Friday, November 12, 2010

Garmin Communicator


Sometimes updates to devices and improvements to the Garmin site may slip past even the most diligent of Marine GeoGarage users.
Today we want to highlight the importance of keeping your
Garmin Communicator Plugin software updated with the latest and greatest, as well as encourage you to keep your device up-to-date with the latest firmware (see below).

Today, Garmin has just released a new version (v.2.9.3) of the Garmin Communicator Plugin :


About The Garmin Communicator Plugin :

The Garmin Communicator Plugin API is a browser plugin and JavaScript support code that allows developers to transfer location data – such as waypoints, track logs, maps and points of interest (POIs) – to and from a website and Garmin device.

"The Garmin Communicator Plugin lets you connect your Garmin GPS with your favorite website. Once the plugin is installed, just connect your Garmin GPS device to your computer, and you're on your way.
The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website."

The benefit of this service to the retail consumer is that the API will simplify loading location data created with the Marine GeoGarage to a Garmin GPS.


Compatible computers and Internet browsers:

IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® 7, XP or Vista operating systems with Internet Explorer 6+ or Firefox 1.5+
Intel-based or PowerPC G4 or later Mac OS 10.4 or later with Firefox 2.0+ or Safari 2.0+

Already installed the Garmin Communicator Plugin?

Visit the
test page to see if it’s properly installed.
If the test page says your Communicator is successfully installed, but it's not detecting your device, download and install the latest
Garmin USB drivers.


Garmin & Marine GeoGarage :

For the moment, our website doesn't support data import from the GPS to the Marine GeoGarage : only waypoints and routes export from the website to the GPS.


This listing provides information about supported read and write GPS formats for different Garmin device models.
Connection issues :

  • test with Google Maps at first :
Google Maps also includes the possibility to download POI into Garmin GPS : google-sendtoGPSHelp
-> see video : in
English / in French

1/ connect your Garmin device to your PC or Mac using the original USB or serial cable that came with your Garmin device
2/ visit the Google Maps homepage, enter the address, business or point of interest (POI) you would like to transfer to your Garmin device in the search field, and then click on "Search maps."
3/ click on the "Send" link located at the top right-hand corner of the Google Maps screen. A Send dialog box appears. Click on "GPS" from the left pane, select your GPS brand (Garmin in our case), and then click on the "Send" button.

If it works with Google Maps, it should work with Marine GeoGarage.
If not, see below.

  • I have downloaded Garmin Communicator software and tried to establish contact between Garmin GPS and the Marine GeoGarage. It starts with "looking for GPS" and the I get a message "sorry can not unlock Garmin plugin"
Select in your browser :
TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS > SECURITY> TRUSTED SITES > SITE (button) >
now ensure that http://*.garmin.com is a trusted site and also uncheck the require server verification option.

  • Garmin GPS firmware : keep your operating software current
It's possible your GPS firmware is not updated : so use WebUpdater to automatically keep your GPS firmware updated
-> see :
current products version

  • Garmin and Linux users : use of GPX export
Because the Communicator API is currently limited to Windows (Internet Explorer and Firefox) and MacOS but not Linux, GeoGarage also supports online waypoints and routes to the GPX format.


Garmin forum : threads for Communicator Browser Mac PluginGarmin forum : threads for Communicator Browser Windows Plugin

If all this information is not sufficiently valuable to solve your problems with the Garmin Communicator, don't hesitate to
contact us or directly Garmin International support :
Product Support Specialist , 2nd Shift Garmin Mobile Team
Att: Eric Rosa, Associate #6957
P : 913-397-8200 / US Toll free 800-800-1020 / Canada 1 866 429 9296 /
EuropeF : 913-440-8280Email : product.support@garmin.com

No comments:

Post a Comment