HELP!

I have a new Garmin 76Cx and am trying to get it loaded for the Steeplechase next weekend. However, I cannot get our planned course to show any details when I download the course.

On my computer I have lain (?) out both legs with all the waypoints and such and everything shows, such as day markers, shoals, rocks, etc.

When I download it to the GPS unit, all I see are the waypoints. No course line and no details.

Of course, Garmin tech support is not open until Monday at 8AM, so I am hoping to get this resolved today or tomorrow.

Any Garmin experts out there?

Jack,
Is your "planned course" saved as a route? . . . and make sure that map details is set on highest on the handheld.

I'm not sure. Details are at the highest level though.

I'm checking now on the "saved route" tip.

Jack,

The waypoints need to be entered sequentially into a route. Then you go to navigate and choose the route you want to navigate. It will start with the first waypoint in that route and once your VMG goes negative for that waypoint, it will automatically switch to the next one.

I usually setup a "day1" route and a "day2" route.

I use my GPS setup with a bearing to the next mark. This way I can look at my compass and tell if I'm headed right at it or at what kind of angles we're sailing to the next point. If it's a finish line, I watch our compass angles to the shore and make that last gybe when the bearing shown on the GPS matches that number.

I've done all that Jake. I have both days laid/lain out in sequence, with notes, etc. It looks fine on the computer.

OK...now I have successfully downloaded the course track and waypoints, still no details other than the waypoints I marked.

are you looking for map features like land, channels, markers, etc.?

Did you download the chart set to your GPS? It took me a couple of trys to figure that part out.
My 76 only had a low detail map that it came with, you had to buy and install a Bluechart set.
John

Yes, all the daymarkers, depth graduations, etc.

Or...do they not show on the GPS unit...only the base map in the computer?

The land shows, but again no details.

I think the base map in the GPS is covering the detailed map for some reason.

Also, when I download, the dialogue box has "waypoints" and "routes" active, and "maps" greyed out.

I think the detailed map is not being transferred.

I have tried everything and suppose I will have to call tech Monday unless you have any more ideas.

I hate this crap...I just want to sail the boat!

Thanks Jake

If maps is greyed out it could be one of two things:

1) your GPS unit may need a firmware update (check www.garmin.com support)

2) the basic software doesn't come with that information in it. You have to purchase the marine chart for that region. If you have that marine chart (and can see all the channel markers and navigation aids in Mapsource), you need to unlock your GPS to work with that map set. The marine chart resource CD should have the information about how to unlock your GPS unit. You are allowed two GPS units to unlock with any one of the marine chart regions - their security is pretty tight with those charts (as they make a fortune on them).

Pretty simple Jack,
Go to the map page on the handheld and go into set-up, select the map datum you want to display, and de-select any other map datums in the area of the route (i.e. de-select City Navigator). When you get to the keys, select the route and tell it to navigate.

Oh yeah! Phil got it right - there's a tool that looks like Missouri. Use it to select the map areas you want to upload to the GPS before syncing.

Garmin only allows one device unlock per license, as of last year. Garmin was forced to change policy due to their contract with NavTeq (whom provides the datum). Garmin took alot of sh!t from their pissed off loyal customers because of it. Garmin has tried to make it easier with reduced prices with updates to a licensed product. Garmin has been working hard to address the high costs of licenses with NavTeq. Seems to me that Navteq pretty much has got the bull by the balls. The contract expires in 2015, and there are only a couple of players (Tele Atlas), the other in bed with Garmin's competition. Garmin tried unsuccessfully to buy both of them.

I am making a little progress and I'm sure it is just operator error.

I did buy and unlock the chart software for the region (BlueChart Americas).

It appears I have several conflicting maps that interfere with each other.

Phil, are you saying I cannot really see my route until I actually get to the location?

Right now I am 600 miles away in SC.

Can I not preview or simulate the route on the handheld unit?

OK...I got it!

Maps and details are on.

What a great country!

Thanks Jake and Phil.

Would this be of any use to you guys?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27848200/wid/18298287/?gt1=45002&pg=2#Tech_8SolarGadgets

I'm not sure Pete.

W T F is "reclaimed sheepskin" anyway?

Where do you see that?

Though iPhone owners are the envy of many a crowd, the gadgets do have a notorious flaw: A limited battery life, especially when they are used to simultaneously surf the Web, listen to tunes, and text with friends. Enter the Solar iPhone Charger from Solar Arcadia ($45.95). The case made from reclaimed sheepskin doubles as a solar charger.

NEW INSTRUCTIONS: Put electronics away in trunk... raise sails and.... (wait for it).... just sail!

Does anyone have any sort of list of coordinates for the Steeplechase they could send me or give me Friday?
I just bought a new GPS but didn't buy any of the software to upload routes and etc... do I need this?
I also have a mac.. so would I have a hard time with any of this software?
Thanks!
-Todd