garmin 60CSx map question

[waelkhntr]

I just picked up a Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. It says that it is loaded with "Americas marine point basemap Jan 2001". In looking around I cant find any reference to this. What is it?

Thanks,
Terry

[Siskiyou]

Basically it shows the tide stations for the US.  And navaids  http://www.itonavaids.com/

I have used the tide charts along the California coast and the Sacramento River Delta when fishing.

To check out nearest tide stations go to Find>Marine Points>Enter>Tide Stations>Enter  --You will get a screen showing you the state of the Tide..I have not tried this off the coast of Idaho.
 

[waelkhntr]

Thanks. Have you seen or used the Garmin mapping software?

One must be very careful with the tidal ebb and flow anywhere along the Idaho coast line.

Terry

[Siskiyou]

I have been using MapSource US Topo for a few years, and City Navigator v8 (DVD version) for about a year.  I like them both and they compliment each other.  I use US Topo for both hunting and lake fishing.

Garmin MapSource has a newer 2008 Topo on the market.  Under stand that it show more human items like roads, and ranger stations.  But I have heard it does not show the old shipwrecks in the rivers like the earlier version does.

[Rainman/GA]

I have been using MapSource US Topo for a few years, and City Navigator v8 (DVD version) for about a year.  I like them both and they compliment each other.  I use US Topo for both hunting and lake fishing.

Garmin MapSource has a newer 2008 Topo on the market.  Under stand that it show more human items like roads, and ranger stations.  But I have heard it does not show the old shipwrecks in the rivers like the earlier version does.

I just purchased Topo 2008 for my 76Csx.  It's a nice package and comes on a single DVD.  On the computer (but not on the GPS), mountains & ridges are shaded, so you get a 3d effect. It also interpolates the DEM data, so the contour intervals are a bit closer than the old Topo software, as well as smoother.  I've noticed a few more dirt roads/fire roads are indicated, as well.  Alas, the bathymetric data, channel markers, shipwrecks, etc are now missing.  But they still have boat ramps and marinas still listed.  Overall, I like it better than Topo 4.0, especially the installation, which could sometimes be a pain with the old Topo package.  I use Metroguide 7.0 for roads and it works great.  I found a piece of shareware (MetroGold) that allows routing to be downloaded to my GPS so I didn't have to upgrade to City Navigator for that feature.

[waelkhntr]

Is it better to buy the DVD or the loaded SD card?

Terry

[Siskiyou]

Buy the DVD you will get more use out of it.  The pre-load SD cards are good for those folks who have zero computer skills. 

With the DVD you can print maps, and take advantage of the tools that come with the product.

In my opinion the DVD is more cost effective.

[waelkhntr]

Thanks for the input. I have not looked at the DVD's yet. Are they divided into regions or the whole US? What are the options for back country vs city?

Terry

[Siskiyou]

The early version of MapSource US Topo came on three CD's broken into Western US, Eastern US, and Alaska-Hawaii.  MapSource Topo 2008 comes on one DVD.  Here is a link to more discriptive information  http://www.gpsnow.com/gmmstp.htm

I believe the DVD is better because you can use it on both your computer and your gps.

[Rainman/GA]

The early version of MapSource US Topo came on three CD's broken into Western US, Eastern US, and Alaska-Hawaii.  MapSource Topo 2008 comes on one DVD.  Here is a link to more discriptive information  http://www.gpsnow.com/gmmstp.htm

I believe the DVD is better because you can use it on both your computer and your gps.

+1 to what Siskiyou said.  The DVD versiion is pretty useful for setting up waypoints and tracks on your PC & downloading them onto your GPS. Plus, you can later upload your data from the GPS to plot where you've been, or look at specific features.  You give up a lot by only buying the Transflash card.

Siskiyou, the single DVD really is a lot nicer than the old 3-CD set. Depending on the individual PC & the lunar phase, I've had all kinds of trouble in the past reliably loading the old mapsets.  No more hunting around for your CD when starting up Mapsource (although I always loaded the CDs on my hard drive to eliminate this step).  The topos for the entire U.S. are available immediately when you start this up on your PC.

[waelkhntr]

rainman, Initially I was given some bad information from someone on another board. With your help and the that of siskiyou I have my unit up and running. This place is great. I hope that I can help someone else in the future (maybe on a topic that I know more about).

Thanks again,
Terry 

[Siskiyou]

The following information my be helpful.

My Garmin GPSMap 76Cx has a page, which will provide me with the information.  This should also work for the 60Cx, 60CSx, and the 76CSx.  If you have a (x) model other then listed please check and let us know if this process works with your unit.

My 76Cx has an after market 2 GB micro SD card installed.  The Base Map is factory installed and does not affect the capacity of the micro card.  Based on my experience you cannot fill the card to capacity because the unit needs operating room.

Select the Main Menu Page>Setup Icon>Enter>System>Enter>Menu Button>Card Info>and you get the Card Information Page.

The first line tells me that my card is 96% full.  If you push it much beyond this point the system may not work and you will have to create a smaller Map Set.

It shows that I have 1843.9 maps installed.

Saved Tracks are using 2.04 MB of memory.

Miscellaneous Space 2.04 MB.

There is 65.97 MB of Free Space.

Total Space use 1848.2 MB

The map count is in conflict with what Map Source on my computer is telling me.  Map Source says that I have 1997 maps installed.  I do not have an explanation for the difference.

I have loaded maps from Map Source US Topo, and Map Source City Navigator v8 on the Micro SD card.  In this case I have inserted the micro SD card in the adapter that came with it.  I then inserted it into the SD card reader slot in my computer.  The computer tells me that a new device has been added and I have the computer find the software to install the card.

US Topo maps cover approximately 1/3 of Alaska, the Western United States from Canada to Mexico, to the Eastern boundaries of Montana, Wyoming, down the East side on New Mexico just below I-40, and then Eastward to the Arizona Stateline and then down to the Mexican border.

It is easier to identify what I have not installed from City Navigator v8, Alaska, N. Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, and parts of Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

City Navigator is higher hierarchy software the US Topo.  If the unit is showing City Navigator the US Topo maps for the same ground will not be shown.  If I want to view US Topo I need to go to the menu on the Map Page and hide City Navigator.  In turn City Navigator and US Topo are higher in the pecking order then the basemap.
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Some answers from Garmin:

Question:  Is there a limitation as to how many maps can be loaded to the micro SD card for my "x" model gps?
Answer:
Currently the expandable memory devices are limited by the size of the data card being used in the device or up to 2025 map sets.
Last modified on:  06/27/2007

Question:  What is the largest size microSD card that I can use in my X-series GPS unit?
Answer:
At this time, the 2 GB cards are the largest microSD cards that can be used for the X-series GPS units. However, the X-series GPS units are not compatible with the San Disk Ultra II cards and therefore we do not recommend using the Ultra II micro SD cards with any of the X units.
Last modified on:  06/01/2007
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Is the 2 GB a moving target?  It was not long ago the largest card the unit software would recognize only 1 GB and then Garmin updated the software to recognize the 2 GB card. Recently I have been seeing 4 GB micro SD cards at sale prices.  Will Garmin again upgrade the software for the (x) units to recognize 4 GB of memory? 

[Rainman/GA]

.....
Question:  What is the largest size microSD card that I can use in my X-series GPS unit?
Answer:
At this time, the 2 GB cards are the largest microSD cards that can be used for the X-series GPS units. However, the X-series GPS units are not compatible with the San Disk Ultra II cards and therefore we do not recommend using the Ultra II micro SD cards with any of the X units.
Last modified on:  06/01/2007
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Is the 2 GB a moving target?  It was not long ago the largest card the unit software would recognize only 1 GB and then Garmin updated the software to recognize the 2 GB card. Recently I have been seeing 4 GB micro SD cards at sale prices.  Will Garmin again upgrade the software for the (x) units to recognize 4 GB of memory? 

On another GPS forum, one of the more knowledgeable guys is currently using a 4GB card in his 76Csx.  However, the map segment limit still applies.  There is another individual that has created some software to merge Garmin map segments into larger map segments (thus making the memory size the only limitation).  Check out this post by RWSMITH123:

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=170615&st=0

[Siskiyou]

Rainman/GA

I have been tossing and turning on using a 4 GB card, I jumped into using the 2 GB card when only 1 GB was recommended and the world did not come to a stop.  I hate to recommend using the 4 GB card to members because at best it is an unofficial beta test on the users part.  If I recommend it and it has unknown side effects on the processor, battery, life, or premature failure of the unit then I failed to do my part.  The user needs to be sure and buy the correct micro SD card to work in their Garman Gps unit.  A good example is the Ultra Micro SD card.  A number of users purchased them for their Garmin Gps and they did not work.  Garmin now publishes a warn saying the Ultra Card will not work in their units.  Most standard Micro SD cards should work without a problem.

Having said that I am hoping the sale price on a standard speed, 4 GB Micro SD card will fall to $20 in the next few months.  At that point I should be able to load all the US and a good part of Canada and still be within the 2025 map limit. 

I have been aware of the Freeware program that combines map segments for some time.  I kind of stand back and look approach Freeware with caution.  I use some Freeware programs such as CCleaner on my computer.  I have no direct knowledge of the integrity of this program but from what I have heard it is good.  I am also aware of the risk in using Freeware; my ten-year-old nephew recently downloaded Freeware to his dad’s new computer.  The computer is now a disaster area and his dad plans on bringing it down here to see if I can clean it out.  I told him not to let the little rascal on the Internet.

City Navigator Europe has 600 Maps, 2214 MB of data.
City Navigator North America has 353 Maps, 1726 MB of data. (Includes Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii)
U.S. Topo 2008 contains 6,633 maps containing over 4 GB of data.

I use the three software packages as an example that if one does not run into the map segment limit they run into the limit imposed by the size of the card.

[Rainman/GA]

Rainman/GA

I have been tossing and turning on using a 4 GB card, I jumped into using the 2 GB card when only 1 GB was recommended and the world did not come to a stop.  I hate to recommend using the 4 GB card to members because at best it is an unofficial beta test on the users part.
....
Having said that I am hoping the sale price on a standard speed, 4 GB Micro SD card will fall to $20 in the next few months.  At that point I should be able to load all the US and a good part of Canada and still be within the 2025 map limit. 

I have been aware of the Freeware program that combines map segments for some time.  I kind of stand back and look approach Freeware with caution.  I use some Freeware programs such as CCleaner on my computer.  I have no direct knowledge of the integrity of this program but from what I have heard it is good.

Good points all.  I just mentioned the 4 GB card in response to your earlier post.  As to the freeware, it's good to be cautious, however the individual in question is not really pushing it, he's simply offering it to fellow enthusiasts with the usual caveats.  I plan to try it soon; when I do, I will report back.

Also, were you aware of City Navigator NT?  It uses compression technology that the 60Csx & 76Csx can interpret and can effectively compress NA into 1GB.  More room for Topos!   

[Siskiyou]

Rainman/GA

You brought up a good point with City Navigator NT.  I do not recall if it was available at the time I purchased my City Navigator DVD.  For those who might be interested in the NT version insure that your gps is NT compatible.  You can use this link to check it out  http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/compatCB.jsp  .

I have to admit to a bad assumption that I was making regarding City Navigator NT.  At home all of our computers were operating on some version of Windows XP (Home, Business, Professional), but at my part-time retirement job we were using Windows 2000 NT operation system on a very large network.  My incorrect assumption was the NT version of City Navigator was designed to work with the Windows NT system.  My assumption was incorrect.  The NT version of Map Source City Navigator is design to work on Garmin gps units that recognize NT data compression

Your computer needs to have a 32-bit processor, DVD player, either a USB port or serial port to use the cable that came with your Garmin gps, and space on the hard drive to store the data.

You unit software should be up to data.

[NitroSteel]

At this point, are the 4gb microSD cards o.k. to use?

[Siskiyou]

From Garmin:

These devices have been tested up to a 1 gigabyte micro SD card. Garmin does not guarantee any card larger than 1 megabyte will work with this GPS device.

[NitroSteel]

I got my GPS60CSX, TOPO 2008 DVD and a 2gb sd card last week.  Downloaded most of the eastern US that I hike (GA, NC, TN, SC) and the areas that I hunt out west (CO, WY, NM).  Very easy to use, love the whole outfit.

Last night after getting lost on the way to REI in Atlanta, I broke down and bought the City Navigator SD card (plug and play).  Is there a way for me to put some of my topo maps (GA only - there is plenty of room) on this pre-programmed SD card?  I don't want to mess the card up.  It was easier to just buy the SD card, and use it.  I don't care anything about viewing streets on my computer anyways...

However, I hate taking those tiny cards in/out of the GPS all the time.  I'm afraid I'm going to lose one of them or break one.  If this is impossible, I may take the thing back to REI and buy the DVD version (same price), but I don't want to do that if I don't have to.

Thank you for your help.

NitroSteel

[Siskiyou]

Shucks!  The problem with the factory SD card is that you cannot create a mapset, using the topo software and city navigator in theory.  But there is a work around that I have read about.

I recommend that you return it and buy the DVD.  You will have to deal with the unlock code one time to load it on to your unit no big deal.


I have Topo 2008 and City Navigator loaded on the computer I am using.  I was able to create one mapset using both software products and areas you described.  While not exact, I believe you can fit what you want on a 2GB Micro SD card with room for more.  The map segments are cover a greater area in City Navigator and you can get more country on a card.

[S.B.]

Buy the DVD you will get more use out of it.  The pre-load SD cards are good for those folks who have zero computer skills. 

With the DVD you can print maps, and take advantage of the tools that come with the product.

In my opinion the DVD is more cost effective.

Where can you buy the preloaded SD cards and are they usable with all GPSs (say a Magellan) with a SD slot for cards and thirdly how expensive are they?
Steve

[Siskiyou]

The safest bet when purchasing Mapping Software for a gps unit is to buy software produced by manufacture of the mapping unit you plan on loading.

Normally the gps, which is a mini computer will not cross-pollinate with a gps from a different manufacture.  Some manufactures have licensing agreements with different map software producers, who have products that Brand X gps will work with.  I believe there are some current model De Lorme and Magellan gps units that will work with USGS Topo software.


LOWRANCE:  Software is called MapCreate, and they are up to version 7.  It comes on a DVD.   Lowrance has recently added new models to its handheld units.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Outdoors/

Magellan offers a number of handheld units and has software available that is pre-loaded on SD Cards. 

http://www.magellangps.com/products/search.asp

DeLorme is currently offline for maintenance and I will update the link later.
http://www.delorme.com/

Garmin offers software for its units on pre-programmed Micro SD, and on SD cards.  Make user you are ordering correctly for you unit.  Read the manual.

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/maps/onthetrailmaps

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/maps/ontheroadmaps

I would use caution when considering auction house software because of the problem with counterfeit software.  Do not expect the manufacture to support a counterfeit product.

GPSnow sells software for Garmin Mapping products.  http://www.gpsnow.com/#

Tiger GPS sells mapping product for verity of mapping gps, including Lowrance, Magellan, Garmin, and one or two others.
http://www.tigergps.com/sofdat.html

I prefer to buy my mapping products on a DVD so I can view and work with them on a larger computer screen.  The downside to most pre-load SD and Micro SD cards it that you do not have the product on your computer, and you pay more for a limited product.

[S.B.]

I can't get your link to Magellan to work?
Steve

[Siskiyou]

I just tried it and it worked for me.

If not go to the tigergps link and you will see the same products.