Garmin 310 + A.N.T. does it work with Topofusion?

[fulmar2]

Hi -

Has anyone been able to get the Garmin 310 to work with Topofusion?  The only way that you can connect this GPS to your computer is via A.N.T.  When I go to download tracks with the A.N.T. USB stick plugged in, the A.N.T. agent running (or not running) Topofusion is unable to connect.  Garmin Training Center can connect.  TF is so much better than Garmin Training Center - but it sure would be nice to be able to use the 310 (swimming).

[ScottMorris]

I am not sure if the ANT devices use a different protocol or what.  Nothing ANT / 310 specific has been added to TopoFusion.  I will take a look and see what I learn.  Most likely it will be an easy addition, and we definitely intend to support all Garmin devices.

In the meantime, maybe export .tcx and open them up in TF?

[fulmar2]

Scott -

Thanks for the reply.  I had also contacted Garmin - and they told me where to find the tcx files (which Topofusion has no problem loading).  In case other users want to transfer data from their Garmin 310XT to topofusion, this is where they can find the tcx files:

Windows XP:
C: Documents and Settings > Computer Username > Application Data >
Garmin > Devices > Device Folder matching unit ID of device

Windows Vista:
C: Users/username/appdata/roaming/garmin/devices/device folder matching
unit ID of device

Mac
user home drive->library->application support->garmin->devices->Unit
ID->

I have an unusual setup - running a Mac, Topofusion via VMware fusion.  So I will write a script to automatically copy the tcx files from Garmin's folder to my Topofusion folder.  That way, I can name the files (Garmin doesn't allow you to name your activities like Topofusion).  Garmin Training Center still has a long way to go!  PC users can probably just point their Topofusion tracks directory to one of the directories mentioned above; all files are date-stamped... I have a feeling that they might get deleted after 30 days, though - making it necessary to copy them elsewhere....

[KenF]

... we definitely intend to support all Garmin devices.

On that note, I was looking at newer Garmin devices and was trying to piece together how some of the features work, like the heart rate and cadence display capabilities of the Foretrex 401 and the Dakotas via ANT+.

Will this optional data be stored in the device to become readable by TF? 
Thanks.
KF   

[ScottMorris]

Yep, display of HR/Cad data for Oregon/Dakota/401 should already be working.  The Oregon and Dakota store the data in GPX files, while the Forerunner uses TCX.  Either way, TF can read and write the files, and finds them automatically using the GPS communication dialog.

I just got a Dakota and will be experimenting with the HR support.

[KenF]

The Oregon and Dakota store the data in GPX files, while the Forerunner uses TCX. 
...
I just got a Dakota and will be experimenting with the HR support.

Just to follow up- Based on my cursory reading of a few bits of info, including posts here, I was lead to believe that  GPX did not support additional data like HR. But I have not looked into any of this in depth and I'll bet you have. Maybe you could post a GPX file with HR?  Also, I haven't looked - can TF provide a graphical display of HR?

And I was referring to Foretrex not Forerunner. (Note to Garmin: I hope you fired the folks that named these things way back when - how about new names so we don't get confused?) But for me, the Foretrex 201 has been a great little unit, especially when used with TF.

Also if you could, give us (OK,  me) your feedback on the Dakota. I expect your use of GPS comes closer to mine than just about anyone else who might write a review.  I also have an original Etrex Legend, have considered the newer Legend HCx, but the Dakota seems to have all the features/functions, plus a few more. Seems like a no-brainer if and when I get around to upgrading.     
Thanks.

KF     
 

[ScottMorris]

It used to be that you couldn't store HR/Cad in GPX, yes.  But Garmin added their own extensions (not part of the GPX standard) for them, and TF supports those extensions.  It's kind of a kludge, IMO, but it does the job.

I can send you a GPX with HR if you're interested.

Yeah Runner/Trex -- what a mess.  The Foretrex 401 should save GPX with the extensions.  I believe I have heard from a user with one and he reports no problems.

I'll write a review of the Dakota and put it on my other site, bikepacking.net:

http://www.bikepacking.net/reviews/gps-navigation/garmin-dakota-10/

After I get some more time with it.  So far I think it's a great unit, the custom raster map support is awesome, but the killer may still be screen readability (at least on the handlebars).  We'll see though.

[ScottMorris]

BTW - to the OP (fulmar) - you might try the latest version, v3.93.  I fixed an issue with downloading files from Garmin units like Dakota/Oregon and it may have fixed it for the 310 as well.  If you end up trying it, please let me know.

Thanks!

[KenF]

I can send you a GPX with HR if you're interested.

Thanks, yes, I would be. If for no other reason than to have an example to play with (for example, as I bounce between TF and GE). Maybe I'll even be able to offer input for TF tweaks.  Also, I have been using a Polar HRM since last century (literally) and, while it still works well,  it might be nice to have "one stop shopping" when accumulating data (One can never have too much data).  I played briefly with an iBike power meter which offered the promise of most data in one spot, but I became tired of being an uncompensated guinea pig for a product that really did not do what it promised and required WAY too much tinkering.  TF on the other hand has always been good and has always been improving.

Thanks
KF
           

[ScottMorris]

File sent.

HR features (shading, plots, stats) are supported in TF, by the way.

[fulmar2]

OP here -

No, I was not able to get this to work with the ANT stick.  Do Colorado / Oregon GPSs use an ANT stick?  Actually, upon trying this, my computer had a kernel panic and crashed.  Haven't had one of those in a while!  Nevertheless, I'm appreciative of this new feature (ability to easily export Topofusion Maps).  It's a cool feature, and a great idea.  I'm glad that Garmin opened this on some of their GPS units (I tried to trick my 60csx into accepting one of these maps, but no luck).  As far as downloading from the ANT stick is concerned, I am satisfied with the aforementioned solution (finding the TCX file in the appropriate directory).  It's actually pretty easy, and I think that other users of Garmin Fitness Devices + Topofusion will enjoy being able to have automated downloads (The TCX files are automatically downloaded before I even load Topofusion)!  Thanks for the update, Scott.

[ScottMorris]

OK, I thought maybe the 310 comes up as a USB drive when it is in range of the ANT stick.  I see now that it uses the ANT protocol (makes sense) and that there is some documentation for that.  It's not clear whether Garmin has released the details to decode the data from the ANT protocol, though.

So, sorry for the confusion and sounds like the training center TCX files are working well for now.

Thanks.