[pct-l] GPS Woes and benefits

[Halfmile]

I agree that the 60CSx is an excellent GPS and it's the GPS I still
use for my trail logging and mapping project at pctmap.net. Having
said that, I think most hikers would be just as happy with a smaller
and lighter VistaHCx or Dakota 20.

The screen on the Dakota 20 is a bit better than the first generation
of Garmin touch screen GPS's, but still not as as easy to read at the
60CSx or Vista HCx. I don't have any problem viewing it, but I have
disabled "Shaded Relief" and "Land Cover." As Snowplow suggest, it's
probably a good idea to check the Dakota out yourself outdoors before
making a purchase decision.

Also, the 60 CSX will likely be replaced by the GPSMap 62s:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=63801

-Halfmile


On Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 9:05 AM,  <rcluster at comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi Pat,
>
> I have a lot good to say about the 60CSx.
>
> Will last for 2-3 hiking days on continuously (8-10 hrs/day).
> Screen is easily readable in direct sunlight.
> Fast lock onto the birds and rarely looses the signals.
> Very water resistant (I haven't ever submerged mine but I don't worry about keeping it out of the rain/snow/etc.
> Has both USB and RS-232 serial connections.
> Can swap the memory card fairly easily.
>
> One drawback is you can only use the Garmin maps which are adequate but not stellar. The PCT is indicated in the Garmin mapset but we found it to be in the wrong location in several areas. Do not rely on that. Download Halfmile's waypoints and load those in the GPS, they are perfect.
>
> I'm sorry to see it is likely being phased out by Garmin. I think it's one of the best handheld GPS units ever made.
>
> Check out the newest units before buying one. I have heard (but have no direct experience) that they are difficult to read in direct sunlight, they have poor battery life, and the PCT trace has been removed from the newest map set. That last one is maybe not such a bad thing since it wasn't in the correct location anyway.
>
> Ron Cluster
> Snowplow
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pat" <krozby at zoominternet.net>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 8:45:14 AM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] GPS Woes and benefits
>
> On 6/28/2010 1:08 AM, martin hatton wrote:
>> Fellow Hikers and would be's.
>>
>> I bought a top of the range GARMIN OREGON 550i for this years thru hike.
>
> Hey I know exactly nothing about GPS has anyone ever heard or the Garmin
> GPSMAP 60CSX. Anything good to say about it.
>
> Pat
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