kachadurian

I'm pretty good and finding my way in a car, and I do have an iPhone for most navigation in the car, when it works. The 60CSx is more for when I'm outside cell tower range where the phone fails, mostly on foot but sometime in the car here in Northern Michigan, out West, Canada, Mexico. How is the City Navigator for rural roads and countries other than the USA? Tom

from the Garmin site: "Pre-programmed datacards: Pre-programmed datacards are immediately ready to use out of the box. Simply unpack the card and insert it into your compatible GPS device. These maps do not need to be unlocked to your device which allows you to move the card to multiple units if desired, however you will not directly have access to the mapping on your computer. City Navigator maps in this format are not eligible for map updates. If you wish to obtain updated content, a new card will need to be purchased." How important are updates and how frequently do they come? Tom

I just got a 60csx and I'm thinking about buying the City Navigator North America. I know I can get free maps, but is it worth it to have one street navigation option. I was thinking about buying it loaded on the Micro SD card so I could move it to another device if I get something different. Good idea? Bad idea. Free maps just as good? Thanks Tom

I sent you a private message on this, but I'd like to buy it if you have no one else interested. Email me at kachadurian@chartermi.net Tom

I have a Magellan Meridian Platinum, and I use MACs. Is there a way to load map data directly to the SD CARD with a card reader? Is there a standard file structure on the SD card, or is it a format created only by and for the unit? Can I use maps other than the Magellan maps? Where can I get maps?

Yes, that was it exactly. I don't know that the Cache did much to increase traffic. It waas pretty much off season, during the week when we were there and we were seriously not alone. Thanks for finding this. Tom

We were on a petroglyph hunt near Moab, Utah. We climbed some rocks and were hikiing along a ridge when my daughter found a tupperware cache container. Being a geocacher I knew exactly what it was, but it was her first cache. We signed the log and left something, but we don't know where to report it. Is this a renegade cache? The cache was at N38º32.026 / W109º36.502 But I can't find it anywhere on this site. How else can I locate the creator and web log?

I've had my explorist 300 for three weeks ($163 amazon.com). I am thouroughly impressed. Compared to my yellow eTrex there is not comparison. I'm at 45 degrees N and I get WAAS in about a minute, and 7 or more sattelites even under trees. I can throw it in my pcoket and it comtinues to track. I pull it out of my pocket and it's still locked on. My only complaint is that the manual -- even the downloadable one -- is weak. It only explains about 60% of the functions, and there are things on the display that you just had to figure out, because they are never explained ANYWHERE. Still, I don't remember the garmin manuals being any better. I'm very happy with the unit. Tom

After much debating and a case of the cheapskates, I decided to update my yellow etrex to an eXplorist 300. Now I'll grant you they are not the same level of GPS, but I find the interface on the eXplorist far easier to use and much more intuitive. For openers, after 4 years of using the etrex, I never knew which button to push when. Because the eXplorist buttons are where I can see them, and labeled in white, I am already using this thing like I've have it for years. In the middle of my house I'm finding 6 satellites and getting a 3d fix in about 45 seconds. Outdoors it's locked on in seconds. Also, the electronic compass makes it way easier to use. I'm glad I went for one with the compass. I think it's a feature that is underrated. I know, I know, I'll be sorry it doesn't have the computer hook up, but I never even owned a cable for my eTrex, and the same feature set with a computer connection in a small case was at least $100 more. For now, I'm happily navigating. Tom

Thank you for the interest, but the etrex is now sold. tom

Me again. It's been a few days and there's no takers. I guess I should have added: offers considered, which, of course, they will be. Thanks, Tom

All I have is the until istelf. It's in good shape. No marks, scrapes, nothing wrong with it. I've moved on to a mapping GPS Questions? kachadurian@chartermi.net or 231-883-4325 Tom

Make that will be. UPDATE: I finally got an email from the Lowrance Tech Support people to answer a few technical questions I had about the iFinder PhD. The answer was, he couldn't tell me yet because the final specs would not be known until it went into production, and it is still in development. I read that to mean no Phd anytime soon. That Merridian Platinum is looking better every day.

Of course you are correct. I got the model made wrong. I meant the the Summit, the low end eTrex with an elec. compass that someone recomended. It's the one without WAAS and the really low res screen. Thanks for setting the record straight. FWIW, I wouldn't use the mp3 function out on the trail, but I might on the plane getting to the trails. When a device can do more than one thing, it means less stuff to carry. For me that's a good thing. tom

Follow-up: I have listened to all of you and I am getting the info I wanted. Looking at all the details, memory, antenna (clear the Quad antenna is better, it gets added as a feature when one is present), and display quailty. I don't plan to shell out for the GPSMAP60CS, but is certainly looks sweet. I did look at things like the Geko 301, but at $190 it doesn't even have maps, the eTrex vista (in addition to being an eTrex) doesn't have WAAS and has something like a 64x120 screen. When I eliminate the eXplorist 300 because there is no upload option (although at $158 it still seems like a good choice), for all the other criteria however, the Lowrance iFinder PhD looks to be my choice (when it hits the stores). I know I'm a renegade, and I may get burned, but features to price the PhD it has it all. iFinder Phd=$240: Quad, SD card, 5.6x2.5x0.95 (smaller than merridians and map60 or map76), 16 level greyscale 180x240 - the highest resolution display, elec. compass, and it play mp3 and the cigarette light cord is included. I'll report back after I get it. Tom

I understand that to most people the electronic compass is not essential, an you are quite correct the plain old analog kind are a pretty good value. I'm new to geocaching, but I am a photographer and fisherman too. There are times when I'm stopped under heavy cloud cover, or whatever and I need to know exactly where the sun is or will be, which way to go, etc. Also, when fishing in a boat it is all but impossible to fine tune your possition without a compass, because boats don't stay put like feet do. That said, I will be looking at the lower priced Garmins with the electronic compass. I can tell it isn't a key feature for most people because even the manufacturers don't sort them by which one have an e-compass and which one don't. Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Thanks for these. It does mean something to me to buy an American made product. Also, customer service can be really important. I tried to call Magellan tech sopport and was left on hold for more than an hour (it was their 800 fee so I just put it on speakerphone). They never did answer. The only problem with the Garmin line is that to get to a unit with an electronic Compass (omitting the eTrex Vista because I hate the buttons) I'd have to spend more than $400. In Magellan it's less than $300 and with the Lowrance just about $200. I'll have to look into the Lowrance. Tom

Forgive me if these sorts of threads cause trouble, but I need help. I've been lurking for a while now, and I get the idea here that Garmin is the way to go. But I'm seriously considering another brand. I have a yellow eTrex, and I hate it. Aside from the fact that it isn't too sensitive, I don't like the chunky shape and I dislike the buttons on the side. I'm left handed and the buttons are set up for righties. It's way hard to use. I'm looking at the Magellan eXplorer 300 (e-compass for under $160) or the Meridian Platinum, or the Lowrance iFinder PhD (why not have your iPod in your GPS). Am I missing sometthing? Why is it that everyone seems to recomend Garmin? Tom