Garmin® etrex Venture HC Handheld GPS Unit

[rickyp]

tell me everything you all know about this unit

[Siskiyou]

I have no first hand knowledge, this is based on the manufactures webpage and other sources.

Based on the specs the Garmin eTrex Venture HC features exceed those of early Yellow eTrex, and the old Blue Legend.  It is a big leap beyond the old Yellow eTrex.

First off it has the high sensitivity receiver, which should receive well under timber canopy and inside many building.  In addition it should have a better satellite lock in a vehicle then the old Legend and old eTrex, which have been upgraded. 

If you use Map Source Topo 2008 you should be able to load all of Maryland, and a fair chunk of neighboring states.  Plan on traveling else where, just create a new mapset and load it on to the unit.  I suggest saving your old mapset.

The American Highway base map is very usable but lacks the detail of other Map Source products.  Information below copied from Garmin International.

Americas Highway Basemap:
 
The Americas Highway Basemap includes the United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, and covers an area from W180 to W30 Longitude, S60 to N75 Latitude. Also included is a high-level worldwide map with political boundaries and major cities.Please note: Garmin mapping units come with built-in, permanent basemaps that cannot be altered. These basemaps come in a variety of global designations (ie., Atlantic basemap). Please see your local dealer when purchasing a Garmin mapping unit to ensure that you purchase one with a basemap that's appropriate for your location and needs. Factory-installed basemaps cannot be altered. The standard map coverage includes: 1.   Oceans, rivers, and lakes (greater than 30 sq. miles) 2.   Principal cities and many smaller cities and towns 3.   Major interstates and principal highways 4.   Political boundaries (state and international borders) A. United States -In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes: 1.   Small lakes, major streams, and rivers 2.   Railroads 3.   National- and State-level roads 4.   Many local roads in or near urban areas 5.   More detailed coastline 6.   Airports 7.   A database of exits for the Federal Interstate highway system. This includes many businesses within about ¼ mile of the exit, including: restaurants, diesel/gas, hotels/lodging, overnight RV parking, dumps, campgrounds, truckstops, medical facilities, shopping and outlet malls, ATMs, and many more attractions. 8.   Tide Stations (certain units only) B. Alaska - In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes: 1.   National- and State-level roads, plus some local roads in or near urban areas 2.   Lakes greater than 5 square miles 3.   Small cities and towns 4.   Railroads C. Canada - In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes: 1.   Lakes greater than 5 square miles (Southern Canada) 2.   Lakes greater than 10 square miles (Central Canada) 3.   Railroads D. Mexico, Central and South America1.   Standard Map Coverage

I believe the chip(receiver) is similar to the Legend HCX that Victor Charlie recently purchased. 

[mogwai]

tell me everything you all know about this unit

I got one for Christmas.  I use GPS  quite a bit while motorcycling, but this is my first exposure to them for foot traffic.  It fixed on satellites inside our house, so I'm optimistic that it will work in deep woods.  Don't know anything about its capacity to store maps, but the function keys will be a PITA wearing gloves. 

But I'm really glad my sweetie got it for me.  I will (hopefully) not get lost in the grouse woods and miss the truck on the return strike again.   

[Siskiyou]

If you have not caught it, there is a unit software update for your gps.  http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00632-00


   Home > Outdoor > Products > eTrex Venture HC > Updates & Downloads 
         
 
 
 
 
 Updates & Downloads
   
 
 
 eTrex Venture HC software version 2.50 as of January 2, 2008 
   
 
   Receive Update E-mail 
 
Would you like to receive an e-mail when this software is updated?

 Yes.

 
 
 
 Download (3.50 MB)
  View download instructions and system requirements
 
 Change History 
   
 
Changes made from version 2.30 to 2.50:

Add custom POI function.
 
Changes made from version 2.10 to 2.30:

Change number of lines of text in the address field on map feature review page from 4 to 6.
Limit number of custom POI bitmaps to 64 to ensure enough memory resources.
Added better compatibility with Mac computers in USB mass storage mode.
Changed datum used in the SWEREF 99TM grid from GEO_NAD83 to GEO_NONE_GRS80.
Changed datum used in the Estonian grid from GEO_NAD83 to GEO_NONE_GRS80.
Fix potential shutdown when using TOPO West 1999 due to some map ids being duplicate.
Corrected French translation for 'Log track points'.
Improve track log recording for sensor products to continue recording sensor data even when GPS doesn't have a fix.
Fix potential shutdown when propagating in a cul-de-sac across a map boundary.
Add A905/D900 unlock code communication protocol.
Improve the current margin when changing the backlight brightness.
Improve the road network when try to generate it for large diameter speed cameras.
Correct Swiss grid issue and postcode issue with CNE v.9 NT.
Modify 'Lithium Ion' text to 'Lithium'.
Fix WebUpdater issue of GPS firmware.
 
 Instructions for using this software 
   
 
It is recommended that you disable screen savers or other programs running on your PC while you go through the update process. Disruptions to the update process may render your GPS inoperable. If the transfer is interrupted, turn off the GPS and then turn it back on. Reboot your PC, go to step #9 and attempt the download again. GARMIN is not responsible for failed downloads of operating software to the GPS and factory resetting the GPS unit will fall under our Flat Rate Repair Policy.
Click on "Download" and choose to save the file to your computer.
Choose a location where you can easily locate the file by saving it to a location such as the "My Documents" folder or to "C:\".
Once the download is complete, go to the location where you saved the file.
Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it. This will launch the Win-Zip Self Extractor. This program compresses the data to allow for a faster download of the needed files.
A program window will appear asking you where to "Un-zip" the files. This is by default C:\Garmin. You can change this location if you like. Be sure to note where the un-zipped files are going to allow you to find them!
Click on the button labeled "Un-zip".
Once the un-zip process is complete, click on the "Close" button to exit the Win-Zip Self Extractor.
Connect your GPS to your computer using a GARMIN PC Interface cable to an open USB port. Turn the GPS on.
If your computer asks for a driver, please see the software and installation instructions that came with your device, or download and install the USB driver from Garmin's website at www.garmin.com.
Open the C:\Garmin folder (or other folder where you un-zipped the files), locate the file named 'Updater' and double click on it.
You should see the name of your GPS device next to the 'USB Device' option on the Updater program window. Select the 'USB Device' option, then click on 'OK' on the Updater program window to start the data transfer.
 
 System requirements
   
 
IBM-compatible PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system and an available USB port.
 
 
 

[banjoman]

I too have been eye balling the Venture but also take a look at the Summit for a few xtra bucks you get a few addes features that may be useful.