loading maps from GPSfiledepot to Garmin 76cx

[David B]

Help.  This subject must have been covered many times before.  If so just direct me to the right thread.  The question is how can I load maps from the GPAFileDepot to my 76cx which seems to require that maps be loaded from the micro SD card and not directly from my computer via a USB cable.  Is this correct or am I just doing something wrong?  Is it an intentional barrier to prevent downloading free maps instead of buying the Garmin version on the micro SD?

[Seldom]

Loading to a card reader is faster than using the USB connection to the unit, but you should be able to load to the card while it is mounted in the unit.

Which software are you using to initiate the map load?

[Boyd]

You can't load any maps (GPSFiledepot OR Garmin) to internal memory on the 76cx, because it doesn't *have* any internal memory!  See the specs here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=167&pID=350

Built-in memory:      none (cannot load maps to internal memory)

What seldom_sn has suggested is good advice. Put the memory card in a USB 2.0 external reader (or internal slot if your computer has one). This will be MUCH faster than transferring with the GPS connected, because it has a SLOW USB 1.0 interface.

But either way, the results will be the same. The map file will be placed on the card and not on the unit itself.

[David B]

Thanks, I will try to load to the micro SD card using my computer card reader and then see if I can get Map Source to pick it up from the disk.  Not counting on it 'cause it seems Garmin has kept proprietary control on this stuff.  Does anyone know if the 76cx is capable of using the maps from any source other than Garmin itself?     

[Boyd]

Just about every map on this site is completely compatible with your GPS as well as Mapsource. Not sure where you're getting these ideas. There is one type of file called a "custom map" which has a .kmz extension. These are not compatible with your older unit. But pretty much everything else on the site is. Please read these tutorials first and follow them EXACTLY:

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-open-maps-in-mapsource/
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/

You don't "load to the micro SD card" directly. First run the map installer and it will take care of everything. Then just run Mapsource and follow the tutorials above.

[Indrid Cold]

Help.  This subject must have been covered many times before.  If so just direct me to the right thread.  

There is a full tutorial in the tutorials:
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit//

[Seldom]

David,
Don't load maps from this site to a card you bought from Garmin with a proprietary map.  You could mess that map up.  Use a blank card to load GPSfiledepot maps.