rhanson Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 Am trying to update my GPSMap 396: database, s/w, etc, but I do not have a cable to connect to the desktop computer. Garmin phone support is too busy. Anyone know of a solution, or have an extra cable laying around. Thanks, RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FastEddieB Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 It's basically a USB to mini-USB cable, though from my experience not all will work. My Garmin cable has a thicker, cylindrical portion that may provide a clue as to why some simpler cables may not work. Might I suggest eBay? In an emergency I could send you mine, but I'd want it back when you're done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT4ME Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-2-0-Cable--Male/dp/B00NH13S44/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1472003857&sr=8-2&keywords=mini+usb I've got a mess of them if you get down to phoenix tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhanson Posted August 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 Thanks guys. I'll let you know. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FastEddieB Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 Let me reiterate - in my experience, not just any cable will do. I've tried many that will not "see" the GPS when plugged in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 Let me reiterate - in my experience, not just any cable will do. I've tried many that will not "see" the GPS when plugged in. I think Walmart used to sell Garmin GPS's, though not the aviation type. They might have a Garmin compatible cable because of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted August 24, 2016 Report Share Posted August 24, 2016 Let me reiterate - in my experience, not just any cable will do. I've tried many that will not "see" the GPS when plugged in. This can happen because of cheap cables or an OS that is having problems detecting the device. I find USB hubs to be particularly bad offenders; if it doesn't work in the hub, then plug it directly into a usb port on the computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhanson Posted August 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2016 Here's the latest: I found an old cable that I used to update the auto/car Nuvi GPS. then forced it in to the 396; the "not see" the GPS in the directory tree on the desktop was in effect, but the "flygarmin.com" sofware detected it, and the file GPSMAP396_570 was downloaded / executed / installed on the 396 ( after a few worrisome completion messages appeared ). Took it out to the Sedona dark sky, waited awhile for sat. acquisitions, then bingo, back in business with ver. 5.70 ( 2014 ). Thanks to all for the suggestions and guidance. RH SEZ Lesson: "never throw away anything, unless divorce is threatened" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FastEddieB Posted August 26, 2016 Report Share Posted August 26, 2016 Glad that worked out! Mark that cable and keep it in a special place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT4ME Posted August 26, 2016 Report Share Posted August 26, 2016 'Nothing proprietary about the Garmin cable... USB mini. Yes, cables can look different, and there are some cheap-o cables that might have been meant for only charging or only data, but generally any mini cable will work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhanson Posted August 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2016 Thanks again, I sprung for a $5 Wall Mart cable, easier to insert in GPS. Also, finally talked to Garmin, very helpful, and bought the $49 Nav Database and Obstacle file. RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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