A.T.Hiker

Folks- I'm thinking of upgrading to an E-trex vista HCx as a second GPS for all outdoor sports. Currently, I have a garmin 60cx which bulky and doesn't do elevation profiling well. I'm wondering how this and similar units are? I already own a barometric altimeter (Highear Altitech 2) - that sometimes does a lot of "fluttering" even when standing still. The fluttering readings will then inflate the accumulated elevation measure significantly. How is the vista HCx with elevation stability? How is National Geographic software with elevation profiling from a Garmin tracklog? To me, this seems like the most accurate and consistent way to profile, as you are using elevation data embedded within the map that isn't influenced by GPS signal or barometric pressure fluctuations. Shame that Garmin mapsource doesn't offer this option with US TOPO 2008. You can profile a track on Mapsource, but it uses GPS elevation data, which, coming from the 60cx, is usually a disaster because of the variability of the GPS elevation readings on this unit. Feedback, thoughts, ideas, recommendations are appreciated.

Folks- Does any of the software out there give good elevation profiles without the "s" sensor models? I have a 60cx model garmin. I download the tracks to Mapsource, view the profile, but it's essentially a mess - because it's still basing it on GPS elevation data, which while relatively accurate, flucuates way too much for any reliable profile data. Since I'm using US TOPO 2008 from Garmin, I'm surprised there isn't an option within Mapsource that allows me to profile a track using topo map data, rather than the GPS elevation data contained within the track. Unless I'm missing something? I want to be able to track my accumulated ascent, view a decent graph of the route. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Hi- I was wondering if anyone has experience with wristwatch GPS's. I'm getting a bit tired of carrying around the bulk of the 60Cx while hiking / biking/ kyacking. I was reading about the forerunner 205 from Garmin. I like the high sensitivity reciever and the compact design. My concern is the rechargeable battery. Can you carry an extra? Also, will it interface with garmin mapsource for later downloading of trackpoints? Thanks, Paul

A nice option would be to offer a GPS that can display both barometric and GPS Elevation depending on user preference. One problem with barometric altimeters is the constant need for re-calibration. Even on a calm day you can lose 50-100 feet of accuracy through the course of the day. I once watched an altimeter sitting on my dining room table gain over 500 feet over the course of the morning with a noreaster moving in. You can apparently set some of the GPS's to autocalibrate every half hour, in which it uses, guess what - the GPS calculated altitude to calibrate the barometer. An advantage is, once calibrated, you get more stable elevation readings. While usually within 20-30 feet of true elevation, my 60Cx elevation readings do flutter, making precise vertical profiles impossible. However, you can usually still get a good idea of your peaks and valleys by downloading the track to mapsource and making a profile. Works pretty good. Just my two cents. Like I say, my preference would be to have both, but I'm not sure they offer that option. My 60Cx has no sensors, just straight GPS. What I wish I did have was the electronic compass for times when I am not moving and want to know direction. Oh well.

I think it depends on your signal strength. With a windshield mount, and a 60 mile ride, I have seen both car trip odometer and GPS trip odometer read 60.0 miles exactly. That is before I had new tires put on my car and then the car was consistently about a mile and a half behind the GPS, but is catching up again as the tires wear. Go figure. I have noticed erratic movements of the map screen and speed indicator on the 60Cx when under thick cover. Even though it maintains a strong signal lock, it can still through trip calculations off. At best it's a rough estimate. Same with your track log.

I have seen my 60Cx have isses acquiring, although its never lasted an entire weekend. It's usually solved with 1-2 "reboots" (power down, wait a few seconds, power back up). It's never happened with a completely clear view of the sky, so it must be something to do with signal bounce and the new high sensitivity processors. Like a previous user said, there are satellite signals, but no locks.

Hi- I'm a Garmin 60 Cx user with a 2GB data card. As an avid hiker, I often capture tracks of the hikes. Since I can only save 20 tracks at a time, I started logging them to the memory card. After downloading them all to the computer, I have placed many of them in a GPX file and copied that back to the unit using the mass storage option. My goal was to be able to view those data card tracks on the map, but the only option I get when I access the memory card tracks through the "Setup" option is the option to delete the tracks. Any thoughts? I'd like to be able to see the data card tracks on my maps, if possible. Thanks, Team R2 - former, and future geocacher

To clairify: they have two types of map sets for City Navigator - regular City Navigator and City Navigator NT, the NT version being the compressed, smaller map sizes. Someone told me there were compatability problems between the 60 Cx and the NT version of City Navigator maps, and I want to see what, if any issues people have seen before I purchase.

I'm seeking feedback on two questions I have on the Garmin 60 Cx: 1) I heard that the unit is not entirely NT compatable, and that you lose the "Find by Name" feature as well as some other functionality. I use "Find by Name" dozens of times a year and want to make sure the unit will not lose functionality when I upgrade to City Navigator version 9 in a few weeks. 2) Has anyone else experienced the unit freezing up for a few seconds at a time? Frequently, it takes the unit a few seconds to "catch up" to button commands. I've upgraded to the latest software versions. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, do you know the fix? Thanks! TR2

I have the 60Cx loaded with US TOPO AND City Select on the memory card. I've used it successfully on road trips, backcountry hiking, and even on the boat. They sell various mounts for those units. I recommend this particular unit because it has the expandable memory and high sensitivity GPS reciever. It can hold multiple map sets and has convenient button placement. Battery life is good, even with rechargeables. Only drawback: the unit doesn't beep loud enough when prompting you to turn while doing on-road navigation. It's easy to miss if you have the windows down or radio playing even moderately. There's my 2 cents. -Team R2

No, it's not, but it probably will be in about a month. I was just wondering for future planning purposes, since I'm looking to update from City Select v6, and figured I midas well wait for the v9's to come out.

Folks- Trying to decide whether or not to order City Navigator 9, or City Navigator 9 NT for my 60 Cx. I like the idea of the NT's compressed maps, but does anyone know of any issues that may present for the 60Cx? Thx - Team R2

Folks- What's the difference in City Navigator V8, City Navigator V8 NT, and Metroguide V8? They all seem pretty similar. I'm looking for one that would give turn by turn directions to be used on a Garmin 60 Cx.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the pre-programmed micro SD cards with the topo data? Currently, I live in the northeast, and own US TOPO 24K. I wonder if these new micro cards are any more detailed or up to date than the CD Rom version of US TOPO 24K? Would it be worth the $80 for the upper east coast Micro Card for better detail and up to date features?

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the pre-programmed micro SD cards with the topo data? Currently, I live in the northeast, and own US TOPO 24K. I wonder if these new micro cards are any more detailed or up to date than the CD Rom version of US TOPO 24K? Would it be worth the $80 for the upper east coast Micro Card for better detail and up to date features?

Hi all- Just wondering what the point of the power save mode is on the garmin 60 series units, and I suppose others too. what does it do? What are it's advantages? Disadvantages? Thanks! -Team R2

I own both a 60c and 60cx. Both units are pretty good, the 60cx was a nice upgrade. I have noticed both units have selectable data fields that read "depth" and "water temperature". Is there some sort of optional transducer attachment that I'm not aware of, which when plugged into the back of the GPS will enable it to read water depth and temperature? It seems like it would be a nice feature to make available, and if so would work great for me out on the water. Seems like they could have a good market for something in the $60-80 range to plug into the GPS and then attach to the hull of your kyack or boat. Yet, I find no such item anywhere. It makes me wonder why Garmin has even included these fields on the 60-series, and other handhelds too since it seems they are essentially useless. Any help, explinations, or thoughts are greatley appreciated. Many thanks.

This may have been mentioned in another thread, if so I apologize for being redundent. I was wondering if someone could help me understand what the satellite numbers mean on the satellite page? They seem to be random from 01 to 35, but recently I noticed a 51 appear on my 60c. If there are any articles or resources anyone could suggest, that would be helpful also. Thx.

I see a couple of folks mentioned an elevation profile on the 60Cx without the sensors. I didn't think it was possible. there is no option for an altimeter page or profile on mine. Am I missing something?

this has been VERY helpful. Thanks. So, I guess it's not that messed up after all. I just wish I knew about this before I blew away the 1100 mile tracklog. My hike up Mount Washington looks like a straight line up the hill which we all know can't be the case. One other thing I think I leaarned which might be helpful: Track logs saved in the unit and NOT on the SD card seem to be compressed to 500 track points if they contain more than 500 track points. I see that here on the mapsource program. downloaded track logs all stop at 500 if previously saved before downloaded. the math adds up because they give you 20 slots for saved tracks on the unit, and 500 x 20 = 10000 maximum track points on the GPS. I also see the option for changing the track points displayed and the 3000 default. Hence, the reason my tracklog did a disappearing act. A learning process. thanks.

I can't rembmer if I saved it before or after I noticed the track logs were straightened out. But, i do remember noticing that the entire portion in Canada and NY state had disappeared, and when I saved it to a track file on the unit, it magically re-appeared. That's also the time I noticed they weren't right. So, I don't know if it happened before or after I saved. Previously, they had followed the roads perfectly, and now they are a bunch of straight zig-zag lines that, while close to the roads and trails traveled, clearly do not follow them. It seems to me this track log process on Garmin GPSes is buggy. I like to save tracks and waypoints of trips and hikes so I can easily return in the future. the track log for this trip is basically ruined as far as I'm concerned. I'll try the memory card thing to see if it helps. I should also note that at no time did the unit report that the track log was 100% full. Highest I saw was 86, right when I returned home. when i noticed half the track log gone, it said 62% full. I can't figure it out.

Folks- Another question - I recorded the track log of an 1100 mile road trip. I had noticed that parts of the track log disappeared, and other parts of it seem to have "straightened out". For example, our drive up Mount Washington and subsequent hike was very windy - but for some reason, the unit seems to have straightened everything out. Look at the Mount Washington Auto Road versus the track on the screen shot. they no longer match. It did not appear that way the other day when I looked at it after our journey. Shucks, I cannot figure out how to post a screenshot up here. It is asking for a URL. Oh well. I thought maybe it was full, and began wrapping, but I noticed on the track screen that it is only 86% full. Any thoughts?

Ok, if asked - how do I prove to a flight attendant that they are allowed? I can't find it anywhere on Continental's website. How do you go about finding that info out?

folks- Just looking for some input from anyone with experience using GPS on commerical flights. How do they feel about it? Anyone know about Continental specifically? I'll be flying cross country in a few days and was just curious. I have a new Garmin 60Cx so I would think it would work well up there. Any input is appreciated. thanks!

Hi- Just looking for user opinions on this unit. I'm thinking of upgrading from the 60C. Specifically: 1) How is the sensitivity? Is it that much better than traditional units thus far? Does it maintain a signal lock indoors? 2) Can I use any micro SD card or must it come from garmin specifically? 3) Is the elevation more stable since the unit is more sensitive? I'm not going with the "S" model for a few reasons, having nothing to do with cost. I'm just curious. Thanks!