How to get Gecache Details into a Garmin etrex vista HCx

[m*sh]

Hi,

I am using Linux and can't use Garmin services or send to device from Groundspeak.com

(Browsers are not supported for the required extension)

So my question is how do I get gpx or loc-files into the device so they show up in the geocache list.

 

I have tried both loc-file and gpx-file for a cache and saved it on the device memory. But it doesn't show up - neither as cache nor as regular Waypoint.

Somehow I am stuck with this device. If I enter a new WP and try to go for it i see a map which is not helpful for the last 20 meters.

I would like to have it like on other devices with a dart and meters left to go...

any help apreciated.

[+Red90]

The external memory can't be used for waypoints. It is only for maps and custom POIs. Waypoints must be loaded onto internal memory using Garmin's transfer protocol. You need to find a program that runs on Linux with the proper programming to do it. I'm sure there are programs out there. http://tuxmobil.org/linux_gps_navigation_applications.html

[+MartyBartfast]

Ensure you have mass storage mode enabled on the Vista (I can't remember how to do this, but google it if need be).

Plug your Vista into the Linux box.

You will see a device in /dev/ for the internal memory, and another for the microSD card (if you're using one)

Mount one of the devices to some mountpoint on the OS.

Copy your GPX file(s) into /mountpoint/Garmin/GPX/

unmount the mountpoint.

unplug the GPS

turn the GPS off and on again.

 

you should now see the caches on the GPS.

 

I think the waypoint issue is a red herring as you don't really want to put them onto the GPS as waypoints, however if you really want to do that then install gpsbabel on your Linux box - I believe that will allow you to create waypoints, but I can't tell you where you need to put them on the GPS.

 

I would recommend getting a separate microSD card for the Vista, and using it for storing caches and maps, rather than the internal device.

 

If you get a map you must put it in /mountpoint/Garmin and it must be called GMAPSUPP.IMG (from memory, google it).

good OSM maps can be obtained from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/

 

I did this for years with my Vista on Linux.

Edited September 8, 2016 by MartyBartfast

[+Viajero Perdido]

Yes, GMAPSUPP.IMG.

 

I used GSAK for years inside a Windows virtual machine, collecting PQs in there and generating caches as custom POIs, then using Garmin's POI loader to squirt them to my 60CSx. This avoided the artificial limit on the number of waypoints inside a Garmin.

 

One more option. Good luck.

 

(One of the nice things about my current setup is I no longer have to shovel coal into that archaic old Windows VM, a lot of moving parts there, simply to load up caches to go outside and play...)

[+Mineral2]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the eTrex Vista supports paperless caching, which means caches need to be converted to POIs in order to see the description, hint, recent logs, etc.

[+Red90]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the eTrex Vista supports paperless caching, which means caches need to be converted to POIs in order to see the description, hint, recent logs, etc.

 

That is correct. MartyBartfast is providing incorrect information.

[+MKFmly]

I use EasyGPS to load caches on my Vista HCX. It doesn't support Linux natively but you may be able to get it to work running under a Windows virtual machine.

[robertlipe]

Confirmed. Several of the answers above are incorrect. Vista HCx does not support a USB Mass Storage to transfer waypoints. You need a Linux application that speaks Garmin USB Protocol, and, as a bonus, knows about Geocaching and is able to provide custom icons so you device can distinguish Multis and Virts and such. Lucky for you, I wrote one of those about 15 years ago and have given away over 15 million copies.