eTrex Vista HCx Owner question

There's no internal memory for maps on that unit. You would need to use MapSource to select the map segments you want to load and send them to the microSD card.

A couple of things to keep in mind are that you can't load more than 2025 map segments at one time. This isn't an issue for City Navigator but would be one if you decided to get Topo maps.

Also, much like when you run POI Loader, when you send a mapset, it overwrites the previous mapset. So you must send all the maps you want to load at the same time. If you later decide that you want to add or substract map segements, you must send a whole new mapset.

That unit is currently one of the best units for Geocaching. If you aren't already, you might consider becoming a Premium Member over there and then you can get Pocket Queries of the cache data and load them as Custom POIs to the microSD card.

Thanks very much MM. You have answered all my questions on loading the maps.

I'm a newbie to GeoCashing; 4 finds. I have considered the Premium Membership but have enough local cashes to keep me busy for a while. Maybe if I can have the bug bite my wife, we will really get in to the sport.

Once again, thank for the info. If there was one person I expected to give a solid answer to my question, it is you.

Hi Summermug, I have been using the HCx since last October, it is quite a toy, I still have not used most of the features, I should get to them this summer. Like M.M. said the Pocket Queries are fantastic I have almost 500 loaded at this time, I have it e-mailed every couple of days. It is great driving just about anywhere within 60km of home with the unit running I can see if there is a cache along my route, If I feel energetic I can log on to the site with the BB and get all the info about the cache.

I have all of southern Ontario Topo maps loaded 1:10,000 scale (not from Garmin their map is 1:50,000 I think) takes up about 450 Meg.

BTY I am also a newbie with my 73rd yesterday.

Have fun

Premium membership will get you pocket queries as stated by MM. You will find that the cache info you get as a premium member includes the actual name of the cache (as opposed to simply the GC number) difficulty, terrain, container size, hints, the last 5 logs.... It's WELL worth the paltry $3/month or $30/year fee. You also don't see the advertisements that I'm told assail non-premium members. Try it for a month - spend the $3 to see for yourself. I doubt you'll regret it. (On a side note, I got my 165th FTF last night!)