[78 Series]

The 750t arrived a few hours ago and is still charging. The battery "pack" is two AA NiMH cells fastened together with plastic clips... not sure why, but not a problem. The Unit switched on as soon as I plugged in the charger (as the manual said it should) and showed numerous "birds" almost immediately, along with displayed accuracy of 9-10 feet from indoors. I figure I will just let it charge fully (not sure how long it will take with the included AC-USB charger), and then head out to see what it will do. The display is fantastic... clear and easy to read. There are a ton of features, so I will be spending a lot of time learning all of them.

[78 Series]

I initially figured the camera features would not be all that useful, but after watching some of the videos and reading up on the various features, I figured the 750t (with the discount) would be something I can enjoy for more features and functions. Granted, the learning curve will be somewhat steeper, but the Oregon looked like the best choice for me, with the 750t being the most versatile. I plan to start out "simple" (if that is possible) and then do more as I learn more. This will be a huge step ahead in technology for me.... made me realize how "old" the 76CSx really is. It is being shipped out this evening and will probably arrive here by next week. I may pick up some accessories later on.

 

As always, thanks to all for the ideas and assistance. I will post up some results once I get started with the new Oregon.

[78 Series]

I would suggest finding a store that carries them and look at the different handhelds before making a decision. They all do the same things and you may prefer a different style.

 

Checked with several places in the area and nobody had the 750t; Bass Pro had a 700, but not much else. Dick's Sporting Goods had no GPSr's at all... the guy there referred me to Best Buy, which had no handheld units.

 

Looks like it is time for a 750t.

[78 Series]

All of Garmin's handheld GPS units are IPX7 waterproof. So if you're just hiking in the rain, the 78sc has no advantage to you over the 64s or an Oregon 700, all of which are a bit newer. The 7x series are designed for boaters - their advantage over the other handhelds is that they float. That's it. But really, you can fix that "problem" with the other series by attaching it to a floating object, or simply attaching it to your boat. Otherwise, they'll all sustain a short bath in a lake or river, and certainly a shower on the trail.

 

The IPX7 standard is probably good enough for my needs, as I have never dropped any electronic device into any sort of water (I have now officially jinxed myself ). The Oregon 7's are looking like a very appealing; I could easily "grow into" the added features, At least it would not become obsolete in the near future (there I go... jinxing myself again). The online comments I have seen, here and elsewhere, show a positive consensus... it looks to be a winner, and most likely what I will go with.

[78 Series]

Very good advise. Also, only the Oregon 7x0 series has full wireless capability to access GCLive data in the field, without ever needing to connect to a computer!

 

It does not look like he caches, so probably not important.

 

The geocaching functions are quite far down on my list of priorities, as is a built-in camera. Most of my use is for hiking, motorcycling/bicycling, and occasional outdoor use in potentially wet weather (why the 78sc looks interesting to me). I looked online to find a nearby dealer, and there is one very close to where I will be tomorrow (Ithaca, NY area); I will stop in and take a look.

 

My only concern (which may be unfounded) is that the 78-series appears to have been around a number of years. The good news is that I would not be a "guinea pig" if I buy one. The down side may be the possibility of something new coming along to replace the 78-series in the near future, although that would probably be more expensive.

 

Many thanks for the assistance and ideas so far... will keep checking here and will post up my results.

[78 Series]

Update: I just received an e-mail back from Garmin, and my 76CSx is (as expected) definitely not repairable, but I had to at least ask them. They are offering a 20% discount on the purchase of a current Garmin model, with the details to be worked out on the phone. Once they receive the old/failed unit, they credit the 20%. This may work out to be a decent deal as, while I do not use the handheld GPSr a lot, I am finding I am using it more lately (until it quit, that is ).

[Inventory Time> What GPS Units Do You Own ?]

I still have a GPSMap 76CSx, which failed yesterday after many years; I am debating its replacement. Also have GPS in the dash of my Ram 2500 and a Byonics GPS that I use with my ICOM IC-7100.

[78 Series]

...I look forward to learning more about the new series. I may have to retire my 76CSx.

 

The 78-series does look interesting, but I am not sure if I would "upgrade" just yet. Having just loaded the newest mapping software in 2010, I expect my 76CSx to be good for a while, although new toys are always fun, and very tempting.

 

And now, six years later, my old, faithful 76CSx appears to have exceeded its useful life. The MicroSD card will not stay locked in place and the display is acting strangely. Is the 78cs still the latest and greatest direct replacement?

[78 Series]

...I look forward to learning more about the new series. I may have to retire my 76CSx.

 

The 78-series does look interesting, but I am not sure if I would "upgrade" just yet. Having just loaded the newest mapping software in 2010, I expect my 76CSx to be good for a while, although new toys are always fun, and very tempting.

[What rig do you take hiking/backpacking?]

Yaesu Vx7r for hiking, and Yaesu 8800r mobile for the Jeep.

 

Similar setup here, but FT-8900 in the Jeep; I have a FT-817ND that has yet to see "the field", but that should change sometime very soon. I picked up a couple of gel cell batteries to go along, and it should run for many hours (at "full" power) on the external power.

[The early handhelds....Old Timers ?s]

My first was an ICOM GP-2 back in the early 1990's; it did basic stuf and the five channel receiver was OK, but mapping was not included. It was great for rescue/EMS work, though.

[What GPSs do you use?]

I still use the (oldie but goodie) GPS MAP 76CSx and love it. Never any problems in the few years I have owned it, and am even considering keeping it for many more years (the bug for new gadgets usually bites, but not in this case).

 

My wife just received a new nuvi 255w as part of the incentives for a car loan on her new Jeep; the Jeep already came with an in-dash nav system, so she does not need another GPS, and may sell it. If she does, she said she may want a small handheld Garmin to take with her when walking (I do believe she may be a potential GPS geek ).

 

Back to the '76CSx, that thing is amazingly simple, comprehensive, and accurate. I haven't even tested its ability to float yet.

[Any Ham Radio Operators Here?]

Now...

 

are there any QCWA members among us?

 

I am considering joining, but will have to rely on old Callbook data to verify my existence as a Ham back in the late 1960's.

[CB]

Have not been on CB since the 60's. Used to have a Johnson Messenger II with a Turner +2 and a Super-Magnum Antenna.

 

Back then, the hangout was channels 9 & 11.

 

A bunch of us hooked Oscilators to the mike and learned Morse Code up on channel 23 and got out Ham Radio Tickets.

 

Now THAT brings back memories. When I was a kid in the 1960's), I used a borrowed Messenger II for a month or so, then a Citi-fone SS. Eventually upgraded to a Courier 23 and a Hy-Groin CLR2 (with RG-8/U cable, of course to ensure those precious watts reached the antenna and the received signals got to my radio better.

 

During that time, my uncle Al (the original W2TXB) suggested that I get into some real radio communication, so I got a Hammarlund HQ100AC and started studying code and theory, and then wrote the ARRL for info on finding a volunteer examiner for my Novice and Tech tests. They hooked me up with K2DNN, who administered the tests. Shortly afterward, I became WN2DWN and WA2DWN, respectively (you could do that back then ). I kept the "WA2DWN" (had a couple of great phonetics for that one) call until 1983, when I got a new call sign (KD2DR, which also had some great phonetics). About seven years ago, I applied for my late uncle's call sign and will probably keep that one forever.

 

Amateur radio exams are not that difficult, and it remains a fun hobby that can be a great educational asset as well. Even the equipment is not all that expensive.

[GPS MAP 76CSx and CN2008 Upgrade - No unlock?]

Sounds to me like the OP got the upgrade disk from garmin. They send these out free of charge, then you need to log into your my garmin account and purchase an unlock for the new mapset($75).

 

The disk came directly from Garmin ("G International" on the package.... made me want to call them and say, "whattup, G?", but that's another story ), and I just found the place on their web site (MyGarmin) where I can purchase the unlock code. I must have been missing something there on my first attempt....... one odd thing happened when first installing the update - a Windows Installer error appeared (not sure what that was all about, so I re-booted the computer and tried again, and it worked OK. Maybe that had something to do with the original problem, or maybe I did miss something on the MyGarmin web site.

 

Thanks to all for the assist here; as always this forum is the best!

[GPS MAP 76CSx and CN2008 Upgrade - No unlock?]

I just received the CN 2008 Upgrade CD for my GPS MAP 76CSx and installed it, but cannot unlock it. There was no code included in the package, and I cannot get an unlock code online. I logged in to the "MyGarmin" web site and got nowhere. Of course, there is no phone support with which to contact a real person until Monday. At this point, the CN 2008 program is useless to me.

 

Is there something else I need to do in order that this "upgrade" be made to function? In the meantime, I rolled back to my previous City Navigator (v8) program.

[Opinions between a Garmin 60CSx vs. a 76CSx?]

I chose the 76CSx because of the button layout, buoyancy, and the deal I got when purchasing; it has worked perfectly and never let me down. Sensitivity is amazing, even in the house. The entire USA can be loaded onto a removable MicroSD card, and that is a big convenience for me.

[Ham And Backpacking]

Ive seen a few posts mentioning a separate AGM battery to power a HT. I have a yaseu vx-7r, where could I find an external battery to run full TX power.?

 

Batteries America has them in stock and all ready to go..... they are a "Gel Cell" (sealed lead acid) battery of 12 Volts @ 7 aH, which should work quite well, and come with a case and female "lighter" jack. The people at BA are great to do business with.

 

Alternatively, a fanny pack and separte components could be assembled to do something similar. I keep a 12 aH gel cell battery ready for this sort of thing, but it is twice the size of the 7 aH battery.

[Fox-Hunt]

Hey all!!

 

I was just curious, how does a fox-hunt work?? I understand that you go out and look for something, but what exactly is it?? Any and all positive comments would be great!!

 

73's

KE5EHZ

TacRat

 

I used to do a lot of that back in the day (~1980); we called them Bunny Hunts, but the concept is identical to fox hunting. Finding the hidden transmitter was always a blast, considering the operator could alter the power level and the configuration of his antenna to make things a bit more challenging. The trophy for the hunt was a large stuffed rabbit, which was passed on from one winner to the next.

 

I really miss those hunts.

[garmin 76csx 0r 60csx for newbie?]

excuse me if i missed this info, (my eyes are buggy from reading these threads!) but is the GARMIN 76CSX decent for autorouting? I'll be using it on a dual sport and a sport touring bike...

 

was looking at the 60 till i saw this thread....

 

thanks!

rich

 

Rich,

 

I have been using a 76CSx while motorcycling and it has been great for autorouting; I also use it as a backup in the Jeep and it outperforms the Alpine unit that DimestoreChrysler installs at the factory. You will love it.

[Looking for an HT]

Thanks Dave, I think you are right I am familiar with Yaesu and the price point is good also.

 

I also like the FT-50R because of its rugged construction.

 

Check the Yaesu VX-7R... lots of features and quite rugged (water resistant, too!). I have had one for a few years and it has been a flawless radio. The programming cable is a must, and there is software available from Yaesu and other sources (VX7 Commander) that makes it really versatile. The hams with whom I talk on the radio tell me the transmit audio is really good; the receiver sensitivity is excellent as well.

[Virus/Malware on TomTom units?]

Info

 

 

One would think that such companies would be a bit more careful.

[Morse no longer a requirement]

When my wife passed her Technician Class exam (including the 5 wpm CW) back in the early 1990's, she joked about getting a "No-Code Extra" license some day..... now she can do just that, if she is so inclined. She could use an upgrade if she wanted to operate on 10-FM in her Jeep, but I doubt she even cares much about that at this point...... maybe later, she will become interested in the HF bands, including some CW.

[Serial Port?]

I had some problems with the Belkin USB-Serial adapter with some devices (Yaesu FT-8900R transceiver) but not with others (Yaesu VX-7R and FT-817ND transceivers), so I bought a PCMCIA-Serial adapter from Startech.com and it works extremely well. I had to update the driver to one they e-mailed me in order that my laptop PC would be compatible, but it works without any problems. Check them out for all sorts of interconnection devices.

 

Here is a link to their I/O products for desktop and laptop PC's:

 

Click Here.

[satellites & windshield]

This is definitely the same problem that people have with EZ Pass transponders. Here is a link to a list of known "offenders"... mostly GM with a Subaru SVX also included.