Garmin/eTrex Summit HC

Garmin eTrex Summit HC

The eTrex Summit HC

Usage for mapping

Recording Tracks

• From the Main Menu, select the Tracks icon.
• Select Setup and modify the configuration if you need to.
• You can get out of the menu now. The device will start recording the track.
• When you're complete, head back to the Tracks icon and select Save.
  • Answer Yes to Save entire track.

Recoring POIs

• From the Main Menu, select the Mark icon.
• Give the waypoint a name and if you need to (maximum characters limited to 14).
• Select OK.

Extracting data from device

Mac OS X

I executed the following operations on Mac OS X 10.5.7

• Download RoadTrip for Mac from Garmin, and install it.
• Turn on your eTrex Summit HC device.
• Plug it to your computer using the USB cord.
• Launch RoadTrip for Mac.
• Click on the Receive icon in the top bar. A beep will let you know you received the data :)
• To save the data to GPX format, select File -> Export Folder.
  • Give it a name and click on Export

• Hint: Tracks are called ACTIVE LOG XXX.

Windows

I have executed the following operations under Windows XP, but it should also work on later versions.

Installing the driver

• Download the USB drivers from the Garmin Product Page.
• Turn on your eTrex Summit HC device.
• Plug it to your computer using the USB cord.
• Install the USB drivers you just downloaded.
• In the Device Manager (in System Properties), you should now see Garmin USB GPS under the GARMIN devices category.

Receiving the data

• Download the EasyGPS free software and install it.
• Launch EasyGPS.
• Go to Edit -> Preferences
  • Click Add GPS.
  • Select Garmin (Manufacturers) and eTrex Summit HC (Models). Click OK.
  • Select Connect Via USB. Click OK.
  • Click OK to close the Preferences window.
• Click on the Receive icon in the top bar.
  • Select the data you need. If you don't know what you need, select everything.
  • Make sure Garmin eTrex Summit HC is selected under GPS Settings.
  • Click OK.
• You should be receiving the data now :)
• You can now modify the GPX file as needed and then save it.

Additional resources

• Official product page
• Another possible solution for Mac OS X (not tested): Using a serial cable and a serial to USB converter. See GPS Connect