Author Topic: Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx  (Read 924 times)

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Offline A.J.

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Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx
« on: November 06, 2008, 09:36:13 PM »
Just got my first ever GPS and it is eating my lunch. It's a Garmin Vista HCx, with the SD card slot inside. Came with an owners manual the same size as my Camry's. All I'm wanting to do with it right now is take it on a controlled Elk hunt where I'll be dropped off at a certain point, have a certain area to hunt, and whether I get my Elk or not, return to my drop off point later to either be picked up, or pick up my helpers. I just want to use the GPS to mark my drop off point so I can return to it, and where my Elk is down if I get one, so I can get back to it. Can any of you guys help me? The directions are as clear as mud in the manual.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.  Thomas Jefferson

Offline jgalar

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Re: Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx
« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2008, 03:03:11 AM »
Goto the main menu and scroll over to "Mark". Select it.

While in the waypoint menu you can change the symbol and name of your waypoint.

You can get to the main menu by repeatedly pressing the page button on the upper right or double pressing the menu button on the bottom left.

Offline Siskiyou

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Re: Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2008, 12:28:35 PM »
I believe jgalar and I are on the same page.

I create a waypoint called PK where the vehicle is parked or if I am going to be dropped off and the vehicle leaves I will call it DP1 for Drop Point 1.

When your unit has a satellite fix you can press the Rocker/Mark in and hold for a second to create the Waypoint.  A Waypoint screen will come up and you will want to edit it.  By scrolling around the page using the Rocker you can highlight the different boxes.  On the top Left is the symbol box.  You can select different symbols that have meaning to you.  At a drop-off point I use the Hiker Symbol.  Where the vehicle is going to be parked I use the Pickup symbol.

When you want to return to your vehicle or drop off point go to the Main Menu page, select the Find Icon, and then the Waypoints Icon.  Your nearest waypoints will popup: select the one you want. Select the Go To option in the lower right corner of the page.  A popup will give you two options Follow Road and Off Road.  If you are out in the bush you will select Off Road, which is the direct route.  On selection the map page will appear showing a path to your waypoint.  You can start walking the path and the pointer will start moving to the waypoint.  Another option is to follow the Compass Pointer on your Compass Page. 

I suggest that you have your unit in the Track on Mode.  To setup the track function go to Main Menu, and select the Track Icon, from there a page appears with a few options.  To start with keep it simple.  I have the Wrap when Full box checked. 

Under Record Method I have selected Auto.  In the Interval box I have defaulted to Normal.  It is critical that you select a color to show on your screen.  I normally use, Green, Blue, or Red.  I believe that gives the best contrast on the screen.  The Transparent option is transparent.

The Track gives me a number of options when returning.  I can just turn around and watch the Position Arrow (you) follow the Track back.

A second option is to go to the Track Page and move from the On to the Off Option.  Using the Rocker, select Save.  The Track will be saved and by default it will give the date or you can name it. You can use the current color or select another color.  The key is that you want to check the Show on Map box.  The next step is to select the TracBack box.  The Map with your track shows on the screen with a White pointed curser.  Place the white curser on the Waypoint you want to return to.

 

   
There is a learning process to effectively using a gps.  Do not throw your compass and map away!

Boycott: San Francisco, L.A., Oakland, and City of Sacramento, CA.

Offline victorcharlie

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Re: Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2008, 05:41:27 AM »
I walk at lunch and I've set several waypoints along the way so that I have a reason to use my GPS.

I suggest you use the device.  The more you use it, the more you'll learn and understand about it, thus the more comfortable you'll be when you really need it.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Tolerance in the face of tyranny is no virtue."
Barry Goldwater

Offline A.J.

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Re: Need help with a Garmin Vista Etrex HCx
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2008, 07:35:23 PM »
Thank you guys. I'll sit down here first with it while I re-read your directions, then I'll take it out and start playing with it, so I'll be at least a little familiar with it before my December Elk hunt. Thanks again.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.  Thomas Jefferson