Saturday, July 26, 2014

Garmin ForeRunner 210 on Ubuntu 14.04 Update

After doing all the steps in my last Garmin ForeRunner 210 post, my FR 210 started showing up as a storage device (usb thumb drive) in Nautilus.  This made it very easy to copy the .FIT files from the watch to my hard drive. (the .FIT files are the new format that the Garmin Forerunner 210 uses instead of .GPX).
Notice the GARMIN in the DEVICES section.


Drilling down into the GARMIN "drive".


One more Drill down into the ACTIVITIES directory and we find our .FIT files

Just cut or copy the .FIT files from the watch to your HOME directory.  Now the problem is that .FIT format does not work with RunnerKeeper.com, so we have to convert the .FIT files to .GPX files.  Here's where we get to use our old friend GPSBabel.

1.  Open a TERMINAL window

2.  Type the following and press ENTER
   gpsbabel -i garmin_fit -t -f YourFitFileName.fit -o gpx -F zzzz.gpx

        (Replace YourFitFileName with the real name of your .FIT File
         usually the name is DateTime.FIT i.e. 2014-07-26-16-34-24.fit)  

3.  This will create a file in your HOME directory called zzzz.gpx.

4.  Use your web browser and log onto RunKeeper.com.

5.  Add an Activity to your RunKeeper.com and choose UPLOAD a map, picking the zzzz.gpx from your HOME directory.

6.  Done!  No need to use the GARMIN web site or their convert commands.


NOTE:  I'm using GPSBabel 1.5.0-2 32bit which I downloaded from here.  I used the .DEB package NOT the Ubuntu package (newer version).  There is also a 64bit version link here too,



1 comment:

Jeff M. said...

There are a few instances in which a master reset can be performed on the Forerunner, such as:

Not functioning properly
Needing to be restored to factory default settings
Not receiving a satellite signal*
To bring up language selection prompt if incorrect language text is showing
Unable to pair up accessories, such as the heart rate monitor or foot pod
By doing this reset, all user information, workout history, and satellite data may be erased. Workouts can be backed up to training programs like Garmin Connect. Also, refer to FAQ article, "How can I back up my personal settings and profiles on my Forerunner 620, 220, 210 or 110?" if using the Forerunner 210 or 110.

To perform the master reset:

Power off watch (press and hold Light, Yes on prompt)†
Press and hold Start/Stop and Lap/Reset
Press and hold Light (three buttons should now be pressed in)
After first beep, release Start/Stop
After second beep, release Lap/Reset
Release Light