cliff_hanger

The HCx uses the satellites to indicate compass direction while you're moving. When you stop, or are moving below a certain speed, it switches to magnetic sensing after a selectable timeout. Under Setup > Heading, look for "switch to compass heading when below..." and "for more than..." I have mine set to 3 miles an hour and 15 seconds Also, make sure your compass is calibrated, and set to "Bearing Pointer" instead of "Course Pointer"

I like the EC on my Vista HCx. No mistake, it's simply a convenience. I always carry a Silva card compass in my pack as cheap insurance.

Actually, I've been thinking about the map thing whether custom or not. I've been following this topic even though I haven't seen this problem with my Vista HCx. Unless I lose satellite signal, I've been seeing <100' error when returning to a starting point. Most times it's much less - usually 50' or so. I've also waypointed a few different locations and always seem to return to the same coordinates when I go back - at least within 50' more often much closer. I think it would be good for folks to give more info than just "2.60/2.60". Maybe if we all posted the same info we could start to see a pattern? My info: Vista HCx purchased 2/11/08: Software Version 2.60 GPS SW Version 2.60 (updated via webupdater - don't remember original versions) WAAS enabled 1 GB SD card Electronic compass ON Maps: Garmin Topo 2008 Garmin MG NA7 via Metrowhiz

Yes. What OS? If Vista or XP can you try compatibility mode? Mapsend Topo 3D must be installed on the drive (usually C) that has the operating system. Also, the #3 CD has to be in the drive unless you did the freightyard hack. This problem was discussed in the Yahoo Magellan Meridian forums but I can't find the thread.

I don't think so. But, you CAN save geocaches as custom Points Of Interest (POI) using Garmin's POI Loader. While most GPSr limit waypoints to about 1000, POIs are only limited by the amount of memory in your SD card Since the GPSr only shows closest POIs, you can load them all and not worry about it.

Thanks! OK. So really good detail but no topo for USA. Nice project unless you already own Topo2008 and/or Metroguide NA

USA topos?

Are they really topos? Do they have contour lines?

Thanks. If I understand correctly, it is the same routine as for loading maps into the GPSr, except that the card/card reader rather than the GPSr is connected to the USB port. Yes. I would guess that (at least with my Vista HCx) when loading maps to the GPSr, the GPSr simply acts as a card reader like in Mass Storage Mode since the maps are stored on the SD card instead of in internal memory. So, internal memory holds: Waypoints and Geocaches (hence the 1k limit), Basemap, Firmware SD card holds: Additional maps (topo, CN, etc) Custom POIs (limited only by SD card memory) Routes Tracks (I think they are listed as date.gpx files in the root of the SD card?)

Assuming that you are using MapSource, I'm curious to know how you created a map file that could be transferred directly to the card. All Garmin mas files created with Mapsource are named "gmapsupp.img" and are stored on the SD card in the "Garmin" folder. Insert SD card into a card reader. In Mapsend, select maps and choose "Send to Device". Mapsource will find your card and place the map in the correct folder.

Waypoint name: %smart Comment Format: %typ=1 %name by %By (%dif/%ter) Child Name Format: %c_Type=1-%name Child comment format: %c_comment All via Garmin POI Loader

Did you look at the link I posted? CMConvert does NOT go on the Palm. CMConvert is a Windows program used to convert and send gps files to the Palm as .pdb files so that Cachemate can use them (assuming PalmOS - you didn't say). On your Palm you need to install files like Cachemate.prc and mathlib.prc, not CMConver.exe BTW, GSAK does not go on your Palm, either. GSAK is a windows based program that does the same thing as CMConvert plus a WHOLE lot more. See here http://ctcachers.com/wiki/index.php?title=GSAK_to_Cachemate

Is it actually completing the hotsync? CMConvert is the converter to send gpx files to Cachemate which should be installed on your Palm. After you convert the files and hotsync, the next time you open Cachemate, you should be prompted to import the converted files. Did you reinstall Cachemate on your Palm? I actualy use GSAK for that but this may help http://ctcachers.com/wiki/index.php?title=...te_%28PalmOS%29

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=165568

http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/doc.php#install http://ctcachers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Paperless_Caching

McMaster-Carr has them in bags of 100 for <$5 (give some to your friends - or me ) Here's the size for Walmart orange match safes McMaster-Carr Part #9452K72 http://www.mcmaster.com/ (you'll have to type in the part number in "find products") Main warehouse is in NJ, but they ship anywhere A plumbing supply place might have some if you only want a small quantity. The correct size for matchsafes is "AS568A Aerospace Standard ID Number: 118". Though at a plumbing supply they would be just "118" Opps. correct Part Number is McMaster-Carr Part #9452K82 Sorry about that

Nothing special about the Garmin cable. I've been using both the "official" Garmin cable that came with my Vista HCx and the cable that came with my Canon A620 interchangeably with no problems with either unit. Didn't you get a USB cable with your Vista? If your "standard" cable works ok with other devices, I wonder if there is a problem with the USB port on the Vista?

We separate our gear as well. Yeah, we separate the tent out, too. Someone here mentioned packing at the trailhead so that "community" gear like tent, water filter, stove, etc. got evenly distributed. That works well and you know who is carrying what. I was just commenting that the poles seemed a little long when broken down. I never thought of rolling them up in a sleeping mat. Good idea. Interesting. I never thought of that either. But, since most of my backpacking was done in winter conditions, my tent was most always wet from snow - so into the stuff sack it went. So, what did everybody think of the rest of the review? Bill

Are you trying to use the GSAK POI macro? Or are you trying to use the Garmin POI Loader to convert a GSAK gpx file into POIs and load them to your GPS SD card? Just create a new folder using Windows Explorer (assuming Vista has that) and name it. This new folder is where you want to export your caches from GSAK as either gpx files or csv files. In GSAK do File > Export > GPX/LOC or File > Export > CSV or TXT. Once you have the file there, you either attach your GPS to your pc in "mass storage" mode or use a card reader with your GPS SD card. Run the POI loader and point it's source as your new POI sub-folder. POI loader will find your GPS or card reader and load the POIs This link may help http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=193362

Doh! I forgot all about Mapsource since I never use it to load waypoints. Thanks for the reminder. I really think this is it since OP wrote "programs for Windows and all 5 of them freeze before even getting past a splash screen and I have to close them with Task Manager." If true, there's not much hope that Mapsource will install and run properly, either. I mean how could ALL of them have a bad download and install? Seems either a permissions issue, computer does not meet minimum hardware / memory requirements or Anti Virus / Firewall software is interfering with the loading. I can't think of anything else.

If you are talking about the Blue Etrex Legend, then that device uses a serial cable to connect to your pc. From the Garmin Communicator FAQ (http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/faq.jsp) : "Q. Does the Communicator work with all Garmin devices? A. No, the Communicator works best with devices that connect to a computer via USB cable. While some devices that connect to a computer via serial cable or serial-USB adapter will work with the Communicator, they are not officially supported and we cannot guarantee compatibility or provide customer support." There are other solutions if that will not work for you. One might be to use EasyGPS or GSAK to transfer data to your GPS after downloading it to your pc.

OK, I know I'm replying to my own post. Just wanted to say that I ended up with the Marmot Limelight 3. Haven't really used it yet other than setting it up to check it out, but I like what I see so far. The Limelight replaces my old Gerry Mountain II which was an "A" frame catenary cut tent with vestibule and zipper opening at one end and tunnel entrance at the other. It had four interior gear pockets and a zippered half circle cookhole at the vestibule end. (Yes, I have cooked inside the tent many times with an MSR GK-X). Tent was spacious for 2 but could fit 3. It weighed over 7 lbs and was not well ventilated by today's standards. It was used almost exclusively for winter camping. The Marmot Limelight 3 weighs 6 lbs 5 oz complete with hardware and is said to be a 3.5 season tent. It packs a bit long (22") because of the poles. It was easy and fast to set up and spacious for two. Three could fit, but I'd opt for head to feet for the middle person. At 6'2" I fit very nicely. It has less screen netting than the other tents I looked at and this gives the impression of being "sturdier" while still being well vented. There are two zipped entrances, two roomy vestibules and four interior mesh gear pockets. I like the two entrances and look forward to not being stepped over in the middle of the night. It comes with a footprint and an additional gear loft. There are two main aluminum poles that set up the dome and an additional short "spreader" pole which makes the tent seem much "roomier". There are no sleeves for the poles - it uses all clips. The tub floor has one seam in the middle but it appears to be well taped. It can be set up using just the footprint and fly, leaving the tent body behind for a significant weight savings. Though I'm not sure how you would use the "spreader" pole in that configuration. The footprint has it's own adjustable fastclips (as does the tent body) for attaching the corners of the fly. The two main poles were attached to each other with a rubber piece where they cross. The rubber piece reminded me of silicone. Not sure how well this will hold up but it seems easy to replace with a bit of paracord or even a heavy rubber band. The color is not bad, being a combination of red and "pumpkin" - the colors are somewhat "muted" and not as bright as I first thought they would be. Included were tent, footprint, fly, poles, 10 stakes, 1 stake puller, 4 fly tiedown lines and tensioners, 1 gear loft and 3 stuff sacks. I'll write more after I spend a few nights in it and if anyone is interested....

It's funny that that the OP has not posted back to this thread since lobbing the hand grenade. Looking at the cache that started this discussion, I see a lot of very positive logs and the mentioning of the stonewalls seems to be almost casual. (GCNH50) I haven't done that cache, but am very familiar with the area as I used to fish there in a different lifetime. The area is very popular with fisherman and maybe more so with local kids. You can tell from the broken glass and beer bottles. So, I wonder where the damage came from? Perhaps fishermen and local kids should be BANNED

I know it can be frustrating when you are trying to get something to work right. But, you really need to provide more specific information. People here are willing to help but no one one can read your mind and what appears obvious to you becomes a guessing game to people reading your post. "Tips for asking questions * Pick good subject lines. The odds of you quickly catching the attention of knowledgeable help go way up when you. Subjects like "Error 403 transferring waypoints on 60C under BlerfoMAP 3.34" are much more servicable than "Newbie question". * Punctuate the subject correctly. Interrogative sentences (questions) end in question marks. * Include brand and model info when you're asking about problems. If you're using a program that runs on more than one OS, include info on that, too. * If you're asking advice about maps, include what country/continent you're interested in." I might add that you should list all the steps you've tried and results so far. Be VERY specific. Are you using pocket queries? If so, are you downloading them as gpx file or .loc files? Assuming Clayjar Watcher, EasyGPS, GSAK and GPSBabel correct (since GPXSpinner does not do what you are trying ot accomplish)? You're saying that none of these applications will run on your computer? What OS? Are you running under an admin account? If not, do you have sufficient rights to run these programs? Do you need to run in a compatibility mode? Doesn't the fact that all of these programs freeze on you indicate the problem is with your computer or a setting on your computer? I'm not familiar with the Colorado line. But again, in order for someone to help, you really must be very specific and detailed in writing what you've done so far. How are you trying to upload the caches individually?

Similar to this problem? OP sent it back to Garmin. Please post how it gets resolved for you.