Techno-Geek Gear-Head Thread

“I recently purchased a Sony Clie. I would like to link it to my Garmin GPS 12, but have been unable to find a company that makes an adapter cable. Any suggestions?”

“Why didn't you just name this thread, "Walkindude, don't even bother trying to help here cause it's too high-tech".

Good luck.”

“ahhhh umhhh????? Thats to high tech for me”

“check out http://forums.groundspeak.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi it's full of Techno-Geek Gear-Heads.”

“There is an easy way and a hard way. The easy way is to find the cable, which is made for the plam units. The hard way is to get a cradle for the PDA and the PC connector for the comp. Then get a male/male connector to link the two. The problem is you have to switch pins 2 and 3 (I think) to make it a null modem. After that, it should work assuming you have the proper software. Here is a link that explains it all GPS Pilot BTW: I have a Garmin GPS 12 as well. They kick ass.”

“Dang, that's exactly what I was gonna suggest!













NOT! I'm still working on figuring out my compass.”

“Does yer GPS 12 have interface cable capabilities? I looked at the Garmin CD Rom site and it didn't mention your unit, giving me the impression it does not have uploadable/downloadable capabilities. But that's just my geducated opinion.”

“Buddur - waypoints and routes are transferable, but not maps, with the GPS 12. I currently use the DeLorme Topo series of maps on my PC and upload/download data from the GPS to the mapping software, and use Solus Pro to download the upgraded maps to my Sony Clie.

I guess you could say my GPS, PC, and handheld are all communicating, but the PC is the middleman, sort of acting as a translator. With the proper connection the GPS and the hanheld could link directly. Allowing real time tracking on the downloaded DeLorme maps, on the handheld.

deathmarch - the problem is that the Sony is USB, not seriel like the Palm. DeLorme makes an adapter for the Earthmate GPS to the Sony, but I haven't been able to find a supplier for Garmin. I've contacted Blue Hills innovations and they are not making one YET, cause the Sony has only been out for a year. If they get enough requests they will.

I was hoping someone would know of another custom electronics place that was already making one.”

“I too have the Delorme Topo. I was fortunate to score a free Topo 3.0 version by being a tester of that versin prior to its release. I just recently finished Beta Testing for bugs/glitches in the soon-to-be-released "Street Atlas USA Deluxe" software.

I dig being able to track my hikes via GPS, downloading the data to my software and having a virtual topo map showing my hike and waypoints of interest.”

“Thanks Violin, I've covered that site pretty thoroughly and it seems I have 2 choices. Build my own connection, or wait patiently for someone else to build one.

Great link for Palm OS Navigation.”

“Buddur - Yeah, I really dig that too!

I also really like the profiling feature on Topo 3.0. That software is a whole lotta bang for the buck!

You beta-testers make me green with gear-envy! LOL”

“Having gotten the hang of the 2.0 Version, I wrote them saying I have lots of ideas/additions for them to consider that would make the program more user friendly and versitile. They asked me to send in the suggestions, and then asked me if i wanted to be a Beta Tester for the 3.0 version. I didn't know they'd consider me for the Street Atlas edition.

I'll bet if you did the same...
(hint hint)”

“Buddur - Thanks!”