Garmin GPSMAP76S

[JakeUSAF]

Good Bad what can you tell me about it?

[+apersson850]

I recommend a search in this forum, to begin with. A lot is already written.

 

Anders

[Bobthearch]

Excellent unit. Some notes:

 

I haven't found a real use for the barometer yet, but the magnetic compass is a real bonus.

 

My boss really liked the larger screen; he can't read the eTrexes. Larger screen also makes it easier to use in the car.

 

Haven't noticed an accuracy difference; eveyone else at work has various eTrex models and the numbers all come out about the same.

 

The beeping alarms are an excellent feature!

 

The buttons are clearly labeled and there's an obvious 'feel' when you press a button - some other models are 'sqooshy'.

 

Any particular questions, or other GPS units you're comparing it too?

 

-Bob

 

p.s. I found excellent price and service atGPSnow .

[+shegget]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bobthearch:

Excellent unit. Some notes:

 

I haven't found a real use for the barometer yet, but the magnetic compass is a real bonus.

 

---

 

I'm hoping to use the barometer to do some amateur weather forecasting while on a multi-day backpacking trip... here's a page that lists a quick rundown of using the barometer for this:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wfbarrow.htm

 

If you do a google search, there are a bunch of pages that talk about how to use the barometer, and what you can use it for... but for everyday geocaching, I don't think it's all that useful...

[Bobthearch]

Thanks for the tip; I'll look into these links. Always wondered...

 

I know some other GPSes do give short-term weather forcasts based on the barometer measurements, but the 76S doesn't.

 

-Bob

[+Tahoe Skier5000]

Both the Vista and 76S are excellent GPS's.

 

The only real deciding factor between them is size. Besides that, they are almost identical in function (minus the audible alarms and tide tables).

 

 

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Garmin Vista

Using Opera 7.1

[Growley]

Outstanding GPS in my opinion. Sensitive antenna pulls in "birds" all the time. I use my 76S at work almost every day and it has never let me down. It holds a bunch of maps (although I haven't tried to max it out). I have never used the barometer until last week when we got slammed by the hurricane. It was very interesting watching the pressure fall through the floor.

I would highly recommend this GPS to anyone.

Dave.

[+shegget]

quote:

---

Originally posted by volks_ev71:

Both the Vista and 76S are excellent GPS's.

 

The only real deciding factor between them is size. Besides that, they are almost identical in function (minus the audible alarms and tide tables).

 

---

 

Add these to the difference list:

1. 76S can take an external antenna

2. 76S has the quad-helix antenna whereas Vista has a patch antenna (not saying this is better or worse, just saying)

3. Vista has a built-in calendar

4. 76S can hold more routes than the Vista

5. 76S can display 2 pressure graphs: Ambient and 'barometer over time'. Vista only displays ambient pressure plots. (Most people probably won't care about this though).

6. Vista is a bit cheaper

7. Vista supposedly has a little bit more battery life.

 

For me, the choice wasn't as simple as just deciding which size I wanted... I wanted a GPS that could do all the things I want to do, and do them well, so I went with the 76S. They're both solid GPS receivers... but I'm in love with my 76S

[+Rubberhead]

I don't have a GPSmap 76S but I've heard that the unit receives satellites best when held vertically, whereas using the electronic compass requires the unit to be held flat.

 

Ducks - Flying, great tasting, geocaches of meat

[+Tahoe Skier5000]

ert

[Bobthearch]

To add to Shegget's list of differences:

 

*The main thing for me was the size of the screen - the 76 models' are much larger.

 

*The operating system is different - the eTrexes has a picture-driven menu, where the 76es are text-only.

 

You can do a side-by-side comparison at Garmin's website.

 

-Bob

[+Spange & Crew]

I really like my 76S. I use the external antenna in my car and when going on longer hikes. The external antenna allows you to use the compass and not lose or degrade the signal by holding horizontal. This feature and the larger screen were the selling points for me.

 

"It's not rocket surgery...!"

[BeachBum22]

I had a Vista for a week, sent it back and got a Map76S. Liked the Vista, but screen too small and very hard for me (old eyes) to read.

 

Map76S has more features (beeping keys, setup, etc.) and also an external antenna connection - and I use an external antenna almost all the time.

 

Map76S probably physically too big for anybody who's doing mountain climbing or hiking but great for in the car.

 

BeachBum22

http://www.benchmarkhunting.com

Just because I can't find it doesn't mean it's not really there.

[+apersson850]

One important (to some people) issue with the 76 series is that they float. The bulkier housing has more air inside, compared to the Vista.

 

Anders

[JakeUSAF]

Thanks for all the great informatiom I think I am going for the 76S

[Us 5 Camp]

To add to others lists...

 

The multiple buttons on the FRONT of the 76S made more sense and makes for quicker access to menus... YMMV

 

76s w/ Topo & City Select. RAM mounts for car(weighted)/bike/canoe.

"Never have a philosophy which supports a lack of courage..."

[+Hawk-eye]

There's one little thing I miss from the Vista ... is the ability to have the block of letters to scroll to to spell out names or coordinates. The 76S uses the old Garmin ... scroll thorough each number in succession. I would love to have Garmin incorporate this feature in the 76S. Sent an email once ... never heard back or saw the feature added in an update.

 

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Co-founder of the "NC/VA GEO-HOG ASSOCIATION"

... when you absolutely have to find it first!

[+GOT GPS?]

Got the GPS Map76S yesterday, and it is pretty neat. I too am having problems with the tiny Vista screen, so I got the 76S, with it's big screen.

 

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Pictures of the insides of my Old GPS V

My Home Page about what is GPS

Strange

[+EraSeek]

You'll love the graphic tide tables on the 76 series.

 

 

"See the wonderous works of Providence! The uncertainty of human things!" Geo.Washington