Garmin etrex vista problems

No GPS that I know of takes maps from other than its own proprietary software. Mapsource should work, if you buy the maps from Garmin. Maps you have lying around or that come from other companies just won't work. Lowrance GPSrs don't get mentioned very often, so one must assume they aren't used very often.

Perhaps there is a reason. When I upgraded to a Vista, the mapping programs wouldn't recognize the new unit. What are the actual problems? I have a Vista and its an excellent unit. Very easy to use and it works with my PC quite well.

I use Mapsource Topo and have no problem uploading the maps. Might try Nevada geocaching and see if they can help find you a mentor. Of course that not quite as good as being right there to show you. If you can't send anything, check to see if something else is using your Com port. If you have a Palm Desktop and your Hotsync is enabled, this could cause a problem. Close the Hotsync and see what happens.

I have an eTrex Vista and it works great - I've never had a problem with uploading or downloading. I'd be happy to help you, as will many others here, but you have to post your specific problem or symptoms, e.

Without the specifics, the best I can suggest is that you read the relevant portions of the Vista manual. If you don't have the paper copy that comes with the unit, you can get it at the Garmin Website click here. The manual has very useful information about setting up the unit for downloading and uploading.

If it doesn't help, return here and post specific information! I agree with Kai Team. I've used a Vista for over a year now and have had few problems. If you can explain exactly what you want to do, I bet many of the forum readers can help.

If you want to hook it up to the computer and download tracks and see them displayed on the computer against aerial photos or topo maps, then the Vista can do that too check out USAPhotoMaps. I read this post after I was having problems with my e-trex not talking to my desktop via the serial port. Disabled my palm Hotsync manager and Voila! If your Garmin will not turn on then verify that the batteries are not expired.

If the batteries are expired or corroded, replace them. After you replace the batteries, inspect the LCD screen. Replace the LCD screen if it is noticeably discolored.

If you can not tell whether the device is on or off because the screen is black then you need to replace the LCD. Disassemble the device and replace the motherboard and LCD screen.

Next place the motherboard and LCD screen in a bowl of dry rice for 24 hours to dry out the components. If the device still does not operate after reassembly then the components need to be replaced. Garmin devices have a small internal cell battery. If this battery gets discharged, your device won't be able to turn on again.

Bumping and jerking will cause the batteries to disconnect from the the battery contact. Try folding a small piece of foil into a square and place it between the back plate of the Garmin and the batteries to bridge the gap.

Refer to removing batteries link. Contact Garmin directly to order new battery contacts. Garmin eTrex Vista Page. If you can not press down on the device buttons then clean them by wiping a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol along the buttons until the visible dirt is gone. To clean the inside take out the batteries. There are mixed reports of this being fixed in some models in late vintage firmware. The "tic tac" that you touch on these isn't actually the power button.

Under that rubber is a long plastic rod that goes to the switch itself. Over time and pressure, that rod compresses and it doesn't fully push the actual button. Some hobbyists report that a strategically located drop of glue is helpful. If your unit is still under warranty or if screwdrivers scare you, see "Repair" on this page.

Garmin stands behind even their discontinued products very well. We've seen many reports of them repairing units with known problems well after the warranty has expired at no charge.

Obviously, your mileage may vary on that. Even if you can't sweet talk them into that, they do have a flat-rate repair system. The exact price varies from model to model, of course, but they'll send you a factory refurbished unit when they receive yours. They report they'll honor the flat rate on units run over by cars or otherwise clearly damaged.

All cosmetic issues like scuffs and scratches are addressed and the replacement is covered by a 90 day warranty. It will be a different unit than you send in, so be prepared to contact them to swap activation codes on any locked mapping products you have licensed from them. The USB connector on these models can be rather fragile. Usually, the connector has "just" come unsoldered or has a broken solder joint to the printed circuit board.

Many technically astute people report success resoldering it to the board.