Uploading GPS tracks to your GPS using TopoFusion

Garmin eTrex - Black and White Screen models

This page covers older Garmin GPS units in the eTrex family that have black and white screens. Examples include the eTrex Legend, GPSMap 76 and the Gecko 201. For other GPS models, go to the main tutorial index page.

Important: These garmin units must be set to "GARMIN" interface mode.

The best way to upload tracks to these units is to use the 'saved tracks' area of memory. The limit is 10 tracks of 250 points each. Fortunately all 10 tracks will be shown (by default) on the map at one time, so we can use all 10 tracks to upload a high resolution track. All we have to do is simplify and split the track in TopoFusion before uploading.

Step #1 - Check the number of points.

If the track has more than 2,500 points, you will need to simplify it first. If you have zero points there is something wrong with your file -- try downloading the file again. If you have less than 2,500, you can skip step #2.

Step #2 - Simplify to 2,500 points.

In the "hand" / pan mouse tool mode, right click on the GPS track in the map window. A context menu pops up that looks like this:



Choose the "Simplify/split/spline track" option.

The simplify/split dialog:



Change the number of points to 2500. Hit "OK" on the dialog box. Your track is now 2,500 points.

Step #3 - Split the track.

We need to cut the track into chunks of 250 points each. In the "hand" / pan mouse tool mode, right click on the GPS track in the map window. A context menu pops up that looks like this:



Choose the "Simplify/split/spline track" option.


Click on the radio button (white circle) next to "Split into equal pieces (for upload)." Change the number of points to 250 and hit "OK" on the dialog.

Step #4 Clear the GPS's saved tracks.

If using the full 2,500 points (10 x 250) you will need to clear all saved tracks on your GPS. You must do this on the GPS -- TopoFusion (and no GPS software) cannot do this for you.

On the GPS, go to Main Menu -> Tracks. Hit the "find/menu" button. Choose "Delete All Saved Tracks". Confirm the dialog. You should see a message on the GPS saying "10 Unused" at the bottom.

Step #5 Upload the track.

Go to the GPS menu in the main TopoFusion window.

The GPS transfer dialog comes up:



Select the "Upload Track(s)" option.

Choose the file you want to upload in the dropdown selection at the top.

Leave the secondary option as "to Saved Tracks / Courses."

Now hit "Begin" to begin transfer. It should only take a few moments.

Step #6 - Verify the upload.

You should not receive any "Track Truncated" messages on the GPS itself. If you did, something went wrong and the file was not prepared correctly.

On the GPS, go to Main Menu -> Tracks. You should see "0 Unused" at the bottom of the screen (assuming your track was a full 2,500 points). You can select each portion of the track individually and verify that it is there. Or, simply go back to the GPS unit's main map mode and verify that the entire track is showing on the map.

Note that there is no need to 'turn on' or navigate the uploaded track. It is automatically shown when in Map mode.

Now get out there!