp.

For these purposes, there really aren't any regular roads anyway, so navigating by the GPS would be. . . looking at a blank screen!

What we're doing is pioneering a new private safari route just for our groups - and it's just unmapped 2-tracks and cattle trails (and some elephant trails) meandering through the heart of Maasailand in the South Rift Valley of Kenya. Most of these roads disappear in the rainy season anyway - but I want to map where we go, points of interest, and campsites.

Daktaried's going to help me sort out some stuff this weekend, too - I've only used GPS units to take datapoints of wildlife sightings and stuff like that, never for navigation.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I'm not sure if they are available for Africa but if they are, Garmin Topo maps are pretty handy to have loaded on the GPS when in the back country like that. They help to keep you in touch with your surounding hills and water features.

 

[DesertRose]

DR, you are partly incorrect on MacGPSPro. While you cannot download maps to a Garmin unit with MacGPSPro (you can only do this with Garmin software even w/ a PC), you can upload and download waypoints, routes as well as satellite constellation data. It is very easy to work with and very stable. One of the things I really like about it is how easy it is to geo-rectify any tiff.

This is what's confusing to me. A while ago I was looking at the Lowrance Baja 530 . . . and I sent a question to MacGPSPro to see if it would work with their software.

Here is what he wrote back, which made me think it could not transfer data:

"You should be able to use the NMEA output from the receiver for realtime information. You will not be able to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs."

Is this because it's Lowrance? Will Garmin allow me to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs?

 

[GeoRoss]

This is what's confusing to me. A while ago I was looking at the Lowrance Baja 530 . . . and I sent a question to MacGPSPro to see if it would work with their software.

Here is what he wrote back, which made me think it could not transfer data:

"You should be able to use the NMEA output from the receiver for realtime information. You will not be able to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs."

Is this because it's Lowrance? Will Garmin allow me to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracklogs?

Yes, MacGPSPro doesn't work with every mfg. It originally only worked with Garmins and has slowly incorporated other mfgs, but this is spotty. Which Garmin unit are you planning to use? They have a page of compatible units.

Ross

 

[gjackson]

I use a Garmin GPS Map 176, which is about the same vintage as the G III. It works really well with both GPS Pro and GPSy.

As has already been stated, you cannot upload maps to the GPS from either GPS Pro or GPSy, but you can track real-time on both if you have the Keyspan adaptor. (And yes, Keyspan is the only one that works well enough to be worth buying). If you are tracking real time on the Mac, (or downloading tracks later and want to see where you were) then you need maps on the Mac. You can calibrate any tiff file (GPS Pro) or any tiff/jpeg (GPSy), so it is pretty easy. Or you can get the Fugawi Africa Maps which are pre calibrated. I have the Russian topos, which are phenominal maps given their vintage.

If you want to upload maps to the GPS, you are looking at T4A. To do that you need Mapsource and a Windows box. But then you have an amazing resource on your GPS, but are limited by your GPS capabilities in storing tracks and points.

In Africa I used T4A on the Garmin for navigation (and because I am a contributor to their project) and used GPSy on self-calibrated Russian and Fugawi maps for general navigation and fine navigation in areas where T4A did not cover (hence our contributions). Then every evening I downloaded the track from the garmin to the mac for archiving. If you store tracks on the garmin, you can loose resolution (depending on what model you have). It all worked very well.

Hope that makes some sense!!

cheers

 

[DesertRose]

Thanks to everybody for the great answers - it's clearer to me now I need some serious upgrades to do this right.

We're working on it now, from a non-profit, sponsorship angle.

Now if only I could get Apple to sponsor us with a new Macbook Pro . . .