New Garmin 62st

[+Trav'lin Two]

We played with the Garmin GPSMAP 62st at GW VIII. Anyone else look at it and what is your opinion?

[fixithud]

I'd like to hear yours please...

 

Hud

[+humboldt flier]

I'd like to hear yours please...

 

Hud

 

Yes, Please give us a heads up,

[+Trav'lin Two]

The unit is the same size as the 60 series which I like as I have small hands. It has larger buttons which I like. The rep says it has 20 hours of battery life which I think my 60csx has. The unit has a 3 axis compass so you don't have to move to get a reading. I played with that by standing in one spot and rotating with the compass following smoothly. Rep said it was wireless but then he got ask another question so I didn't find out if you can download GPX files and upload field notes wireless. It comes preloaded with topo maps of the US,it does handle GPX files so you can go paperless, has 500MB of onboard memory. There is no expansion slot. It can add satellite imagery from another source.The display was nice and crisp and it has a new mounting system.

 

The rep said it would be shipping within the next two weeks. Price is over 500 MSRP, which was a shocker to me.

 

Anyone want to buy a seasoned 60csx?

[+humboldt flier]

Expectation @ REI is that they will be in their distribution centers ~ 07/19/2010

[+GrnXnham]

...has 500MB of onboard memory. There is no expansion slot...

 

According to the Garmin website:

 

There is an expansion slot on the 62st. It comes with 500mb of memory.

There is no expansion slot on the 62. It comes with 1.7gb of memory.

Edited July 7, 2010 by GrnXnham

[PloddinPedro]

According to the Garmin website:

There is an expansion slot on the 62st. It comes with 500mb of memory.

There is no expansion slot on the 62. It comes with 1.7gb of memory.

My assumption is that the difference in quoted memory is because the pre-loaded maps in the "..st" version occupy the "missing" part of the 1.7GB memory in the basic unit - yes?

[NordicMan]

...Rep said it was wireless but then he got ask another question so I didn't find out if you can download GPX files and upload field notes wireless....

 

Wow I wonder what that's all about?? Is it actually WIFI capable? Or maybe it just has the ability to wirelessly share location data with other Garmins in the field?

[Lezavw90]

...Rep said it was wireless but then he got ask another question so I didn't find out if you can download GPX files and upload field notes wireless....

 

Wow I wonder what that's all about?? Is it actually WIFI capable? Or maybe it just has the ability to wirelessly share location data with other Garmins in the field?

 

Most of the questions asked here are answered on the garmin website. the wireless is for transfrering info between "like" units.

[+arcs]

Wow I wonder what that's all about?? Is it actually WIFI capable? Or maybe it just has the ability to wirelessly share location data with other Garmins in the field?

 

Yup - it is a proprietary wireless system. They have to be within a couple feet of each other and have to be compatable. Shame they aren't wifi. ah well

[+g-o-cashers]

My assumption is that the difference in quoted memory is because the pre-loaded maps in the "..st" version occupy the "missing" part of the 1.7GB memory in the basic unit - yes?

 

In part yes, I believe there may also be an extra 1 meg of flash on the st as well since the built in maps around 2.2 GB (based on the Oregon built in maps).

 

...Rep said it was wireless but then he got ask another question so I didn't find out if you can download GPX files and upload field notes wireless....

 

Wow I wonder what that's all about?? Is it actually WIFI capable? Or maybe it just has the ability to wirelessly share location data with other Garmins in the field?

 

No, it is the same as the Oregon and Dakota, its the short distance ANT wireless protocol used for cadence/HRM sensors as well as unit-to-unit transfer of individual geocaches, waypoints, tracks and routes. No GPX transfer or geocache_visits.txt upload.

 

GO$Rs

[+cterres]

As a little help:

GPSmap 62, 62s, 78 and 78s contains 2GB of flash memory with 1,7GB of free space available.

GPSmap 62st and 78sc contains 4GB of flash memory with various free space wich depends on what local maps are preloaded.

On a european model, the european recreational map uses 3,4GB plus 150MB for unit software, basemap and documentations (stored on memory now). So you have about 400-500MB free space now.

 

You can expand the memory by using MicroSD-Cards with up to 8GB within the GPSmap 62s, 62st, 78, 78s and 78sc.

The GPSmap 62 doesn't have a MicroSD card slot available.

[QuigleyJones]

I played around with them

What I liked was that it was noticeably faster to draw maps, and compute stuff then the 60.

The feel in my had was different but easy to get used to.

Didnt take it into the sun to test the screen though.

[+keith_mahoney]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

[+steenroller]

I got the 78s and really like it.

[+humboldt flier]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

 

If you don't need topos why go the extra $$$$$$

 

I would go with an S unit and add micro SD card with whatever maps you really need ( street nav. / topos )

 

MY rationale: based on first hand personal experience with first a pair of Colorado's then with a pair of Oregon's

 

Colorado and Oregon units with topo. Turned the units on one day and no maps! Repeat no maps and there was no field fix at that time ( there might be now ). For me the experiences turned the units to useless bricks / door stops.

 

The good part of the story was all units had been purchased @ REI & all that was required was a straight across the counter exchange. ( got to love the REI return policies ).

 

Similar reports of disappearing maps have been thread items on the forum.

[+JBnW]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

Go with the 62S. You can get really nice topos for free at gpsfiledepot.com. Take the money you save and buy City Nav, mounting accessories, a friendly donation to the depot, lunch, or put it in your pocket.

 

My .02.

[+thecaswellfamily]

I had been saving up for an Oregon 450, but had misgivings about the touchscreen. Now I think I'll go this route instead, I want one of these SOOOO bad! I wonder if the map SD cards I use on my eTrex Legend HCx will work? Birdseye looks pretty cool too, although I probably won't spring for it.

[+TheRedArmy]

I had been saving up for an Oregon 450, but had misgivings about the touchscreen. Now I think I'll go this route instead, I want one of these SOOOO bad! I wonder if the map SD cards I use on my eTrex Legend HCx will work? Birdseye looks pretty cool too, although I probably won't spring for it.

 

if they work with the legend hcx, they will work with the 62s. they are all garmin compatible, so there should be no problem.

 

i was also looking at the orgeon 450, when it was around $309cdn, but decided against the touch screen. i'm also holding out for the 62s, don't know if i'll wait till prices come down a bit and people have tested them, or if i'll just buy right off the bat. i'll probably wait a month or two and see what others have to say, but i'm guessing it's going to be nice. same format at the 60csx but with a bunch of added featured, the big one being PAPERLESS. can't wait.

Edited July 14, 2010 by brucered

[pepikokojo]

My 62s arrived today. It's the first GPS that I've owned having just started geocaching recently so I can't help with comparison type questions. The UI appears to be similar if not identical to the 78s review at gpstracklog which is no great surprise. Overall I'm happy with the 62s. Tomorrow I'll try using it in anger and see how it performs.

[+TheRedArmy]

My 62s arrived today. It's the first GPS that I've owned having just started geocaching recently so I can't help with comparison type questions. The UI appears to be similar if not identical to the 78s review at gpstracklog which is no great surprise. Overall I'm happy with the 62s. Tomorrow I'll try using it in anger and see how it performs.

 

woohoo, they've arrived.

 

canada ETA for arrival on units is July 21st.

 

i'm trying to get a PM (pricematch) for on the 62S for $420cdn (ontario price) with gpscentral.ca or gpscity.ca, if they honor it, i'll jump on one of these, but i don't think they will.

 

they factor in shipping and pst of all things. yes, AB does not have PST, but that should have absolutely no bearing on what prices are set at, it's tax, it's not like anyone is getting any more or less because of tax, it all goes to the gov't.

[+ecd1211]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

 

Isn't it also true that the st model has the barometric compass and the s does not? That may factor into your decision...

[yogazoo]

Isn't it also true that the st model has the barometric compass and the s does not? That may factor into your decision...

 

No it's not true. The 62s and 62st are the same units minus the topo maps and memory differences.

Link:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=638...a=true#specsTab

[+The Ravens]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

 

Isn't it also true that the st model has the barometric compass and the s does not? That may factor into your decision...

 

How can you tell direction (compass heading) by barometric pressure?

Edited July 16, 2010 by The Ravens

[+BAMBOOZLE]

I plan on ordering one of these within the next couple of days, but I can't decide on the 62s or st. Which way would you go and why?

 

Isn't it also true that the st model has the barometric compass and the s does not? That may factor into your decision...

 

How can you tell direction (compass heading) by barometric pressure?

 

It has a three axis ELECTRONIC compass and a BAROMETRIC altimeter.

 

I wonder if the " Field Notes " will work the same on the 62 as the other newer Garmin handhelds and Nuvi 500 ?

[+june17]

Does anybody know if it supports multiple gpx-files?

Or even better that you could select which GPX to use for caching?

The new Delorme PN-60 allows to have unlimited GPX files and has a file menu that allows to select which file to use.

Think its a great feature since it eliminates that 2000 or 5000 caches limit.

Does the 62s do the same thing?

Does anybody have screenshots of how the cache-list/description/hint/etc look like?

 

Would be great to get the info to make a decision what to buy.

 

Thanks!!!

[+The Ravens]

I might be buying one tomorrow. I wish I could find more info on them also. Does it support "Cache Notes" like the Colorado and Oregon?

[+june17]

I think it does.

[pepikokojo]

june17...

 

Multiple gpx-files are supported. I have 4 files each with 1000 caches plus a further 4 smaller ones.

I don't think there's a file menu or similar to select them. Of course you can do it with a PC to move the gpx files around as required. I don't know what the gpx file limit is. That's something I have been trying to find out. The manual is rather basic in this area. If I get chance I'll try testing the limit.

 

For screenshots check out the 78s review at gpstracklog as the screens are the same. However the colours aren't quite as bright as shown perhaps because I still have the original screen protector on.

[+The Ravens]

june17...

 

Multiple gpx-files are supported. I have 4 files each with 1000 caches plus a further 4 smaller ones.

I don't think there's a file menu or similar to select them. Of course you can do it with a PC to move the gpx files around as required. I don't know what the gpx file limit is. That's something I have been trying to find out. The manual is rather basic in this area. If I get chance I'll try testing the limit.

 

For screenshots check out the 78s review at gpstracklog as the screens are the same. However the colours aren't quite as bright as shown perhaps because I still have the original screen protector on.

\

 

Thanks for the post. This makes it even harder to refrain from going out tomorrow and purchasing on of these.

[pepikokojo]

I went out geocaching yesterday with my 62s. Unfortunately there was no sun so I can't comment on how good the screen is in bright sunlight. For the first cache the 62s was only 2 ft off. I thought this was good compared to the Nokia phone GPS I was using before which was metres away for the same cache. The second cache GZ was about 10 ft away from the cache's hiding place. It's possible the coordinates given by the cache owner were off. The third cache was under tree cover and the location was wandering around which meant resorting to the hint to find the cache. I will be interested to read what the expert reviewers think of the accuracy.

 

The software so far has been solid with no issues. I do like the paperless geocaching. There are no problems moving between screens which I read was an issue with the Dakota. You can record found caches and upload notes to the geocaching site which I understand is the same as other Garmin GPS systems.

 

I'm not so keen on the reddy-orange color used on the 62s although the yellow 62 is worse. The 62st looks more classy but this doesn't justifies the additional cost IMO. I was surprised how "chunky" the 62s feels in my hand but then I'm used to mobile phones. Comparing sizes with other Garmin GPS units, it is similar if you exclude the antenna. The 62s does feel on the heavy side though and I wouldn't want to take it on a multi-day hike. Having buttons instead of a touchscreen is a definite plus for me.

 

Overall so far I am happy with my 62s.

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

For screenshots check out the 78s review at gpstracklog as the screens are the same. However the colours aren't quite as bright as shown perhaps because I still have the original screen protector on.

 

The built-in screenshot facility doesn't quite capture true color, so this may also be something you're seeing. And thanks for the plug!

[+g-o-cashers]

Does anybody know if it supports multiple gpx-files?

Or even better that you could select which GPX to use for caching?

The new Delorme PN-60 allows to have unlimited GPX files and has a file menu that allows to select which file to use.

Think its a great feature since it eliminates that 2000 or 5000 caches limit.

Does the 62s do the same thing?

Does anybody have screenshots of how the cache-list/description/hint/etc look like?

 

Would be great to get the info to make a decision what to buy.

 

Thanks!!!

 

It supports multiple gpx files.

 

You can't select which gpx file to use and is limited to 5000 geocaches.

 

I have screen shots and should have some information up on gpsfix.com soon.

 

Paperless geocaching is very similar to the OR/DK but adapted to the interface of the 62s.

[+keith_mahoney]

 

 

Paperless geocaching is very similar to the OR/DK but adapted to the interface of the 62s.

 

I just received my 62s today as well. I have loaded a topo map from filedepot on it, but for the life of me I can't figure out how to send the PQ I downloaded to GSAK to my garmin

 

Figured it out. Man this paperless is the stuff.

Edited July 20, 2010 by keith_mahoney

[+TheRedArmy]

ordered mine (gpscentral.ca) for pickup. hope it comes soon.

 

no online reviews for this unit yet? someone out there must have field tested one by now?

Edited July 20, 2010 by brucered

[+The Yinnies]

I would like to know how it does multi's. Does it do it like the Delormes, where you edit the coords and then you see the descrption or like the Oregon where you have to go back and look at the cache page and then go to waypoints? I just got a PN-60 and love it but would like to check out the 62S.

Thanks

[+The Ravens]

I would like to know how it does multi's. Does it do it like the Delormes, where you edit the coords and then you see the descrption or like the Oregon where you have to go back and look at the cache page and then go to waypoints? I just got a PN-60 and love it but would like to check out the 62S.

Thanks

 

I have only had the 62st for 24 hours and I looked to see if I could answer your question. It seems that there are 2 ways of doing a multi cache waypoint entry. 1) Like the Oregon and like you suggested by saving the original cache waypoint as a "Waypoint" and then going to the "Waypoint Manager." and editing it. 2) Making a new waypoint independently and saving.

[+The Yinnies]

On the Delormes when you do a multi you find the second coords, go to caches and find the one you are looking for. Go to it and change the coords and then it is like the original and you have all of your info right there.

[+The Ravens]

On the Delormes when you do a multi you find the second coords, go to caches and find the one you are looking for. Go to it and change the coords and then it is like the original and you have all of your info right there.

 

That's how my 60CSx works. I like it better that way. On the new Garmins it might be that you can't "rewrite" a gpx file. You might be able to change the coordinates on they but I haven't figured it out yet.

[PercyPercy]

is it possible to save GPX tracks to SD card like on eTrex? or at least to automatically create a new one when you reach 10.000 points in track

 

on etrex, when you fill one track, it automatically saves it to SD and creates a new one, so you dont have to worry

 

edit:

something like this: http://www.gpsfix.net/advanced-tracklogs/ The new software still retains the ability to let your current tracklog grow to 10,000 points. When this happens older tracks will be saved in archive files under /Garmin/GPX/Archive/

Edited July 21, 2010 by PercyPercy

[+Red90]

is it possible to save GPX tracks to SD card like on eTrex? or at least to automatically create a new one when you reach 10.000 points in track

 

Yes. The standard system automatically archive the active track when it reaches 10000 points.

 

With the new software (which I assume will make it to the 62 series), you can do a bunch of other things such as use the archived tracks on the unit. You can also auto-archive daily or weekly instead of by when the track is full.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

Does anybody know if it supports multiple gpx-files?

Or even better that you could select which GPX to use for caching?

The new Delorme PN-60 allows to have unlimited GPX files and has a file menu that allows to select which file to use.

Think its a great feature since it eliminates that 2000 or 5000 caches limit.

Does the 62s do the same thing?

Does anybody have screenshots of how the cache-list/description/hint/etc look like?

 

Would be great to get the info to make a decision what to buy.

 

Thanks!!!

 

It supports multiple gpx files.

 

You can't select which gpx file to use and is limited to 5000 geocaches.

 

For the life of me I don't understand the newer units.....on my Magellan Platinum I can load 60 ( or more, no telling) files of 500 caches each to the SD card and name them and pull each up when I want it.....what is so hard about this that they won't do it.....its great for cross-country caching as you don't need a computer.

When they develope these units its like taking two steps forward and one step back.

I'm sure behind it all is a deathly fear that somehow you will be able to put something on the unit that they didn't charge you for.

 

I have screen shots and should have some information up on gpsfix.com soon.

 

Paperless geocaching is very similar to the OR/DK but adapted to the interface of the 62s.

[flyjazz]

Has anyone that also owns a Colorado and has recently purchased one of the new 62 models could do an side by side comparison,I would be very interested in their impressions.

Edited July 21, 2010 by flyjazz

[sviking]

...has 500MB of onboard memory. There is no expansion slot...

 

According to the Garmin website:

 

There is an expansion slot on the 62st. It comes with 500mb of memory.

There is no expansion slot on the 62. It comes with 1.7gb of memory.

 

So, the S is for sensors, the T is for TOPO. So, why not just call it the 62STx if it has eXpandable memory like the 60CSx? Nice to see Garmin is keeping up with their confusing name/numbering system as with the Nuvis.

[gpscybr]

Hi guys, first post at this forum . I have been reading your posts and you guys seem to be extemely knowlegeable in GPS technical matters - kudos!

 

I ordered a 62ST Canada Topo model because I read on this thread that it has 4GB built in memory vs 2GB on the 62 and 62S (granted, most of it is taken up by the preloaded maps); I did not discover this anywhere else - the Garmin site does not mention the difference in total flash memory between the models.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I read somewhere that you can remove the preloaded maps if you want (save them somewhere else) and free up the memory for other maps. Is this true /possible?

 

If so, for me it makes the ST model a bit more flexible than the 62S.

[+geojibby]

Garmin put up sweet YouTube vids about it!

There are a few others up now too about it. It always makes me glad when companies do this and show their products being used.

[+MaliBooBoo]

Hi guys, first post at this forum . I have been reading your posts and you guys seem to be extemely knowlegeable in GPS technical matters - kudos!

 

I ordered a 62ST Canada Topo model because I read on this thread that it has 4GB built in memory vs 2GB on the 62 and 62S (granted, most of it is taken up by the preloaded maps); I did not discover this anywhere else - the Garmin site does not mention the difference in total flash memory between the models.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I read somewhere that you can remove the preloaded maps if you want (save them somewhere else) and free up the memory for other maps. Is this true /possible?

 

If so, for me it makes the ST model a bit more flexible than the 62S.

 

Yep, that is exactly what I did with the Topo map on my 450t: cut it off of the unit and pasted it onto my computer. This freed up the 4 gb for some sweet Backroad Mapbook maps of all of BC and AB. As well, I preserve the microSD slot for Birdseye imagery or other mapsets.

[+cterres]

You could, but you don't need to remove the preloaded topo map from the 62st.

Save some money and get a 62s. If you need more free space, get a bigger memory card. Garmin claims, it uses up to 4GB cards, but you can use 8GB and most 16GB cards too.

You can get a 16GB card plus a gpsmap 62s for less money then the gpsmap 62st.

[+ryan3295]

My gpsmap 62s came in the mail today!! So far it looks very promising. The screen does appear slightly brighter than the oregon 450t but I think it might just be an illusion as they have different resolutions. Looking forward to taking it out caching this weekend and putting it though its paces. A few quick pics:

 

 

[sviking]

I'd like to know if you can select from more than one map at a time to be "active", unlike with the 60/76CSx. Only the "gmapsupp.img" file is read on start-up. You can have multiple maps on a card, but you need a computer (or smart phone) to rename the desired file so it is read on the next re-start. With the Oregon, you can select from a list of unique names right on the unit as long as they all have the .img extension. Hopefully, this translated over to the 62 and 78 series "upgrades". Wouldn't surprise me if it didn't, though...