Older Garmin Kicks Butt Over Newer Model

[+dbly1850]

I started out with a basic Garmin etrex Legend. I attempted to find 3 caches and lost signal under light cover and got skunked for all three. Well I sent the Legend back to the store and got a brand new Garmin GPS 60 for about 125 bucks. There is no qusestion on performance. The basic GPS 60 did not lose signal on the same 3 caches I attempted to find with the basic legend etrax. So if you don't need maps and want a great unit with a geocache mode built in. I give the basic Garmin GPS 60 5 stars. Interesting Note I was at one of those caches and another couple had a Garmin 60scx. They started to lose signal, while my basic GPS 60,

still held 5 Satetiles. So who knows. maybe the old school way, still holds true...

[+YuccaPatrol]

Good for you!

 

Considering my experience with my 60csx and 60cs side by side, my results have been the exact opposite.

 

Did the couple with the 60csx have the latest software/firmware upgrades?

[+birddog14]

I had the exact opposite happen today....my 60CSx held a signal and my 60C lost satellite reception in the woods

 

and my new x series doesn't bounce and have the swings in accuracy in heavy foliage

Edited June 25, 2006 by birddog14

[+pdxmarathonman]

It is possible that the csx cachers were holding the unit in a non-vertical position. Otherwise their batteries must've been dying

[+GordoSlim]

My GPSmap60CSx will now locate the satellites when I turn it on inside while inside the house.

[+YuccaPatrol]

But to clarify your results (not including the comparison between your 60 and the 60csx), what you have experienced is the difference between the patch antenna that your legend had and the more sensitive quad helix antenna.

 

Your older 60 series unit does have a much better antenna than a "newer" Legend.

 

The new x series units have a quad helix antenna, but their huge advantage is the new SiRF III receiver that is much more sensitive than anything previously available. I get a solid lock on satellites in my basement, which is something that my 60cs will never be able to achieve.

[+dbly1850]

But to clarify your results (not including the comparison between your 60 and the 60csx), what you have experienced is the difference between the patch antenna that your legend had and the more sensitive quad helix antenna.

 

Your older 60 series unit does have a much better antenna than a "newer" Legend.

 

The new x series units have a quad helix antenna, but their huge advantage is the new SiRF III receiver that is much more sensitive than anything previously available. I get a solid lock on satellites in my basement, which is something that my 60cs will never be able to achieve.

 

I agree and you get less bounce in the woods. I sure wish I had the budget for the newer model..However

I wonder if you are picking up satellites or WAAS in your basement or indoors? (( I can dream of owning a "x" series -> can't I))

[+briansnat]

Are you sure the others had a 60CSX? From my experience the new X units blow everything else away under trees and people I know even get a signal in their basements.

[+YuccaPatrol]

 

I agree and you get less bounce in the woods. I sure wish I had the budget for the newer model..However

I wonder if you are picking up satellites or WAAS in your basement or indoors? (( I can dream of owning a "x" series -> can't I))

 

I do get a lock on the WAAS satellites indoors. I haven't gone downstairs to check on the WAAS satellites in the basement since the software/firmware upgrade.

 

Garmin just replaced my 60cs with a reconditoned one (after it was run over with a car), but I haven't even bothered to put batteries in it yet since the cxs is so incredibly nice.

[+Runaround]

I upgraded from the yellow eTrex to a 60CSX and can see a huge improvement. As others have said, I can get a lock inside with the CSX.

 

I was out caching with two others who were using a Legend and a V. They were losing the signal while I had no problems.