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My Garmin 201 is great ... except that these days I don't own a computer with a serial port, so I can't download any data from the 201. Anyone know of any way around this, other than buying a newer model Forerunner?

I'm not much of a hardware geek, but you can get all sorts of converters/adaptors on eBay that appear to turn serial into USB. Or if there's a local Aussie version of Maplin/Tandy in the UK, or Radio Shack in the US, they should be able to sell you what you need.

you can def. get a get an adapter for serial to usb, its exactly what I use for my 201. Available all over the place and on Amazon. Glad to know there is still someone out there using such "old" technology!!!! In fact I think it was a discussion on Runners World gear forum about the 201 which you were contributing to El C that first led me to Running Commentary, many moons ago, what a happy coincidence :-)

Thanks EC, sw - I have ordered an adapter off ebay... I kind of figured there would be such a thing, but it's good to know they actually work for people. Cheers!

Ugh. Well I bought a serial -> USB adapter, installed the drivers and software and it still can't find the bloody device. I've tried everything I can but it just won't work under Windows 7. I even tried "XP Mode", but that was even more useless. Not that I've ever had any success with the much-touted "XP Mode" ... useless waste of time, space and money in my experience.

Anyone have any ideas? Is anyone successfully running Forerunner 201 software under Win 7??

I tried googling Garmin 201 "Windows 7" (I'm sure you've tried similar) and found several confusing discussions. However, this thread looks like it might be promising, and the last post seems to suggest that you need a special W7-compatible converter. The Garmin model isn't exactly the same as yours, but it seems there might be hope.

Other thoughts: post on the Runner's World "Gear" forum, or Garmin's own support forum.

(12-04-2011, 10:05 AM)marathondan Wrote: [ -> ]I tried googling Garmin 201 "Windows 7" (I'm sure you've tried similar) and found several confusing discussions. However, this thread looks like it might be promising, and the last post seems to suggest that you need a special W7-compatible converter. The Garmin model isn't exactly the same as yours, but it seems there might be hope.

Other thoughts: post on the Runner's World "Gear" forum, or Garmin's own support forum.

Ah yes, I think perhaps this could be more to do with the fact that I'm running 64-bit Win7. I might try installing it all on Mrs MLCM's PC which is the 32-bit version and see how I go there. I'll also contact Garmin direct.

Cheers again Dan. You're pretty handy for a stick of rock.

try this thread on the garmin site perhaps?

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=2416

(12-04-2011, 12:24 PM)stillwaddler Wrote: [ -> ]try this thread on the garmin site perhaps?

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=2416

God! I think I'll go back to using a pencil and a piece of paper.