Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

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!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dullbird

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.

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.

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.

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"???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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"???

---

The magellan triton 2000 is available in Amazon.com for U$A474.21
Link Amazon.com: Magellan Triton 2000 Handheld Navigation System: Electronics

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

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

Chucaro,

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

Visit

.:GPS Australia:.

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

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...