Download from serial GPS

[erbster]

I have a handheld GPS unit (elderly but serviceable Garmin 76) and I want to be able to download tracks and waypoints from it to my computer and also possibly upload waypoints before a trip.

I always have it running when I'm sailing, but mainly use the ipad for GPS navigation, however, it would be nice to retrieve the information in the unit, as well as pre program some waypoints before a trip.

I have a serial cable for it (it didn't come with a USB one). I also have a USB to serial converter.

Which software can I use? I would ideally like to connect it to my mac, but can connect to a PC instead if that doesn't work. I had a look at the Garmin website, but I could not work out what software was available/compatible with that model of receiver. It also occurred to me that there might be some generic/open source software which might do what I need.

Any suggestions from the collective wisdom? Anyone else using a unit like this?
Thanks

 

[ProDave]

I use "Easy GPS" to upload and download tracks and waypoints.

Just google it, it's a free download.

EDIT to save you the bother, here's a link http://www.easygps.com/

I use it to download a track from the GPS, save it to the HDD, then I can look at where I have been say on Open CPN.

aAso a lot easier to set waypoints on Open CPN, save them and upload to the GPS.

 

[erbster]

Easy by name, easy by nature!
It took me 20mins to load the serial port drivers, find and download the software and then get all 2376 tracks off my trusty Garmin 76!

Now for a few trips down memory lane!

Thanks for the tip. Next opencpn.....

 

[Fantasie 19]

Easy by name, easy by nature!
It took me 20mins to load the serial port drivers, find and download the software and then get all 2376 tracks off my trusty Garmin 76!

Now for a few trips down memory lane!

Thanks for the tip. Next opencpn.....

Well done... once you have the GPX files of your tracks, download Google Earth and open them in that - love to see my tracks superimposed over a satellite map..

 

[Sandy]

One of the wonderful things about using a GPS is the tracks it stores.

Garmin do a software application called Basecamp and one of its features is being able to create an "Adventure", their name not mine, and upload it to Social Media in order to share it with friends and family or the entire planet!

 

[RobbieW]

Theres also GPSU, http://www.gpsu.co.uk/, which has been my favourite for 10 years or so. I use it with a Garmin 72 in combination with OpenCPN.

 

[erbster]

Also a lot easier to set waypoints on Open CPN, save them and upload to the GPS.

I've now downloaded Open CPN. Looks crude but effective. Where is the best place to get UK (+Swedish) charts?

All the links I have found are to yohoho, many of which are blocked by my ISP and none of which seem to actually allow the chart to be downloaded.
Dont want them for accurate nav, just to look at my tracks and create waypoints.

 

[Fantasie 19]

I've now downloaded Open CPN. Looks crude but effective. Where is the best place to get UK (+Swedish) charts?

All the links I have found are to yohoho, many of which are blocked by my ISP and none of which seem to actually allow the chart to be downloaded.
Dont want them for accurate nav, just to look at my tracks and create waypoints.

For non-pirated charts I would probably start with VisitMyHarbour ==> http://www.visitmyharbour.com/charts-for-opencpn.asp