Garmin GPS - Vista HCx or GPSMap 60 CSx

Author

Vista HCx or GPSMap 60 CSx

Wilk Niebieski

2007-12-22, 4:33 am

Which of these two would you recommend for a person who:
1. Spends a lot of time in the mountains
2. Does research in the mountains (and also in the lowlands) so
precision is needed?

Best Regards
Michael

skmort@lanset.com

2007-12-22, 12:33 pm

On Dec 22, 1:00 am, Wilk Niebieski <wilk_niebie...@onet.pl> wrote:
> Which of these two would you recommend for a person who:
> 1. Spends a lot of time in the mountains
> 2. Does research in the mountains (and also in the lowlands) so
> precision is needed?
>
> Best Regards
> Michael

I think for my choice, I would choose one where you can attach an
external antenna! Even with the new sensitive chips, an external
antenna may give a little better results???

I personally would also choose one that has the old style serial port,
just in case you would like to play with some of the software out
there that can take advantage of the raw data for post
processing,,, just be forewarned that the raw data is accessed
through undocumented commands and has the potential of causing
problems,, so far, I have not had a problem with the old yellow
etrex ,or the etrex venture, or the GPS60, (it has both a USB and old
style serial port),, these all use the older chip set! I haven't
tried any with the new chip set???

As near as I can understand, the raw data can not be accessed through
the USB port???

I use Gringo for logging data and then send to Canada for free post
processing!

http://www.geod.nrcan.gc.ca/online_data_e.php

Unfortunately, the University of Nottingham no longer advertises
Gringo,, I don't know if you can contact them directly and still get
a copy or not???
SKM

Ricky Raccoon

2007-12-22, 3:33 pm

Wilk Niebieski wrote:

> Which of these two would you recommend for a person who:
<snip>

I own both receivers (60CSx and Vista HCx). They work identically,
taking into account the differing form factor and screen size, except
for the buttons.

I mounted the Vista on my motorcycle handlebars and plan to do the same
when I switch to using the 60. I'm switching because of screen size only.

When I hike, I use the Vista because of its smaller size.

The Vista has a brighter screen when the backlighting is turned on. With
the lighting off and viewed in sunlight, I can see no difference in
screen appearance. Both units are far superior to the b/w Summit I used
previously. The screen resolution and color are outstanding.

About the buttons. The 60 has more buttons and may seem easier to
operate. But once you tune into the Vista's buttons, they are no more
difficult to use. As you use your receiver, you will soon make button
selections automatically; that's why fewer buttons on the Vista isn't a
problem.

I thought that the 'rocker' (Garmin's terminology) on the Vista would
break because of comments by others that it looked like it wouldn't
stand up to abuse, but it has performed flawlessly for the 6 months that
I've owned it.

The 60 gets signal ever-so-slightly quicker than the Vista. They both
hold signal equally well in heavy cover.

I have the same map in both, and they view identically (taking into
account screen size).

I use a 1GB card in the Vista and a 2GB card in the 60 only because
that's what I had on hand. They both work the same.

If I had to choose, I'd go with the 60 because of screen size,
notwithstanding the handy smaller size of the Vista.

Ricky Raccoon

2007-12-22, 3:33 pm

The OP made several excellent points. To summarize:

60 CSx
external antenna
serial port
USB port

Vista HCx
no external antenna
USB port only

You can power both units through their USB ports but the 60 can also be
powered through the serial port and there are off-the-shelf cigarette
lighter power cords that connect to the serial port for as little as $13
including shipping.

Advertised battery life:
Vista HCx - 25 hours
60 CSx - 18 hours

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