Handheld Units!

 

I was trying to decide if I wanted to get a Handheld GPS unit. Are there any recommendations. I was looking at a few of the Hi-End Garmin ones.

I would have to research this which takes me a while to do. I think it took me about 2 months to research my 2720 I bought before I made up my mind to get it.

Thanks

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

What are you going to use it for?

I have a handheld, a Garmin GPSMap 76CX, that I've been using for hiking and kayaking. I'm very happy with it. It's water resistant, floats, and extremely easy to use. I've loaded it up with topo maps which have enough details for my needs.

However, I've also thought of getting in to biking, and although this unit could be mounted on handlebars and used for navigation, it probably would not be as effective because it doesn't have voice capability such as announcing turns. At least, I've gotten addicted to the Nuvi's functionality for such stuff in a car. The topo maps also have some streets on it, but are typically not labelled beyond 'road' except for the bigger highways.

You can add City Navigator to it, and not just topo maps. But it's a pricey program if you haven't gotten a free copy of it from Garmin some how.

So, it's all a matter of what you want to do.

GC

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Nuvi 350, GPS Map 76CX

Thanks!

Yeah after I sent that original message I figured I would get a response back on what I would like to do with it:D

I like to go on walks in state parks, sailing & I do some biking but not as much of these things after 3 major back surgies. Some of the places I would like to go to say LH's require some walking and they recommend a GPS. Remember I am bad with directions and can't tell you what way is East to save my life. People can turn black and blue explaining this stuff to me.

Ok I am spoiled with my 2720. I want voice, weather resistant just in case it rains, floating would be nice since I have a Camera Backpack I have for my Digital Photography stuff and it floats. It is Yellow/Black which makes it easy to see if it gets loose from you and starts floating away.

On this site they compare the Garmin Handhelds
http://gpsnow.com/gmmap76cx.htm On your SD memory can you say use the 2 gig cards in this unit or are you limited to 256 meg.

It also says you get about 20 hours on 2 AA batteries is that correct. Have you ever tried Rechargable batteries. To bad they don't have this unit that you have in Yellow grin at least if it drops in the water you can find it a lot easier.

I would probably use this unit the most on land but will be doing some stuff out in the water. Where there other Handheld units you where looking at.

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

Hi Mike, I think you should

Hi Mike,
I think you should consider the VentureCx by Garmin if you need a color screen. You can save alot if you get a greyscale unit such as the Legend plus you can connect it to a pc as well. If you really don't need pc connection or color you can get a Magellan eXplorist for under $100. At

http://www.stootsi.com/snoozimart/item.aspx?date=20070129

you can get an eXplorist 300 for $89.99 which is a real bargain but will not hook up to a pc.

Good Luck,
Ray

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Garmin Streetpilot i3, Streetpilot C580 and Nuvi 265WT

Still Deciding

Ray,

It will be a garmin unit as I like there products. I responded in another message about this but its between the garmin venture cx and the Garmin 76csx. No I am spoiled with my 2720. I want a color screen. To bad the portables don't talk. I guess it will depend on what I can get them for. If there is only a 50-70 dollar difference then I will go for the more expensive one but I haven't decided yet.

I still have a lot of research and reviews to read. Usually when I buy some I do extensive research on it. When I bought my digital camera a while back it took me about 6 weeks before I decided which one to get. Thanks for your help.

Edited Message: After writing this message I went back and read some reviews on the Venture cx and the only complaint was everything was mainly done with the on/off button, no memory card (thats fine as I would buy a 2 gig card) and no USB cable that's okay as my 2720 cable should work. The price on amazon was $188 but I know I can find it cheaper.

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

The 76CX

has a lot of versatility to it. I just put in a 2 gb card. To give you an idea of how much that will hold: the topo maps for all of Canada only fill up about 1.9 gigs. I live in N. Carolina, and the entire state requires about 60 mb. So, 2 gigs should be more than enough for a long time.

I use high capacity NiMH batteries in it (2700 mAh). They've yet to die on me on a single trip, so I'm not sure what their real life is. It's certainly not 20 hours. I think if you do nothing, and just leave it sitting on the kitchen counter, it may last 20 hours. But active navigation, with assorted button punching/beeping at you, will use up the batteries faster. I'm guessing that 8-10 hours on this kind of battery is likely.

I've taken to carrying 2 spare batteries with me in the case. But, since my journeys aren't 8 hours in duration as a rule, I've yet to use them. Plus, I'm keeping the unit on at all times. You could just use it for a few minutes, get a bearing, turn it off, and back on awhile later when needed again.

Voice prompts wouldn't be terribly useful in this for hiking and on the water ('in 143 paces turn left at the tree up ahead'). They would be helpful for biking, as I previously mentioned.

I looked at the other Garmin units. None were impressive and this model seemed a no-brainer for a choice. The others had tiny amounts of memory, or no mapping capability, or a b&w screen, or could only put in 1 route at a time.

As for the unit's 'camouflages well in the dirt' color, I've just tied a bit of orange fluorescent tape to the lanyard, and that suffices for my needs.

GC

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Nuvi 350, GPS Map 76CX

WOW!

GC,

Thanks for the long response. I no Ray has been talking to be about the Venture Cx and I've read a lot of good reviews on both units.

Would I need to get two different Memory cards say if I wanted to have the City Navigator NT North America on it then and other Memory card for the Topo Maps. I don't quite understand what the Topo Maps are for. Would that be for something off the road like hiking?

Carrying extra batteries would not be a problem for me since I carry 4-6 extra batteries for My Canon EOS 20D. In the bag I usually have my lenses, extra memory cards and other Knick Knacks grin.

I believe the high capacity NiMH batteries I have are only like 2000mAh. You can see I haven't updated them in a while. I like the Rayovac ones as they have a charger that you can put in the car as well as plug into the wall and they charge in less than 10-15 minutes. I saw someplace online where a guy made a solar panel for his Rayovac charge so he could charge his batteries when he is way from the car and electricity. I wonder how long that took to charge.

Here is in idea of what my Camera Backpack looks like:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/waterproof/DryZone...
I bought the bag because its waterproof and I believe Lowepro told me it would hold 70 pounds or so and stay a float. I have about 15K in Photography equipment so I am not going to test that theory! Plus its Yellow! grin

How do you put the routes into your unit? You mention other units you can only put 1 in at a time how many can you do with this one? Will I be able to download my CSV files to this until. I don't plan to install all of them just ones that would pertain to my hand held unit.

Also changing the Memory cards on the unit is it difficult and how often do you have to do this. I guess the 2 gig Micro SD card is the biggest. A 4 gig card would be nice but it's not out yet!

I saw in an Amazon Review on this until someone recommended getting a case for it. I believe they got a Rubberized one but it didn't say what. Also did you get an extended warranty for this unit.

I haven't really shopped around yet as I'm sick & out of work for another day or so. Thank God I get paid while out sick!

I tend to look on Resellerrating.com for the best price but also for the best reviews. I am not interested in getting the lowest price on the unit then have bad service from the company I get it from.

Thanks for your help!

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

Lots of questions...

...some answers.

The 76CX is like road units, meaning that every time you load something on to the card, it erases what was there. So, if you put the City Navigator on it, you could load something else, like topo maps, but it erases the City program. Just needs to be reloaded later. It won't show both programs at the same time, overlaying one on the other. It's either/or. There might be a way to load both at the same time, and I think you can specify which map is showing at any one time. But, if you mostly need roads, why bother with the topo?

The topo maps offer mostly off road stuff, such as some trails, some major and not so major roads, elevations, as well as water info, like navigation aids, submerged wrecks, etc. It's less complete than the Bluewater maps, which gives all the nautical info, such as depth soundings at various spots in the water.

If you do a search on the web under 'the great battery shootout' you'll find some interesting stuff. The data is now 2 years old, and dates back to when NiMH batteries were up to about 2000-2200 mAH. But, he gives some good data, and also talks about battery chargers. Faster is usually less good in a charger. More
convenient, but more harmful to batteries, and offering less complete charges (not topping them off as well).

My 2700 mAH batteries (4 of them) were good for 1000 pix/6 days of shooting in my digital camera, when I tested them last Fall. So much for ever using alkalines again.

Routes are installed through MapSource. You lay them out on the computer, and hit a 'send' button, and voila. You can add waypoints too if you like. You can also download stuff from the unit to the computer, such as 'tracks' (where you've been in a jaunt on the water or land. Routes are 'where you want to go' - to be followed.)

I forget how many routes the 76CX allows - I think it's 20. I've got about 10 in there right now, and they're ones I plan to do in the next few months, so I can take off whenever I want, and not have to worry 'Ooops! I forgot to load the route...' They're very handy to have, and makes navigation incredibly simple. Just follow the line and you get there.

It does accept POI files. I've yet to download any. The documentation offers no information on the subject, but I know it can be done. I just haven't bothered with it. There's not much in the way of POI's I need to worry about hiking on a trail, or kayaking in the water. 'Where's the nearest Walmart?...' I'm more interested in waypoints and routes, than POI's for it.

Memory cards snap out in a second, just like on a camera. I just stuck in the 2 gig card, and that's it for me. No need to change it again, unless the card fries itself or something. The San Disk I bought is nominally 2 gb - but they say on the package that a gig is taken up with their bloatware. So, it's really just 1 gig.

I bought a soft sided case from Garmin for it, that cost ~$12. or so. That should be enough. It's got a belt loop on its back. I use a waterproof case (appropriate for cameras, cell phones etc.) when I have it on the water. The 76CX is water resistant, but why run the risk of discovering how unresistant it is?

No extended warranty; they have almost no value if you look at the fine print. At least the one offered by Amazon was a total joke. I returned it a few days after I bought it to Garmin, because it's accuracy was off by a few tenths of a mile. Garmin gave me a new unit. I imagine I have some 'use our credit card and you get an extended warranty' on it, but that's probably full of loop holes too.

I'd love to find a solar charger for batteries. I've looked around for a ready made kit. But, they put out so few watts, and are so big to get that amount of juice flowing, I don't think it's practical. They also take the better part of a day I think to recharge batteries. I figure it's easier to just carry extras.

GC

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Nuvi 350, GPS Map 76CX

76 CSX for me!

GC & Ray,

I decided to go with the 76 CSX. I spent several hours on the phone today talking to Garmin as well as several places that sell it and they both recommended the 76 CSX.

I had them give me reasons why the more expensive was better and why I should justify spending the extra money on it. I was happy with there answers on why to go with the more expensive one.

I want to get the unit before my Vacation to Boston in June 07. When I get back from that vacation then I will be leaving for Manistee, MI for the July 4th weekend.

The problem is now I am told City Navigator North America V8 DVD came out last year and a new one will be out some time in july or so. I don't want to by V8 and a few months later V9 is out.

I asked Garmin if I could install V7 of the City Navigator software on my 76csx when I get it and they told me NO since there is a newer version out. I find that to be stupid. Plus if I Upgrade to V8 then I will have to get the full version so I can install it on my 76csx since that doesn't have the software yet.

I am shopping for prices now! I think the lowest price I found from a reputable dealer was $340 dollars with free fedex shipping. I think if I do this I will call garmin as ask for them to create an unlock code for my 76csx and tell them I will buy V9 when it comes out. I dont't want to get stuck buying both versions. Maybe they will do this and maybe they won't but it doesn't hurt to try.

Which waterproof case do you have? Is there a certain name for it. Yeah the guy at GPSDiscount.com told me the same thing about the warranties that they don't sell them because they are a waste of money and there are so many loop holes with them as u mentioned in the message above.

Garmin told me you could have both the Topo and City Maps all on one card. Of course you would have to figure out what states you want on the card as not all of it would fit.

I am curious as the 76csx says its Geocaching ready. What exactly does that mean? I mean when you go out and do this do you have the handheld at the site and it give you a reading?

How is the built in compass on this unit? If you happen to no of any good sites to buy this unit I would appreciate knowing. The lowest price so far is $336-$360 dollars. Usually before i buy form anyone I check out resellerrating.com

Thanks for your help

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

good for you

The waterproof case is an aquapac. It has a clear plastic window on both sides, nominally good for shooting photos through it. But I tried that, and it wasn't worth a damn; degraded the picture quality way too much. So I bought a new camea, with a scuba diving quality waterproof case, and the aquapac is now the GPS's case. They're about $20.

I've never gotten into geocaching, so can't tell you anything about it. There's a geocaching button on it; that's all I know.

GPS' don't have a compass per se, they have a meter showing bearing and heading. i.e. If you stand still, they're worthless, and have no clue where north is. It's only with movement that they have accuracy. You can set it for magnetic or true north. I don't know how to measure it's accuracy, since if there's a discrepancy between it and a compass I wouldn't know which is wrong. It hasn't steered me wrong yet though.

I paid abour $350. for mine, so that's a good price you're getting quoted. I forget where I got it online.

Good luck.
GC

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Nuvi 350, GPS Map 76CX

Ordered My 76 CSX

Hello

I ordered my Garmin 76 CSX from Pcnation.com I called garmin before ordering and asked Tech support if they would give me an unlock code for my V7 software and they did. I told them that I plan to ordered V9 software when it comes out but didn't want to waste the money getting V8 software now.

I also bought some topo software maps of national parks.

GC0110 my question is this. I would like to get a waterproof case or a case to keep the unit clean so when I walking around the display doesn't get scratched. You mentioned a aquapac case. Do you have a site to get this case that you have so I can get one?

Also will my usb cable that I have for my 2720 work for my 76 csx unit. I hope so as I didn't order one from PCNation.

I will be all set with my 2 2 gig micro sd cards, my topo software and my unit. Also do you recommend anything else for this unit?

Now I can wait to play with the unit.

Thanks for your help

Michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

Here is one

Here is one site.
http://www.gpsgeek.com/browse/gps-cases. If you do a google for gps cases you will find others

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

Using a Garmin etrex Legend with Microsoft Streets & Trips

I have recently purchased Microsoft's Streets & Trips 2007 and have not been unsuccessful in linking it to my Garmin etrex Legend. The Streets & Trips program "can't find" my GPS. (This unit links with the older-style Serial port via the PC's COM1 port.)
Thought it might be the a linkage issue, but after installing the MS software, I was able to successfully update the GPS' on-board software from Garmin's site - so the PC connection is a-okay. Anyone have some troubleshooting tips/suggestions?
My last resort is to re-purchase the software with Microsoft's GPS "button", about $100 - not my first choice!

Thanks Nick!

I'll check it out. I hope my usb cord form my 2720 works on this 76 csx?

michael

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Garmin Nuvi 3597, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, Garmin 76CSx (Hand Held), Iphone 6S Plus

You need the Microsoft USB GPS Port driver installed

I believe this should help.

Browse to the Program Files\Microsoft Streets & Trips directory.

Right-click on the ser2plms.inf file and choose Install.

This will install in a fraction of a second.

To check and ensure the driver installed, open a Command Prompt window (Start -> Run (type cmd) Enter), and type the following commands. You can cut and paste both at once:

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
devmgmt.msc

You may have to hit Enter for the second command to take effect, if you didn't happen to catch the second cursor return.

Once Device Manager opens, Select View->Show Hidden Devices. In the items listed below, find Ports (COM & LPT) and expand that section.

You should see as one of the ports: Microsoft USB GPS Port (COM#) - mine happens to be COM5.

On your GPS you will also have to select NMEA In/Out for the interface type within the setup.

Good luck.

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Garmin Nüvi 265WT,Software Ver. 7.00, City Navigator North America NT 2010.30