Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Discussion about software such as GSAK, OziExplorer etc, as well as all things hardware, GPSrs, laptops, PDAs, paperless caching, cables etc
Post Reply
User avatar
webwitch
100 or more tracks walked
100 or more tracks walked
Posts: 44
Joined: 13 January 11 5:17 am
Twitter: robynls
Location: North Ryde, NSW
Contact:

Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by webwitch » 24 January 11 3:07 pm

Please have patience with a newbie.

I have purchased a Garmin 550 to go geocaching with. I have some finds recorded on it but I don't know if or how I can transfer this information back to my PC, MAC or to the Geocaching.com site.

Could I get some help from the resident geogeeks, please?

Philipp
1350 or more caches found
1350 or more caches found
Posts: 591
Joined: 24 January 10 3:08 pm
Twitter: derfuzzel
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Contact:

Re: Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by Philipp » 24 January 11 3:45 pm

I wish someone had explained this to me some time back, so I'll document it here.

In your Garmin Oregon, in the folder \Garmin there is a file "geocache_visits.txt". If this file is not there, the Oregon will create it when necessary.

This file is a text file that the Garmin writes to. Every time you navigate to a geocache, one of your choices is to "Log Attempt". This will store the GC code, date / time (in UTC), log type (found, DNF, etc) and any notes you choose to add to it.

At the end of the day, you can upload this file to your account.

1. Connect unit to computer
2. Go to "upload field notes"
3. Click Browse and navigate to X:\Garmin where X is your Oregon's drive letter.
4. Click "Upload Field Notes"
5. After verifying that they have been uploaded properly by going to this page, delete the file. Or if you want to keep it, save it somewhere first, then rename or delete it.

Now you should see a list of geocaches, the time you found it, log type, etc. For each one, click on "Compose Log". There's a bug with the time (long story) so check to make sure the date is correct. Type in your log. Click "Submit". There'll be a link to bring you back to Field Notes. Repeat until you've completed them all. If you've already logged some, click on "Delete" for those field notes.

It makes logging so much easier.
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index. ... pic=243230

Cheers

User avatar
nibbler
450 or more roots tripped over
450 or more roots tripped over
Posts: 180
Joined: 04 June 05 7:05 am
Location: adelaide

Re: Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by nibbler » 24 January 11 4:52 pm

Here is the wiki that I go to that is really very helpful. Cover basics and questions etc
http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/ 300-400

or this

http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Product+Information 450-550

best of luck

User avatar
webwitch
100 or more tracks walked
100 or more tracks walked
Posts: 44
Joined: 13 January 11 5:17 am
Twitter: robynls
Location: North Ryde, NSW
Contact:

Re: Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by webwitch » 24 January 11 6:02 pm

Thank you both for the speed and clarity of your responses. I am enjoying the camaraderie of this activity.

Perfect! I followed the instructions and it worked! Baby steps :)

Echo
1800 or more caches found
1800 or more caches found
Posts: 281
Joined: 02 December 07 8:29 am
Location: Cranbourne East, Victoria

Re: Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by Echo » 25 January 11 2:59 pm

Something else to look at is a program called GSAK.
It helps out in a lot of ways including loading caches onto your GPSr & logging finds.
Best of all is that to start with it is free to try out, you'll love it! 8)

User avatar
webwitch
100 or more tracks walked
100 or more tracks walked
Posts: 44
Joined: 13 January 11 5:17 am
Twitter: robynls
Location: North Ryde, NSW
Contact:

Re: Transferring finds from Garmin to PC

Post by webwitch » 25 January 11 7:04 pm

Thanks, Echo. I have been to http://www.gsak.net/ and downloaded the program. I have installed it and will play with it this evening.

Ciao,
Robyn

Post Reply