Question for Siskiyou

[Oddman 1]

This is my first post,it appears that you are the expert on Garmin. About 5 yrs. ago I purchased a Garmin 76s model gps. Its a great unit. Last March I purchased Garmin MapSource Topo U.S 2008 and  loaded it without any problems. My question ,I wanted to upgrade to a color screen I was looking at the model 76csx, the Vista hcx and model 60 csx . Will I be able to install my MapSource Topo into these units ? Is the Topo maps loaded into the unit or SD card ? What is your opinion of these three units ? Your time is greatly appreciated.
Ed

[Siskiyou]

Expert I am not, just a little experience.

The 76csx, VistaHCx, and the 60CSx store Map Source data on a Micro SD card.  I cannot emphases Micro SD card enough.  I repeat it because I told a friend to buy a micro sd card, and he went out and purchased a standard SD card and it would not work.  Also do not buy a high speed Ultra Micro SD card, it will not work.

A one or 2GB Micro SD will do the job.  At this time the software for the units you describe will not recognize more then 2025 maps.

You will be able to install MapSource produces to these units. (Topo)  I currently have Topo U.S. and City Navigator loaded on a 76C, and on a Micro SD card for my 76Cx.  I also have Topo U.S. loaded a Micro SD card for my Rino 530HCx.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VOU91U/ref=s9k2a_c1_at3-rfc_p?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0B5RW4MNKB2GR6T0HKPR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383351&pf_rd_i=507846

You can load the Map Set that you created two different ways.

The fastest is to create a mapset and place the Micro SD card in the supplied SD adapter.  Insert the adapter/Micro sd card directly in to the card reader on your computer and then download the mapset to the card.  The speed of the data transfer is going to be determined by the configuration of your computer, a slow computer equals slow data transfer.  A second determining factor is the size of the mapset you are transferring; currently my mapsets are running about 900 MB.  I buy the 2GB cards because they are cheap and other data can be stored on them.

When you get ready to create and load a mapset restart your computer.  This will free up some RAM.

I ran into a problem with the Rino 530HCx.  It would not recognize a mapset downloaded to the Micro SD card from the card reader on the computer.  I tried the card in my 76Cx and the maps came-up.  I then cleared the re-formatted the card and successfully transferred the mapset using the provide USB to mini USB communications cable.