Should I Buy Vista Hcx Now or Wait for WAAS Fix

[+lakechick]

I am interested in purchacing the Vista Hcx, but after reading some posts on this forum, I don't know if I should go ahead and do it or wait for the WAAS problem to be fixed. I emailed GARMIN about this 5 days ago,but haven't received a response. This is my first post and any response/opinions will be greatly appreciated!!

[Rhialto]

Now!

Edited August 3, 2007 by Rhialto

[+benjamin921]

IMHO WAAS is way overrated for us little peons on the ground with our little handhelds.

[scubasteve1942]

Im in the same situation.

[+benjamin921]

Go ahead and get your GPS now.

[gpsblake]

WAAS is only really effective in places like the large bodies of water, in the air, or in places with no structures like the prairies of Texas. It's way overrated and doesn't help you find anymore caches.

 

Now for myself, I would wait because there have been reports that the unit doesn't know when it's standing still (the bouncing arrow effect) and that is very important to me because I use the unit primarily for bicycling first. If the unit can't tell a moving average speed from a total average speed, it's useless for me.

 

As far as finding geocaches, that doesn't really matter that much. Garmin will release firmware updates in a timely fashion.

[astronerd]

What are you using now? If you have something that meets your needs then I don't see a problem with waiting. Even with the WAAS issue, which I think only involves being disabled "automatically", this is easily remedied by going into set-up and enabling this feature. Not that big of a deal IMO. But the improvements in speed and sensitivity are so much better than its predecessors really should make you want to go out and get one ASAP. I am totally happy with mine, even with the minor bugs.

[+lakechick]

What are you using now? If you have something that meets your needs then I don't see a problem with waiting. Even with the WAAS issue, which I think only involves being disabled "automatically", this is easily remedied by going into set-up and enabling this feature. Not that big of a deal IMO. But the improvements in speed and sensitivity are so much better than its predecessors really should make you want to go out and get one ASAP. I am totally happy with mine, even with the minor bugs.

 

First, thank you for all of your replies! astronerd, right now I am using an old Garmin V that I've had for awhile. I'm just getting into caching and it does the trick. I just thought it was time to upgrade, but am hesitant in buying something that there are known problems with! I assume Garmin will come out with a 'fix' for this. If I go ahead and buy now, what will this fix entail...sending unit back,some compicated download from the computer-I'm not very techie! Thanks again for all of the help!!

[+briansnat]

I just thought it was time to upgrade, but am hesitant in buying something that there are known problems with!

 

Probably every piece of electronic, software based equipment ever had known problems when it was released.

 

I assume Garmin will come out with a 'fix' for this. If I go ahead and buy now, what will this fix entail...sending unit back,some compicated download from the computer-I'm not very techie! Thanks again for all of the help!!

 

You would upgrade it yourself and it is a very easy process.

[Grasscatcher]

There are "problems" with EVERYTHING. Some are real and some are just perceived problems due to operator inexperience. You'll note that a high percentage of the "problems" mentioned in the forum fall into the second category.

 

Also note that Garmin just released a new update for the Vista H and the Legend H.

[+geospyder]

I didn't wait. I ordered my Vista HCx last night. Firmware upgrades are easy to download.

Edited August 3, 2007 by geospyder

[+Dakota Jim]

I didn't wait. I ordered my Vista HCx last night. Firmware upgrades are easy to download.

 

Garmin has just issued 2.30 for the Vista HCx that has fixed the WAAS problem.

 

See other postings ont he Vista HCx on this webpage or go to downloader and update your Vista HCx.

 

It also fixes a few other problems.

[+lakechick]

I didn't wait. I ordered my Vista HCx last night. Firmware upgrades are easy to download.

 

Garmin has just issued 2.30 for the Vista HCx that has fixed the WAAS problem.

 

See other postings ont he Vista HCx on this webpage or go to downloader and update your Vista HCx.

 

It also fixes a few other problems.

 

Hi Dakota- I looked at the post on Vista HCx download v.2.30 by SergZak. Zak said the download did fix the WAAS problem, but created, in his opinion a more annoying problem- Quote from SergZak-I would stay clear of v2.30 and just stay at v2.20 just because of the annoyance of this new persistent 'calibrate compass' hint/feature. I don't know if I made it clear that it comes up even if you have the compass turned off. I wonder if anyone else has downloaded v.2.30 and has this same problem??? Same dilema- buy Vista HCx now-deal with WAAS problem, or download V.2.30 and have an annoying message about the compass OR wait and see if Garmin turns out an HCx that doesn't have problems???? Am I being too picky!!??

[+TrailGators]

I just thought it was time to upgrade, but am hesitant in buying something that there are known problems with!

 

Probably every piece of electronic, software based equipment ever had known problems when it was released.

 

I assume Garmin will come out with a 'fix' for this. If I go ahead and buy now, what will this fix entail...sending unit back,some compicated download from the computer-I'm not very techie! Thanks again for all of the help!!

 

You would upgrade it yourself and it is a very easy process.

I agree. If there was a hardware problem I would wait but it's easy to fix software stuff.

[SergZak]

I wonder if anyone else has downloaded v.2.30 and has this same problem??? Same dilema- buy Vista HCx now-deal with WAAS problem, or download V.2.30 and have an annoying message about the compass OR wait and see if Garmin turns out an HCx that doesn't have problems???? Am I being too picky!!??

 

No, you're not being too picky. I'm sure you want these things to work correctly. But I wouldn't worry about these initial bugs/glitches. All new release units have them and they are eventually ironed out. In the process of fixing some bugs, others can also be introduced.

I don't consider this new 'feature' Garmin has added to be a 'bug', but it can be just as bad as one. This 'feature' should have been user-configurable...in other words, the user has the option of turning it on or off as they see fit. It's one thing to remind you once or twice to turn the compass on when you hit the compass page, but another to remind you to do it every time you power on the unit or turn the compass off. Sure, you get rid of the message by simply pressing the click-stick but that only rids it until the power cycle or compass power-off. I've owned many of Garmin's S (sensor) units and this is the first time they've added this kind of nonsense feature.

 

Sorry for the rant...

 

Despite it's initial glitches, I would definitely go for the Vista HCx if I was in the market for a new unit.

[+Dakota Jim]

I didn't wait. I ordered my Vista HCx last night. Firmware upgrades are easy to download.

 

Garmin has just issued 2.30 for the Vista HCx that has fixed the WAAS problem.

 

See other postings ont he Vista HCx on this webpage or go to downloader and update your Vista HCx.

 

It also fixes a few other problems.

 

Hi Dakota- I looked at the post on Vista HCx download v.2.30 by SergZak. Zak said the download did fix the WAAS problem, but created, in his opinion a more annoying problem- Quote from SergZak-I would stay clear of v2.30 and just stay at v2.20 just because of the annoyance of this new persistent 'calibrate compass' hint/feature. I don't know if I made it clear that it comes up even if you have the compass turned off. I wonder if anyone else has downloaded v.2.30 and has this same problem??? Same dilema- buy Vista HCx now-deal with WAAS problem, or download V.2.30 and have an annoying message about the compass OR wait and see if Garmin turns out an HCx that doesn't have problems???? Am I being too picky!!??

 

Obviously what annoys some people will not annoy others. SergZak identified "problem" doesn't really annoy me. In fact I think it may be an advantage. But then, everybody to their own poor taste. So far I have found that 2.30 is great. Fixes what bugged me. Of course that will not be the last update as anyone that has had a Garmin knows . . . we probably will see about several more updates in the next few months as Garmin identifies other problems.

 

Dakota Jim

Edited August 4, 2007 by Dakota Jim

[scubasteve1942]

Has the trip odometer bug been fixed? Or the wandering problem where the unit cant tell when its standing still?

[+lakechick]

I didn't wait. I ordered my Vista HCx last night. Firmware upgrades are easy to download.

 

Garmin has just issued 2.30 for the Vista HCx that has fixed the WAAS problem.

 

See other postings ont he Vista HCx on this webpage or go to downloader and update your Vista HCx.

 

It also fixes a few other problems.

 

Hi Dakota- I looked at the post on Vista HCx download v.2.30 by SergZak. Zak said the download did fix the WAAS problem, but created, in his opinion a more annoying problem- Quote from SergZak-I would stay clear of v2.30 and just stay at v2.20 just because of the annoyance of this new persistent 'calibrate compass' hint/feature. I don't know if I made it clear that it comes up even if you have the compass turned off. I wonder if anyone else has downloaded v.2.30 and has this same problem??? Same dilema- buy Vista HCx now-deal with WAAS problem, or download V.2.30 and have an annoying message about the compass OR wait and see if Garmin turns out an HCx that doesn't have problems???? Am I being too picky!!??

 

Obviously what annoys some people will not annoy others. SergZak identified "problem" doesn't really annoy me. In fact I think it may be an advantage. But then, everybody to their own poor taste. So far I have found that 2.30 is great. Fixes what bugged me. Of course that will not be the last update as anyone that has had a Garmin knows . . . we probably will see about several more updates in the next few months as Garmin identifies other problems.

 

Dakota Jim

 

Thanks to everyone for your advice! I'm taking the plunge and buying it! $241.93 including shipping from Provantage......I may be back for more advice after I receive it!!!!

[Rhialto]

Thanks to everyone for your advice! I'm taking the plunge and buying it! $241.93 including shipping from Provantage......I may be back for more advice after I receive it!!!!

A Vista HCx finaly? You'll come back telling us how happy you are, I'm sure!

[+Dakota Jim]

Has the trip odometer bug been fixed? Or the wandering problem where the unit cant tell when its standing still?

 

I have version 2.30 on my Vista HCx.

 

Took the unit out today in the car. Odometer in both matched on the way to the donut shop. Stopped at the donut shop and bought 4 buttermilk donuts (okay, you don't care about that). Odometer in both car and gps had not changed. Stopped time recorded the proper time stopped. Continued on my drive and both odometers checked out. Oh, ate all 4 donuts, too.

 

This suggests that there isn't a problem with the odometer, or with the stopped. Time.

 

Plan to take it on a hike on a measured mile soon. Will report on that, too.

Edited August 7, 2007 by Dakota Jim

[scubasteve1942]

Cool thanks. Ordered mine today. Should be here in 2 days.

[+Chuy!]

I have close to 100 finds on my Vista HCx I received two weeks ago. Been caching in SoCal and VA. I have software v 2.2; I don't have the wandering arrow problem, but I do have the WAAS disabling problem. However, I've been caching with WAAS disengaged and have not had any trouble locating caches or tracking satellites. Even with WAAS disengaged, the HCx easily picks up 5-6 sat signals inside my house where my Venture Cx and 60CS can barely pick up two or three.

 

The few DNFs I have accumulated are my problem, not the GPS' fault .

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out my Vista has a faster processor. It auto-routes and recalculates routes almost twice as fast as the Venture Cx, and is noticeably quicker than the 60CS. Overall, I'm a happy camper .

[+SparksGuy]

The "hint" feature is not a bug, it is telling you that you updated the software (or it is a new unit) and you need to calibrate the compass. Just follow the manual on page 28 and the hint will go away!

 

I also had the WAAS disable bug but I think it went away with the updated from Version 2.20 to 2.30.

 

I posted a review of the Vista HCx on my web site. Go to www.ksguy.com , click on Geocaching then click the link to see my review.

 

SparksGuy

[+SparksGuy]

Just a bit of clarification here.

 

The feature is very annoying if you want the compass turned off. One work-around is to remove the compass page from viewing sequence. Then you only see the message if you main menu to the compass page.

 

I simply leave the compass on. After doing a firmware update or changing the batteries, I still get the message. It is telling me to re-calibrate. So I do, then the message goes away.

 

Some people have said that they turn off the compass to conserve batteries. Just to be sure I measured the current draw of my Vista HCx with the compass on and off. There is NO appreciable difference!

 

SparksGuy

[SergZak]

Some people have said that they turn off the compass to conserve batteries. Just to be sure I measured the current draw of my Vista HCx with the compass on and off. There is NO appreciable difference!

 

Leaving the magnetic compass on in the field is fine. I have no problem having it on in that situation. However, if you use the unit in the car mounted (somewhat) vertically, you need to turn the compass off. The compass is NOT a 3-axis, does not operate correctly and is useless in the vertical position...this is when you use the GPS computed compass. Also having a virtually solid metal frame surrounding you does not make the magnetic compass happy at all. This is where this "hint feature" will bug the crappola out of you. Since the compass is off in this situation, you get the "hint" every time the compass page is accessed. "User configurable" is best when it's actually used.