using Garmin etrex in car?

[EDG60]

I have a Garmin etrex vista, which I use a fair bit.
But for in car/truck use it's not overly good with ummm ..." unimproving" eyesight ...
What would be the best way to get ... in effect; a big screen for it? ie can I plug in a laptop pc? or is there an actual bigger sreen can be plugged into the thing?

[EDG60]

[bighmmm] so should I just get a tom tom then? ... :spudnikwhat:

[austastar]

Hi,
You can change the settings so that the etrex gives NMEA out, and with the correct cable, this can be input to a laptop running OziExplorer.
Then you have a huge range of maps available that Ozi will read, and the etrex will give the GPS data to the program so it will show you where you are, where you have been etc.

cheers

[EDG60]

I'm running Garmin Topo, can I do the same thing with that?

[austastar]

I'm running Garmin Topo, can I do the same thing with that?
Hi,
I'm not across the range of gps and their capabilities, just the ones I use.
You will need to look for a socket or similar on your unit, check if you can get a cable etc.

If your book describes how to change the mode to NMEA output, then it is capable of driving OziExplorer.

cheers

[akelly]

I used my old etrex (not vista) to run OziExplorer on a laptop years ago (2004) - you can buy the cable from garmin, or plenty of places online.

Not sure I would bother though, unless you have a use for the laptop anyway. With the cost of all the bits you need to make your laptop useful in the car you could buy a dedicated car GPS unit.

Cheers,

Adam

[EDG60]

Thanks for the input dudes!
Already have everything to use the lappy in car anyway;- USB cable for eTrex, power cable for lappy, cradles ... and getting into taking the laptop around with us anyway, for loading photos straight up etc.

:confused: gets to be a lot of cables hangin around but ... :(