How to Connect a GPS Unit to a Computer Monitor

Your GPS unit connects to your computer using a USB cord.

Your Global Positioning System is a powerful device that can direct you through back roads, construction detours and heavy traffic. But before you take off to navigate the world, you will need to upload current maps into your GPS device. Most GPS devices require you to install an initial software program onto your computer using a software CD. This program allows you to transfer geographic updates from your computer to your GPS unit but only after successfully connecting the two machines.

Things You'll Need

• USB cord

Instructions

1. Locate the USB port on your computer. The port is indicated with symbol resembling a three-pronged fork. On a laptop, the USB port is often located on the side of the keyboard. If you are using a desktop, the USB port will be behind the monitor or the tower.

2. Connect your GPS unit to the USB cord included in your unit packaging. Examine the connecting cable and plug the small, round end of the cable into your GPS.

3. Insert the opposite end of the connecting cable, which is flat and rectangular, into the USB port.

4. Wait for the announcement on the bottom-right corner of your computer screen. A small box will pop-up reading "Device Detected." This confirms the successful connection between your GPS unit and computer monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a flashlight to find and connect to the USB port. Computers have many similarly shaped insertion areas and it is better to ensure that you are using the correct one.

• Never yank a cable from its connecting port. This can cause damage to the cord and device plug.

References

• Garmin: Support