How to Connect My GPS Map 76 to My Computer

By Mandy Slake

The Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a handheld GPS unit with a proprietary data port. Its cable is configured to connect to a serial port on a PC, but serial ports are relatively rare on computers as of publication in 2011. You can get around this limitation using a serial-to-USB adapter cable. Once you have connected the GPS to the computer, enable serial mode through the menus to update maps and transfer files.

Step 1

Connect the serial PC interface cable to the interface port on the GPSMAP 76. The port is under a rubber flap on the back of the unit.

Step 2

Connect the other end of the cable to the serial connector on the adapter cable. Plug the other end of the cable into the USB port on your PC. If you have a computer with a serial port, simply plug the serial cable directly into the port.

Step 3

Turn on the GPSMAP 76 and access the main menu by pressing the "MENU" key twice.

Step 4

Highlight "Setup" using the directional keys and press "ENTER."

Step 5

Scroll to the "Interface" tab and set the Serial Data Format to "Garmin."

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