GPS questions (Garmin eTrex Venture Cx)

[+Cujo31]

Hey gang....

 

Some questions for you all...

 

1. I live in the Midwest and have been using my Garmin eTrex Venture Cx

for about a year 1/2 now....and don't get me wrong...it's been a nice

lil starter GPS.... but I am finding that anytime I get into any kinda leaf

cover or in wooded areas... it is like being lost in the Bermuda triangle.

 

So is this just a part of having a GPS or is it specific with this particular model?

 

2. I am noticing a very disturbing trend in the area near me that nothing trackable

ever stays in caches. I have probably 15 caches local to me that are supposed to

have items that have just been taken or lost. Is this becoming a problem everywhere?

 

I have a couple trackable items I would like to put out... but no I worry they will just go poof!

 

3. If I wanted to move up from my Garmin eTrex Venture Cx to a better GPS... what you recommend?

What is the next step up? I know it's not going to take me right to it everytime... but I would at least

like to get closer than i have ben

 

I really appreciate all the help and thank you for reading and helpingout

 

Cujo in Wisconsin

Edited June 18, 2010 by Cujo31

[MtnHermit]

1. I live in the Midwest and have been using my Garmin eTrex Venture Cx

for about a year 1/2 now....and don't get me wrong...it's been a nice

lil starter GPS.... but I am finding that anytime I get into any kinda leaf

cover or in wooded areas... it is like being lost in the Bermuda triangle.

 

So is this just a part of having a GPS or is it specific with this particular model?

The Cx has what is termed a low sensitivity chip, meaning it requires a strong satellite signal to achieve lock and tell you your position. Since ~2008, all GPS started using high sensitivity chips capable of receiving weaker signals under leaf cover and inside buildings.

 

3. If I wanted to move up from my Garmin eTrex Venture Cx to a better GPS... what you recommend?

What is the next step up? I know it's not going to take me right to it everytime... but I would at least

like to get closer than i have ben

I replaced my Cx with a Colorado 300, only loses signal in Utah's steep canyon bottoms and inside my house (metal roof). Any of the newer units have at least as good of a chip, so let other features and price be your guide.

 

In defense of your Cx, given a strong signal its as good as any modern GPS and its battery life has never been equaled.

[+Cujo31]

So would I be pretty safe replacing it with say any of the Dakota, Colorado, or Oregon variations?

[sagc]

If you want almost exactly the same thing as your Venture Cx but with the a high sensitivity receiver (and a grey case), you could get an eTrex Legend HCx.

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

So would I be pretty safe replacing it with say any of the Dakota, Colorado, or Oregon variations?

 

Yes, but be aware that the Colorado line has bee discontinued, and the Dakota 10 lacks an SD card slot. IMHO, the best of the bunch right now is the Oregon 450. It has a much better screen than previous models. There's a $50 rebate (not good at Amazon) valid on purchases thru June 20.

[+Cujo31]

Yes, but be aware that the Colorado line has bee discontinued, and the Dakota 10 lacks an SD card slot.

 

I wondered about that... I like the styling of the Colorado overt he other two... I have horrible luck with any elecronics with TS.... Funny for a discontinued price eBay still wants premium prices for them....

 

If you want almost exactly the same thing as your Venture Cx but with the a high sensitivity receiver (and a grey case), you could get an eTrex Legend HCx.

 

Given what I know of my meager budget....this would probably be my best route....at the moment. I am already familiar with this line thru my Venture... and it would be a slight move up until I can afford to take much larger step.

 

Thanks guys! I'll keep you posted n what I find.

 

Cujo

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

I wondered about that... I like the styling of the Colorado overt he other two... I have horrible luck with any elecronics with TS.... Funny for a discontinued price eBay still wants premium prices for them....

 

Well, then the ideal unit might be the forthcoming (next month) Garmin GPSMAP 62s.

[+Cujo31]

Well sometimes its just odd luck....

 

Went caching Saturday and got into a wee bit of poison Ivy...

Never saw it....but it saw me So anyway, been home dealing

with a swollen shut eye and was just reading here and doing work

and stumbled across a deal on lightly used Garmin Vista HCx for $100.

Called about it and seemed the lady's husband used it for hunting one

year and decided to go a different unit so she just wanted it out of the way....

 

New (to me anyway) unit is on its way.... should have it in a week or so

 

Not too shabby... and way cheaper than anything else I found....

 

 

Cujo