GARMIN 60CSx

[619TOY]

I just got my 60CSx from Amazon a couple days ago. $299 after rebate. I got the Topo 2008 as well (only $59 right now).

I was wondering if there were any tips on how to get the most out of it. You know how it is, everytime you get a new toy it takes a while to catch on to some of the cool things it can do.

The garmin topo gets mixed reviews but other than detail, I think it will do what I need. I've started transferring all the coordinates from the So Cal guide to 4WD trails into it, as well as a few of my own. That's about as far as I've gotten into it so far.

I'm undecided on whether I will ever get the street maps as that isn't really what I bought it for. But I've found with topo, it can't give accurate directions even when I enter all the waypoints manually.

So what else do I need to know?

One last thing; why does Google earth use one more digit in their coordinates? I tried just removing the last one but it didn't seem to be right

Thanks, Steve

[Trunk Monkey]

Get a 2GB MicroSD card off Ebay, you can store a PILE of maps on it vs. the 64mb it came with.

[e9999]

can you save then retrieve a track from the memory card and reuse it?

[619TOY]

Originally Posted by FZJFillmore

Get a 2GB MicroSD card off Ebay, you can store a PILE of maps on it vs. the 64mb it came with.

Actually got one before the GPS showed up

Originally Posted by e9999

can you save then retrieve a track from the memory card and reuse it?

I save all of my tracks on the topo program but I think you can save them to the card as well and then delete them from internal memory but I'm not 100% sure on that.

[BMThiker]

I've been eyeing the 60Csx unit for a while now. I currently use an eTrex Legend and Delorme's Topo and Street Atlas software for keeping up with my tracks and routes. I used Garmin's street mapping program before and prefer the Delorme much better.

My eTrex doesn't do well under moderate blockage from trees, hills, etc and the 60csx has a much better receiver in it. So the 60Csx may be a birthday present to myself in a few weeks.

[Trunk Monkey]

$50 rebate from Garmin right now - it's under $300 at Amazon.

[cheme02]

Originally Posted by FZJFillmore

$50 rebate from Garmin right now - it's under $300 at Amazon.

I paid $500 for it plus the topo map package.

Steve, the 60CSx is awesome!!

I have already input all of the waypoints from
"GUIDE TO Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails"
At least the San Diego and Big Bear areas.

I can try to send them to you if I can figure out how to save them and email.

Originally Posted by 619TOY

One last thing; why does Google earth use one more digit in their coordinates? I tried just removing the last one but it didn't seem to be right

There are different ways coordinates are displayed.

DMS - Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (e.g. 49°30'00")
DM - Degrees, Minutes.Thousandths of Minutes (e.g. 49°30.237')
When you copy waypoints from other sources, be careful to match the format.

There is a place where you can specify your prefered format to display.

I do not have the street map either. Sometimes I wish I did. There is just too many streets and even freeways missing on the topo (e.g. try to find the 52 freeway on the topo).

PM me if you need anything

Eric

[cheme02]

Another thing,

pick up a Delorme Atlas and Gazeteer paper map. It has 100k:1 scaling which matches the topo GPS map perfectly.

[TroutRunner]

Many of the Etrex's now have the better receiver. Look for the ones with an "H" in the name. Should make them a pretty sweet deal for those that aren't interested in the 60's.

TR

[LandCruisers4Life]

You should have 2 GPS units, and a map and compass of the area (and know how to use them). I suggest a larger vehicle unit, and the hand held unit for a backup. The map and compass is the no electricity, no electronics backup.

60CSx is a cool unit. Have fun!