How can I use VirtualPC / SoftWindows to upload MapSource maps or flash the firmware on my Garmin?
Recent Garmin GPS units support uploadable maps or flash upgradable firmware. Unfortunately, Garmin has not released Mac versions of their map/flash software; have not announced any plans to do so (or even contemplate the issue); and have refused to license the protocols needed to interested third-parties (such as ourselves), even with the offer of royalty fees. Sigh. Fortunately, if you have a relative fast Macintosh PowerPC, you can use VirtualPC or SoftWindows to emulate a PC and use Garmin’s own native software under MS-DOS or Windows. Ugly, but an option. We strongly suggest using a real serial port or serial PCI card (such as the Megawolf Romulus or Orange Micro Grappler) rather than a USB serial port, the USB drivers just can’t seem to keep up with high-speed protocol transfers. To sucessfully transfer data, you need a fast PowerPC since Intel/PC serial ports aren’t well designed and the emulator struggles with them. We recommend a 250mhz or above PowerPC 603 , but people have m
