Potential Problems Downloading New Software Version

[William H Bonney]

I'm in the process of downloading the newest software version for my GPS MAP76. There seems to be an awful lot of WARNINGS about losing information that you have stored. I downloaded the program from www.easygps.com and saved my info on that. But what about "saved" tracks and routes? Are those also saved? GARMIN also explains that the base map thats already in the unit will be erased. Do they mean the WHOLE thing? GARMIN provides a program to retrieve this information, but somehow I don't visualize this transition going as smoothly as GARMIN suggests.
Also, with this newest software version, am I going to need more space (MB) on my unit to accomodate the new software and the base map? Has anyone done this recently and how smoothly did it go? Not too many questions, huh? Right now my unit has the 2.04 software loaded on it with the base map of North America and points of interest. Any suggestions or "words of wisdom" are GREATLY appreciated.

[northern_outdoorsman]

I always open up my mapsource topo and save all the waypoints in a file there...I am 99% sure the upgrades don't touch them saved files...I like that program you posted...I downloaded it and I am gonna try it out as another back-up...THANKS!

[William H Bonney]

Surprise, surprise, surprise! Downloaded the newest software for my GPSMAP 76 and dumped into the unit and WHOLLA! Only took a few minutes to do. Looks like GARMIN finally made something thats "idiot proof".:rolleyes:

[Hamilton Reef]

I am the Duck Creek Cooordinator and I also work on projects with White River watershed. I am in the process of purchasing the Garmin GPSMAP-76S and the Terrain Navigator Pro 6.x. I will be interfacing with our local conservation district that has the GIS programs. We will be mapping lakes and later using the gps grid to do the depth contours. We will be plotting Euroasian milfoil and purple loosestrife for later projects. We will also be doing several stream habitat mapping and trout habitat projects. Has anyone had experience with these two products? Good choice/bad choice?

Garmin GPSMAP 76-S http://www.thegpsstore.net/detail_GA00271.asp

Terrain Navigator PRO 6.x http://mapnow.com/mttn.htm

[Jackster1]

I have the Map76S and like it a lot. This is my third Garmin and they really upped the ante with this one. It has a live compass (though a battery hog, it works even when standing still), a barometer and an altimeter. The included base map is fine on the road but isn't nearly as detailed as the aftermarket packages.
It has a whopping 24 megs of memory which helps in downloading a lot of chart and mapping information.
Thanks to others on this board I've gotten past a weak point, it's need of a 10 pin serial port by using the serial/usb convertor cable as suggested here.
When I bought mine on-line I also got the 4 pack of AA Nickel Metal Hydride batteries with charger. This will save you a ton of money in the long run and are far less expensive than I expected.
I'm just now experimenting with the DeLorme and Garmin Road Atlas software and can't say much about it. The topo software is surely in my future to find the isolated mountain brookie streams around here in the Blue Ridge as well as the Garmin waterways software. The latter will be an expensive proposition as each area has to be unlocked at a huge fee.
This unit has already saved my neck a few times on the road and in the field.