Garmin code(s)

[TyGuy02]

It seems like the hot topic this year is handheld GPS. I got a Garmin Etrex venture HC and the lakemaster mn chip. I've been working on getting it going for 10+ hours!! Everything that I've read said there should be some certificate with an unlock code. I've looked in all of the packaging and there is NO code or certificate. I've tried all the programs, mapsource, mapinstall, unlock program, and they've all lead me to the same place...no where. I am able to powerup the gps and it has a basemap. All I'm trying to do is add the lakemaster maps but it will no let me in any way shape or form.

Is there always a "certificate" with every purchase? I read that sometimes it's on the box (not found), or in the unit (where?). I'm about to just throw the piece of junk away and tell everyone not to buy anything garmin if this continues.

Thanks for any help, if I am helpable

[MN Mike]

Tyler,

Did you buy the MicroSD Lakemaster chip for Garmin? or is it the Lakemaster CD and you put the data on a MicroSD Chip?

If you have the Lakemaster MicroSD Chip, there are no codes, plug it in and go, you might have to go into a Map Data area on the Etrex and tell it to use the Lakemaster data but once you do that, everything should show up, there are detail levels usually too that can be set, I always run mine on the Most Detail setting, if it seems slow to draw the map when you are zoomed in, you might have to drop the detail level a bit.

Mike

[MN Mike]

You said that's a Etrex Venture HC? not an HCx?

Don't think you can install the chip in that one, you need to do it thru the CD version to get mapping data on your Garmin.

The chip will do you no good.

Mike

[TyGuy02]

Yes it is the HC version, and yes it is the chip with the information, no CD. So the fix to my issue would be to just return the chip (if possible, or just keep it for another day when I have a gps unit that accepts the chip)? The confusing part of the situation, is that the chip came in a package that looked like it would be a CD version. I was really surprised when it was a chip. Sounds like that is my problem though. Thanks MNMike, say hi to my inlaws in Wing-ding as I call it. They work the food at the sale barn

[MN Mike]

Yes, the packaging is deceiving. See if you can return it, if not, I just received my MN CD last week and I haven't unlocked it yet, if you want, we can work out a deal. I think Lois has my cell number if you need it.

Mike