This page covers the various ways a Garmin GPS can connect to a PC and how to configure the GPS and OziExplorer. Many Garmin GPS have more than one way to interface and output to the PC.
Notes
OziExplorer cannot send maps to any Garmin GPS, the type of maps OziExplorer uses are not in the correct format required by a GPS.
A Serial Port is also known as a Com Port and both names are used throughout this document.
Types of Output by Garmin GPS
Upload/Download Data Protocols - The standard method Garmins use for uploading/downloading of waypoints, routes and tracks. The Interface setting in the GPS must be set to Garmin mode.
NMEA Data - A standard method of outputting position data. Garmins have an Interface setting in the GPS to enable outputting of NMEA data. When a Garmin GPS is outputting NMEA data it cannot do upload/download of waypoints, routes or tracks.
PVT Data - A method used by Garmin to output position data when the Interface setting in the GPS is set to Garmin mode. Significantly older Garmin models do not have the ability to output PVT data. PVT data does not include GPS satellite data so there is no way in OziExplorer to display satellite information (NMEA does supply satellite data).
GPX File - A standard file format for storing GPS data. Usually the GPS connects to the computer as a mass storage device (disk drive). The waypoint and track data is saved in GPX file format to the GPS (drive). OziExplorer reads / writes GPX files.
Garmin Spanner Mode (for Moving Map only) - Only available on some models
If supported by your GPS, moving map is available -
set the GPS Interface to "Garmin Spanner" on your GPS. (Setup / System / Interface).
when the GPS is connected to the computer and turned on, the message "Usb Cable Detected? Would you like to go to Mass Storage Mode" - Answer NO.
the Garmin USB driver software must be installed (see the Garmin support website if you need these).
Note: Do not install Garmin Spanner software on the PC, it is not required.
in OziExplorer configuration make sure "Garmin USB" and "Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA" are both checked.
Types of Connections Used by Garmin GPS
Connect to PC using a Serial port - These models have upload/download capabilities and can output NMEA data and also PVT data.
Connect to PC using a USB port
Garmin USB - These models have upload/download capabilities (not the GPS 18 USB) and output PVT data. The Garmin USB GPS drivers must be installed for a Garmin USB GPS to be able to transfer data. The drivers should have been supplied on CD with the GPS but is also available for download from www.garmin.com .
- Mass storage device - These models connect to a computer as a disk drive and have upload / download using GPX files. Some models may also be able to connect via a serial cable.
Connect to PC using a Serial port or a USB port - These models have both interfaces so can be either of the types above.
iQue M3 and M5 (and future Garmins based on the PocketPC platform) - These do not use the standard Garmin upload/download protocols or output NMEA data so cannot be interfaced to OziExplorer. OziExplorerCE (Pocket PC version) will run on these devices.
iQue 3200 and 3600 (and future Garmins based on the Palm platform) - These do not use the standard Garmin upload/download protocols or output NMEA data so cannot be interfaced to OziExplorer.
GPS 10 (and future Bluetooth models) - Uses Bluetooth for communications with a PC, does not have upload/download capability, outputs NMEA sentences. This can be considered a GPS connected to a serial port outputting NMEA data for use for Moving Map.
cfQue 1620 (and future Compact Flash models) - A Compact Flash GPS, does not have upload/download capability, outputs PVT data (does not output NMEA). When plugged into a PC it will create a new serial port so this can be considered a Garmin GPS connected to a serial port outputting PVT data for use for Moving Map
Which Port is My GPS Using
If you are using a Garmin USB GPS then it connects to a USB port.
If you are using a GPS which connects to a Serial Port then there are other options.
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If you are connecting to a standard Serial port (pictured left) then it is most likely Com Port 1 or 2 and may be labelled on the PC. |
If you are using a Compact Flash GPS then it will create a new Serial Port, if you are using a USB to Serial Port adapter then it will create a new Serial Port, a Bluetooth GPS will use the Bluetooth Serial Port.
The Com Port number of these Serial Ports is not always known or obvious. Here are a couple of methods to determine it.
You can use the Hardware / Devices section of the System Shortcut in the Windows Control Panel to see what Com ports are available.
You can use our GpsPortChecker program to see if it can find your GPS.
The sections below provide the configuration settings for -
Garmin GPS Connecting by a Serial Port
Garmin GPS Connecting by a USB Port (Garmin USB GPS)
Garmin GPS Connecting by a USB Port (Mass Storage Device)
1. Garmin GPS
Connecting by a Serial port
(this also includes
connecting through a USB to Serial Port adapter)
Settings for the Upload/Download of Waypoints, Routes and Tracks
Please double check all settings - do not assume they are correct.
GPS Configuration (done within the GPS)
OziExplorer Configuration (done within the OziExplorer software)
- On the GPS menu the Interface setting must be set to Garmin mode, on older models this is called GRMN/GRMN Host mode. Refer to the GPS manual on how to find this setting.
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Garmin
- Select the GPS Model to match the model of Garmin GPS you have. If you model is not listed then select the "Other Garmins" setting. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- Set the GPS Upload/Download Datum to WGS 84, Garmins always do upload/download of positions in the WGS 84 datum regardless of what datum the GPS is set to.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- Set the Com Port number that you have connected the GPS to.
- Set the Parity to None.
- Set the Stop Bits to 1
- Set the Upload/Download Baud Rate to 9600
- Make sure the Garmin USB Checkbox is unticked
- The Serial Port Driver should be set to Driver 2 (this is the default)
- Auto Pilot Output can be ignored.
Settings for Moving Map (real time tracking)
There are 2 ways to configure a Garmin GPS for moving map use.
1. OziExplorer Configuration for Moving Map - Garmin Interface setting in the GPS set to Garmin Mode (outputs PVT data)
Please note - The GPS must be turned on when Moving Map in OziExplorer is started as OziExplorer needs to send commands to the GPS.
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Garmin
- Select the GPS Model to match the model of Garmin GPS you have. If you model is not listed then select the "Other Garmins" setting. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- The GPS NMEA Output Datum is ignored.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- Set the Com Port number that you have connected the GPS to.
- Set the Parity to None.
- Set the Stop Bits to 1
- The NMEA Baud Rate is ignored..
- Make sure the Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA Checkbox is ticked
- The Serial Port Driver should be set to Driver 2 (this is the default)
- Auto Pilot Output settings can be ignored.
2. OziExplorer Configuration for Moving Map - Garmin Interface setting in the GPS set to NMEA Out Mode
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Garmin
- Select the GPS Model to match the model of Garmin GPS you have. If you model is not listed then select the "Other Garmins" setting. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- Set the GPS NMEA Output Datum to the same datum the GPS is set to, Garmins always output the positions in NMEA data in the datum the GPS is set to.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- Set the Com Port number that you have connected the GPS to.
- Set the Parity to None.
- Set the Stop Bits to 1
- Set the NMEA Baud Rate to 4800 (almost all Garmins output NMEA data at 4800 Baud, there are a couple of models which allow other Baud rates to be specified, if you do change from 4800 in the GPS then you must set the same value in OziExplorer).
- Make sure the Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA Checkbox is unticked
- The Serial Port Driver should be set to Driver 2 (this is the default)
- Auto Pilot Output settings can be ignored.
2. Garmin GPS Connecting by a USB Port (Garmin USB GPS)
If you are using a USB to Serial Port adapter to connect your GPS you must have a serial port GPS so refer to the section "Garmin GPS connecting through a serial port".
These Garmin models support USB data transfer and require you to install the Garmin driver software (supplied with the GPS or download from Garmins web site).
Settings for the Upload/Download of Waypoints, Routes and Tracks and Moving Map (the GPS outputs PVT data)
Please note - The GPS must be turned on when Moving Map in OziExplorer is started as OziExplorer needs to send commands to the GPS.
Please double check all settings - do not assume they are correct.
OziExplorer Configuration (done within the OziExplorer software)
- On the File menu choose the Configuration option, this will open the configuration dialog.
- Select the GPS tab.
- Select the GPS Make as Garmin
- Select the GPS Model to match the model of Garmin GPS you have. If you model is not listed then select the "Other Garmins" setting. The GPS parameters can be adjusted to match the specifications for the model of GPS (refer to the GPS manual for this).
- Set the GPS Upload/Download Datum to WGS 84, Garmins always do upload/download of positions in the WGS 84 datum regardless of what datum the GPS is set to.
- Select the COM tab on the Configuration dialog.
- The Com Port is ignored
- The Parity is ignored.
- The Stop Bits is ignored
- The Upload/Download Baud Rate is ignored.
- Make sure the Garmin USB Checkbox is ticked
- Make sure the Use PVT for Garmin instead of NMEA Checkbox is ticked
- The Serial Port Driver is ignored.
- Auto Pilot Output settings can be ignored.
3. Garmin GPS Connecting by a USB Port (Mass Storage Device)
Please note - The GPS will connect to the computer as a disk drive.
Upload / Download is by GPX file.
OziExplorer Configuration (done within the OziExplorer software)
The Oregon and Colardo can be used for moving map