Data cable for Garmin Etrex H

[PropThePolecat]

Hey everybody.

Got tired of manually entering waypoints into my Garmin Etrex H and a Garmin brand data-cable costs a whopping 110USD here in Denmark.
I tried looking for one in the UK as theyre certainly cheaper but i couldnt find a webshop that had gotten good reviews so i didnt dare.

Ive stumbled onto this site ages ago where this german guy gives instructions on how to make your own cable so i decided to give it a go.

The site is here: http://www.jens-seiler.de/etrex/datacable.html

What youll need is a DB9 serial (RS232) port connector, wire, a old credit-card or any other plastic card, some scissors/knife, drill and some strips.

You can find the DB9 connector on old computer mouses and the like. I didnt have one so i had to buy one for about 2 bucks and solder the wires onto it.

You can see the pictures here on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/km-m/se...7618881775219/

Since the Etrex is a pretty popular GPS i thought id tell you guys about it. If anyone has any questions or need any help let me know and ill do what i can.

Plus this is much funner than buying a standard cable!

Regards
Mads

 

[Bob W]

Even in the US the Garmin branded items are very expensive. Fortunately there are off-brand substitutes available.
http://www.gpsgeek.com/products/usb...etrex-emap-geko-4-pin-and-5-pin-gps-receivers
http://www.gpsgeek.com/compatible/Garmin
I've purchased a few Gilsson products and have been very happy with the quality.

That is, if you'd rather not make your own cables.

 

[mikeal]

Nice. This is next on my project list. Thanks.