GPS receiver for Linux

[GJim]

I have a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. I like the unit and have used it in the past to log tracks and to geo-tag my nature photography.

 

However, I no longer use Windows as my operating system. I use the Kubuntu flavor of Linux. Kubuntu and the eTrex will not talk to one another. I would like to be able to update the maps in the eTrex (too bad it doesn't have enough memory to hold the entire US).

 

Garmin doesn't seem to be even the slightest bit interested in support Linux operating systems.

 

I'm willing to purchase a different GPS receiver that would have similar functions and software as the eTrex, that will have full communication with Linux. Any recommendations?

 

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

 

G'Jim c):{-

[+ecanderson]

Any of the later Garmin models (quite a few years now) have open architectures that allow the device to appear to any PC as an external drive (similar to a thumb drive, etc.), so you are able to deal directly with the content of the unit. That means that you can move *.gpx files back and forth off the unit with ease, so dealing with tracks won't be an issue. These newer devices also (mostly) include uSD card slots, so you can load 'em up with a lot of maps, or as needed, swap to another card with different maps. Maps are freely available from gpsfiledepot or OSM.

Edited February 13, 2016 by ecanderson

[+Viajero Perdido]

Right. Get the Garmin into Mass Storage Mode, and you're in business.

 

Linux has worked fine with my Garmin for years. Who said you need Windows?

[+ecanderson]

Probably no one said that, but the OP's experience is with the older eTrex line that didn't support mass storage mode and required non-Linux software for moving data to/from the device, so the concern is entirely understandable.

[+MartyBartfast]

I had an Etrex Vista HCX for several years and used it successfully on various Linux OSs. I can't remember whether the Vista supports mass storage mode, if it does then enable it and when you plug it into the PC just treat it like any other USB drive; if it doesn't then install gpsbabel and use that to send .GPX files to it.

 

http://www.gpsbabel.org/

 

Edit because I just remembered: The vista will take a microSD card, so buy yourself a card with a USB adaptor (probably less than $10), plug it into your PC to copy the maps and GPX files on, then stick it in your GPS and you're good to go. This is how I got OpenStreetMaps onto my Vista.

Edited February 14, 2016 by MartyBartfast

[+MartyBartfast]

There's some useful instructions here http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Garmin/eTrex_Vista_HCx including how to enable mass storage mode on the Vista:

 

To retrieve the files, either insert the microSD card in a card reader, or connect the device to a computer via USB cable and set it to the USB mass storage mode. To do so, press menu button twice, Setup -> Interface and 'click' the 'rocker' button to activate "USB Mass Storage" option. To return to the normal operation mode, press on/off button once.

 

And if you put your maps on a microSD card then I'm sure you'll get the entire USA OpenStreetMaps on it.

[robertlipe]

You can indeed copy precooked OSM to and from the SD card - either sloooowly via the device's own USB mass storage or less slowly via external card reader/writer.

 

GPSBabel has supported transfer of waypoints, routes, and tracks on that model under Linux for years. Given the low number of users, and particularly in the minor strains like kubuntu, I couldn't fake shock if it's decayed somewhat. The support on GPSBabel's part has been there for 10+ years.

 

I <3 the way that an OSM user thinks he can appeal his opinion on how my software should work by putting "bugreports" on unrelated OSM pages. Classy.

[+Viajero Perdido]

<aside>

I never even knew about the "simplifying tracks" feature until curiosity took me into that "bugreport" thread. Cool feature; I can use that. (Now if it could only simplify tracks that are already in OSM, but that's a challenge for another day...)

</aside>

[GJim]

Thanks for all the replies. I was able to put the eTrex in the Mass Storage Mode.

 

I also was able to create a map for the local area* and upload it to the Micro-SD card via a USB Card Reader. It's also possible that I could have uploaded directly to the card while installed in the eTrex.

 

I created the map file at:

http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/

 

I haven't gone out exploring, yet, using the new map - it is showing in the display and shows my current location behind the arrow.

 

*I live full-time in a MotorHome - south in the winter, north in the summer. Currently, I'm in San Angelo TX - will be in the Buffalo, NY area this coming summer.

 

Again, thanks -- great help, great group.

 

G-Jim c):{-