Etrex Legend failure

[Cheesehead]

I have had this unit for a few years of light duty. Just the other day, soon after it located the satellites, the screen went blank with just a vertical line appearing down the middle of the screen. It will not shut off unless I pull the batteries. Garmin recommends it plug it into my computer and down load some updates. The cord is not compatible with my pc since it has only a 9 pin plug. Garmin will repair for a flat rate of $79. Maybe I should upgrade to a new unit and cut my loses?
 
Cheese

[Siskiyou]

Most of us are use to using accessory ports on the front of a computer; serial ports are normally found on the back of a computer tower and in the case of my Dell laptop it is in the back. Once a computer is setup it is easy to forget what is on the back.  I believe that newer computers are not coming with a serial port.

Sounds like you need a USB to a Serial D9 Adapter.  I ran into the problem years back with another gps and purchased the needed adapter.  http://www.qfonic.com/images/products/cab-2820/image01.jpg  I posted the link for the picture; I purchased the adapters from an electronics store.

The last software update Garmin posted for the eTrex Legend was March 18, 2008; version 3.90.  Earlier updates addressed a number of shut down problems; most likely updating the unit software will fix the problem.  http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=25

I have helped out a few friends update their units; do you have a friend close by that would help you out?  It would require going to the Garmin site, and downloading to your gps.  I will give you some support doing this if needed.

I liked the Garmin Legend and passed mine to my son years ago.  The newer units with high sensitivity receivers are worthwhile.

[Cheesehead]

I will invest in the serial to usb adaptor and try update from the Garmin site. I was looking at the etrex 20 as plan b. Thank you Siskiyou, very much for your help.
 
Cheese

[Cheesehead]

I looked at buying the adaptor usb/serial and the cost was 42 bucks. So I took my unit to a friend with a serial port in his pc, the down load worked perfectly! I am back in business. Thanks again!
 
Cheese

[Siskiyou]

I am glad the good friend option worked for you.
 
I should have mention that the price is all over the place on the adapters.  I paid $19.99 plus tx for the one I purchased.  I have seen prices up to $172.00 dollars for them.  But this looks like a good deal, I have not tried this unit. 
 
http://www.uxcell.com/usb-rs232-serial-pin-db9-adapter-converter-p-31402.html
 
As I recall I happen the be in the area of a Fry's electronics and bought mine some years back.
 
http://www.frys.com/product/4322725
 
Looks like it is $17.99 now days with free shipping.
 
http://www.frys.com/category/Outpost/PCtab/Cables, Adapters & Switchboxes
 
Glad you mentioned the eTrex 20, looks like a good unit.
 
http://www.tigergps.com/garminetrex20.html
 
Depending on the age of your unit I am sure you picked up a few other features with you download.
 
 
 
 
 

[Cheesehead]

Yes, features and improved graphics have been added. I would have bought the etrex 20 before the 42 dollar adaptor, but the upgrade/repairs were free and I love those kind of economics.
 
Cheese

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

42 bucks for an adapter?  Good grief thats some expensive plastic!