Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

[Chucaro]

I would like to know if any member have the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx and what are his impressions about this model for using in the outback
Cheers

[jik22]

I have a 60CS which I'm happy with.

[dullbird]

yes we do its a good unit...........some useless gadgets on it that dont need to be there

for example games

(yeh because you are going to use up your battery power when you are lost playing games:eek:)

thats what mobiles are for:eek::D

only thing you cant put third party maps on it! so you cant use the natmaps and things on it which is annoying:mad:

[Chucaro]

Thanks I think that it is between the Garmin 60CSX & the Magellan Triton 1500.
I have to learn more about them so i do not get the wrong one
Cheers

[Xavie]

I have a 60csx and what a top unit it is. I've had it for 3 months and done some long hikes and a few reasonable trips with it. It has a good size screen on it and the reception is outstanding, it truly is.

Any way I sing the praises of this machine I just think it is best gps I have used to date.

Excellent battery life also.

Xavier

[Chucaro]

I have a 60csx and what a top unit it is. I've had it for 3 months and done some long hikes and a few reasonable trips with it. It has a good size screen on it and the reception is outstanding, it truly is.

Any way I sing the praises of this machine I just think it is best gps I have used to date.

Excellent battery life also.

Xavier

Thanks mate, How is regarding installing maps from the bush ? Are they available with the format for the Garmin ?

[dullbird]

Thanks mate, How is regarding installing maps from the bush ? Are they available with the format for the Garmin ?

pretty sure you can only use city navigator which is the mapping software and allthough its ok for around town its not great for the bush thats what your gps co ordinates and a paper map are for or you can plug it in to a laptop running oziexplorer and just use the unit to map in real time........

[Chucaro]

Thanks for the info, I just come across this site with maps and software some of them free
Link: GPS TrackMaker (http://www.gpstm.com/)

[jik22]

pretty sure you can only use city navigator which is the mapping software and allthough its ok for around town its not great for the bush thats what your gps co ordinates and a paper map are for or you can plug it in to a laptop running oziexplorer and just use the unit to map in real time........

I have the slightly older 60CS, but I have Tracks4Austrlia on it, and have the Shonky maps to try too. Are you saying they've stopped these working with the new version? I was under the impression that anything of the correct format could be uploaded to it.

[Chucaro]

Why we need a laptop and Oziexplorer? Can we get a portable GPS with the facility to use SD cards with maps from the bush ?
I will like to avoid having to take a laptop in the vehicle. If it is required, why bother with a top gps model ? Just pay a plain GPS engine, plug it to the laptop with the proper software installed and maps in a cd and presto!
Please correct me if I am wrong. I do not whant to spend money in a top model Megallan or Garmin if I need a laptop as well.

[dullbird]

I have the slightly older 60CS, but I have Tracks4Austrlia on it, and have the Shonky maps to try too. Are you saying they've stopped these working with the new version? I was under the impression that anything of the correct format could be uploaded to it.maybe things have changed then i dont know

when we first got ours we tried to put maps on failed probably ronf format it said in our booklet that you cant put third party maps on, when i searche dthe internet i had found a couple of comments on a couple of forums saying that it was a great unit but only downfall cant put third party maps on

i fully expected to find someone that managed it but nothing!!!! so i never persude it any further, it be great if you can as we brougt it to do that and was disapointed to find that we couldn't:(

[Xavie]

Are you trying to make maps of places you go (trails) or use the gps machine as a map? or both of course.

It is my understanding that Shonky maps work and another one which the name evades me... I have all this stuff on my lappy but not this desktop.... tracks for Australia I think it is (spelled differently though). I have to admit I'm not the one who configures all that stuff it is my partner who does it all I just sit down and get the idea of it all so I know what to do if it is just me but I'm still very much paper map orientated though have been looking at these laptop ones lately where I can connect gps up to them like oziexplorer.

I'd say any thing you can do on any other garmin you should be able to do with this as far as mapping goes. As all threads on this say that keep in mind the screen is small (although big in its class) so using it as a map would be difficult whilst driving.

Magellan is harder to get good map gear for though.

Just, if you are getting one don't rush and buy it from a normal shop neccessarily. I have 2 of these units and one off ebay (australian guy) for 400 bucks and the other form america for a bit over 400. both work the same.

But after reading Dullbird's comments I am going to look in to the mapping more so I can give you more precise info before you pay the bucks.

Xavier

[Chucaro]

Are Hema maps any good for bush tracks ? can be upload to the GPS using a SD card ?

[rmp]

The 60cx is an excellent unit, much improved over the 60c which doesn't have the super-sensitive SiRF III chipset. The csx is not worth the extra money. Check out the Oztopo maps from GPSOZ - for all your GPS requirements. (http://www.gpsoz.com.au) for offroad mapping. They fit on a memory card alongside CityNavigator.

[rmp]

Why we need a laptop and Oziexplorer? Can we get a portable GPS with the facility to use SD cards with maps from the bush ?
I will like to avoid having to take a laptop in the vehicle. If it is required, why bother with a top gps model ? Just pay a plain GPS engine, plug it to the laptop with the proper software installed and maps in a cd and presto!
Please correct me if I am wrong. I do not whant to spend money in a top model Megallan or Garmin if I need a laptop as well.

You don't need a laptop or PDA. You could just look up the coords on a topo map. But a digital moving-map is definitely the way to go, very easy and handy.

The only realistic map choices for the Garmin units are City Navigator and Oztopo. CN is no good in the bush but autoroutes, Oztopo has decent back-road coverage but doesn't autoroute.

[Chucaro]

You don't need a laptop or PDA. You could just look up the coords on a topo map. But a digital moving-map is definitely the way to go, very easy and handy.

The only realistic map choices for the Garmin units are City Navigator and Oztopo. CN is no good in the bush but autoroutes, Oztopo has decent back-road coverage but doesn't autoroute.

Thanks for the info, after I posted the last entry I have a look at the Magellan Crossover GPS and have the facility of using SD cards with Topo maps among others.
In Amazon.com is heaps cheaper that here in Oz.
Cheers

[barney]

i recently upgraded from my ifrst GPS unit, a 1998 model Garmin GPSIIplus to a GPSmap 60cx. i also purchased the oztopo mapping with it on a bigger sd card. while hte oztopo doesn't have the fine detail of a printed or for that matter, an electronic map, for something with a a screen the size of the garmin, it is plenty of detail. i am also running oziexplorer on my laptop, but since it's the one i use for work and i don't have anywhere secure to put it in the ute, i mainly use it for planning a route at home then load it on to the garmin.
got lost once with it and used the oztopo to get me out just by zooming in. most offroad tracks that are on the electronic copies of the 1:25000 maps are on this mapset.

[rmp]

The CrossOverGPS is a jack of all trades and master of none.

[barney]

that's what i've heard too!

[Chucaro]

The CrossOverGPS is a jack of all trades and master of none.
I am learning and trying hard to not make mistakes, so what is your choice ?
Thank you in advance.

[davros]

I just got one, despite some critisism of it's capacity to lock up in topo mode. Last thing I want kicking around the car is a laptop, and when I finaly have enough of the disco and want to abandon it, i need a "backpack friendly" GPS too. And it's water resistant.

Lastly, when I go on holidays overseas, the GPS is portable and I can purchase maps of uk etc.*

Dave

Was actually going to comment on the "jack of all trades, master of none" comment - it should go well with my disco series two td5! But i won't even start...

*OR SO I THOUGHT - SEE MY POST BELOW!

[jik22]

i fully expected to find someone that managed it but nothing!!!! so i never persude it any further, it be great if you can as we brougt it to do that and was disapointed to find that we couldn't:(

Quickest way to try is to grab the free Shonky maps from gpsaustralia.net or Tracks4Australia and try the upload either via Mapsource or the bundled utility with T4A.

[Larns]

I got the Map60CX last year and can't rate it enough, it has the best signal pickup I ever expearianced it a hand held. I actuall out did a mates chart plotter whilst amoungst the mangroves out fishing last year, he was pretty annoyed to say the least

Good luck with your choice, I think nowdays there a much of a muchness between the brands, you'll probably be happy with whatever you get.

[olmate]

You blokes make me feel like I am behind the times. I have a very ealry Etrex that pretty much just 'points'. It has been fine whilst shooting and driving thru the scrub but touch and go on the water. Considering that it was advertised for orienteering, I am happy enough. But when I muck about with the newer ones - I am very impressed. Each to their own I spose.

[D3Jon]

I've been looking at upgrading my GPS for a while now.

The one thing I have learnt is that the topo maps from Magellan are far better (of WA anyway) than anything Garmin themselves or Garmin fans (Shonky, Tracks4, etc) produce.

The fact that Garmin users are producing there own maps says a lot for the state of the maps available from Garmin in the first place.

Not that I'd get one (I have a TomTom for on-road navigation) and will be getting a Magellan Triton when they eventually get released - but why is the crossover "master of none"???

[Chucaro]

I've been looking at upgrading my GPS for a while now.

The one thing I have learnt is that the topo maps from Magellan are far better (of WA anyway) than anything Garmin themselves or Garmin fans (Shonky, Tracks4, etc) produce.

The fact that Garmin users are producing there own maps says a lot for the state of the maps available from Garmin in the first place.

Not that I'd get one (I have a TomTom for on-road navigation) and will be getting a Magellan Triton when they eventually get released - but why is the crossover "master of none"???

The magellan triton 2000 is available in Amazon.com for U$A474.21
Link Amazon.com: Magellan Triton 2000 Handheld Navigation System: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V4VGAI/ref=amb_link_0_3?ie=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=093TWNH561VJ5200VQKT&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=358957801&pf_rd_i=1000190761)

[WhiteD3]

I recently purchases an Etrax Legend Cx off Ebay. Works a treat and Shonkymaps contour maps, loaded via Garmin's MapSource work fine.

[davros]

I think people are a little disapointed at the crosover not because it is a bad unit but because there are a few basic extras that would have made it so much better!
The worst offences are, in my opinion:
1)No ability to display UTM co-ordinates or change map datums on topo maps (fine if you just want to go to a lat/long co-ord, but no good for say army stuff with a UTM grid co-ord)
2) Batteries are internal, and common with the mars space rover or similar.So a multi day hike with one will not be ok if you need it on.
3) The voice prompt turn by turn auto routing city/on-road maps are loaded at nextdestination (formerly magellan australia) in Perth. You can not do this yourself, nor can you buy the software on SD card. US model = US maps.

SO DO NOT BUY A "CHEAP" US MODEL, AS GUESS WHAT? SURPRISE SURPRISE NEXTDESTINATION CHARGE $100'S TO LOAD THE OZ MAPS!:(:(

4) If you take the unit overseas, you can't load overseas software (same base map problems). The maps that are loaded via SD card are topo style - no auto routing or voice commands for driving.
Takes the "G" out of GPS!

However, the pre-loaded auto routing and voice prompt maps are supposed to be good, and the maps good too. The GPS also comes with a basic set of contour maps for oz internaly, but you can also purchase the detailed contour maps as well (discoveroz i think?). All up about $1200
It is supposed to have great detail for canning stock route trips etc, in lat/long co-ordinates.

Basically the best for say doing an around australia trip vehicle trip without a bulky laptop, but no good for international travel, multi-day hikes or finding mates who are saying "...GRID, XXX,XXX...over..." on the radio.

I have yet to recieve mine, but I will be going to travel overseas! So unless the detailed maps blow me away (I've got the SD card extras), I'm selling it. It's the oz version, bought from in Australia and about 3 months old. PM me or see my post about the maps if ur interested to buy, otherwise I'll ebay it. I wish I had the money to keep it and get another for travel, but not atm!

Dave

[davros]

Chucaro,

I'm not sure if the base map issues affect the triton range too (see my post above).

Visit

.:GPS Australia:. (http://www.gpsaustralia.net)

It can also be useful, although of course its about all types of gps's, not just car - orientated. I'm Davros there too!

Dave

[Disco_owner]

Just reading the Forums on the US sites about this unit and stumbled accross this "Thread" , for those of you planning on going Bush walking with this Unit read the Following


Quote"

"GPS "Walking": The 60CSx tends to walk around when stopped for a while causing the stopped time and distance traveled to be inaccurate. Garmin is aware of the problem and has stated it will be fixed with a firmware release.

Also rechargeable Lithium Ion Batteries AA will not apparently power up this Unit.

Quote"

It's a great unit alright, but those of you out there who use lithium batteries to power your portable electronics gear will be in for a major disappointment. The 60CSx CANNOT use fully charged lithium batteries! They won't work. The unit does not power up. All you get is the splash screen, which quickly fades away. Garmin tech support provided the reason: fully charged...

[Disco_owner]

I have just ordered the GPS Garmin 60CSx today from GPSOZ, so should be arriving soon , tried from Amazon.com but according to Amazon i'm in a Geographical restricted zone where they would not post to ??? what ?? anyone else has this issue trying to buy a GPS from Amazon.com in oz ??, I suspect this is due to international Warranty issue?

[barney]

might have something to do with software packages. buying a unit o/s will have their local map set on the unit, and they reckon that they can't load the Oz stuff on when it gets here. it might be to protect the local market

[Disco_owner]

might have something to do with software packages. buying a unit o/s will have their local map set on the unit, and they reckon that they can't load the Oz stuff on when it gets here. it might be to protect the local market

You could be right barney, but it was a B......dy good buy for $ AU299.00 as apposed to $799.00 here.

[Chucaro]

might have something to do with software packages. buying a unit o/s will have their local map set on the unit, and they reckon that they can't load the Oz stuff on when it gets here. it might be to protect the local market

Bugger:mad: they are not going to force me to pay heaps more. I will look into something with oziexplorer and a cheap lap top.

[Disco_owner]

Alright;

The Garmin 60CSx arrived yesterday , nice little unit , I upgraded the Micro SD to a 2 Gb for an extra $15.00 , one problem as I mentioned before , when the trip computer is reset before a trip and you or the car are not moving , GPS unit is still walking ??? really weird .. I reset the trip computer and placed the GPS on the Coffee table after about 10 minutes or so the unit had walked 80 meters ??

apparently Garmin are releasing a Firmware to fix this issue , also with regards to the batteries ,I've heard there are a new battery technology developed by SANYO called " N-loop" and when charged will be fully charged to 1.5 volts will power up all your electronic gear and should power up these units.

[crump]

sorted,

[5teve]

Alright;

The Garmin 60CSx arrived yesterday , nice little unit , I upgraded the Micro SD to a 2 Gb for an extra $15.00 , one problem as I mentioned before , when the trip computer is reset before a trip and you or the car are not moving , GPS unit is still walking ??? really weird .. I reset the trip computer and placed the GPS on the Coffee table after about 10 minutes or so the unit had walked 80 meters ??

apparently Garmin are releasing a Firmware to fix this issue , also with regards to the batteries ,I've heard there are a new battery technology developed by SANYO called " N-loop" and when charged will be fully charged to 1.5 volts will power up all your electronic gear and should power up these units.

is this eneloop? http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/redakteur/Flyer/2007/Flyer_English.pdf interesting tech and if it is... thanks for the info ... been looking for some new decent batteries.. but they only look like 1.2v :(

Thanks

Steve

[Disco_owner]

is this eneloop? http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/redakteur/Flyer/2007/Flyer_English.pdf interesting tech and if it is... thanks for the info ... been looking for some new decent batteries.. but they only look like 1.2v :(

Thanks

Steve

yeah , Steve that the ones , I spelt it wrongly , I was Told they will power up all your Electronic Gizmos that Rechargeable Nimh or Lithium ion batteries won't power up . it's worth investigating , I have'nt tried them on my Garmin GPS as yet but will investigate this and post it up here.

[Bennett]

I got a GPSMAP 60CX from Ebay store in the US.

They do come with a US basemap, but the basemap is totally useless anyway.
All you have to do is load Tracks4Australia or Shonky maps on it and away you go. I purchased City Navigator Australia locally so the gps can do route navigation also. Use it on mountain bike, motorbike and car.

The GPS was about $700 AUS and about $300 for City Navigator locally, I imported the GPS from the US for a total cost of about $400 so you save a lot of money. Only issue is you don't get any warranty....

I am also looking into buying a garmin Zumo 550 for my motor bike and they are about $1300AUD here and $700USD for US. Local shops have a massive markup on these things....

[Xavie]

I got a GPSMAP 60CX from Ebay store in the US.


I am also looking into buying a garmin Zumo 550 for my motor bike and they are about $1300AUD here and $700USD for US. Local shops have a massive markup on these things....

I would also like the zumo for motorbike but am not going to pay local price and am unsure about how the maps would be loaded on for local useage.

Xavier

[Disco_owner]

alright guys;

The Verdict with Eneloop batteries in GPS units , Ready to use rechargeable Alkaline batteries , they work a treat , went down to DSE and bought 4 x Eneloop batteries , I put 2 x AA batteries in my Garmin 60CSx and it powered up the unit , no worries.

[Bennett]

I would also like the zumo for motorbike but am not going to pay local price and am unsure about how the maps would be loaded on for local useage.

Xavier

If you got Garmin City Navigator for Australia, you can just load that into the GPS unit...it will replace the basemap. City Nav Aus once purchased can be loaded onto two GPS units. The process is exactly the same for the 60cx as the Zumo. If I get one I will let you know how it goes. Pity Amazon doesn't sell electronics to Aus, but you can find em pretty cheap on e-bay..returns would be a little difficult tho.

Last time I priced one through ebay it was $699 + $52 USD shipping which is $751USD or ~$830 AUD. Then you need about $270 AUD for city navigator. At a total of $1100 it is getting closer and closer to the Australian retail price of $1300..... As I already have City Navigator it is probably worth it as I would save $470.