Hello!

I need some help with my Garmin Etrex Legend. I bought it back in August, and it has software version 2.38. I saw on their web site that I could upgrade, and get some improved features.

I was all ready to do that, when I read a disclaimer about that I would LOSE ALL MY DATA if I did that, and that I should BACK IT UP IF I CARED!

Anyone have any first hand knowledge of:
A) How to back it up?
B) How to reload it into the unit, once I upgrade the software.

I've saved some cool routes and breadcrumb trails that I don't want to lose. I have the cable that connects it to the serial port on my pc, so that is not a problem.

Thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Tim J.

Tim,

I upgraded a 176S about a week ago and did not see the disclaimer and lost all the data and maps, but lucky for me my teammate has the data in his computer.
You should be able to download form your GPS to your computer and after upgrade download from computer to GPS. I think you will need a cable to connect computer and GPS and some software like Map Source from Garmin.

Good Luck

yep - your going to need one of the Garmin map package software (Roads and Recreation, etc.). I imagine there's probably a shareware package that can probably save that info for you but that would be a little more risky.

Tim,

For a simple procedure like exporting and importing data, a shareware program should be sufficient. You'd probably want to test it (send data both ways), though, before going ahead with the Garmin software upgrade.

I upgraded mine before I loaded all my data luckily. I have the legend also. The upgrade went very easily. Took about 5 minutes. Just follow th instructions to the letter.

If you find out how to download the data to your computer please post how to do it. I was curious how to do this myself. The instructions were very vague when it came to uploading data.

I know the mapping software is around $150. Is there another way to do it besides writing it all down and doing it manually?

AJ
Nacra 6.0 Express

you should be able to find a roads and recreation version of the software for about $80 (check Yahoo shopping). This version does NOT have point to point route planning features. Routes you program are done by clicking spots on the map or entering coordinates. This works great for long distance races since you pretty much know the route but are looking for fine direction while on the water. This doesn't work so well for driving across town (i.e., if I knew how to get through these streets, I wouldn't need the GPS to begin with)

Try this page for links to shareware programs.

Garmin Protocol Information and Data Transfer Programs

(I've used the Waypoint+ software with great success, but it may not be compatible with newer operating systems.)

Thanks Kevin and Jake!!

AJ
Nacra 6.0 EX

Hey all.....

I've upgraded my GPS, and was successful in downloading the data before hand, and uploading it afterwards.

I used some freeware from the following web site:

GPS Utility

It worked out great!

Thanks for all your input!

Tim

Tim that is a sweet freeware utility. Been playing with it all morning.

AJ
Nacra 6.0 EX