garmin gps etrex vista

I think it's showing me the total increase in altitude, but what I want is all the little increases in altitude totaled up. So for example if I started at 6,000 feet, went up to 6,800, then back to down to 6,000, and back up to 7,000. I think it's showing me 1,000 (summit-base), not the total climbing (which would be 1,800)?

There are many different types of data that your altimeter can show, including three different types of ascent: total, maximum, and average. It sounds like your altimeter is set to 'Ascent - Maximum' and should be set to 'Ascent - Total.'

If it doesn't show 'Ascent - Total,' here's how what to do: On the 'altimeter page,' select the menu button once, then select 'Change Data Fields' - 'Ascent - Total.'

If it already shows 'Ascent - Total,' then you're ready to go!

Also, remember that you'll need to reset your altimeter data (also in the page menu) before leaving the trailhead as well.

2009-01-03 17:41:34 by Sciurus Reprobatia

This is a video review for the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx handheld GPS unit and how to use it for geocaching. The review covers key features of this ...

I am thinking about buying one, are they any good??

I'm particuarly concerened about the map resolution, in the UK it comes loaded with the Atlantic base map, is this good enough for navigating around European roads, not just motorways but smaller lanes and streets?

If its no good, what are your recommendations for alternatives, I mainly need something to find my way around when driving through europe. But also like the fact that the Garmin eTrex can be used for hill walking, sailing etc. Units like the Tom Tom one are fine for driving, but no good for the other applications.

A friend of a friend had one and said it was a bit rubbish. They got a Tom Tom instead though. Sorry, I don't know any other alternatives.

2006-09-30 12:45:51 by Nick C

Price: $299.99

WAAS-Enabled
Altimeter Determines Precise Altitude Provides A Graphic Profile Of User¿S Trip
Compass Provides Bearing Information While User Is Standing Still
Contains 24 Mb Internal Memory For Storing Detailed Map Data
Same Features As Grm0025600 Etrex Legend Plus A Built-In Barometric Altimeter Electronic Compass

Does anyone know the difference performance-wise between these 2 models? I have seen a comparison chart but I couldn't find anything that would explain the price difference...
I am looking for a handheld GPS unit that would load topographical maps on it (for hiking).
Any recommendation would be much appreciated!
Thanks a lot!

I have a Vista HCx and really like the improved sensitivity of the receiver (the H in the name). The Vistas are smaller for carrying.
The Cx is not as sensitive of a receiver but the batteries last longer. More sensitivity can be important if you are under heavy tree cover.
With the X models, you can pack a lot of maps onto a micro SD card. A 2 gig card only costs about $30.

I would recommend going to Garmin's web page and sending their support group the question. They know some of the details that are not obvious in the specs.
You can also download the manuals from the site and get an idea of other differences in the screens.

2007-12-12 19:22:00 by Maria H

I recently got this GPS, used, from a friend who doesn't want it anymore.

It has the car charger, but no house charger. It does, however, have a mini-USB port on it. Will this device charge off of USB like many cell phones do?

Or do I have to somehow buy a house charger?

The mini-USB port is for map downloading. According to the specs for the eTrex, the USB cables don't provide wiring for external power. The GPS runs on 12V, USB is only 5V. The GPS runs off of standard AA batteries, so I believe that there is no way to charge the batteries, while in the device, even using a charger. All the power cables are listed as power adapters, not chargers, so I think you will have to change the batteries when they go dead, or use seperately rechargable batteries.

2007-12-01 13:01:25 by lost

My GPS receiver is an etrex Vista hcx. The receiver didn't come with street level maps. Is something other than MapSource (excessively expensive) available?
It appears that Garmin GPS systems (at least the eTrex) do not come with street level maps. Garmin will not release the info that would allow alternate maps to be imported. Mapsource has been cracked, but cracked software is illegal and probably difficult to find. You could also purchase a copy of the maps and use one of the two device codes provided by Garmin and sell the alternate (again this is illegal but not as questionable as cracking). Third option is to return the device for deceptive advertising/crapy yet expensive mapping softwares.

The hand held (look at any of the companies) GPSs don't come with a preloaded set of detailed maps because they don't know which maps you will want (water navigation, road maps, topo maps). You don't end up paying for maps you won't use.

Garmin does allow other companies to make maps for the eTrex series but the only ones that get created are for countries (or specialties) that Garmin does not create their own maps for. Garmin can sell their own maps cheaper than one that would be created by another source.

"Mapsource has been cracked, but cracked software is illegal and probably difficult to find."

There is no cracking involved. People have reverse engineered the format of the data base and created instructions for creating your own maps to be loaded into Garmin units. Nothing illegal but a LOT of work that would cost you more than buying the map.

"You could also purchase a copy of the maps and use one of the two device codes provided by Garmin and sell the alternate (again this is illegal but not as questionable as cracking)"

It is illegal but I suspect that it was a problem. The newer maps only allow one device.

"Third option is to return the device for deceptive advertising/crapy yet expensive mapping softwares."

I would challenge you to indicate where the advertising was deceptive. Garmin makes it clear that the units have a base map but that you need to buy the detailed maps that are appropriate for your activity.

You might want to compare the price of the GPS and map set to other units and also compare the flexibility (if you are only using it in your car, why did you buy and eTrex?) to the other units.

Since you aparently have not seen the maps, you don't get to claim that they are crappy.

I have seen various version (including the current one) and they are very complete and as accurate as any I have seen (including paper maps).

2007-12-22 18:50:27 by Anthony