Topic: Tracks won't Import

[4d-rock]

Hey all,
I've recently traced out the shorelines in Google Earth for a few lakes that my map card doesn't cover and want to import them to my fishfinders (997c and Helix 5).  I've done this before but I may be missing a step because it isn't working now.  Here are my steps and maybe someone can see where I'm goofing up.

-Export tracks/points from google earth to KML files
-Convert file from KML to GPX with the KML2GPX website
-Format SD card in Humminbird PC
-Open all gpx files in Humminbird PC
-Right click the gpx files and upload/add to the SD card
-Remove card and start up fish finders, insert and import

The points import just fine but none of the tracks are coming in.  This happened with both units.  I plugged the card back into Humminbird PC and downloaded back to the computer to see if the tracks went on and they did, they show up in the downloaded .gpx file from the card.  I re-tried these steps with just a few of the tracks as the first time I was maxed out with 50, but had the same result.

I'm probably missing a simple step, any advice?

Thanks

[4d-rock]

Anyone have any suggestions of what I can try?

[rnvinc]

Anyone have any suggestions of what I can try?

Let me get Camohunter to check in here ...

He's a whiz when it comes to this mapping stuff ...

Rickie

[4d-rock]

Great thanks, I'll keep an eye out for the reply.

[CamoHunter]

4d-rock,
It looks to me like you're doing the right steps.
I have two guesses. 
1.  There's a possibility that Humminbird PC is actually exporting a bunch of waypoints, and not a track file.
2.  Or, could just be that you need to edit the track style on your Humminbird, after you've imported them.  I can't remember, but by default, your Humminbird might display the tracks as a dotted hash line.  You may want to try going to your waypoints, tracks menu on your depthfinder, and verify that they did actually import as tracks.  If they are tracks, try editing the track style and change it to a solid dark line.

If those don't work, send me the Google Earth .kml file, and I'll see if I can get it working on my end, or see if I can tell what the problem is. 

I'm heading to Canada for a week long fishing trip Sunday morning, so hopefully I can help you out before I go, otherwise I'll help when I get back.

[4d-rock]

Hey CamoHunter, Thanks for the reply. 

So when I upload the track files to the SD card it does indeed say that it uploads them as tracks.  When I re-download what is on the card the data file has these under the tracks tab. 

Then on the humminbird, it says that it is uploading 0 tracks, and the number of waypoints that were on that file as well (i've tried it with no additional waypoints and it uploads 0 waypoints and 0 tracks).

And I have my track default as a solid black line, so it isn't coming up as something else.

That would be great if you had a few minutes to take a look.  Could you PM me with your email that you'd like me to send them to?

Thanks

[CamoHunter]

Just thought I'd provide an update, and fill in any others that were curious.  4-d sent me his .kml files, and I converted them to .ht humminbird tracks using GPSBabel.  They converted fine, and he was able to import them to his depthfinder with no problems.

[LittleGazoo]

FYI: HB units will only import "NEW" waypoints & tracks.

Example:  I have 50 waypoints, export into HBPC, add 1 waypoint, then upload the 51 waypoints to SD-card.  When I import again into my HB unit, it will report 1 track imported.
To update waypoints or tracks, you have to deleted from unit before import.

Also HB units with older software would fail to import tracks created by new versions of HBPC when Waypoint Management System was introduced.  HB changed the track data-format.