DFRAG

Thank you very much!

I have been using a Garmin Etrex Vista Cx for years. I use it mounted on bike handlebars when mountain biking as I can load even load routes and tracks into it. I also use it for geocaching. I have yet to have a problem with it. I am aware for unknown reasons that it has been discontinued through Garmin...probably because its longevity. Can anyone suggest a similar Garmin should I have to one day replace my Etrex Vista Cx? Thanks for all suggestions and info! Rich

Does your computer still recognize the unit when it is connected? That same lock up killed my usb port, and the computer stopped recognizing the unit.. I am returning mine.. Arpat Hi and thank you for responding. My Etrex Vista Cx runs off the usb with no problem. The icon on the unit even shows. The problem is that when I use the DC adapter nothing happens! The Vista just freezes! Garmin sent me another cigarette lighter power cord and even though the green light is illuminated, it doesn't power the Vista. I am not ready to send the Vista back to Garmin as I'm not too sure that the adapter is supposed to work. I haven't heard from anyone who has the Vista powered with the DC cigarette lighter power cord. I ordered NiMH rechargeables which cost about same as the DC adapter. This seems to work. I always have a pair ready to go and can use them for other things. Go figure. Rich

Thanks for ALL responses. I DO have my Vista Cx cable and finally downloaded my first geocache to it. It was frustrating loading as waypoints but will all the help you people have given me and EasyGps I loaded saved geos from my laptop to the geo option on my Cx Timk, Sorry about your problems, am wondering what was wrong. As you also own same Garmin, please let me know what went wrong. I had purchased a car adapter power cord which didn't work (yes, the green lite on the adapter DID work.) I contacted Garmin about this, they promptly sent me another adapter. Same thing! I now have 2 power cords that don't work properly with the Cx and I finally bought NiMH rechargeables which seems to be worth the $30 spent. Cx powers fine with the cable via USB. I have heard assorted stories that the adapter might not work, and one rumor that it does. Does this sound familiar to you? I'm NOT parting with the Cx easily! Expecially for the wrong reason! Rich

Hi, I have the Vista and want to load some local geocaches (and eventually create some.) I can load the geos into the Garmin as a waypoint; how do I load/transfer the geos into the units' geocache menu? I have read Garmin's manual which referred me to their online manual. Talk about a map to nowhere! Anyone have any suggestions??? Rich!!!

Thanks! I'll try that.

Thank you, Alan. Are you involved with any of the Cunningham Park trails? I just saw some maps of it, looks kinda neat! I'm from Huntington, NY--a few miles east of you. Do you know of any local posts? I'm waiting for my copy of NG to arrive and already have tracked a local park. Keep in touch, neighbor! Thanks for the info, can't wait for the NG software! Rich!!!

OK. I think I'm not too far behind. I'm probably going to use NG (and have Garmin's topo coming in the mail.) Seems that no matter which I use, there is no benchmark as of now. I guess if I want to add any waypoints I would have to Babel them and export them as a gpx extension. Sounds possible. Talk about customer support-I think they're all the same. Actually found Microsoft support (Streets and trips with gps) to be the most helpful to an extent. Garmin is responsive, but as the commercial says, everybody is 'working on it!' This site is the most comprehensive, seems that experience is the best tool-priceless yet free! If only I could get support for the wife...another story, hard drive always crashes!

I am looking to get topographical software so I can download my tracks and produce maps for my mountain bike club. I have seen pics of topos with awesome highlighted lines which is one thing I want to do. I also want to include a few waypoints, perhaps even a legend! Nat geo boasts that they have great map editing software and comprehensive maps. Delorme has popped up via word of mouth. OK. Now from the pros- Which one do you prefer and why? Thanks! Rich!!!

What file do I output withe GPSBabel?

In Earth Plus and Pro, the GPS Device dialogue has a checkbox for "Draw icons at track and route points". You can't control which icons are used, but you can turn them off an on. If you're using GPSBabel to get your tracks into Earth, that corresponds to the 'points' suboption. If you're using something else (and you must be using something since the free version doesn't have GPS connectivity) it's hard to say without knowing what that something might be. Thank you for the informative response. I am Using Garmin (GPS device and) their City select North America version 7 for street level maps. On the toolbar I have an option in 'View' to 'view in google earth.' OK. I might try using GPSBabel to get into earth as well and see if that works before subscribing to Plus or Pro.

OK. I loaded my tracks from Garmin GPS into google earth and was beyond happy when I saw the nice blue highlights of where I biked. Even my waypoints came up well. HOWEVER... I am using the free stuff and LOATHE the green and white triangles on the trail!!! If I subscribe, will I get same map WITHOUT those awful triangle? I contacted Google, no response!

I have it and it works just fine ... I do note that it is somewhat particular about being placed in the cigarette lighter ... I sometimes have to twist or wiggle the plug a bit before the contacts might, well, contact and the green light comes on on the adapter. Green light comes on fine, screen just locks up. USB keeps it powered, so I think I'm going to pass on the cord. I've heard that some units will NOT accept power cords. I have NiMH batteries now so I'll move on. Thanks!

Garmin Forerunner 201 for the wrist. Garmin eTrex Vista Cx for the bike. Microsoft Streets and trips with gps 2005/6 for the car. Cannot locate a power cord for the Cx though.

Glad you enjoyed the Garmin etrex vista cx-love mine to death! Great idea to buy rechargeables. I bought the cigarette lighter power cord, didn't work. Garmin sent me another one, doesn't work either! Anyone know about this or if there is a correct power cord? I am not into sending it back for warranty work because I love it too much!

I do something similar, but I dowload the tracks to National Geographic's TOPO! State Series maps. They offer a wide variety of track styles and it's way cool to see you trails laid out on a 24K topo map. The maps are pricey (each state set is about $90-100), but I have more fun with them than any of the other map sets I own.

Hi folks! I have been using the above software to download my GPS data of where I have biked so as to produce maps to share with a mountain bike club. Unfortunately, my path is shown as ugly black lines and big ugly black dots. I would rather use a highlighted color instead so as to print a more attractive map. I would also consider deleting other pieces of info and even adding text. Does anyone have any suggestions? Software that might handle what I am trying to do? Thanks, Rich

Thank you Miragee! Figures it was soooo easy (for a change.) How do you like the eTrex Vista Cx? I just got same one and ordered additional memory. Ciao

Does anyone know where to get software to convert Microsoft (stt or est) map files and Garmin (gdb or mps) files to jpeg or pdf files so as to edit and share? Thanks for all! Rich rich280@verizon.net

I ordered Vista cx and city select maps and am excited as I think that is a fair combination. As far as NYC is, don't really bike or rollerblade there too much.GPS in the city not necessary. Your maps were awesome, am hoping to do same soon!

Yipes! Over $500. for the 76csx!

WOW!!!! You people are AWESOME!!! I am amazed from the maps you have shown me and thank you all very much! I think I am going to order the Garmin 76 csx with the Garmin mapsouce city select north america software. Decisions, decisions. Does anyone think this is a good combination? Peter, I take my helmut off to you! Those maps were awesome! If anyone is ever in the New York/Long Island area and looking for a nice ride let me know. Rich!!!!!!!

Hi Peter, Thank you for showing hope. I probably didn't make myself too clear but I think what you are talking about is EXACTLY what I want to do. As I bike on public streets as well as dirt trails, I would like to track what I do and see my rides on a street level map. Downloading into Google earth sounds great, but right now I want to get started by not only seeing the streets I have biked on, but to also see the trails I have biked! The ability to print maps of what I did would be great. I could use this feature to produce maps of trails. I am a mountain biker so being able to produce maps of new trails would be awesome. OK. Would you please share you experience with a fellow biker? Which Garmin do you use? What software do you find to be the most comprehensive for the maps? All feedback and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. I have every intention on placing orders for GPS devices and software very soon. Hey, if you're ever in New York, especially Long Island, please let me know so I can hook you up for a nice ride. I'll even provide maps! Email- rich280@verizon.net Thank you for everything! Rich!

I guess I could get Garmin's street level software and load the Forerunner into it. Sounds too simple. I wonder if I can print with Garmin's software. Anybody?

Hi, Can anyone help. I have Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2005 and 2006 in my laptop. With this software I can use the GPS to create (and print) a trail. I would like to do so when I bike or jog. I'm not ready to bike with my laptop. Does anyone know of some (GPS) device that I could use to track me as I bicycle and will easily load into Streets and Trips so I can see (on a street level) where I've been and print these maps? Would it behoove me to get a Pocket Pc? Are there any GPS devices that will easily load into Streets and Trips? Thank you for all suggestions. Rich rich280@verizon.net