A few Garmin software updates.

[Siskiyou]

Garmin has released a software update for the eTrex Legend HCx.

This includes fixes that a number of our member has identified, yes they came up with a fix for the shut down problem when editing the Estonian Grid coordinates, and have corrected the daylight saving time issue for our New Zealand members.

But here are a few other items that they have fixed:

·   Fix screen fading issue in cold temperature.
·   Correct direction symbol of vertical speed.
·   Fix reboot issue of GPS firmware update.
·   Correct battery issue of lithium battery.
http://www8.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=3707

Garmin offered update in 2008 for the following units.  I recommend you check the Garmin support page for a full list of unit updates.

eTrex Summit HC    January 2, 2008
eTrex Venture Cx    January 31, 2008
eTrex Venture HC    January 2, 2008

[flip17]

Siskkiyou,
I see that Dicks Sporting Goods is offering a deal on the Etrex Venture HC w/bundle for $199 and the Legend with bundle for $165.  I was looking at the Legend HCX, after doing some earlier research.  However, given that these items are offered with a topo map in the bundle, do you think this sounds like a good deal?  I want them primarily for some hiking and occasional geocaching.

Thanks for all of your information.  I have found it valuable.


Flip

[Siskiyou]

The Venture HC has the high sensitivity receiver and 24 MB of memory, I am not sure what version of Topo is in the bundle, but it sounds like a good deal.  If the Legend is the original blue model w/o the high sensitivity original I would pass on it.  The extra memory in the Venture and the receiver makes it worth while along with the software.

[flip17]

Thanks Siskiyou,
I will check this out this coming Friday when I can get to a Dick's store.  For hiking, I have read that the topo map is a necessary addition.  If that is true, then I will probably pick up the Venture HC.  As I said in my previous post, I was locked in on the Legend HCX and Vista HCX until I saw this deal.  The Venture with Topo map is $211 total at Dick's and the Legend HCx is $187 (through PC Nation with no shipping charge.)

Do you agree that for hiking, hunting and geocaching, I should be interested in the Venture HC since it includes the topo map?  I see that the topo software goes for around $80.  If it were you, would you go with the Legend HCx and pick up the topo software later?

Thanks again for the valuable information and time you put in this forum.

flip

[Siskiyou]

You got me on this one, I would go for the Legend HCx, looks like a good price.  It has a good general base map, and then you can get topo software when the budget allows.  I like the micro sd card, get a 1 or 2 gb card and your needs should be taken care of.

[victorcharlie]

Thanks Siskiyou,
I will check this out this coming Friday when I can get to a Dick's store.  For hiking, I have read that the topo map is a necessary addition.  If that is true, then I will probably pick up the Venture HC.  As I said in my previous post, I was locked in on the Legend HCX and Vista HCX until I saw this deal.  The Venture with Topo map is $211 total at Dick's and the Legend HCx is $187 (through PC Nation with no shipping charge.)

Do you agree that for hiking, hunting and geocaching, I should be interested in the Venture HC since it includes the topo map?  I see that the topo software goes for around $80.  If it were you, would you go with the Legend HCx and pick up the topo software later?

Thanks again for the valuable information and time you put in this forum.

flip

I have the HCX and it's a darn good machine........as far as the topo software goes, you don't really need it....or, at least I don't......unless it's the national park series, the maps are 1:100,000.....the national park series are 1:24,000 and much more usable for hiking......

While I haven't used the topo software, (I have a friend who has it), I do hike with my GPS and have mapsource loaded.......and a lot of the trails I've hiked are on mapsource.......

That said, I try to get the hard copy 1:24000  quad angle topo maps of area's I plan on hiking.....and always take my compass......

For me, I like the large printed maps and find them easier to see than the small display of the GPS......I can visualize features better looking at a large paper map..... ........

So, I buy the quad angle topo maps, grid them with a pencil using the UTM co-ordinates.......change my GPS to display UTM, and make sure the datam is set correctly, usually NAD-27......

I also have a UTM tool or template which makes positioning, or pin pointing my location on the paper map very easy........

Actually, for hiking with paper maps, all I really want is the UTM co-ordinate......

I have heard rumor that Garmin will release a 1:24,000 Topo product in the near future, and that's when I'll buy the product......

[Siskiyou]

Good information.  I did some UTM work on computer maps in dispatch this week, try to get a little of it flowing in my veins.

[victorcharlie]

I think you'll like UTM much better than Lat/long........

Once I get the grid on the map I mark easterly/northerly in the 1000 meter X 1000 meter squares.......

Using the template, I can pin point location within 10 meters or so on a 1:24,000 scale map.......

There have been several times while hiking in the Cherokee I've missed the turn in the trail and wound up a half mile or more off the trail.....usually my wife asks "are you sure this is the trail?"  A quick check with the map and GPS always lets me know.......many of the steep draws and thick canopy prevents seeing features.....the GPS when used with a paper map is a beautiful thing........

Always take a compass too!