Garmin 60CSx

mink · 08-24-2010, 11:59 AM

I'm thinking of buying this handheld gps, possibly within the next few weeks, and I was wondering what else I will need to purchase to get the topos of the adirondacks on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

fisher39 · 08-24-2010, 04:43 PM

I've had mine for a couple of years and absolutely love it - it is the best electronic gadget I have. The only additional item I got was the TOPO US disk - depending on your memory you select a specific area to upload.

What I enjoy most is using it to keep track of my travels, which I then upload into Google Earth. And of course knowing exactly where that little slot through the blowdown or spruce swamp is nice too.

Alpine1 · 08-24-2010, 04:57 PM

I second Fisher39's thoughts on the 60csx. So far I have been able to leave this unit in my pack and it has not lost a signal. A remarkable improvement from the earlier 60cs models.

poconoron · 08-24-2010, 05:51 PM

I have the earlier Garmin 60C model which has been an invaluable little gadget for me on many a trip. It does lose signal from time to time under the forest canopy but comes back fairly quickly. I understand that the later models you are referring to have an improved satellite reception.

I also use the Garmin Mapsource Topo for the U.S. at a 1:100,000 scale as well as Garmin US Topo 24K East which includes many National Parks, National Forests, State Parks (including the Adirondacks) at a 1:24,000 scale. I highly recommend the Garmin products (though the NG topo maps are best in my book).

mink · 08-24-2010, 11:31 PM

So the maps have to be purchased separately, and then downloaded onto the gps?

poconoron · 08-25-2010, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mink

So the maps have to be purchased separately, and then downloaded onto the gps?

Yes, and only the Garmin TOPO maps will work with the Garmin GPS units, to the best of my knowledge. Though the NG Topos are the best (IMHO), they will not work with the units. Some of the other experts out there can either confirm or elaborate further.

Alpine1 · 08-25-2010, 07:01 AM

Actually there is a non Garmin map program that circulated this forum some time ago that also works with Garmin units. I recall it had greater contour detail for hiking/bushwhacking but lacked trail detail. If you search the forum archives you should find it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by poconoron

Yes, and only the Garmin TOPO maps will work with the Garmin GPS units, to the best of my knowledge. Though the NG Topos are the best (IMHO), they will not work with the units. Some of the other experts out there can either confirm or elaborate further.

nutmeg creeker · 08-25-2010, 09:32 PM

I've had mine for nearly two years and really love using it to record my trips--both canoe and xc-ski. Speed, ascent, etc are all data easy to access. On canoe trips, it's much easier to pinpoint location and to continue to tne chosen destination. Having said that, I always carry maps anyway--they complement each other well. I haven't kept up with the soft ware since I bought the unit, but at the time the cd which came with it was useful only with PC's. Apple/MAC products used another package, which, I think, had to be downloaded. They have a help line, but accessing it, especially for the MAC info, took a long time. Finally,there probably aren't too many people out there who use every capability that this wonderful piece of gear offers. I really wouldn't want to be without it. Even when you know right where you are and where you're going, it's fun to play with.

LINK TO NYS TOPO ===
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/111/

dpc34 · 09-01-2010, 07:29 AM

I love my etrex-vista HCx

mink · 09-01-2010, 10:48 AM

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Just bought the 60csx the other day. Can't wait to try it out!!

Thoth · 09-02-2010, 11:52 PM

I've had a 60csx for several years. It tends to record mileage poorly under heavy coverage but maintains locations well. I use it quite a bit on motorcycle rides, bike rides, and when I still lived out west used it extensively for winter mountaineering on up to 40 mile days over 12k passes and in deep snow covered woods. I've been happy with it since day one. With the expandable memory I don't see how you could go wrong. Even if it gets damaged Garmin will rebuild it for around 100 dollars.

08-24-2010, 11:59 AM	#1
mink Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 21	Garmin 60CSx I'm thinking of buying this handheld gps, possibly within the next few weeks, and I was wondering what else I will need to purchase to get the topos of the adirondacks on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

08-24-2010, 05:51 PM	#4
poconoron Backcountry Wanderer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pocono Mts, Pa. and Adirondacks Posts: 814	I have the earlier Garmin 60C model which has been an invaluable little gadget for me on many a trip. It does lose signal from time to time under the forest canopy but comes back fairly quickly. I understand that the later models you are referring to have an improved satellite reception. I also use the Garmin Mapsource Topo for the U.S. at a 1:100,000 scale as well as Garmin US Topo 24K East which includes many National Parks, National Forests, State Parks (including the Adirondacks) at a 1:24,000 scale. I highly recommend the Garmin products (though the NG topo maps are best in my book). __________________ Ahh............Wilderness.......

08-25-2010, 09:32 PM	#8
nutmeg creeker Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Haven Ct & North Creek Posts: 412	I've had mine for nearly two years and really love using it to record my trips--both canoe and xc-ski. Speed, ascent, etc are all data easy to access. On canoe trips, it's much easier to pinpoint location and to continue to tne chosen destination. Having said that, I always carry maps anyway--they complement each other well. I haven't kept up with the soft ware since I bought the unit, but at the time the cd which came with it was useful only with PC's. Apple/MAC products used another package, which, I think, had to be downloaded. They have a help line, but accessing it, especially for the MAC info, took a long time. Finally,there probably aren't too many people out there who use every capability that this wonderful piece of gear offers. I really wouldn't want to be without it. Even when you know right where you are and where you're going, it's fun to play with. LINK TO NYS TOPO === http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/111/ __________________ "Days in the woods are days beyond time"--Paul Jamieson Last edited by nutmeg creeker; 08-25-2010 at 09:40 PM.. Reason: add link

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08-24-2010, 04:43 PM	#2
fisher39 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,006	I've had mine for a couple of years and absolutely love it - it is the best electronic gadget I have. The only additional item I got was the TOPO US disk - depending on your memory you select a specific area to upload. What I enjoy most is using it to keep track of my travels, which I then upload into Google Earth. And of course knowing exactly where that little slot through the blowdown or spruce swamp is nice too.

08-24-2010, 04:57 PM	#3
Alpine1 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North River, NY Posts: 859	I second Fisher39's thoughts on the 60csx. So far I have been able to leave this unit in my pack and it has not lost a signal. A remarkable improvement from the earlier 60cs models.

08-24-2010, 11:31 PM	#5
mink Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 21	So the maps have to be purchased separately, and then downloaded onto the gps?

09-01-2010, 07:29 AM	#9
dpc34 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 666	I love my etrex-vista HCx

09-01-2010, 10:48 AM	#10
mink Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 21	Thanks to everyone for the advice! Just bought the 60csx the other day. Can't wait to try it out!!

09-02-2010, 11:52 PM	#11
Thoth Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 128	I've had a 60csx for several years. It tends to record mileage poorly under heavy coverage but maintains locations well. I use it quite a bit on motorcycle rides, bike rides, and when I still lived out west used it extensively for winter mountaineering on up to 40 mile days over 12k passes and in deep snow covered woods. I've been happy with it since day one. With the expandable memory I don't see how you could go wrong. Even if it gets damaged Garmin will rebuild it for around 100 dollars.

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