Connecting Foretrex 401 to computer

Former Member over 9 years ago

Admins: I didn't find a dedicated 401 section and I ultimately wish to connect 401 to Garmin Connect hence posting here. Please change the sub-forum if you feel so. Thanks!

Folks,

The device used to perform well and then I loaded a few external waypoints before backpacking to Whitney and it worked there flawlessly. However, after coming back, I haven't been able to connect with my computer (Mac).

I have Garmin BaseCamp installed.
I tried pressing UP before connecting; the device could be seen trying to sync with BaseCamp for a couple of seconds before an Alert message pops up:

"There was an error communicating with your device.
Please make sure your device is plugged in and turned on.
If errors continue to occur, you may need to restart your device."

Clicking OK to the Alert message, the device dissappers from BaseCamp, but the device powers itself with a screen showing that it is connected to the computer (it doesn't ask if I want to connect in a Storage mode), and it stays like this even after 15-20 mins. None of the device buttons work when this happens.

The USB drive is undetectable all throughout. It shows up in the Disk Utility, but it cannot be mounted. I have tried following the procedure mentioned here https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7B26ad1560-8a7f-11dd-e87e-000000000000%7D, but after installing, the web Updater says "Your Garmin device has the latest updates". There is an option of reinstalling the Device Software. When I click on that, it tries to reinstall, but fails saying "The update file is corrupted". If I retry, by this time the device powers on, and as a result the computer looses connection once again. And displays this message: "You should try again after unplugging and plugging back in the device and ensuring that your Garmin device is on.
If the problem persists, please contact Garmin Technical Support."

The Garmin Communicator Plugin (which didn't get installed on Chrome and Firefox but did on Safari) detects the device as long as I keep holding the UP button, or after a few seconds after which the device powers itself up and I loose the connection.

I've done Master Reset, there by deleting all my data, but the problem continues.

I really like this device but inability to connect with computer seriously limits its capabilities.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
hrishi

0 SUSSAMB over 9 years ago

I'd try the steps here

http://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/simpleCase.htm?caseId={b824ca10-f8d8-11e3-c98c-000000000000}&kbName=garmin

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Thanks SUSSAMB,

I somehow got the USB to be recognized by the computer. But it showed only 1 file id.txt. I didn't find any GarminDevice.xml file. BaseCamp, however, recognizes the device, and even sent a route to it. The route got loaded in the USB as GARMIN/GPX/track.gpx. However, after disconnecting from the computer, the track is nowhere seen in the device (saved tracks list is empty).

I think the problem lies in the GarminDevice.xml file. Is there a way of getting the file? Can I format the USB through Mac's disc utilities?

0 SUSSAMB over 9 years ago

Your device should generate the .xml file when you switch it on. If it doesn't try a master reset. If that fails contact Product Support by phone.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Thanks SUSSAMB. I had a long call with them; even they couldnt figure out (even with remote assistance). So they'll send me a replacement device after I send mine. Very pleased with their customer support.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Update. Just got the replacement unit from Garmin. This seems to work flawlessly. :)

0 SUSSAMB over 9 years ago

Great, I'll close this thread.