Got a 60csx, couple of questions

[txprelude]

Hi guys,

 

I just got a Garmin 60CSx - it's my first GPS. I don't have any maps for it and would like some advice. I'm an avid hiker but spend most of my time in the city so I'm thinking U.S. TOPO 24K but there are so many city maps.

 

For anyone who owns or has used a Garmin 60CSx:

 

1. What city navigation map software works best? Navigator, Navigator NT, City Select, or MetroGuide?

2. Is the 60CSx compatible with all the city guide software?

3. How does having two maps (topo and city) work? Do you interchange between the two or is it integrated onto the base map?

 

Thanks a bunch and happy holidays!

Tom from Austin

[+JSWilson64]

1. What city navigation map software works best? Navigator, Navigator NT, City Select, or MetroGuide?

2. Is the 60CSx compatible with all the city guide software?

3. How does having two maps (topo and city) work? Do you interchange between the two or is it integrated onto the base map?

 

1. Depends on how much work you want to go to. City Navigator NT is the "best" product for the 60CSx according to conventional wisdom. You can load the entire North America set onto a 1GB microSD card. Unlock code allows you to use it on one GPS receiver only without paying extra.

 

I don't thing Topo maps do routing, someone may correct me.

 

If you don't mind a little legwork, you can use MetroGuide and add auto-routing to it with a free program called Metrowizzz or its $6.00 counterpart MetroGold from geodude.nl It's very easy to do, and there's step-by-step screenshot directions. You can use a used copy of Metroguide, which doesn't use unlock codes and auto-route just like you had bought City Navigator. (if you buy City Navigator used, and the previous owner unlocked it, you have to pay Garmin for an unlock code)

 

If you buy City Navigator, buy the DVD, not the memory card.

 

2. 60CSx is compatible with Garmin City Select, City Navigator, Metro Guide, Topo, Roads & Recreation, ...

3. If you use topo and street mapping products, I think you have to build your mapset in Mapsource from all the maps you want to use, and send them in one shot. If you do topo, send to GPSr, then streets, send to GPSr, the Topo will be gone. Each mapset can be turned "on" or "off" in the GPSr.

 

HTH! Enjoy your new toy!