gps software update error - cannot open COM1 port
 

i have an aviation gps (garmin gpsmap 195). i have purchased an interface connector that required purchase of a rs232 to usb connector, as my dell inspiron 9300 laptop had no serial port. i downloased the software update, but when i try to run the executable file, i always get the error:

"16 bit MS DOS Subsystem"
"C:\aviation\garmin\updatesw.exe"
the system cannot open COM1 port requested by the application. choose 'close' to terminate the application"

so, i cannot update the basic software, much less the navigation database afterwards, i'm sure. what do i need to do to my prt settings to make this work? i read something about there being virtual and non-virtual ports. where do i go from here?? thanks!
ryan

Are you sure that the USB>Serial adapter is on COM 1? I'm betting that it's using a higher port number, most do. You should be able to force it to COM1 in the adapter software.

i have the adapter software installed, but don't know how to make the change. i go to device manager and it says it's on COM4 under 'ports'. it's the correct manufacturers name, 'prolific'. says it's working properly. but i always get the 'system cannot open port 1' message..???

ryan,
what o/s are you running winxp or vista?
That unit is pretty old right? Do you have the original software, if so does it state what version of windows is supported.

Can you change the port setting on the garmin unit to match your PC?

Just some suggestions.

It's fine that it's using COM 4, can't you tell the Megellan software to use COM 4 instead of COM 1? That software should be flexible, not everyone can accommodate a specific COM port all of the time.

Call Garmin, they will walk you through it very quickly and are very pleasant about it. I've had to do it (call them) a couple of times on my aviation stuff for the same reason when doing updates..

thanks for the suggestions, guys. maybe i will just call garmin. be nice if they had 24-hour support, as i'm a night owl and just got home from work. ;)

yeah, the gpsmap 195 is a discontinued unit...roughly 10 years old technology and my inspiron 9300 runs xp..

Ryan,

Also have used Garmin support and they are excellent. One of the reasons why I have 4 Garmin units I guess but they really support their products.

Joe

joe..thought i might hear from ya with a thread like this.. ;)

Probably because I had the same issue with my GPS 195 and its been so long since I updated my unit that I cannot remember what I did to solve it! :)

Ryan, I've had this problem before...Yes you do have to change the Com port.. I suggest you talk to Charles or Chris ( they are the geeky-est guys I know!!)

thanks, fellas! will do! :)

Oh Ryan, better hurry, F'n chuckie is heading to FL and get this ...
HE"S GOT A GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!! seriously, ok she's blind, deaf and not real bright, but apparently she likes him

riot! :D well, good for effin' chuck..i'm happy for the sum'*****.. :D

maybe i'll give him his personal time and hit up chris instead.. ;)

Hey Ryan, I do have a little experience in this area, What is the brand of converter and model number?

hey, it's by 'prolific' and model # U232-P9 (rs232 to usb converter) used to upload into a garmin gpsmap 195. i still get the 'cannot open com1 port' message..

by god..it's working. i went into device manager, changed it on the long list of com's under 'advanced'. then it said couldn't connect to com2. i switched the usb plug to the lower one and bang - it's uploading!

good, I was just about to send you in that direction. .I went to the website and they aren't very helpful ( like we DON"T support end users).
YOU"RE THE Man RYAN!!

done. :) gps system software updated from 3.00 to 3.01. now to pay to upload the current database ($35)...it's 4 years old right now.

thank you thank you thank you! you got me workin' on it. i think i was just too tired when i was messing with it.