fmajor007

Try not to be intimidated by it, the process is very simple. Buy a Garmin compatible map CD, and when you load the map onto your computer you can then load it onto your GPS. Not to sound "instructive", but the user manual is reasonably helpful for the process. I'm a 1st-time GPS owner as well and it was very easy to load the map i have.

That does sound strange.... I've had mine for about 6 months and nothing like that ever. Whether i switch out batteries or whatever, all my waypoints/routes are intact.

Large-scale CONSUMER returns will most assuredly get a companies attention. While i know little about GPS units, i have seen how returns affect a companies bottom line. Something else to consider is Garmin may be looking to scale back investments in hand-held devices opting for mobile devices. I'm not sure i'd put much stock in that idea, but still it may be Garmin is moving toward. All the same, when consumer returns sky-rocket, Project Managers begin to get e-mails from Regional Sales Managers, significant retailers and maybe a "Hello _____, So tell me whats going on with our ______ devices?" from a VP - could be Sales, Operations, name your area of interest. These Project Managers are soon having meetings with their engineers and tech-support staff and the next thing you know, there is a software (or firmware) update available. If Product Returns for a "line" continue to grow, retailers will also balk as their VALUED CUSTOMERS rant and rave in the store (or go somewhere else!!!!). They will stop carrying a brand with minimal hesitation. I've seen it happen with backpacking and mountaineering equipment and recently in the consumer film photography industry with Fuji stomping all over Kodak where major chain stores are dumping Kodak film in favor of Fuji. Granted, film as a "going concern" is transitioning it's appeal, but the brand dumping is happening all the same. Just my $.02 frank

I am a first-time GPS user and bought the 60CSx and it rocks! I also bought the 12v adapter and use it in my car with no problems whatsoever - even with a protective case that has a clear cover over the screen. I followed the advice i got here and updated to the latest firmware ASAP and only then did i take it outside to play around a bit. I've NEVER had a problem so far (only been about 2 weeks though...). Definitely either return or exchange yours - you got a lemon!!! frank

Not to hi-jack, but is there a similar resource for 60CSx devices? I also looked on the Garmin site, but didn't find anything...

I am so thankful for all the help, assistance, tips and wisdom this community provides to those of us who are newbs. For example, the idea of recording active tracks to the removable card and storing on my computer so i can recall them later is very helpful. If the internal memory for the device is limited and fixed, it is helpful to learn a work-around to be able to keep all the tracks i want to use later. I, like many newbs, will likely not approach the technical acumen of many of the regular posters here - yes, i know you all were once newbs too. However, as a newb, i certainly will be using my 60CSx alot and my ability to use this complex receiver is due in large part to the thankfully free contributions made by this community. I also appreciate the tone of this community - which is distinctly not argumentative and/or inflammatory in making corrections or discussing opposing opinions.

Thanks for the info Roy! The (relatively) small size of the track logs is definitely good news - that makes my 2GB MicroSD card even more suitable! frank

It's an exciting day - my 60CSx came - Yahoo!!!!!! I bought it from Amazon and it came with a 128MB card - i thought they came with 64MB cards..... a nice surprise to say the least. I followed roybassist/ryleyinstl/night stalker's instructions beginning with updating the firmware via Garmin's site - that was sooooo easy. Then calibrated the compass - again, it was soooo easy. I've also changed/added/deleted certain pages from the display - this was a little more interesting to find, but once located, it was/is easy. Next is loading up the City Navigator map, but i don't think it's going to be too challenging. Thanks again for all the tips! frank

Hey Night Stalker - Thanks for the "heads up" about the longish 1st time satellite acquistion, your battery-use with WAAS enabled observations, and the geo-caching advice - good stuff!!!! frank

Hey Wesbo - Thanks! I've got a pretty good charger already and use it regularly (both State-side and Internationally. It gets WORKED!!! frank

Hey ryleyinstl - WOW!!!! Thanks for all the map sites - i'll be adding those to my "favorites" list! Hey roybassist - This is USER info that is sooo helpful - it is exactly the kinds of "shortcuts" i was looking for (in addition to maps and related "how to's" like those from ryleyinstl). Keep 'em coming!!! Thanks again! frank

Hello All! I am aware that reading the User Manual will go a long way toward answering many of my basic questions, but there is nothing like advice from people who use a device regularly!!! Do you have any tips/suggestions for a 1st time GPS and Garmin 60CSx user? Things that YOU would have done 1st? I will definitely need help in areas like: - Firmware updates - up-loading maps - using ANY mapping software - any tips related to using maps (free-ware/topographical/etc) My 60CSx is scheduled to be delivered TOMORROW!!! I am pretty stoked, but short on time - as in no time to down-load the manual and pre-read it before my device arrives.... TIA!!! frank

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! You have graciously given (which i shamelessly solicited!!) advice to an utter GPS N-E-W-B - offered thought-provoking questions and provided helpful comparisons. Thank you. I owe you all a debt of gratitude for helping select a device that will help me accomplish what i hope to do - take urban kids into the mountains (and back!) and introduce them to the joy of the outdoors through teaching them to use compasses (i will use the 60CSx to set navigation courses/points as waypoints). I have settled on the Garmin 60SCx and though spendy, i believe in making solid, long-term quality investments. I bought the GPS device, a DC (car) power adapter, protective case, and City Navigator-Europe (though American i, and my family, usually live in Bosnia), and a SanDisk 2GB MicroSD card. I already have a dozen or so rechargeable AA batteries..... frank

Thanks EVERYONE!!! I will be looking longer/harder at the 60CSx. It seemed like a more "serious/hardcore" model, but the sacrifice is pocketability - one that has a pretty high priority. Ultimately, accuracy/dependability take precedence and thats what really counts. Next things is to be checking prices to see where i can get the most for my $$$. Anyone hear of "thenerds.net"? Thanks so much! frank

Greetings! This is my first post here. Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom to wanna-be's like me! I am completely new to GPS receivers, though have done a fair bit of research and am trying to narrow things a bit. I have read alot here online through FAQ's, topic/post searches, etc, but believe dialogue with expert users to be the best way to get real information. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, i am planning to use the device for mountineering and setting compass-course points for a navigation class i teach (generally teach compass use, but do teach, on ocassion, navigation without a compass). I've been teaching navigation for a long time and using a GPS would be very helpful in making fast, exact search-points. Here are things that are important in my selection process: - good, quality device - i HATE spending my hard-earned $ on junk!!! - less than $400 - accurate, solid satellite lock (in deep foliage or in canyons) - used primarily for navigation/positioning not initially geo-caching (likely later, but not now) - light-weight - long battery life - water resistant - altimeter/barometer - an electronic compass - able to get road maps of continental Europe (though i'm from the States) - USB inferface - expandable memory - non-proprietary battery option I am primarily considering the Garmin Vista HCx, but the DeLorme PN-20 and possibly the PN-40 are strong considerations. I have read alot about the problems Magellan users experience and so would have to really be convinced about them and am unfamiliar with other brands. I've read alot here (been lurking for a little while....) and am concerned about the firmware/software problem with the Colorado/Vista/Legend "chips" (i know nothing about electronics, but am very inquisitive and just above plant-life in brain-power so can learn ocassionally!). Thanks again! frank