I have a LMS 520C and downloaded the GDM6 program so I could load waypoints from my computer to a SD card.I can enter the waypoints into the computer and save them to the removable disk but when I check the removable disk the file shows up but cannot be opened.I called Lowrance tech support,he tried the program on his computer and had the same results.Will someone please step me through the procedure of loading from the pc to the SD card and then into the 520C,I have 150 waypoints on Rayburn and don't want to have to enter them 1 at a time

What was the Lowrance tech's resolution?

Where did the original waypoints come from? Did you save them from a GPS unit, open them in GDM6 and then try to save them to a file?

sounds as if when you are saving them back to the SD card, its not in the correct format for the lowrance unit to read. that would be the point where I would start looking.

I went through the same thing last fall.

If you are going to use files from the unit on GDM or Map Create, you must choose Version 2 or they can not be read. Version 3 is the default.

Just change the format and you will be good to go.

the Lowrance tech solution was to remove the program and reload it,this turned out not to work.We were both running windows NT,I wanted to download the program on wifes pc,it runs Vista but we are having a problem on the net with her pc.The waypoints were typed in on the computer and then I saved the GPS data file,then sent to removable disk F.Then clicked on my computer and removable disk F,then clicked open,it showed an 8kb file but would not open,and it showed no GPS waypoints when SD card was installed in 520C.

Ronnie,how do I pm Medic?

Where do I go to change to version2?

Menu
menu
system setup
transfer my data
save
Save as Version
Version 2
save

I hope I haven't left out a step. If this isn't exact it is close.

Thanks for the suggestion, it didn't work,I think the problem is in the program.Is there anywhere to get the program on a disc so I can copy it.Is there anyone who has had this problem and how did you fix it

I'd say delete it and download it again. Since it is free, they don't offer much support probably to get you to spring for Map Create.

Will map create solve this problem?can I load waypoints on to a sd card after I install map create.My plan is to have at least 3 sd cards for different timed of the year so I will have a lot of info to load by hand and would rather do it on the computer than to spend a day in the boat in the driveway installing waypoints

Map Create is much easier to use. I got tired of GDM and bought MC7. I fish 5 lakes and keep the wpts seperate for each lake.

MC7 allows you to have 5 registered cards but so far I only use 1. I have my wpts broken down into lake files with an identifier in front of each to mark the lake. For example, all Bull Shoals wpts are prefaced with BS.

I used MC7 to seperate them and rename them, then save them into 5 lake files. Now I only load the file for the lake I am fishing.

When I get home, if I have new wpts I save them to the card and put them in the computer. That gives me 4 copies (2 on heads, 1 on card, 1 in puter).

If the next trip is to a different lake, I delete wpts from both head units and load the file for that lake. I repeat the process over and over as I fish different lake. It keeps my maps uncluttered, wpts sorted, and MC7 skills current. It only takes a few minutes to get everything updated.

I will look into buying the MC7,I hope it is easier to use than the GDM6.Doesen't it have a lot of information that will never be used,i am interested in using it on the water and not concerned with cities or states only waypoints on lakes

I only use it for wpts and keeping files seperated and updated. I have the hot spots card so the lakes aren't a big deal to me.

Willie---Before getting MC7, you should look at the Navionics Explorer for $20. Haven't received mine yet, but supposed to allow you to transfer waypoints & routes from PC to GPS to PC.

I have MC6 but never use it. I use Google Earth to view waypoints on PC and GPSBabel to convert waypoint files between Lowrance & Google Earth. You can create/change waypoints on Google Earth then convert them to Lowrance and load them on your GPS. Navionic Explorer also allows you to sync the map with Google Earth and will cut out the need for the GPSBabel since it converts between GPS formats.

Another tool I forgot I had is EasyGPS. May be more what you need. EasyGPS transfers waypoints, routes, and tracks between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS. Best part about it, is it too is free.

Sounds good,where do I get the Navionics explorer and the easy GPS?and what else do I need ?Card reader/writer?

Found the Navionics Explorer at Academy.going to try finding easy gps

Here is the site for Easy GPS:

http://www.easygps.com/

OziExplorer is a great tool for managing waypoints, and free too