I'm guessing that the reason that all the manufacturers have their own formats is all due to patent laws or the possibility of being taken to court over it. Besides, if we all used the same format than everyone would be able to easily change brands! LOL! I'm betting that it will take an aftermarket company/individual to develop a format or program that would allow all of the major manufacturers units to be able to easily interchange GPS data. The *.GPX format may be it. There are many GPS management programs that use it and all can be converted to and from it but I don't think that any actually use this format within their units. To do so I'm betting that there would be quite a bit of software re-writing which would cost a company much needed money and personel resources.

Ken, if you need further explanation of anything I've posted just contact me via e-mail and we will work it all out. gwalters at johnsonoutdoors.com

I've designed a couple of (model) rockets which mostly flew in the right direction (up) but no one actually got hurt. I was a member of the "Mad Scientist Club" while in the 5th grade (looking at some of the strange/dangerous/plain nutty things I have done; I should still be a card carrying member!). I have also (nearly) sunk boats on three different occasions. So it looks like I'm in the right place! :D