Lost my GPS last night need to get a replacement.

[Dand]

I took my snowmobile out last evening and cut a load of firewood. Came home in the dark on a known trail so wasn't using any nav aid.
Somewhere while wrestling chain saws and logs I broke the gps off the neck strap. I think it fell out of my snow suit while working and may have got stomped into the 2 feet of snow we have. 
Took the boys back out there today in daylight with rake even. We scoured the place but did not find it.  I may have lost it along the trail too. I'm bummed to lose about 6 years of waypoints stored in it but nothing was critical. I recorded the most essential waypoints on paper.
I better start shopping for a new one. I had the Garmin Etrex Legend - old model. I liked it ok but barely scratched the surface of what it could really do. Couldn't stand to read so many directions and didn't have a pressing need for the features. I use it mostly in wilderness conditions here in SW Alaska so highway stuff isn't a big priority.
This was actually the second unit. First one started acting crazy after 3 yrs and I sent it in. Garmin sent me a new one but said the  old was ok.
I use an iMac and even consulting Garmin I couldn't get a cable that would work to download map data or upload waypoints.
Does any body know if Garmin or any other GPS maker has gotten iMac friendly?
What is a good really rugged unit to consider these days in the under $300 range? Garmin seems to dominate but my experience with the Legend was so-so and I'd consider a competing brand if it has strong reviews..

I've read a few of the posts on here and will read more as I start my search.
Any advice is welcome.

[Glanceblamm]

Ouch!....your boy's probably have friends and one of those have a metal detector? Could be a great adventure for em?

I dont have any advice on purchasing new as my unit is so old that I am scared the internal battery could go at any time.

[Siskiyou]

Years back we had two or three Apple Computers in the house.   Apple makes a good computer but sometimes there is a problem finding interface software and equipment.  You need to help me some, because I am long out date on Apple/Mac products. 

Does your iMac have a USB port(s)?   I believe that is how your computer communicates with your printer.

The old Legend required a serial port connection at the computer.  That has changed with the Legend HCX.  It comes with a communication cable, mini usb for the gps end and standard USB for the computer.  I am recommending the Legend HCX based on your post.  The transition to the upgrade Legend HCX will be quicker because you have been using the controls on your old Legend.  For the lack of a better term I will use the word language.  You already speak some Garmin and going to the Legend HCX shortens the learning curve.
“ I liked it ok but barely scratched the surface of what it could really do. Couldn't stand to read so many directions”


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-eTrex-Legend-HCx-Personal-GPS-010-00629-00/6015173

Specifications
Display Size:    1.3"(w) x 1.7"(h)
Display Type:    Color LCD
Display Pixels:    176 x 220 pixels
Weight:    5.5 ounces (156 grams) with batteries
Product in Inches:    1.7 x 1.3
Battery Life:    15-24 hrs
Waterproof:    Yes
Routes:    50-100
Electronic Compass:    N
Two Way Radio:    N
Waas Enabled:    Y
Built-In Basemap:    Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
Battery Type Required:    2AA
Model #:    010-00629-00
Downloadable Map:    USB compatible for high speed map downloads
Cleaning And Care Instructions:    N/A
Model No.:   010-00629-00
Shipping Weight (in pounds):   1.1
Product in Inches (L x W x H):   1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2
Assembled in Country of Origin:   USA and/or Imported
Origin of Components:   USA and/or Imported
Wal-Mart No.:   000997290
 

The new unit comes with a USB cable in the box.  You will need to buy one other item and that is a “Micro SD Card”. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/ACP-EP-2GB-microSD-Card-EPSD-2GB-MICRO/10928447
 The best price I could find for the Legend HCX is Wal Mart.

On the same theme I would recommend the purchase of US Topo for Mac and Windows:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/MapSource-TOPO-U.S.-Mac-Windows-DVD-for-Garmin-GPS/10740713

A few years back I sent a couple of Hotshot Crews to Eagle N64˚47.265 W141˚47.265.  After getting the dispatch done I popped open my laptop and consulted Map Source Topo 2008 for a look at the terrain around Eagle.  A good tool and a check of the Wal Mart site surprised me with the lowest price I have seen for the software.

The following is a list of software support for Mac OS.
http://www8.garmin.com/macosx/index.jsp

http://www8.garmin.com/support/mappingsw.jsp

My research is limited but I think DeLorme has not gotten into Mac OS very far.  A check of Magellan units indicates they work with PC and not Mac OS.

I do not trust the lanyard that comes with the Garmin Units.  A friend replaced his with a heavy duty one designed for skiers.  I carry my gps units in a camera case with a sturdy strap and belt loop.  The lanyard is fastened to the strap on the camera case, and the case is zipped closed.

[Dand]

Siskiyou, thanks for all the great info. I have wondered if going with the newer Legend would be handy for all the reasons you list. I didn't know the new ones used USB connections - that's good news as my iMac does have usb ports and I have a usb hub for various accessories.  Now I'll need to go to that Garmin site you gave me and see what they say about their software talking to Mac OS.  I do like the size of the Etrex series. Some times got tired of having to make so many moves with the wobble stick to find the screen I wanted. On the boat I found it hard to manipulate sometimes when the water was a bit rough.

At work I played with a Garmin 60. It sure acquired satellites a lot faster than my old legend. But then we were out in the middle of the bay instead of in the trees.

Yeah I had forgotten how flimsy the attachment point was on the Legend - it had held up to quite a bit of abuse so far. But in cold weather and me wrestling 6-10 foot logs out of the brush and onto a snowmobile sled is extra rough. Actually the cord held fine but the attachment point on the case broke off. Usually I put the cord around my neck and button the unit into a shirt or fleece pocket. Didn't wear anything with an available pocket that time - first time ever - and poof!!

Thanks again a bunch, I'll follow the links!!

Glanceblamm (I get a kick out of that everytime I see it)  I have asked around about metal detectors but haven't located one yet.  Looks like a snowstorm has moved in tonight too. Oh well.


I read several of the posts you two make. You dazzle me with your ability to use the computers and GPS!  All I do is mark the waypoints and find 'em again, see how they show up on the internal map. Never figured out doing tracks or the real fancy stuff you guys do.
Seeing your posts might inspire me to try a little harder and awaken a couple more brain cells.

[Glanceblamm]

For right now some new software is sounding good and I may check out the Topo U.S. map software that Siskiyou posted.

On the same theme I would recommend the purchase of US Topo for Mac and Windows:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/MapSource-TOPO-U.S.-Mac-Windows-DVD-for-Garmin-GPS/10740713

My Delome is ok but I am due for an update. The good thing about the PC software is that you can mark waypoints that are close to your residence and then go and check them out. These waypoints can be as simple as a rural intersection, a bridge on a desolate road out in the boonies, an old cemetary, or even every single overpass over a stretch of Interstate highway. What I would do in those early days was to try and catch the gps in a lie when used with the PC software and let me tell you, this never happened and sometimes it would seem that the software could be more accurate than making a real mark!

The benifit to practicing this was that it became easy to operate the unit and in a much quicker time. Waypoints were soon converted into routes and then entire routes were downloaded in one setting.
I think that you will like the interface of the mapping as it seems to be very user friendly, I figure that if I can do this, anyone can.

[Dand]

Thanks Glance.  Maybe that would be one way to better learn my GPS features, at home warm and not in a rush to hunt, fish or check traps.  I've had good luck ordering other stuff from Walmart on line so look forward to checking out their site. Gotta do some work first.

[Siskiyou]

Dand if you use you gps out on the water you might consider a76Cx or 76Cx.  The float and if you are in US salt water they have a marine map.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-GPS-76CSX-Handheld-GPS-with-Barometric-Altimeter-and-Electronic-Compass-010-00469-00/4564611

or

http://www.tigergps.com/garmingpsmap76cx.html

I have used my 76Cx a lot out fishing.  My fishfinder has a built in gps but if I am at the downriggers it is hander to used the handheld.

[Dand]

Sisk and Glance if you're following this still - or anybody else. I'm reading the Walmart pages for the features of the Venture HC , Legend HCx and 60.  The legend seems to depend entirely on the SD card for memory capacity. For loading map info or even waypoints onto the unit, can you or do you remove the SD card and transfer data from computer to card? How about moving data from card to computer? I'm accustomed to loading photos from camera cards to the computer and have one of those little reader units.

What is your opinion of Venture vs Legend vs 60?  
I see one drawback of the 60 is its length - wouldn't fit in most of the pockets I usually carry my GPS.
No mention of waterproofness on the 60 that I've found yet, but the 60 has good looking battery life and a slightly bigger screen.

Good water resistance is highly desirable as I use it for a lot of boating and in moose season  it can rain so much I might as well be under water.

Venture has half the waypoint cap (500 vs 1000) and only 14 hrs battery life. And I know that battery life is under good conditions.

I may use my GPS to -40 or so but not often, commonly at 0 and up.

What unit is best known for taking hard knocks?  I think my first Legend may have broke down from falling out of my pocket onto gravel roads a few times.

[Siskiyou]

The floatation material in the 76 series also adds protection. 
“Find your way through the wilderness with the GPSMAP 76Cx's high-sensitivity GPS receiver, which acquires satellite signals quickly and tracks your location in challenging conditions, such as heavy tree cover or deep canyons. The 76Cx's bright, color TFT display makes it easy to distinguish details on the screen in any kind of lighting. And, like the rest of the 76-series, 76Cx is IPX7 waterproof and even floats in water.”


Go to this link to compare:
http://www8.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp


You can remove the Micro SD card and put it into a SD card holder and use it in your computer.  I do it.  To me the Legend or other models that take the micro sd card the way to go.  The primary information stored on the Micro SD card is maps downloaded from a Garmin Map Source product such as US Topo 2008, and tracks.  Waypoints, the base map, and routes are stored in a separate on board memory.  I just pulled the Micro SD card out of my 76Cx to confirm this.

When I think of Alaska I think big!  A friend goes to Alaska a couple times are year and the first time around with his Micro SD card we realized that Alaska uses a lot of memory.  At the same time he visits location in the Western U.S.  Which requires a lot of memory.  Because of the hugeness of Alaska it was decided to put Alaska on one memory card, and lower 48 maps on another.  Planning is great, but execution is important.  He forgot to put his Alaskan card in before flying to Anchorage. 

The 24MB of map storage in the Venture will cover thin strip of the SE from Kenai to Valdez.

“Most Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 529 IPX7. IEC 529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.”

I would go with the unit that gives the best battery life.  If you are expecting cold weather I think the best battery is the Energizer Ultimate Lithium, they are pricy but at -42 they should hold up better than other batteries.
http://www.energizer.com/products/hightech-batteries/lithium/Pages/lithium-batteries.aspx

Have you thought about powering your gps off of your snowmobile?  A good option.
http://www.gpsgeek.com/products/12v-dc-power-cigarette-lighter-adapter-90-degree-mio-garmin-nuvi-750-760-770-350-360-370-200-200w-270-250w-streetpilot-c340-c330-c320-c310-i2-i3

When you plug in the 12v power source the unit goes off battery.  Get off the snowmobile to track a moose in the bush, you AA batteries are fresh.

Manual
http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/eTrexLegendHCx_OwnersManual.pdf

Using your gps.

http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/

[Dand]

Sisk, you are a wealth of info and I really appreciate you sharing. Lots of things to consider.  I' do use those lithium batteries as I'd heard they were best.  But I'm getting (got) good performance with the Sanyo Eneloop rechargables lately. It hasn't been real cold this winter so I hadn't challenged my gear much.

Hadn't considered the memory demands AK maps would put on a unit. I was pretty pleased with the built in map on my old Legend. Reading reviews a number of folks are critical of these Garmins as you have to buy maps to make the unit useful and apparently bumps total price of a USEABLE package considerably. Made me pause too.

I'll check out the Garmin comparison tables - I forgot they had those. Looked at em some years ago.

Hmm I'll be in Anchorage next week. I should go handle a few and check them out in real life. Forgot I have that option coming.

I did power my old gps off my boat and it was handy. My snogo is pretty old and I keep burning out headlights and the hot grips sometimes nearly burn me. I suspect my regulator isn't great - so I'd be concerned about the quality of power to the unit.  On a trapping forum I've seen photos of how some serious trappers rig their units and duct a little warm air off the engine to keep it running at serious long term - temps. Since I'm not that hard core, I just hung the gps round my neck and kept it warm w body temps. A few times I've been cold enough I had trouble feeling the wobble stick and had real hard time manipulating the controls. I wonder if the 76 units would be easier for cold stiff fingers?

Well as usual, I better go read some directions. It is handy that I can access all this info from bush AK. Lots to consider. thanks again for the info.

[Siskiyou]

Dand:  I liked my old blue Legend and was able to work it right or left handed.  Yep, I used a long neck lanyard with it buried in a deep shirt pocket when out trolling.  When I was in the back of the boat I would pull it out and mark a waypoint while fighting a fish.  That was I could come back over the spot and get another hookup.  That was a meat on the table gps.

The rocker is easier to work on the 76 series than the joystick.  But it took a slight amount of adjustment.  I had a 76C which had 115MB of memory for storing maps.  That took care of most of my needs and was a reliable unit.  When the 76Cx came out I wanted the addition memory gained by using a 1GB Micro SD card, and later I upgrade to a 2GB Micro SD card.  76CX is a better unit because of the high sensitivity receiver and additional memory.  The down side to the 76CX is I need a larger shirt pocket if I want to carry it that way.  I carry it in a small camera case with two extra batteries, a small pocket note book, and a pencil to fill out my deer tag. 

I was very big on re-chargeable batteries but I am starting to back off from them.  As the power rating on them increase there was an increase in size.  Early on I thought the extra batteries could be used as backups for my AA Mag-lite.  Then I discover the more powerful ones would not fit in the lite.  I believe the larger batteries stress the case and the connectors.  Long term compression from an oversize battery could compromise the contacts for a standard size AA battery.

A plus for the 76 series is the larger screen.  I have used it when travelling and I add the City Navigator software to the memory card.  It came in handy when we travelled to an unfamiliar city because a sister-in-law was in the hospital. 

The coldest temperature I have used the 76CX in was 15 above.  I had it in track mode when I left the pickup.  It store my track from the PU to the deer and back to the PU.  One way it was a 1.6 miles.

I do have a Rino 530HCX.  It has the electronic compass and altimeter.  The standard compass found in the Legend, and my other units do a satisfactory job, I do not consider the electronic compass or the altimeter a good investment for the average guy beating around the woods.

Anchorage might give you your answer.

I think I would power directly off of the battery using a Radio Shack setup with the female receive for the gps power cable.  The cable I gave you a link to has a built in automotive fuse.  I recommend on the male part of the cable you use loctite on the threads.  I had mine come apart a couple times until I used Blue Loctite on it.

I have purchased a couple of Micro SD cards on line.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015R2NUW/ref=pd_rhf_f_t_k2a_1



It is 0030 bed time.

[Dand]

Sisk and Glance, I had a little time to look at some GPS in Anchorage.  The 76 just seems too big tho I'm sure the screen would be very nice. And if I had money to throw around I'd get a Delorme to try. Was frustrating tho. I was in REI late and their Delorme demo unit was very low on batteries so I couldn't make it do much. I like the casing even tho its not near as pocket friendly as the Etrex units; that Delorme casing looks tough. And I think my Legends suffered from me dropping them in the past. Still given my familiarity with the Legend makes me think that's the way to go.  I know it can be run 1 handed and that is a handy thing when on foot or snowmobile.  Thanks for the advice.

Oh as far as powering from my snogo: Mine don't have batteries, I can only afford and greatly prefer low tech on them. The lower the tech, the lighter and less stuff to go wrong 50-70 miles from help.  

Well now, hmmm - using the Garmin comparison site might have to consider the Vista Cx as well. Ahh decisions decisions!

[Dand]

More choices and confusion - any suggestions?

1.  what is the difference between the internal antenna of the old Legend and the Patch antenna of the new Legend HCx?

2. Was all set to buy the Legend HCx but checking reviews and prices. Found a place selling Garmin refurbished Legend Cx for $109. Supposedly a full 1 yr warranty. Any knowledge of refurbs?

thanks

[Siskiyou]

1.    They both have the patch antenna.

2.    The big difference is the High Sensitivity Chip in the Legend HCx over the Legend Cx.  Expect significantly better reception from the HCx over your old Legend.

Expect the same reception from the Legend Cx as you had from the old Legend.   Spend the extra and get a unit with the high sensitivity chip.

[Dand]

Ok thanks the Garmin comparison site suggests the internal antenna is different from the patch antenna - marketing I guess.

Good to know on the HC vs C.  I DO want the faster acquisition speed. As usual you get what you pay for.

Thanks. You are a huge  help.

Dan

[Dand]

ordered up the Legend HCX from Wally World, the topo maps recommended and a 4gb micro SD.  I happened to notice that the maps from Garmin may take up to 4gb so decided to go with that size chip for now. Jees I can barely keep up with all this techno stuff.

Sisk and Glance, you really speeded up my research and decision process thank  you. Often with this kind of thing I might take a month of reading now and then to try to figure it out.

I almost bolted for the Garmin 76csx or whatever but the size and battery life just don't work for me. I know the Legend will do a lot and I think I'm looking forward to more detailed maps and color. I REALLY like the hope of 24 to 32 hour battery life.  I might actually dare to leave it on for a long day's hike and record a track. I have a cabin that is a very tough hike to reach. Only 1.5 miles but the first 1/2 mile is thru serious alder tangle.  I have a partial trail cut thru it but even with my old gps I had trouble finding or staying on the trail - tall grass, ferns and other stuff grows up fast and can cover it. I don't really brush it out as I don't want vandals getting to my place. I'm also looking forward to backing up my gps waypoints, tracks too? on my computer. Might help my wife if I disappear, she could suggest routes to check for me if she decides I'm worth it.

thanks again. Spent a bit more than I hoped but next week it'll all cost more anyway.

MIght hang on this site a bit more and actually learn how to use the thing when it comes.

[Siskiyou]

Garmin:
There are several products within the Outdoor and Fitness families that can accept expandable memory cards in SD or microSD format. These cards, for some devices, can be used to store active track-log data, however, all expandable memory devices can utilize the additional memory to store MapSource products.
There are limitations to the size of SD/microSD card used and to the number of detailed mapping segments that can be recognized by a device.
If at the most recent unit software version, these limitations are:
•   There is no limitation to the size of SD/microSD card used but the device will only recognize 4GB of detailed mapping
•   Each expandable memory device will be able to recognize up to 2,025 detailed mapping segments
If 2,025 detailed mapping segments are loaded to an SD/microSD card but does not reach 4GB worth of data, the unit will not show any more detailed mapping than what is provided by the mapping segments.

Dand I think you will run into the 2025 map segment issue using US Topo.  The map segments are taken from scanned USGS to maps and then modified to work on the Garmin gps units, and programmed so POI and other data can be used.  The problem being is the USGS data is in a lot of small segments and the Garmin software runs into the 2025 segment issue.  I

Garmin did add support for micro sd cards larger than 2GB.  I bought a 4GB card and tired it, without any real gain over the 2GB card I was using.  I gave the card to my wife for her camera.

Some of the MapSource products like City Navigator have large map segments and the 2025 segment ceiling is not an issue for me.  On the handheld that I have a unlock code for City Navigator I have split the load.  In the West I have both map products for the same area.  But as I go Eastward I have no Topo and just City Navigator.  The nice thing about City Navigator is I have coverage of Western Canada, which is not in US Topo.

I am interesting to hear how the Track to your cabin works out.

I print the maps Waypoints for the area I am going into for my wife.  I want to make it easy for her.  If we still had kids she would remember the computer stuff on the computer, but she might leave me out there.

[Dand]

Thanks Sisk, I'll have to see how it works. At this point I think I need to have the thing in hand to begin to understand some of what you've told me. I just didn't want to be short on memory. I read the part where the unit is capable of what ever the card capacity is. We'll have to see. I'm just eager to fit all of Alaska in there if I can. I don't travel the whole state much but figure it would be handy to have it all just-in-case.

I'm not clear if this unit takes just micro SD or will also take standard SD. I would have been happy to stick with regular SD as we have a couple laying around.  This Babel of memory media  wears me out - always changing. But gotta admit some of the newer stuff is better. At work I am using some lab equipment that uses really old big Compact Flash. Have to get the chip pressed carefully on a double row of tiny pins. I'm always concerned I'll fold a pin over. The newer media have a much better connection system.

[Siskiyou]

I recommend that you download the manual for your new unit from the Garmin website.  I have done it in the past when I have had a new unit on order.  That way I can hit the beach on the run.

Page 6 for your new unit says Micro SD card and it shows you how to install it in the unit.  Micro SD cards normally come with a SD adapter in which the micro card fits in.  Most computers now days have a SD slot in the card reader feature.  You can use that to transfer data or the cable that comes with the unit.

I have a number of Garmin manual saved on my hard drive and just referred to the one for your unit.  Works fast!


 

[Dand]

Huh! Just dawned on me that the Walmart package I brought home with the wife's name on it was really my new GPS!  Can't believe I let it sit on the kitchen counter all evening! Well better wait till morning and read some directions. Pretty quick shipping by Wally world. And its so mucky outside with the big thaw I guess I won't be needing this for a trip soon.

Now to apply all that good adivce you folks have provided.
The last 2 days are like Christmas here - new snogo came yesterday and today the GPS! Guess I better start putting in longer hrs at work to catch up on the finances.

[Siskiyou]

Enjoy