BGunner01

I just received my new Dakota 20 and encountered this same problem. I'm VERY DISAPPOINTED that Garmin would come out with a new product that isn't compatible with its basic mapping foundation software. They heavily promote purchase of their Topographic software and/or City Navigator software to install on the Dakota (at about $100 each) which both require subsequent installation of Mapsource. Then, after you purchase and install the software you can't even send or receive (easily that is) all the basic geocaching functions, i.e., caches, tracks, waypoints. You're kidding me! The workaround described in this thread isn't satisfactory for me after spending several hundred dollars and after having been a loyal Garmin customer since the inception of geocaching. I also don't care much for having to install more software (BaseCamp) that does little more - and in my opinion considerably less - than Mapsource. Perhaps there is some other resolution or fix for the problem that I don't know about right now, but until I find out what it is I'm thinking that this incompatability just sucks! At this point I would not recommend the Dakota series to anyone. I'd recommend the GPSMap 60 series. I sure hope that Garmin doesn't make this same mistake with the new GPSMap 62 series.

Great Guns that was FAST!!! All I did was whine on the GC forums page and then I went back to the Jeep site for one last try before I turned my PC off -- and it worked this time. I guess the forums page have more power than I thought. Anyway - it's all fixed now. Sorry I wasted everyone's time.

I've tried several times over the last two days to sign up for a chance for a 2007 Jeep TB but the site won't accept my password -- the same one I used to get into this forum and ask this question. Is anyone else having this problem? I don't know whether to try to contact GC.com about the problem or possibly whoever is administering the game for Jeep. I'd really appreciate any useful suggestions.

The MAHA charger I mentioned in my original topic post was the basic workhorse Model MH-C204F. Since starting the topic I ventured over to Thomas Distributing's website and found that MAHA also has a relatively new advanced charger/analyzer - Model MH-C9000. I decided to get the new MAHA charger and a few of the 2700 mAh PowerEx batteries for my GPSR, digital camera, and radio control devices. As much as I like my LaCrosse charger, I must say that I like the MAHA even better. In the vernacular of my youngest daughter - "It Rocks!" – as do the PowerEx batteries. Both are great chargers, but the MAHA model surpasses the LaCrosse model in several aspects: larger, easier-to-read backlit display (the LaCrosse isn't backlit and the display lettering is smaller); easier to maneuver through the menus; batteries spaced further apart for better air circulation; case has a retractable wire bail on the bottom to raise rear of the unit for easier reading (similar to a computer keyboard); three year warranty vs. a one year warranty (this is a big deal for me). When charging batteries overnight, the display is so bright that it actually provides a soft "night light" glow in our kitchen. All told, I just really like this charger and highly recommend it. I can't envision my ever needing any other one. Anyone interested in purchasing a slightly used LaCrosse charger? Hey – I only own one GPSR though.

Yes, I know that the MAHA Charger and PowerEx 2700 NiMH batteries from Thomas Distributing are arguably an unbeatable combination for geocaching and other devices. In fact I have the MAHA charger and several PowerEx batteries that are nearly 3 years old and still going strong. However, being the somewhat geeky person I am, I wanted more information and options on my charger (such as digital display, selectable charge/discharge rates, and battery "test" and "conditioning" mode) so I decided to try a LaCrosse Technology BC-900 and have found that I really like it too. LaCrosse Technology is a major "atomic clock" manufacturer. The BC-900 is a little pricey if you pay full retail, but I found a new one on Amazon.com for around $40 and the package includes (4) 2400 mah NiMH batteries, a nicely sewn nylon carrying case, power adapter, and some plastic C-size/D-size adapters where, in an emergency, you can use AA batteries in devices that use other-than-AA batteries. I use the MAHA charger most of the time, but if I want to check batteries to see if they're worth keeping or not, the BC-900 works great. Also, the BC-900's selectable charge will charge from 200 up to 1000 ma rate (for multiple batteries) or up to 1800 ma (for a single battery). You'd have to be in a real hurry to heat up a battery that much. Just thought I'd post this because I didn't see any other posts that mentioned this particular charger and maybe someone else has some feedback regarding what they think of this unit or another one that they use.

I upgraded from a 60C to a 60Cx shortly after the new ones were first available and I'm very satisfied. As you mentioned, the "CS" model with altimeter and active compass is of little use/importance to me in the type of hunting I do out here in the "flatlands" so I just stuck with the "C". As nice as the 60C was/is, it's hard to believe that it is now my "backup" unit. My experience is that the 60Cx has lived up to most all of the "hype" you have heard or read. It is quite a bit more "sensitive" than the 60C. Mine acquires satellites quickly (although not quite as fast as oldsoldier mentioned). Most notably for me, in the woods it holds lock and updates considerably faster than the 60C – a key feature for my use. Does it maintain signal lock indoors? Yes, much more so than the 60C - but why is that important? My PC is in the lower floor of a tri-level house, so the Cx does obtain and keep signal lock through the structure above, but weakly. I upgraded to the 1GB SanDisk card and have loaded maps of all of my state, all surrounding states, and several other areas of interest in my travels. All that information took up only about half of the storage space on that TINY little chip – amazing! I've done many hand-in-hand, side-by-side field comparisons of the two units. With the exception of the most notable acquisition and updating speed difference mentioned above, I've noticed very little difference in actual performance accuracy. At one location the Cx will be closer but at the next location the C is closer – probably about 50/50 – but both quite accurate. I'd expect them to read almost exactly the same at all times, but in reality they don't. Another difference that I've noticed between the two units is that the "Accuracy" window (with WAAS on) on the Cx usually reads in the 12'-15'' range, and I don't recall ever seeing it go below 10'. On the other hand (pun intended) the C regularly reads in the 6'-10' range. I realize that the "Accuracy" is mostly a relative indication (not really a performance measure) with several variables, but I surmised that the newer chip would give better theoretical accuracy. Maybe it's because of the area of the country I live in (Nebraska) but I seldom receive WAAS satellites in a dependable manner where they are of much use. I always leave the WAAS function activated merely in the hope that maybe it does provide better accuracy in the times when I am receiving WAAS signal. Hope all this babble is of some use…

I did (or had already done) all the things you guys mentioned, but still with no luck. Darn!! I "fiddled around" a little more this morning by doing two additional things: First, I did a Master Reset on the GPSR and all that did was reset all or most of my settings. Oh wait - that's what it's supposed to do isn't it? The GPSR still wasn't recognized. Second - and this is a tad embarrassing to admit - while switching some cables around on my USB hub to see if maybe one of the connectors was faulty, I noticed that the DC plug powering the USB hub was loose in its receptacle. I pushed it all the way in and that appears to have solved my problem. I think perhaps that it was only making intermittent positive connection. What is still strange to me is that I WAS previously getting power through the USB cord to my 60Cx (the little “plug symbol” in the upper left-hand corner and an illuminated screen) when it was plugged into the hub. I didn't notice any flashing or other indication on the GPSR screen to suggest my USB hub wasn't working properly. I'm still fairly perplexed, but at least all is functioning again now. Thanks a bunch to all who took the time to respond - what a great and helpful group!!

I've used my 60Cx a lot in the months I've owned it. It has worked fine and I've even installed a couple of software updates (presently on Ver. 2.62 Beta). Tonight I decided to update to software version 2.70 or 2.71 Beta. I've had no problems at all in the past, but tonight WebUpdater can't seem to find my GPSR. Later I tried to load a few geocache waypoints from EasyGPS (Ver. 2.3.3) but got an error message that reads "No GPS receivers are connected to the USB port". All my GPSRs (Legend, 60C and 60Cx) are recognized and listed by EasyGPS on the "Send To GPS" Panel. My USB cable is good, connected properly and making electrical connection. The waypoints will transfer to / from everything except the 60Cx. I uninstalled / reinstalled the Garmin USB driver. I uninstalled / reinstalled my version of Garmin WebUpdater. I re-booted my computer a couple of times. I've done everything I can think of but neither MapSource or EasyGPS recognizes the 60Cx. I just keep getting the message "No devices were found. Make sure your device is connected to your compouter and turned on, then try again". Lastly, I checked my Control Panel > System > Device Manager >Hardware and under the GARMIN Devices it shows Garmin USB GPS sub-title with an exclamation point on a yellow background. I have no idea what that means, but it probably isn't good. I'm stumped and would really appreciate any suggestions or advice anyone can lend. P.S. MapSource also can't / won't find the 60Cx either - no matter what I try.

I'd like to see a feature (on the 60CSx/60Cx in my case) where you can use the "Follow Road" function to drive to near a cache, and then be able to more easily switch to the "Off Road" function to get the compass/arrow display without having to recalculate and choose the "Off Road" option. I know it's not a big deal, but since this IS a "things I'd like to see" wish page...

Here's an easy method I use to find coordinates for almost any location: 1. Go to ACME Mapper.com and enter your address, town, state, zip code (or some combination of those items) and click the Find button. 2. After the image loads, click on the "Satellite" button (top right area of the screen – just like Google Maps) to get an aerial view and then zoom in until you have good detail of your house location. P.S. If the color satellite images won't zoom in far enough to give you good detail (which is often the case in rural areas) then simply click on the "DOQ" button to get the older (but more accurate) USGS black & white satellite photos and use them instead. 3. Using your left mouse button, click and drag anywhere on the satellite image and move it around until the little crosshairs in the center of the screen are centered on the roof of your house and release the mouse button. 4. The coordinates in the top line of ACME Mapper will revise to show accurate coordinates of the crosshairs, i.e., your house. Use the coordinates to enter as StarBrand noted above. Is that COOL or what ?!

Don't forget to mention ACME Mapper too (new version 2.0). I've been using it for several weeks now and REALLY like it. It combines all the good features of Google Maps, Satellite and Hybrid, AND includes Topo and USGS (black and white) - all on one site !! I've also noticed that it functions and refreshes much faster on my old 56K modem than the other individual sites do when I use them seperately. I can't even use Google Earth on my computer at home because we can't get fast enough internet service and the images load very slowly and incompletely. Try ACMEMapper though - I bet you'll like it too.

Here's a question for you computer whizzes out there... I received my new 1GB MicroSD memory card and proceeded to install the card and load 500+MB of map data (according to the MapSource map loader). I then checked my GPSR to confirm that the maps had indeed loaded - and they had. With the new card installed in my 60Cx, I then tried Windows Explorer to see what files are actually loaded on the card and how much memory I have remaining but Explorer didn't indicate anything loaded on the card. I also took the card out of the GPSR, put it into the SD adapter and then into my computer adapter and tried Explorer again - with the same results. I know there's data on the card but Explorer doesn't seem to recognize it. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong? Does a new card need to be "formatted" somehow? Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!

I just now took the little MicroSD out of my 60Cx for the 1st time. Oh yeah! Now I see... Man - that is a tiny little memory card isn't it? What I realize now is that I'll need the micro/SD adapter to fit into my SD/Compact Flash adapter to fit into my Compact Flash/PC adapter. You realize it's ineveitable that one day soon we'll be able to change out a little memory chip in the back of our own head. Now that I think about it, maybe I need that.

I'm at work so I can't just look at my GPSR. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the microSD card still have to be inserted into the regular-size SD card "adapter" before it can be inserted into the 60Cx and 60CSx? Thus, the reasoning behind my question – Why not just use the regular-size SD card to start with? It still takes up the same amount of space inside the unit.

I just received my electronic ballot for the 2006 WebbyAwards. I did a quick browse but didn't see Geocaching.com anywhere. Is Geocaching.com a candidate this year? If yes, in what category? Thanks...

Thanks for the tip chetwynd and drbugs! I think I'll take advantage of the rebate on the 1GB. I can't forsee ever using all the memory in a 1GB, let alone 2GB. However, I've always wondered why Garmin chose to utilize the MicroSD when you still have to have an SD adapter to use it. Why not just use the standard SD to start with?

As I was cleaning out some of my old GPS "Favorites" links this morning, I came across the ACME Mapper link. I hadn't used it in a long time so I opened it to discover the new "ACME Mapper - Version 2.0". After playing with it for a while I was PLEASANTLY surprised. WOW! The new version is VERY geocaching friendly. It now uses GOOGLE Maps instead of TerraServer (black and white) so it has all the color features of GOOGLE Maps plus lots of neat geocaching-related features. The cross-hairs in the center of the screen are "active" and show coordinates for the map (or satellite photo). If you want coordinates for a point you simply click-and-drag the map point TO the crosshairs and the coordinates show in the box at the bottom of the display. You can copy-and-paste cache coordinates directly from a cache description page into the available field on AcmeMapper and click the Find button to check out a cache location on a map or satellite photo or a "hybrid" combination. The Links button at the bottom of the pop-up panel has several geocaching-related links, including Find Nearest Caches and Benchmarks. The pop-up control panel can be minimized or maximized by clicking icon with the "rotating world" on it. I've been crying in my beer about not having the LostOutdoors.com site to use any more and hadn't found an easy-to-use (free) replacement that I liked as well – until now! Check it out. For example, try it to see how easy it is to find coordinates for your home or one of your caches. I think you'll like it.

What drew me to caching is the same as you but as DocDiTTo pointed out, the size of the cache shouldn't make a difference toward those draws. For the most part, I'd rather find a micro than an unkept, chewed up plastic container with a wet log and soggy McToys. Larger caches are a harder to maintain because most people (IMHO) don't really regularly trade equal or up and caches lose their quality over a short time. It takes some effort for a cache owner to keep a large ammo can fully stocked with worthwhile items. I must admit that over time I'm gradually evolving into one of those TNLNSL people. It's not cheap to drive a couple hundred miles round trip to find a dozen or so caches (they're not necessarily close together in my part of the country) and then put a $.50 or $.75 item in each one. I do carry a back pack full of quality goodies and when I find one of those really special caches full of nice goodies that I know will see lots of traffic I always try to leave a nice item. When I do that, I almost always "Took 0, Left xxxx". I seldom actually "trade" any more. Hey - all I really want is an excuse to get me out of the house or office and into the woods.

Thanks to everyone who replied !! I appreciate all the advice and now I have ideas to pursue this weekend. I think Radio Shack will have to be my first stop.

As I get more and more involved in this really fun hobby, I find myself needing more and more 12-volt outlets in my old Grand Am cachemobile. Plugging one "1-to-2 pigtail" into another "one 1-to-2 pigtail" to yield three outlets probably isn't the best way to do it any more. Plus, my lovely wife (who doesn't really enjoy GC as much as I do) needs an outlet to plug in her flashing "I'm With Stupid" arrow sign. Seriously though -- Is there an easy yet correct way way to plug in say, 2 GPSRs, a laptop computer, a cell phone charger and an MP3 player? I guess that would be 4 or 5 outlets. These items aren't big power users but probably need to utilize some type of fused connection so I don't accidentally short them all out at once. Would appreciate any advice or experience you guys can offer...Thanks! P.S. You now also see that when I have all these things plugged in, there isn't really enough room in the front seat for my wife and her sign anyway.

I had this glitch occur twice over the weekend on my new 60Cx. Had to walk through an underground pedestrian tunnel approximately 100 feet long to reach a cache and totally lost signal. It took probably a minute or more to walk through the tunnel. After exiting the tunnel the only way I could regain signal was to restart the GPSR - just as you stated. Of course I had to restart after going and after returning through the tunnel. I'm glad I happened across this topic because I wasn't even aware of the problem until I read it this morning. I've been using my 60Cx heavily for the last couple of months and this anomaly is the first peculiarity of any kind that I've experienced. I imagine it's only an inconvenience at present and that it will be fixed in a future FW upgrade. Suppose it would do any good for me to contact Garmin as another customer who's experienced the problem?

Yes, battery life's been discussed previously a little bit on this thread. Scrolling down the thread, you'll see that geocacher "Got GPS?" did some side-by-side testing of a 60C and a 60Cx. Using freshly charged 2500 mah NIMH batteries he noted approximately 23 hours until shutoff on the 60C and 18.5 hours until shutoff on the 60Cx. I imagine the 60CS / 60CSx comparison would be about the same proportion, but I DO think the overall battery charge is shorter depending on the compass/altimeter settings. I've never heard of anyone getting 30 hours true usage on a charge.

I'm assuming you mean deleting some of the detailed maps you've downloaded into your GPSR from one of the MapSource products versus the internal base map which is always there. The easiest way I can think of is to download them from your GPSR into MapSource. After you've "received" them from your GPSR into MapSource, click on the MAPS tab and the maps you presently have in your GPSR will show up on the map as pink instead of yellow. De-select the maps you don't want simply by clicking on them (they'll turn back to yellow on the map), and then re-send the ones you do want back to your GPSR. As previously mentioned, any time you send maps to your GPSR from MapSource it erases the ones there and replaces them with the new ones you've identified. I don't have my 60C with me at the moment, but I recall that somewhere on one of the menu pages it lists exactly which maps are presently loaded. I think you can select any one from the list and delete it while you're "on the run" but it's pretty difficult to tell what map you are deleting just by it's name. If you have 50MB of maps loaded in your unit you'll definitely have trouble telling which is which. Hope this helps some...

Yes...

Did you click on the hyperlink in my previous reply? It works for me here at work and should take you to the ebay store home page. He's a "Power Seller" and also runs the ebay store under the handle of radios_for_you. He sure gave me great service.