New Geocacher seeks help which GPS to buy

[+pauliesg]

Hello

 

I hope someone can help me.

 

I am new to this but am sure I will enjoy it and want to buy a nice colour screen, user friendly, reliable GPS handheld for geocacheing, predominantly in the south of England. I have narrowed my search down to the Garmin 60csx or Legend csx.

 

I have a car sat nav so am not worried about that part of the machine.

 

In order to be able to do this properly I believe but am not certain I also need to get a decent map to load onto the machine as the base maps are not specific enough.

 

Basically I would like to know what GPS machine and map combination would be best.

 

Money is a consideration but if the 60scx was significantly better for geocaching I would probably get it.

 

I have seen American versions of these machines cheaper pre loaded with USA maps

 

Does anyone know if they are worth taking a punt on and then loading english maps onto?

 

I would appreciate any help

 

Thank you

 

Paul

[+Sensei TSKC]

Welcome! I bought my 60Cx in Canada with US maps. There is no problem as the base maps are not that good anyway.

 

Not being bias but I'd lean towards the 60C(S)x. Bracketed because I have seen many reviews which criticise the electronic compass as being next to useless.

[+jerryo]

[Three GPSrs in and I’d recommend the 60CSx. It’s got good reception under tree cover, which is where you’re going to fin yourself looking for those micros. I don’t know about the compass problems though so I’d defer to someone who does. What’s the matter with the compass, Sensei?

[+Mad H@ter]

have a look on EBAY for good buys

[+Kryten]

The biggest gripe with the compass is that it needs recalibration every time the batteries are changed but does not remind you about this. My older Etrex Summit would moan after the batteries were changed until a re-cal of the compass was done. Sometimes a re-call is required even if the batteries haven't been changed.

[+The Flying Boots]

I've just upgraded from the Garmin 60 to the 60CSx and finding it excellent, especially under tree cover.

 

Switched the compass off totally as I never use it any way.

[+Sensei TSKC]

I changed from the 60C to the 60Cx and haven't looked back since. The reception under tree cover has vastly improved.

 

The compass problems were highlighted in the reviews I read and basically said the same thing as Flying Boots: switch it off!

 

Great unit.

[+pauliesg]

Thanks everybody

 

I checked Ebay and the internet for American Garmin 60scx

 

I found 60scx £231 "hobby cache"(American shop) + delivery from USA and possible duty

which is a bit of a gamble

 

Or there is an englis shop GPSonline selling american import £299

 

Genuine European model £339

 

Do you think it is worth saving 40 quid and get the Yankee version?

 

Also please could someone reccomend which maps to get for it

 

Thanks for all help

 

Paul

[+Sensei TSKC]

I'm not sure but I think the two main maps are Metroguide and City Select (or similar). The latter is compatible for autorouting. The former is not*.

 

The former is the cheaper of the two and has good street level data. I think there is a TOPO version too which shows topography on the maps and footpaths.

 

*PM me for more info on this.

[+pauliesg]

Thanks Sensie TSKC and every body else

 

I think I will probably get the Imported American Garmin 60CSx for £299

 

Unless anybody has had a bad experience or thinks differently?

 

It seems an easy saving of £50

 

Sorry to all the regulars for bumping this back up, I just want to be sure I get things right from the begining, I am usually the bad workman and dont want any excuse to blame my tool.

[+SidAndBob]

The BIG difference is that the CSx uses SiRF III technology, which means it streets ahead of the Legend and any of the eTrex range - even the older CS does not use this. In laymans terms, it will hold a signal under almost any conditions and it will give a more accurate reading. If you buy a legend you will only wish you bought a CSx at a later date and you will then only spend more cash upgrading again. I guarantee you.

 

I tend to get to the cache location with compass off, then switch it on to get me that last few feet. It is useful, but certainly not essential.

 

You want Topo Great Britain V2 for geocaching and walking as it shows tracks and paths as well as roads. It is also routeable on GPS (I know you said you may not need that, but it can't be a bad thing). Costs about £145.

 

Be very wary of import duty. Some auctions guarantee paying import duty if / when you get collared. I don't know if / how this works though.

[+pauliesg]

Thanks SidAndBob

 

Thats very helpfull.

[+tteggod trackers]

I'm off to the USA in 4 weeks, if its any use as i see you live in Walton on Thames

thinking of upgrading myself.

[+Pharisee]

I use a GPS60CSx and it's the Mutt's Nuts (or dog's bollocks, if they'll let me get away with it )

The electronic compass can be a problem as you tend hold this unit in your hand at about 45° to the horizontal. The compass will behave irratically if the unit isn't absolutely horizontal. Best advice is turn it off if you're not using it but if you do need it, remeber to hold the GPSr flat.

 

[EDIT.... Ooo... They did ]

Edited March 27, 2007 by Pharisee

[+pauliesg]

Thankyou guys

 

tgt

 

Thanks, but I think I probably will get one sooner than that, especially with a bank holiday coming up.

[+Tiger-Eyes]

I got my 60 csx from america with no probs and £9 tax to pay, I would recomend you look at ebay.com rather than ebay.co.uk as the american sellers will still export to uk but buy it now prices are cheaper then .co.uk prices (don't ask me why cos I don't know)