Related

USB-cable must be Garmin original?

4664155
over 1 year ago

I tried to use a so called Garmin compatible USB-cable (from Amazon) to connect my GPSMAP64st to Basecamp on my laptop, but it it does not allow me to see my purchased TOPO-map over Spain? The cable does not have the thick cylinder as the original cable has. It worked fine with the original Garmin USB-cable (which I can't find at the moment). 

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I purchased two cables from Amazon. One was for charging only when using my zumo XT in the car.  The other was a longer data/charging cable for using at my desk.  Obviously the trick here is to make sure you have a cable that will carry data.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Peobody

    According to Amazon the cable should be able to carry data but seemingly not good enough. I probably have to buy a new one from Garmin. Thanks for your reply 

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 4664155

    Unfortunately, the one I purchased is no longer available.  It was by TPLTECH, marketed specifically for Garmin devices.

  • 0 12 months ago

    Cables used for charging usually have two wires joining the connectors at each end, whilst cables used for data and charging have four connecting wires. In addition, the two wires of a charging cable may be thicker than for a combined data+charging cable, enabling the charging cable to carry higher currents. 

    The thick cylinder that you sometimes see on a cable is a ferrite "bead" or "choke". Its purpose is to suppress any interference from travelling along the cable.  I presume there are circumstances where this is really useful, but all of my USB cables and devices manage well enough without it. 

    The term "Garmin compatible" is a bit of a con.  To the best of my knowledge, Garmin devices use standard USB sockets and standard USB cables. This means that a so-called "Garmin compatible" cable is also compatible with any number of USB compliant devices made by numerous manufacturers. And vice versa. 

    I think you were just unlucky with the cable you bought; if it's still within the return window, send it back for a refund.  However, the chances are good that you can buy another data+charging cable with the correct sockets at each end, and it will work.