ClubWiki:Garmin Protocol Devices
This documentation is based on usage for the Garmin Forerunner 305. It is likely similar to other Garmin GPS devices not only the Forerunner line but specifically those that use the Garmin communication protocol for interaction. Simply, if you plug the USB based device in to your computer, if you can't access the file contents, at least the data retrieval method should be similar.
Configuration
Any specific desired configuration will be noted here. At this time, none are known and should work for track and waypoint purposes "out of the box."
Logging Usage
This section describes using a Garmin Forerunner device for waypoint and track recording.
Tracks
A complete Path or Track is the time from when a trip was started on the device until the trip was reset.
Note: Resetting the trip using the Lap/Reset button does not erase the recording from the device. You can safely record several Tracks on a single outing or over multiple days, resetting between segments or trips.
My typical usage is to record a single track for a single outing or day. Resetting the track between days or trips. Basically, if you sleep or get in a car, reset the trip. A trip can be divided later using software, namely Google Earth.
If a previous trip hasn't been reset, do so by holding Lap/Reset for 3-5 seconds. Then simply "Start" a trip by pressing the Start/Stop button. Depending on your configured display you should see the timer begin counting from zero as well as the mileage.
If stopping for an extended period of time (e.g. lunch) or taking a diversion you don't want recorded (e.g. running back for a dropped item) you can Pause logging by pressing the Start/Stop button. Then when ready to resume the current track, press Start/Stop again. The device will resume logging of location history and will draw a straight line between the last and next location recording (regardless of time or distance traveled while it was paused). In my experience this is dangerous as I have often forgot to restart it again when I finished lunch or returned from the diversion. These can be edited out later in software.