I want to connect Garmin 18x 5hz GPS to computer via FTDI Serial TTL-232 USB Cable. But once I try to update the GPS via Garmin updater, I get framing error. 'A communications error has occured.

The hardware detected a framing error. Please ensure that the GARMIN device's Interface option is set to GARMIN or Host mode and try again.' This happens after I have chosen COM port and baud rate and click 'OK' in the updater. I am not sure which baud rate I should use but Garming gives me 5 options in the updater (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200) and none of them work. I have connected every wire individually, both GPS grounding wires into adapters grounding wire (blacks together), GPS' TXD into adapters RXD (white to yellow), GPS' RXD (RCV) into adapters TXD (green to orange) and red power cables together. Now after updating the adapters drivers and connecting the cable the adapters starts to flash green light (but not red). When I run the GPS updater the green light starts to flash for few seconds and then shuts off and error message pops up.

Is my wiring the problem (I just pushed the wires inside the other end of the adapter) or is the problem software side? Any suggestions or tips how I can connect the 18x 5hz through USB port? EDIT:- Thank you Andrew! Now I need new adapter or MAX232 (or similar). Problem is the Garmin 18x 5hz only has cables on the other end that I can't connect to typical adapter. I have one serial port (RS232) to USB adapter lying around somwhere.

I try to hook it up somehow into the Garmin and post results. I lack any soldering equipment or experience really. EDIT2:- I tried out the FT Prog and inverted the RXD and TXD signals but I still get the same problems as before. I also tried to invert every signal.

After that did not work out either I dug up an old USB to RS-232 converter, but as I predicted, I really have no way to connect the Garmin GPS and typical RS-232 male port. So either the problem lies in the GPS it self or the connections, because inverting the signals did not work. Thank you for the help! The Garmin uses a somewhat bastardized version of RS232 that is designed to work with most PC serial ports. It is using RS232 signalling but without a proper driver IC so the signal voltages are 0-5V rather than the full +/- range RS232 should use. The cable you have is for connection to a TTL (logic) level UART.

You need to add a line driver to get the correct signal levels to connect to a normal RS232 port. In other words they are both using 5V compatible signalling but the Garmin is connected as if it had a driver, the FTDI is connected as if it needs one. The driver ICs not only boost the voltage, they also invert the signals.

Your data lines are 0 when they need to be 1 and 1 when they need to be 0. The simplest solution would be to use a normal RS232-USB converter rather than a TTL level one. Failing that you need to invert the signal levels or add a line driver to the FTDI cable.

GPS 18 Instructions for using this software It is recommended that you disable screen savers or other programs running on your PC while you go through the update process. Disruptions to the update process may render your GPS inoperable. If the transfer is interrupted, turn off the GPS and then turn it back on. Reboot your PC, go to step 9 and attempt the download again.

GARMIN is not responsible for failed downloads of operating software to the GPS and factory resetting the GPS unit will fall under our Flat Rate Repair Policy. Click on 'Download' and choose to save the file to your computer. Choose a location where you can easily locate the file by saving it to a location such as the 'My Documents' folder or to 'C: '. Once the download is.

Complete, go to the location where you saved the file. Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it. This will launch the Win-Zip Self Extractor.

This program compresses the data to allow for a faster download of the needed files. A program window will appear asking you where to 'Un-zip' the files. This is by default C: Garmin. You can change this location if you like.

Be sure to note where the un-zipped files are going to allow you to find them! Click on the button labeled 'Un-zip'. Once the un-zip process is complete, click on the 'Close' button to exit the Win-Zip Self Extractor. If you have a GPS18 USB, proceed to step 10. If you have a GPS18 PC or LVC, take the following steps: Navigate your browser to the C: Garmin folder (or other folder where you un-zipped the files) and run the SNSRCFG program by clicking on the SNSRCFG.exe file.

Make sure 'GPS18 PC/LVC' base model has been selected and click 'OK'. Either select Config-Switch to Garmin mode from the menu bar or press F11. Normally, you will see a confirmation window indicating that you have connected to the unit. If the connection confirmation window does not appear, there are two possibilities: The GPS18 PC/LVC is not properly connected to your computer. Click 'Cancel'. Verify the serial connections, cycle power on the unit, and try again. The unit may already be in Garmin (update) mode.

In this case, click 'Cancel' to continue with the update. Exit the SNSRCFG.EXE program.

Support Garmin Gps Drivers

Navigate your browser to the C: Garmin folder (or other folder where you un-zipped the files) and 'drag and drop' the updated software region file to UPDATER.EXE. The correct region file will be named 027300000XXX.rgn, where XXX is the version number of the software you wish to upload. Select the proper communications port (or USB port if you have a GPS18 USB) and click 'OK'. During the upload, the display will indicate 'Software Loading.' The upload process should take 1-3 minutes to complete. When the upload is completed, the unit will reset itself and turn on normally.

Install Garmin Usb Drivers

System requirements IBM-compatible PC running Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows XP operating system and an available Com 1, 2, 3, or 4 port. PC Interface Cable for your GPS unit. The PC Interface Cable may be purchased through your local Garmin distributor or ordered direct from our USB Driver File.