+NJT916 Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 Greetings All! I've ordered the Garmin eTrex, and it should be here either today or Monday from Amazon.com. I also purchased the cigarette adapter and computer interface cable. My question is this: Is there any software that can be used with the eTrex Basic? I've searched the web and the Garmin MapSource software seems to be popular, but I don't know if it will be compatible with the basic. Your thoughts? I would also love to hear about any other software that can keep track of waypoints (visited or want to visit) that I can upload into the GPS unit. These may be "rookie" questions, but I am anxious to get started! Happy Hunting, Nick Quote Link to comment
+webscouter. Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 www.easyGPS.com has a waypoint manager that allows you to upload to the Etrex Quote Link to comment
+PDOP's Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 There are several freeware programs that will do what you want. EasyGPS will allow you to download geocache waypoints from the site and transfer the data to your Etrex. Some others to look at are GPSTrackmaker and GPSUtility. Quote Link to comment
+benjamin921 Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 You can not put mapping on the eTrex basic. Quote Link to comment
+Jeff24 Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 (edited) If it is a E-Trex Legend You are in good shape. You can down load from a site or put the co-ords in your self like I do and it works perfectly. I don't know too much about the lower brands but the E-TREX LEGION was made for GEOCACHEING JEFF24 Edited November 29, 2003 by Jeff24 Quote Link to comment
+NJT916 Posted November 29, 2003 Author Share Posted November 29, 2003 You can not put mapping on the eTrex basic. Am I out-of-luck, or is this feature not that big a deal with the etrex basic? Quote Link to comment
+CO Admin Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 There are cachers who have found over 500 caches with the basic yellow etrix. Its your call if you want maps or not. I like maps Quote Link to comment
+benjamin921 Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 You can not put mapping on the eTrex basic. Am I out-of-luck, or is this feature not that big a deal with the etrex basic? You are never out of luck. As nice as it is to have mapping you do not need it on your eTrex. As long as you have the coordinates in your good to go. Quote Link to comment
Jomarac5 Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 I own a GPS with mapping abilities but quite honestly, I never use the mapping function to locate a cache -- I always use the navigation screen and have yet not to find a cache (it might have taken me more than one try on a few occasions, but it had nothing to do with the capabilites of the GPSr). Your yellow etrex is a very capable GPSr for finding caches. ***** Quote Link to comment
bug and snake Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 Mapping is not a big deal on ANY GPSr. It IS a big deal with some users. It's a matter of choice and preference. Your machine can output data and accept data in a selection of formats. If you want to spend a little time reading up on the various packages available you will quickly learn that you have got a pretty amazing piece of technology in your hand. It's not a simple thing to understand ALL about the subject but you don't need to, to enjoy caching. If you want to take the interfacing aspect of your machine to a level beyond uploading cache co-ords just try connecting it to a computer (a lap top - DUH me) and run something like MS Streets and Trips. It's a real kick the first time you see the little car shaped thingie going down the road on the screen..... Your new unit will be capable of standard interfacing with most propriatory software. It uses industry standard formats for data exchange. You will have to look at what is available and decide what you want to use. - There is a lot to chose from though!!!!! What ever you decide - enjoy it... Quote Link to comment
+NJT916 Posted November 30, 2003 Author Share Posted November 30, 2003 Thanks to everyone for the help! Quote Link to comment
Rubbertoe Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 (edited) If you are new to the hobby, you might find this fun: USA PhotoMaps Especially good if you have a broadband connection. Basically it can transfer the waypoints and saved tracks from your GPS and then overlay them on USGS aerial photographs. Pretty neat, and free... I think... I haven't updated my copy or visited that page in a while. LINK: A nice instructional page with pictures. Edited November 30, 2003 by Rubbertoe Quote Link to comment
+sbell111 Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 If I used a non-mapping GPSr, like the yellow eTrex, I would not buy mapsource. As others have said, EasyGPS will upload waypoint info to this unit. In my opinion, a program such as MS Streets & Trips can manage the trip planning functions much better than mapsource. A program such as GPSBabel, can make the conversions to allow you to use S&T with your waypoints. Quote Link to comment
bug and snake Posted November 30, 2003 Share Posted November 30, 2003 If I used a non-mapping GPSr, like the yellow eTrex, I would not buy mapsource. As others have said, EasyGPS will upload waypoint info to this unit. In my opinion, a program such as MS Streets & Trips can manage the trip planning functions much better than mapsource. A program such as GPSBabel, can make the conversions to allow you to use S&T with your waypoints. I use a yellow eTrex and that is exactly the software I use..... Good recomendations right there. Quote Link to comment
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