Pacific NW

Did the update to FW 3.00. Yup, confirming the same as klossner above, the cache filter issue with "Other" and "Not Chosen" sizes still not working right. If it is due to Groundspeak's changes with GPX files, hopefully things are returned to how they were.

Good stuff... glad these reports are getting some traction!

Thanks for the heads up! Haven't loaded it myself yet, but I will give it a try today or tomorrow. Doesn't sound like it's totally fixed per the above info. Still, glad these bug reports are at least going somewhere in Garmin, and not just into the abyss.

Yes, thank you for the info! <brief rant on> Garmin really needs to do a better job acknowledging users' complaints about firmware, instead of passing it off as normal device behavior or operator error. I understand that CS reps. aren't going to know the ins-and-outs of every product or possible bug, but at least state that the report will be forwarded on if necessary. It leaves us end users wondering if we just bought a $400 paperweight. Okay, I feel better now.

Thanks guys -- that makes complete sense, perhaps they need to fine-tune the way the unit handles the signals when you're standing still. On the plus side, it seems very sensitive! I guess maybe TOO sensitive.

I again contacted Garmin, this time about the compass issue. Their response was to calibrate the compass after every battery change, and avoid interference from nearby metallic objects. Since I was already doing this, it's not much of a help. If anything, I hope these bug reports are at least making it to the software/firmware folks. Not holding my breath, but at least crossing my fingers.

PQ right from website -> computer -> GPS. GSAK as mentioned above is awesome -- I only wish they made a Mac version. Most of the newer GPS units will support paperless caching, enabling you to view the description, hint, and logs right on the GPS.

All I have to add is one word... necrothread!

That's what I'm kinda thinking, too. I don't know if you've seen this one yet, but I stumbled across another likely bug -- this one also relating to the map screen and caches: If you load, for example, a GPX file that has some caches with a size of "Other" or "Not Chosen", they will by default not show up on the map each time you power-on the unit. (But will strangely show in the Cache Listing list page, so they definitely made it onto the unit.) Each time from the map screen after power-on, you have to press "Menu" -> "Geocache Filter" -> "Apply Filter". Then these missing caches will magically show up on the map. And this is despite the fact that the caching filter page already has *everything* enabled, including all sizes of caches. Once you turn off the GPS, this setting is seemingly not remembered (despite making no actual changes). So when you turn it back on, you have to go and click "Apply Filter" again. Argh, frustrating. I wrote to Garmin detailing this problem and they said it was normal functionality. I don't recall ever seeing that with my past 62s or Oregon 450! I can only hope they are reading these threads... not much else I can do about it.

Yet another 64s oddity, this is running firmware 2.80: Apparently I spoke too soon above and jinxed myself. The magnetic compass (with full Eneloop NiMH batteries and good calibration) seems to have a mind of its own. If you stand in one spot and slowly rotate with the GPS held out in front of you, the magnetic compass heading will rotate with you, then it will "snap" to other compass bearings briefly, then quickly "snap" back to your previous heading. Example -- you are rotating and at a bearing of S the compass suddenly shows E or W, then lags and snaps back to S.

No idea, but watching this thread to see, too...

You guys have probably already done this, but I used their Web Updater program and it had a firmware update of 2.80 for the 64s.

Honestly, I didn't even search for the pre-loaded caches, although they did show up on the map screen before I removed the files off the GPS.

Garmin got back to me about the problem with "Other" and "Not Chosen" sized caches not showing on the map at power-up: "Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I am happy to assist you. I do apologize for any dissatisfaction with your device. However, what you have described is normal use of the device." I sure don't recall this behavior with the Oregon 450 that I just parted with. It would show all caches, no matter what their size, with the default settings at power-on. For that matter, I don't recall this behavior with the 62s, either. Curious if anyone else has run into this?

I backed up my entire 64s, then dove into the "GGZ" folder and deleted the three files in that folder that pertain to the pre-loaded geocaches. I then went and loaded up my own pocket queries files in GPX format into the GPX folder on the 64s. If Garmin isn't going to keep the huge GGZ file showing hundreds of thousands of caches updated, it's kind of like what's the point?

Curiosity got the better of me, so I recently stopped by REI to check out the 64S in person. They had one on display, along with several other models, including the Oregon 600. I put each GPS on the 'Satellite' page and stood back to watch. The 64S pulled in a ton of satellites and was reporting a 9 ft. accuracy/EPE right there in the middle of the store! (The Oregon 600 was no slouch either, reporting a 15-17 ft. accuracy/EPE reading.) Not exactly a scientific test, but needless to say, I walked out with the 64S. Installed the latest firmware and calibrated the compass, and so far (knock on wood), no hiccups as far as the compass page goes or switching screens. One thing I noticed is strange behavior with a newer micro SD card already loaded up with free maps (from Switchbacks' NW Topos, Open Street Maps, Planimetric Maps, etc.). I popped it into the memory chip slot on the 64S and fired it up. After going into the Map Setup menu, there was no way to enable/disable these free map sets individually. So I pulled the card, left it out, and re-installed these free maps onto the 64S internal memory. Bingo! All maps now show up and are now able to be enabled/disabled individually. So I'm not sure what the deal is... more experimenting needed. Also, this one is strange: Loaded a GPX file to the unit which happens to include some nearby caches with a size of "Other" or "Not Chosen". For some reason, with each power-on cycle, the unit will *not* show these particular caches on the map, despite no filter being applied. (They will however be selectable in the cache list by name or distance.) You must then go into the Geocache Filter screen (from the map screen) and select "Apply Filter". Then, magically, these "Other" and "Not Chosen" caches will appear on the map. Reported this to Garmin, we'll see what they say...

I think SoCal meant that they (Oregon 550T vs Etrex 30) have a difference in price of $40, not that you can find them for $40. Although that sure would be nice! My humble opinion -- GLONASS is handy if you live in the northern latitudes and deal with canyons / urban areas / dense canopy. I've seen it drop down to 9 ft. EPE "accuracy" when enabled (Etrex 10), and that was under tree cover and surrounded by buildings. Although my limited understanding is that GLONASS doesn't really increase accuracy per se, but gives you more satellites to work with. The newer Etrex 10 / 20 / 30 line, the Oregon 600 line, and the GPSMAP 64 line all have the ability to utilize GLONASS. The Oregon 450 / 550 line doesn't have GLONASS, but are no slouches, either. I've seen 11-12 ft. EPE "accuracy" on my 450 running the latest firmware. Touch screen vs buttons preference applies here, too.

Good choice... in fact, leaning towards the 64S myself at some point.

Definitely check out GPS File Depot beforehand... there are a lot of third-party free maps out there, including 24K topos. My personal experience with Garmin's 100K topo maps is that they are okay for general use, but I would definitely want more detail (aka 24K) if on foot or caching. So, IMHO, it's not worth the extra added cost. I think others have had recent success installing the third-party maps, both from GPS File Depot and OSM, on the newer GPSMAP 64-series units. But don't quote me on that, as I don't have a 64 sitting in front of me.

Thanks -- had the 62S in the past, running a 450 currently. I was pretty skeptical and didn't think GLONASS would amount to much in my location, but after seeing an Etrex 10 in person, I realized it makes quite a bit of difference. So I'm definitely leaning towards GLONASS in my next unit, and the lukewarm reports for the Oregon 600 have me holding back on that one.

Curious what folks think overall of their 64 units -- considering an upgrade to one, but it sounds like there are some firmware teething issues. Also, can anyone comment on real-world battery life, especially using Eneloop NiMH cells? [Edit: Wondering if it's possible to disable the 'page ribbon' interface on the 64-series, as was possible on the 62-series.]

The Etrex 10 doesn't accept add-on maps (closest comparable unit to Etrex H), but the Etrex 20 and 30 will. The 20 adds a memory card slot and color screen, while the 30 adds an electronic compass and altimeter. FYI, there are lots of free maps at places like GPS File Depot, including user-created topos. Not sure what your budget is, but the GPSMAP 62S is going for $199 right now on sale (like, right this very second) at places like GPS City. That's a really great price on a great unit (granted, no GLONASS like the Etrex 10/20/30 or newer GPSMAP 64 line). Personally, if it was me, I'd go for the GPSMAP 62S. Probably the biggest bang for the buck at this moment.

Another vote to add to the pile... have used an Oregon 450 and a 62S with a Mac and it is a breeze once you get a good workflow. You can install the following free programs that are offered by Garmin in Mac format: Map Install, Map Manager, POI Loader, Web Updater, and Basecamp. The GPS unit (and any installed memory card) just show up like an external drive on the desktop. (Only caveat is you will want to empty the trash can if you delete any .gpx files off the GPS. See below.) I also use the free maps from GPS File Depot -- lots of good ones there, especially topos. Another place to look is the Garmin Forum for Custom Maps: https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?206-Example-Garmin-Custom-Maps Also... see this thread on using Garmin GPS units and Macs: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=320899&st=0&p=5365888&fromsearch=1entry5365888 Personally, I wouldn't bother with the "t" models anyway. IIRC, they are just 1:100K maps anyways. If you are in the NW, I'd recommend the excellent free topos at Switchbacks.com (they also have free trail maps): http://www.switchbacks.com/nwtopos/

IMHO, 16 ft. accuracy is pretty good for any GPS, iPhone or otherwise. I know the newer phones and GPS units that add Russian GLONASS capability are supposed to improve reception if you're in dense urban / canyon / forested areas. I think the general consensus is that when you get close to GZ, put the GPS away and start looking around. This is where cache descriptions and hints come in really handy. But for those hiders who toss out micro-spew caches in the woods, it can be difficult regardless. Plus, you're using your GPS to look for coordinates hidden by another GPS. Depending on how accurate the hider's GPS was at the time of cache placement can also introduce a fudge factor. I think the real reason to go for a standalone GPS is to avoid damaging your phone and/or draining its battery while caching. You mentioned a detachable car GPS -- I know some folks have figured out how to add caches to those, depending on the brand and model. If you decide to go for a GPS unit, I'd pick something that can handle paperless caching, downloadable maps (lots free online at GPS File Depot), and has expandable memory. Having a built-in magnetic compass (similar to your iPhone) is a plus. Many places have been clearing out the Garmin GPSMAP 62S for around $200.

The Foretrex 401 (and 301) are great units. Runtime is good on Eneloops, and great on lithiums cells (although 401 has overall slightly shorter runtime due to electronic compass and altimeter vs. 301). I've had them both in the past, and used them just as you described -- put the coordinates on the GPS via PC, looked up the detailed info on the smartphone while out caching. Only reason I bailed on the Foretrex line was that I prefer using AA batteries, so I can swap between devices if needed. The Tactix and Fenix (now a Fenix 2 out as well) look cool, but I think the "smart watch" market is just getting off the ground. I'm sure they will get more refined and cheaper in the near future.