How to load GPX on Oregon

[Rogue]

I have just upgraded from an eTrex to an Oregon 450, and while I can see that you can copy .gpx files directly onto the unit, when I go to Geocaches on the unit it shows nothing.

So, how do I get caches on the Oregon? How do I use gpx files with it directly?

[Rogue]

okay so after discarding the unhelpful manual, and doing some more googling I have now worked it out for GC gpx files, but it doesn't work for GCA gpx files. Why?
Can I only load GCA caches through GSAK?

[solomonfamily]

You can use GSAK (gsak.net.au) - it can send caches directly to the O450.

[Damo.]

okay so after discarding the unhelpful manual, and doing some more googling I have now worked it out for GC gpx files, but it doesn't work for GCA gpx files. Why?
Can I only load GCA caches through GSAK?

Groundspeak don't adhere to the GPX standard.

[caughtatwork]

To add a bit more, Groundspeak don't adhere to the GPX standard, but they have the biggest consumer base, so most (if not all) of the GPS manufacturers use the Groundspeak schema to determine if a GPX file contains geocaches.

i.e. If you look at the GPX file from GC.com it will have groundspeak namespaces all over it.

The GCA GPX files conform to the GPX standards, but because the GPS manufacturers look for the groundspeak namespace and our files don't have it, they assume it's not a geocaching GPX file.

The easiest way is to run the GCA file through GSAK which will add the groundspeak namespace and the GPS will identify it as a geocache GPX file.

[mtbikeroz]

Ah, I too had (silently) wondered. (For Magellan units too which loaded GCA ones, but had some data "missing")

All explained nicely, thanks.

[Rogue]

Thanks for the help guys

[shrek4]

Step 1 > download gpx file from the Geocaching.com - I am a premium member and download 1000 at a time.
Step 2 > ensure that the file is not in .ZIP format, if so unzip it to a folder. In it you should have two file.
Step 3 > plug in the oregon unit and navigate to the Garmin unit. I have two drive that come up on mine as I have a microSD card installed. One is for maps and the other is the Garmin unit.
Step 4 > Navigate to the folder 'Garmin'
Step 5 > Navigate to the 'GPX' folder
Step 5 > Copy / move the downloaded files to this folder. The files should look something like this filename-wpts.gpx and filename.gpx.
Step 6 > safely remove/disconnect the Garmin unit from the computer
Step 7 > Go Geocaching and enjoy!


Hope that helps
Shrek4 - owner of 2 x Garmin Oregon units