Garmin Gpsmap 60cs

[+Fenix6372]

I just got my 76CS yesterday (yeah i know the forum is 60CS only but its the same firmware, so sue me ) and I got a Gilsson antenna off ebay, you can get it for 19.49 plus shipping at www.gilsson.com, for a 60 or 76 cs you want a MCX connector (its the really tiny gold one). They list it as drawing anywhere from 5 to 11 mA but 10 on average, and getting a 28dB gain. I can't vouch for those technical specs, but what I can tell you is that yesterday right after UPS delivered my 76CS I put batteries in it, hooked up the external antenna, and took it outside so it could lock on its new home. This is not exaggerated: 35 seconds from pushing the power button to get 8 or 9 sats and +/- 19 ft accuracy. Keep in mind this was just delivered from a place in California, who I'm sure got it from Garmin, which if I am not mistaken is somewhere in the middle of Kansas. Anyway, the point is the GPS had definelty moved more than 600 miles (i'm in North Texas), which means this was a cold start and Garmin says a cold start could take as long as 15 minutes, I did it in 35 seconds! Today I went to a couple of stores, and every time I got back in the car I'd start the GPS back up, within 5-10 seconds it was showing my position on the road and giving lat/lon coordinates. I don't know about you, but I am in love with my external antenna! 35 second cold start and 5 or 10 second hot start sounds like a deal to me!

 

Edit: Just got back from picking my friend up from her work, +/- 6 feet with my Gilsson external antenna YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY!

Edited August 10, 2004 by Fenix6372

[+DBleess]

I just ordered a new 60CS and wanted an external antenna.  The salesman sold me a Glisin? antenna for $25. He said the performance was as good as the Garwin which runs about $60 discounted. Anyone have experience with this antenna or reccomendations regarding external ants.

 

I use the GA27C with my 60C.

 

http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10052%2D05

 

It comes with a suction cup mount and a magnetic pad. I screwed on the magnetic pad with the provided screws and I always slap it on top of my truck's roof when I'm in forested or hilly country. The view of the sky from the top of my truck is excellent compared to what the unit's antenna can see from my dash mount or what the remote antenna can see while simply sitting on my dashboard under the windshield.

 

I've also used the suction cup mount -stuck into the back window of a Cessna 172 with similarly excellent reception results. When I put the antenna on the suction cup mount plate, I usually just rubber band it on instead of using the screws so I don't have to remove the magnetic base.

 

The screws have a tendency to back out on the GA27C so it's advisable to seal them in with RTV to keep them from backing out or keep a supply of spares from the local hardware store. I couldn't find brass so I bought stainless.

 

I'd say that all things being equal, it's the location of the antenna as much as anything that is going to affect performance.

[+rokclimber]

i have one of the gilsson units as well... works so good i just got another one... first one is attached to the top of my cherokee the other is attached to the back of my geo-pack... they really help when the tree cover starts to get heavy... when you see that +-6ft. accuracy well, it just feels good...

[KeepOnTruckin]

Is there a way to get the 60cs to calculate a route starting at a point other than where you are or where you were when the unit was last locked on to the satellites?

 

For example, I often mess with the unit while at work in the evenings, planning trips for later. Since I will be leaving from my home, I want the start point to be home, not my work, or wherever else the unit was last locked onto. But it will always start the route from that last point, route me to my home, the to wher I want to go.

 

(If it matters, I am always attempting to do this with the GPS OFF and in the Demo Mode (and the unit obviously on!))

 

Quite frustrating.

 

KeepOnTruckin

[+Centex Trekker]

This is not exaggerated: 35 seconds from pushing the power button to get 8 or 9 sats and +/- 19 ft accuracy. Keep in mind this was just delivered from a place in California, who I'm sure got it from Garmin, which if I am not mistaken is somewhere in the middle of Kansas. Anyway, the point is the GPS had definelty moved more than 600 miles (i'm in North Texas), which means this was a cold start and Garmin says a cold start could take as long as 15 minutes, I did it in 35 seconds!

Wow! 35 seconds? Amazing. My 60CS took about 15 minutes, but it thought it was still in Taiwan. Must have been night there because the screen was showing the night color scheme. That freaked me out at first because I didn't know it changed colors at night. I thought it was defective.

[+ventura_kids]

Missing the arrow

 

I just noticed that the arrow (pointer) is missing on the compass screen. After calling the Garmin tech, they correctly explained that this occurs when in "Autoroute" mode. I changed the mode to "prompt" instead and the arrow returns.

[MacBandit]

Missing the arrow

 

I just noticed that the arrow (pointer) is missing on the compass screen. After calling the Garmin tech, they correctly explained that this occurs when in "Autoroute" mode. I changed the mode to "prompt" instead and the arrow returns.

I believe the arrow will be there in autoroute mode with the latest firmware update.

[Vlad]

keepontruckin - try this...

 

go to the satellite screen and press menu. hit new location and then choose use map. pick where you want to be...

 

you should be able to experiment freely after that.

[KeepOnTruckin]

keepontruckin - try this...

 

go to the satellite screen and press menu.  hit new location and then choose use map.  pick where you want to be...

 

you should be able to experiment freely after that.

Vlad

 

I thought I had tried that, but I did it again to be sure—and it worked.

 

BUT-- I then remembered that,

 

1) I had not locked on since saving my track info and deleting the active track, and,

 

2) I had not locked on since installing the 3.5 firmware.

 

So to make sure, I locked on, went to demo, and tried to do a route from somewhere else, and—no good. I then wiped out the track, shut the unit off, turned it on, went right to demo, and—still no good. Must have been the firmware change.

 

No matter what I do, the map shows the most recent lock-on location with the arrowhead pointer, with a question mark over it, flashing on and off. Even when I move to another map reference. And it uses that recent lock-on as the start point for any routing I want to mess around with.

[+jotne]

keepontruckin - try this...

 

go to the satellite screen and press menu. hit new location and then choose use map. pick where you want to be...

 

you should be able to experiment freely after that.

You have to be inndoor, or turn of the GPS. As long the GPS has look to the satelite, the option is greyd out.

[+Centex Trekker]

Is there a way to get the 60cs to calculate a route starting at a point other than where you are or where you were when the unit was last locked on to the satellites?

 

For example, I often mess with the unit while at work in the evenings, planning trips for later. Since I will be leaving from my home, I want the start point to be home, not my work, or wherever else the unit was last locked onto. But it will always start the route from that last point, route me to my home, the to wher I want to go.

 

(If it matters, I am always attempting to do this with the GPS OFF and in the Demo Mode (and the unit obviously on!))

 

Quite frustrating.

 

KeepOnTruckin

You should just be able to create a route using your house as the starting point.

[+Firehouse16]

Someone say the VK's have a 60CS now? Now maybe they'll catch up to me with finds!

 

Anyways. I see Garmin is always upgrading the software has there been any discussion about increasing the ability to use the full notes window instead of just a line and a half?

 

What's the improvement on the track log?

[+ventura_kids]

Missing the arrow

 

I just noticed that the arrow (pointer) is missing on the compass screen. After calling the Garmin tech, they correctly explained that this occurs when in "Autoroute" mode. I changed the mode to "prompt" instead and the arrow returns.

OK, the tech helped me out. After upgrading to the latest firmware... I believe it's 3.5 , the arrow is always there and is larger. Great fix for this one.... Now I'm gonna go find some caches.

[+YuccaPatrol]

Someone say the VK's have a 60CS now? Now maybe they'll catch up to me with finds!

 

Anyways. I see Garmin is always upgrading the software has there been any discussion about increasing the ability to use the full notes window instead of just a line and a half?

 

What's the improvement on the track log?

I noticed that it has a nice large notes window but cannot display hints loaded into it. That is a little frustrating. I would hope this would be an easy fix.

 

I'll email Garmin about it. . . maybe we all should!

[robertlipe]

Sure it does. You just need software that puts them there. It's a little limited in how much will fit in that field; I find it far more useful to store diff/terrain cache type and full name there than jsut the 30-ish bytes of the hint.

[+YuccaPatrol]

Sure it does.  You just need software that puts them there.  It's a little limited in how much will fit in that field; I find it far more useful to store diff/terrain cache type and full name there than jsut the 30-ish bytes of the hint.

I really don't think it will show all of that regardless of the software on my computer. When looking at the find geocache page, it has the option to look at the note (info loaded from mapsource, gsak, etc). That window contains 5 lines but only less than two lines of characters. Additional characters cannot be added manually either.

 

However, when I look at the waypoint properties in Mapsource on my computer, the entire hint note can be read. I have GSAK set to give the cache type and hint, but the hint ends up being cut off unless it is a really short hint.

 

What software are you using to allow for more data in the note field so that I can use all 5 lines?

 

Garmin really should address this. I'd give up a few waypoints in order to have more detailed notes.

Edited August 20, 2004 by YuccaPatrol

[+bumblebe]

Hello. I was wondering what maps you might be using with the 60cs. I just got one and have been considering City Select and maybe a Topo map. Also, any ideas on good places to purchase these maps?

Thanks

[+Keykeeper]

Hello.  I was wondering what maps you might be using with the 60cs.  I just got one and have been considering City Select and maybe a Topo map.  Also, any ideas on good places to purchase these maps?

Thanks   

City Select V6, Great maps, autorouting (point to point). BTW it's the only software for the 60 that does this. City Select, that is!

Edited August 20, 2004 by Keykeeper

[+YuccaPatrol]

I'm using both Topo and City Select V (Waiting for my update CD for 6). I use City Select to get me to the parking area closest to the cache and then switch to topo if needed.

 

I really like being able to have two different types of maps loaded at once. Very cool!

[advntrrcr]

Hello,

New to geocaching and using my CS60. I have 2 questions. First, how do you use the geocaching feature? Garmin's website and the manuel leave you lost! Second has anybody bought and used the Topo USA or Topo 1:24,000 National Park

mapsource cds? I need pros and cons on both cds please.

Thanks

Adventure Racer

[MacBandit]

Hello,

New to geocaching and using my CS60. I have 2 questions. First, how do you use the geocaching feature? Garmin's website and the manuel leave you lost! Second has anybody bought and used the Topo USA or Topo 1:24,000 National Park

mapsource cds? I need pros and cons on both cds please.

Thanks

Adventure Racer

I have Topo USA which works really well with the color screen on the 60. The con is the road detail is a bit out of date and there are no road numbers for any sort of forest service or other land management roads. Otherwise the POI are great because it gives you Fire Lookouts, mountains and shelters. The most important part of it the elevation lines are still very accurate and very helpful.

[moopgroop]

I just got citi select 5 and have loaded certain areas around the country. Is there a way to check how much of the 56Mb memory is left for more maps? Also, if I delete an area out of the GPSr, do I need to put the basemap back in off Garmin's website, and if so, does that overwrite all my other areas in the GPSr?

 

Kind of a run-on question. Sorry.

 

Found the part about basemaps etc, but memory question still in play, and to add to it, if I add one city temporarily, and just download it, does it erase the rest of the areas I had loaded?

 

This stuff is fun but confuses my old brain!

Edited August 21, 2004 by moopgroop

[+bumblebe]

Thanks for the info on maps. Any good ideas of Internet sources for purchasing them?

Thanks again.

[abhiker]

i am new to this. the software i am using (GSAK) for sending waypoints to 60cs does not have usb port option. it only has com1 port. how do i use the usb port to talk to 60cs? what program?

[MacBandit]

Thanks for the info on maps.  Any good ideas of Internet sources for purchasing them?

    Thanks again.

                   

Try www.getfeetwet.com good prices and an excellent return policy.

Edited August 22, 2004 by MacBandit

[robertlipe]

i am new to this. the software i am using (GSAK) for sending waypoints to 60cs does not have usb port option. it only has com1 port. how do i use the usb port to talk to 60cs? what program?

This Question is Frequently Asked. http://www.gsak.net/help/hs1070.htm#3

[+Crouching Hiker, Hidden Cache]

Question: Is there any major downside to loading CitySelect 4.01 onto my 60CS? I know someone who has it and would prefer to use it instead of buying the newest version myself (assuming the software allows to load on a second GPS). Obviously there would be some map updates in the newer versions, but anything worth mentioning besides?

[+5nomads]

(Please ignore - I found the answer through a better search)

 

I'm using both Topo and City Select V (Waiting for my update CD for 6). I use City Select to get me to the parking area closest to the cache and then switch to topo if needed.

 

I really like being able to have two different types of maps loaded at once. Very cool!

I'm probably confused, but I thought that when a map covering the same area is loaded onto 60CS already having that area loaded from another map (such as topo loaded and want to load City Select) that the more recent map would overwrite the former, which would no longer be available. I have been selecting separate areas from both until now. How can I load two and select between them? Thanks,

Edited August 22, 2004 by 5nomads

[+Wild_Bill]

Load both map sets at the same time. Then to switch between the two, access the map setup menu.

[+YuccaPatrol]

My 60CS is now dead, 6 days after receiving it. I noticed when I got it that it was a bit difficult to turn on/adjust backlight. Often, when trying to turn it off, I would get the backlight options. The power button just seemed hard to push. Now the button feels different (squishier) and it won't turn on at all.

 

Very disappointed as I was planning on ordering a second identical unit for use by my teammate and as a backup.

 

I'm still probably going to order another, but it sure is frustrating to have a new goodie die so quickly.

 

Anyone got an idea how I can jumpstart this baby?

 

Guess I will be calling Garmin tomorrow.. . .

[TheWiz]

I'd say, get it out the door and on it's way back to Garmin ASAP and insist on an exchange so you don't wind up going back and forth as all too often happens... it's just not worth it. It seems that's just the way it is now in our extreme productivity era of consumer grade electronics. You couldnt afford these devices without all their parts having come from the lowest bidder.

 

God's Speed

[+Centex Trekker]

Is there a way to check how much of the 56Mb memory is left for more maps?

 

Also, if I delete an area out of the GPSr, do I need to put the basemap back in off Garmin's website, and if so, does that overwrite all my other areas in the GPSr?

 

Found the part about basemaps etc, but memory question still in play, and to add to it, if I add one city temporarily, and just download it, does it erase the rest of the areas I had loaded?

 

1. the only way to check how much memory is used is to use MapSource.

 

2. How are you deleting an area off the GPS?

 

3. Anytime you download maps, you erase what's there. If you have 5 areas loaded and you want 6, then select all 6 and re-load it to the GPS.

[+Centex Trekker]

My 60CS is starting to act weird. It says to "Hold Level" on the compass page when I am holding it level. I actually need to tip the antenna end down for the message to go away. Anyone else seen this?

[+geobernd]

My 60CS is starting to act weird. It says to "Hold Level" on the compass page when I am holding it level. I actually need to tip the antenna end down for the message to go away. Anyone else seen this?

I suspect you where not holding it level when you calibrated the compass... 'level' in the message is the same level that you used when calibrating. I usually tilt mine up a bit while calibrating and use the same tilt when using the compass... Works fine

[+nonnipoppy]

Has anyone discovered a good windshield mount for the 60cs? I must change vehicles regularly and so I need a temporary mount. I have the bean bag and am not happy with that.

 

The windshield mount for the Sport Trac Pro looks substantial but will not fit the Garmin.

[moopgroop]

Is there a way to check how much of the 56Mb memory is left for more maps?

 

Also, if I delete an area out of the GPSr, do I need to put the basemap back in off Garmin's website, and if so, does that overwrite all my other areas in the GPSr?

 

Found the part about basemaps etc, but memory question still in play, and to add to it, if I add one city temporarily, and just download it, does it erase the rest of the areas I had loaded?

 

1. the only way to check how much memory is used is to use MapSource.

 

2. How are you deleting an area off the GPS?

 

3. Anytime you download maps, you erase what's there. If you have 5 areas loaded and you want 6, then select all 6 and re-load it to the GPS.

2. Wasn't sure if you COULD delete maps or not.

 

3. That's what I kind of thought after playing with it a while. Thanks for verifying it.

 

Thanks to all for the valuable info. Makes it much easier on tech challenged newbies!

[+Wild_Bill]

Has anyone discovered a good windshield mount for the 60cs? I must change vehicles regularly and so I need a temporary mount. I have the bean bag and am not happy with that.

 

The windshield mount for the Sport Trac Pro looks substantial but will not fit the Garmin.

I've experimented with several home made mounts, but I am most satisfied with Garmin's bean bag mount. Just my humble opinion.

[+WeatherMaker]

Has anyone discovered a good windshield mount for the 60cs? I must change vehicles regularly and so I need a temporary mount. I have the bean bag and am not happy with that.

 

The RAM mount has gotten several good comments on this board. I don't have one, but will probably be ordering one soon. This link is for a 3.25" suction cup with aluminum arm; links on the right have plastic arms or 4" suction mounts.

 

GPSCity.com

[MSSP]

Here's a link with the picture of mine 60C mounted in the RAM mount with the 3.5 Locking suction cup. Well worth the money in my opinion.

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...0entry1044368

[+Centex Trekker]

Thanks to all for the valuable info. Makes it much easier on tech challenged newbies!

Sure, glad to be able to help somebody instead of asking a question myself.

[+wornout]

Has anyone discovered a good windshield mount for the 60cs? I must change vehicles regularly and so I need a temporary mount. I have the bean bag and am not happy with that.

 

The windshield mount for the Sport Trac Pro looks substantial but will not fit the Garmin.

I purchased the Garmin mount that has the two sided tape and taped it to the left side of the windshield, by the post, and it works great. It is easy to clip in after I plug in the cigarette lighter cord and easy to get out too. Good luck.

[+Garmin Guy]

I thought of a question.  How do you tell what firmware version it has?

Main menu page....Setup....System...then you come to some settings ignore them....PRESS MENU....you will see "Restore defaults" and "Software Version".....select and press ENTER

 

Voila

 

Garmin Guy

[+jollybgood]

My 60CS is starting to act weird. It says to "Hold Level" on the compass page when I am holding it level. I actually need to tip the antenna end down for the message to go away. Anyone else seen this?

I simply put mine on a table when calibrating and rotate it with one hand.

 

I wouldn't mention this but the day I caught my buddy, Frank holding his GPS60 and turning slowly in place. It never occured to him he could simply put it on a flat surface.

 

Not that it matters I suppose but it's easier to hold the unit level by placing it on a table.

[+YuccaPatrol]

But you can't rotate it on a level surface if you have the belt clip button installed. . .

[+YuccaPatrol]

Found a convenient shortcut today. If you press Find twice from any screen, it will display the list of most recently found places.

[+Sputnik 57]

Spunik 57 is now a 60C guy! LOT'S of great info on this thread. Thanks for all who have contributed.

 

I came across this review of the 60C. It anwered several of the questions/comments posted on the last 6 pages including:

 

MapSource MetroGuide maps do not support autorouting within the new 60C; this is valid for Metroguide Europe and most others. Even worse, the result of the PC autorouting cannot be transferred to the 60C. All intermediate route points are ignored. So you should take care to buy the correct Mapsource product for autorouting

 

and

 

Note:  The G-60C contains a base map which contains all of the major federal and state highways of the USA and Canada.  The G-60C can perform automatic routing on the basemap as well as using either CS5/CN5 or MG4 USA maps for this purpose.  Thus,  the user can load detailed maps for (say) Atlanta and Denver.  Then have G-60C generate a route to an address in Denver from Atlanta.  The G-60C will use the CS (or MG USA) map at the beginning and end of the route and the base map along the way.  This eliminates the need to load CS (or other detailed) maps for the highway portions of most journeys.

 

and

 

This review is based on G-60C  firmware version 3.00, and current version number can be seen by holding ENTER while turning the unit  ON.  This also gives the diagnostics page.  Press PAGE multiple times brings up additional diagnostic screens. ON+PAGE clears the almanac, and ON+MENU is an erase of stored GPS calibration and waypoint information!

 

I also found this page with step by step instructions and screen shots for routing very helpful.

 

Sputnik

[+Lake_People]

I have a 60cs with firmware 3.4 (I know, I could go with 3.5 but haven't done it yet), and I am trying to use it with EasyGPS 1.3.7. I am unable to exchange info with the serial cable. I keep getting the following error:

 

No data was received from the GPS!

(Error #22)

 

You should quit this program and turn your GPS off before proceeding.

If you need technical assistance, please visit http://www.easygps.com/support.asp.

Details of this error have been logged to

C:\Program Files\EasyGPS\EasyGPS_Message_Log.txt.

 

I have the GPS set at Serial Data Format: Garmin, and the EasyGPS on Com 2 (withOUT the USB box checked).

 

I've tried Com 1 and the other Serial Data Format settings, but to no avail. I keep getting Error #22.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Scott

[+Sputnik 57]

Error 22 immediately sends you to Area 51, but your 60cs shows your current position as 867-5309 (now THERE's an obscure reference, except for you Tommy Tutone fans!)

 

Maybe I should have gone with 634-5789 for the Wilson Picket fans in the group.

 

OT, I have no idea. Please excuse this superfluous post.

[robertlipe]

Jenny, I've got your number...

 

Lake People, do you have your USB cable still plugged in? If you have both, plugged in the serial port becomes rather dead-like. This is documented behaviour, but it sure took me a while to realize that during a cable shuffle, I plugged in USB when I didn't think I did and that makes the serial line croak.

[+nonnipoppy]

Has anyone discovered a good windshield mount for the 60cs? I must change vehicles regularly and so I need a temporary mount. I have the bean bag and am not happy with that..........

I've experimented with several home made mounts, but I am most satisfied with Garmin's bean bag mount. Just my humble opinion.

After repeated "ratcheting" of the adjustable pivot nearest the GPSr the ability to lock was finally lost. This is probably a result of using it in a way that was not intended. Perhaps it is poorly designed.

 

I called Garmin and they said they would send me a replacement. Great customer service as always.

 

Regardless something more substantial was needed for the way I use the unit. I ordered the Ram mount and am very impressed with it. We will not get to use it much until this weekend but are pleased at this point. I hope the release gets easier or I get better at getting it out. Thanks to all who answered. This is such a great resource.