Garmin GPS - Garmin Colorado is official

Author

Garmin Colorado is official

Roarmeister

2008-01-05, 12:33 pm

The announcement made at CES on Jan. 3.
http://www8.garmin.com/ces/colorado/index.html

OLATHE, Kan./January 3, 2008/PR Newswire. Garmin International Inc., a
unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the Colorado
series of handheld GPS devices for outdoor, marine and fitness
enthusiasts. With the addition of Garmin’s revolutionary Rock ’n
Roller wheel, you really can operate its many features with just one
hand most with just one thumb. The deviceswere announced in
preparation for the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and
will be on display at the Garmin booth (#35832 in South 4).

Whether you’re climbing in the Rockies, fishing an unfamiliar river or
geocaching with your family, the Colorado brings your environment to
life in unprecedented detail, said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president
of worldwide sales. And yet for having so many new features and
customizable options, the Colorado is remarkably easy to use with its
thumb-driven Rock ’n Roller wheel.

On land or at sea, you’ll never lose your way with Colorado’s
high-sensitivity GPS receiver, shaded-relief and satellite imagery
mapping and vibrant color 3-inch screen with high resolution. And the
Colorado plays well with others, allowing for wireless exchange of
tracks, waypoints and geocaches between units.

No matter your outdoor interests, there's a Colorado for you. The
Colorado 400t gives hikers state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective
and preloaded U.S. topographic maps. The Colorado 400i offers anglers
shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes
and navigable rivers. The Colorado 400c is your coastal companion,
providing chart coverage for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The
Colorado 300 features a worldwide basemap with shaded relief.

Colorado users will be the first to experience Wherigo, the newest
GPS-based activity from Groundspeak, the people who made geocaching a
worldwide phenomenon. Wherigo (pronounced "where I go") is a toolset
for creating and playing location-based multimedia experiences in the
real world. Using the Wherigo platform, Wherigo authors can build
exciting adventure games, historical tours or other innovative
activities. Wherigo players use the Colorado or other GPS device
running the Wherigo Player application to visit physical locations,
use virtual items, interact with virtual characters and solve real
world puzzles. Garmin and Groundspeak will host special events to
teach people more about Wherigo and let them experience it for
themselves. Also, a limited-edition geocoin has been minted to
commemorate the launch of Colorado and Wherigo. Details on the Wherigo
experience, events and geocoins can be found at www.garmin.blogs.com
and www.wherigo.com. And geocaching just got easier with the Colorado,
which quickly downloads online information for every cache, such as
location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you
don’t have tote printouts with you.

Garmin knows its users have many interests, so the Colorado lets you
customize five profiles automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or
paperless geocaching making the most beneficial features for each
activity the easiest to access through quick shortcuts. And every
outing with the Colorado can be enjoyed later by downloading and
sharing the data as one of nearly two million activities on Garmin
Connect (connect.garmin.com).

Weighing only 7.3 ounces with 15 hours of life from two AA batteries,
the Colorado is the perfect companion for any outing with its
electronic compass, barometric altimeter and photo viewer. The SD card
slot is ideal for loading additional MapSource detail. The Colorado
also displays air temperature as well as data from an optional
heart-rate monitor and/or speed and cadence sensor.

The Colorado 300 has a suggested retail price of $499. The Colorado
400t, Colorado 400i and Colorado 400c have a suggested retail price of
$599. For more about the Colorado and the other Garmin products
released at CES 2008, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.

Roarmeister

2008-01-05, 12:33 pm

On Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:15:11 -0600, Roarmeister
< Ebnezrvfgre2@argfpnc
r.arg> wrote:

>The announcement made at CES on Jan. 3.
>http://www8.garmin.com/ces/colorado/index.html
>
>OLATHE, Kan./January 3, 2008/PR Newswire. Garmin International Inc., a
>unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the Colorado
>series of handheld GPS devices for outdoor, marine and fitness
>enthusiasts. With the addition of Garmin’s revolutionary Rock ’n
>Roller wheel, you really can operate its many features with just one
>hand most with just one thumb. The deviceswere announced in

This will be interesting to actually get in your hand - is this wheel
better or worse to control the screen?

>preparation for the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and
>will be on display at the Garmin booth (#35832 in South 4).
>
>Whether you’re climbing in the Rockies, fishing an unfamiliar river or
>geocaching with your family, the Colorado brings your environment to
>life in unprecedented detail, said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president
>of worldwide sales. And yet for having so many new features and
>customizable options, the Colorado is remarkably easy to use with its
>thumb-driven Rock ’n Roller wheel.
>
>On land or at sea, you’ll never lose your way with Colorado’s
>high-sensitivity GPS receiver, shaded-relief and satellite imagery
>mapping and vibrant color 3-inch screen with high resolution. And the
>Colorado plays well with others, allowing for wireless exchange of
>tracks, waypoints and geocaches between units.

Is this Bluetooth or Wi-fi? or some other technology? Please, let it
be wi-fi.

>No matter your outdoor interests, there's a Colorado for you. The
>Colorado 400t gives hikers state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective
>and preloaded U.S. topographic maps. The Colorado 400i offers anglers
>shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes
>and navigable rivers. The Colorado 400c is your coastal companion,
>providing chart coverage for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The
>Colorado 300 features a worldwide basemap with shaded relief.

Further segmentation of the market began with the 60 vs 76 series.

>Colorado users will be the first to experience Wherigo, the newest
>GPS-based activity from Groundspeak, the people who made geocaching a
>worldwide phenomenon. Wherigo (pronounced "where I go") is a toolset

Say what??? Something more I am going to have to read up on.

>for creating and playing location-based multimedia experiences in the
>real world. Using the Wherigo platform, Wherigo authors can build
>exciting adventure games, historical tours or other innovative
>activities. Wherigo players use the Colorado or other GPS device
>running the Wherigo Player application to visit physical locations,
>use virtual items, interact with virtual characters and solve real
>world puzzles. Garmin and Groundspeak will host special events to
>teach people more about Wherigo and let them experience it for
>themselves. Also, a limited-edition geocoin has been minted to
>commemorate the launch of Colorado and Wherigo. Details on the Wherigo
>experience, events and geocoins can be found at www.garmin.blogs.com
>and www.wherigo.com. And geocaching just got easier with the Colorado,
>which quickly downloads online information for every cache, such as
>location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you
>don’t have tote printouts with you.

This will be a nice addition for the geocacher who must have
everything. Paperless caching has been achieved by other methods, we
will have to see how seemless and user friendly this turns out to be.

>Garmin knows its users have many interests, so the Colorado lets you
>customize five profiles automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or
>paperless geocaching making the most beneficial features for each
>activity the easiest to access through quick shortcuts. And every
>outing with the Colorado can be enjoyed later by downloading and
>sharing the data as one of nearly two million activities on Garmin
>Connect (connect.garmin.com).
>
>Weighing only 7.3 ounces with 15 hours of life from two AA batteries,

Slightly less than the 60/76 but also a lower battery life with each
generation of improvement. Did they add lithium batteries as an
option? The two axis compass - will this mean it will give you
direction capability while standing still - like a REAL compass?

>the Colorado is the perfect companion for any outing with its
>electronic compass, barometric altimeter and photo viewer. The SD card
>slot is ideal for loading additional MapSource detail. The Colorado
>also displays air temperature as well as data from an optional
>heart-rate monitor and/or speed and cadence sensor.

Heart-rate monitor?? Is this for the fitness/jogger market? Gee,
wheres the MP3 and video player? Telephony? PDA? FMS/GPRS radio?
What more tech stuff do we need or add?

>The Colorado 300 has a suggested retail price of $499. The Colorado
>400t, Colorado 400i and Colorado 400c have a suggested retail price of
>$599. For more about the Colorado and the other Garmin products
>released at CES 2008, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.

If the price includes the built-in maps which sell for $100+
separately then that's not such a bad price after all....

Roarmeister

2008-01-05, 12:33 pm

Steve Calvin

2008-01-05, 12:33 pm

Roarmeister wrote:
>
> Slightly less than the 60/76 but also a lower battery life with each
> generation of improvement. Did they add lithium batteries as an
> option? The two axis compass - will this mean it will give you
> direction capability while standing still - like a REAL compass?

You mean like the 76 series already do?

--
Steve
http://adirondackoutdoors.forumcircle.com

Dan Anderson

2008-01-06, 12:33 pm

Steve Calvin wrote:
> Roarmeister wrote:
>
> You mean like the 76 series already do?

No, like the models with an "S" do (76S, 76CSx, 60CSx, etc.) and
the Vista models but not the 76, 76Cx, 60Cx, etc.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Steve Calvin

2008-01-06, 3:33 pm

Dan Anderson wrote:
> Steve Calvin wrote:
>
> No, like the models with an "S" do (76S, 76CSx, 60CSx, etc.) and
> the Vista models but not the 76, 76Cx, 60Cx, etc.
>
Sorry, I should have specified the "S" models. They're all
that I've owned so I just "assumed", and you know what that
means... :D

--
Steve

Roarmeister

2008-01-06, 3:33 pm

On Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:38:58 -0500, Steve Calvin
<calvins@optonline.net> wrote:

>Dan Anderson wrote:

The 60 CSx had the option removed for the lithium ion battery (this is
not lithium AA batteries but the same as a cell phone or laptop.) The
60/76 NEVER had the capability of using lithium ions, it was a vestige
programming feature from another GPS, perhaps a Nuvi??? that was
finally removed from the firmware. This was removed because it caused
and still causes confusion about being able to use lithium AA
batteries. For some reason, the 60/76 series are especially sensitive
to voltage and the higher initial voltage (1.7v) of a fresh lithium AA
is too much for the unit. Check the 76 very closely - does it give
you the option of "lithium" or "lithium ion"? Since the 60 and 76 are
practically the same electronics why could you use the lithiums in the
76 but not in the 60? My bet is that you can't or shouldn't in either
case but Garmin forgot to remove that vestige from the 76 firmware.

I use NiMH rechargebles when I am near to a charging source, for
example by vehicle charger. I use Duracell alkalines for when I am
going to be away from any charging source because they last
considerably longer in usage. I haven't used Lithium AA yet, partly
because they cost 5x as much as alkalines - will they give me 5x the
usage? I doubt it very much, so it's not cost productive.
[color=darkred]
>Sorry, I should have specified the "S" models. They're all
>that I've owned so I just "assumed", and you know what that
>means... :D

If the 76 CSx is operationally the same as my 60 CSx then no it does
not provide a real compass. You have to actually be moving before the
GPS will read back a direction. A real compass gives you the N-S
orientation direction when you are standing still, the GPS does not.
That's why I carry a separate compass.

Dan Anderson

2008-01-06, 3:33 pm

Roarmeister wrote:
& #91;snip]
>
> If the 76 CSx is operationally the same as my 60 CSx then no it does
> not provide a real compass. You have to actually be moving before the
> GPS will read back a direction. A real compass gives you the N-S
> orientation direction when you are standing still, the GPS does not.
> That's why I carry a separate compass.

If you actually have a 60CSx and not a 60Cx then your
receiver has a feature that you don't know about. If you
turn on the magnetic compass (one of the "sensors") you
do not need to be moving to get the direction but you do
need to calibrate the compass every time you change
batteries.

I still carry a separate compass because it doesn't need to
be calibrated, doesn't need batteries, and is more accurate.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Dan Anderson

2008-01-06, 3:33 pm

Steve Calvin wrote:
> Sorry, I should have specified the "S" models. They're all that I've
> owned so I just "assumed", and you know what that means... :D

Yep, I was pretty sure you knew what you meant but some other
readers wouldn't know.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Steve Calvin

2008-01-06, 10:33 pm

Roarmeister wrote:

> If the 76 CSx is operationally the same as my 60 CSx then no it does
> not provide a real compass. You have to actually be moving before the
> GPS will read back a direction. A real compass gives you the N-S
> orientation direction when you are standing still, the GPS does not.
> That's why I carry a separate compass.

I carry a compass and topo as a backup but the 76CS and CSx
DO work like a "real compass" (i.e. works when you're
standing still) And you can bet anyone any amount of money
you want on it. You'll win.

--
Steve

Pegleg

2008-01-06, 10:33 pm

On Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:27:52 -0600, Roarmeister
< Ebnezrvfgre2@argfpnc
r.arg> wrote:

>This will be a nice addition for the geocacher who must have
>everything. Paperless caching has been achieved by other methods, we
>will have to see how seemless and user friendly this turns out to be.

I've been using the [GEO] Pocket Query: Home Querys from Geocaching.com
for years...simple to use, very reliable (receive a new file every
Sunday automatically) transfer them to my PPC and 60CSX without a hitch.

Currently I'm looking into how the Garmin Communicator Plugin works to
see if it might be better.

Are the Colorado units available for purchase yet?

Larry G

2008-01-07, 7:33 am

On Jan 5, 12:47 pm, Roarmeister <Ebnezrvfg...@argfpncr.arg> wrote:
> On Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:15:11 -0600, Roarmeister
>
> <Ebnezrvfg...@argfpncr.arg> wrote:
>
> Check out the first video of the Colorado 400t in use.http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2...-journal-n.html

I was hoping that the Colorado would be using 24K maps but it appears
not...their web page still only shows the 100K TOPO (except for the
24K Parks series).

The magellan Triton has 24K maps but they are raster maps and not
vector as does the Delorme PN-20 - which is not as new as the Triton
and already has a rep for slow redraws.

There are some 3rd party 24k maps.. like for the state of Colorado...
but apparently Garmin is not supportive of 3rd party 24K maps for
their units.

Steve Calvin

2008-01-07, 7:33 am

Larry G wrote:
> On Jan 5, 12:47 pm, Roarmeister <Ebnezrvfg...@argfpncr.arg> wrote:
>
> I was hoping that the Colorado would be using 24K maps but it appears
> not...their web page still only shows the 100K TOPO (except for the
> 24K Parks series).
>
> The magellan Triton has 24K maps but they are raster maps and not
> vector as does the Delorme PN-20 - which is not as new as the Triton
> and already has a rep for slow redraws.
>
> There are some 3rd party 24k maps.. like for the state of Colorado...
> but apparently Garmin is not supportive of 3rd party 24K maps for
> their units.

Yup, that's really the one thing that ticks me off about G.
24K topos would be *very* nice to be able to put on the 76CSx

--
Steve

Roarmeister

2008-01-07, 10:33 pm

On Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:35:07 -0700, Dan Anderson
<noEMail@noServer.net> wrote:

>Roarmeister wrote:
>[snip]
>
>If you actually have a 60CSx and not a 60Cx then your
>receiver has a feature that you don't know about. If you
>turn on the magnetic compass (one of the "sensors") you
>do not need to be moving to get the direction but you do
>need to calibrate the compass every time you change
>batteries.

Hey, you are right, "I is wrong". I guess my problem was that I
wasn't recalibrating when I changed batteries and the compass rose
"appeared" to be non-functional. And a buddy of mine who was "more
experienced" told me that only worked when moving and I didn't check
beyond what he told me. But calling it a magnetic compass sounds like
a misnomer on a electronic instrument. I presume the electronic
compass is oriented with the direction and axis of the antenna.

>I still carry a separate compass because it doesn't need to
>be calibrated, doesn't need batteries, and is more accurate.

Mine is carried on my daypack so I can get to it at any time.

Roarmeister

2008-01-07, 10:33 pm

On Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:34:38 -0500, Steve Calvin
<calvins@optonline.net> wrote:

>Larry G wrote:
>
>
>Yup, that's really the one thing that ticks me off about G.
>24K topos would be *very* nice to be able to put on the 76CSx

Up here in Canada, we have 50k metric maps as the standard for paper
instead of the 64k imperial maps that you Southerners use. So the
electronic topo maps are also at that scale but as far as I am
concerned the contours need to be double of what they are implemented
as - they appear to be more appropriate for 100k maps.

If I were to buy a Colorado, it would be the 300 version and then I
would just upload my own Garmin Topo on top of the base map.

Dan Anderson

2008-01-08, 4:33 am

Roarmeister wrote:
& #91;snip]
> Hey, you are right, "I is wrong". I guess my problem was that I
> wasn't recalibrating when I changed batteries and the compass rose
> "appeared" to be non-functional. And a buddy of mine who was "more
> experienced" told me that only worked when moving and I didn't check
> beyond what he told me. But calling it a magnetic compass sounds like
> a misnomer on a electronic instrument. I presume the electronic
> compass is oriented with the direction and axis of the antenna.

The GPSmap 76S used a Honeywell HMC-1022 magnetoresistive component:

http://www.ssec.honeywell.com/magnetic/new/072197b.html

Note that the Garmin setup is 2D - you need to hold the receiver
horizontal to the ground for the compass but the antenna should
be vertical for best reception (not too important with the SiRF III
chipset). Magellan uses a 3D sensor.

Also note that there is a setup screen for the compass that
allows you to set when the compass rose will display the
direction from the receiver movement or from the magnetic
sensor.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Jack Erbes

2008-01-08, 7:33 am

Dan Anderson wrote:
<snip>
>
> The GPSmap 76S used a Honeywell HMC-1022 magnetoresistive component:
>
> http://www.ssec.honeywell.com/magnetic/new/072197b.html
>

And here is the data sheet for those magnetic sensors:

http://www.ssec.honeywell.com/magne...01-2_1021-2.pdf

Kind of interesting reading, within the limits of my technical
understanding of it all. No coils or moving parts though, that was what
I wondered about. Description of how it works from page 6:

"Honeywell magnetoresistive sensors are simple resistive
bridge devices (Figure 1) that only require a supply voltage
to measure magnetic fields. When a voltage from 0 to 10
volts is connected to Vbridge, the sensor begins measuring
any ambient, or applied, magnetic field in the sensitive axis.
In addition to the bridge circuit, the sensor has two on-chip
magnetically coupled straps—the OFFSET strap and the
Set/Reset strap. These straps are patented by Honeywell
and eliminate the need for external coils around the devices.
The OFFSET strap allows for several modes of operation
when a dc current is driven through it."

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Roy

2008-01-08, 3:33 pm

On Jan 5, 10:15 am, Roarmeister <Ebnezrvfg...@argfpncr.arg> wrote:
> The announcement made at CES on Jan. 3.http://www8.garmin.com/ces/colorado/index.html
>
> OLATHE, Kan./January 3, 2008/PR Newswire. Garmin International Inc., a
> unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the Colorado

If you follow enough links, you eventually find this <http://
www.gpsmagazine.com/2008/01/ garmin... /> _review.php> review.
It has more information than I've seen anywhere else.

I like a lot of things about this unit, but it appears there is no
option for 12V power.

I was pretty sure I would buy one of these until I learned that. Now
I'll have to reconsider. Of course you can always use NiMH
rechargeables, but I've seen a fair number of reports from people
whose battery contacts broke from fatigue from frequent battery
changes. That concerns me. Garmin better have figured out how to
make a better battery compartment.

Pegleg

2008-01-08, 10:33 pm

On Tue, 8 Jan 2008 12:09:09 -0800 (PST), Roy <roybassist@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I like a lot of things about this unit, but it appears there is no
>option for 12V power.
>
>I was pretty sure I would buy one of these until I learned that. Now
>I'll have to reconsider. Of course you can always use NiMH
>rechargeables, but I've seen a fair number of reports from people
>whose battery contacts broke from fatigue from frequent battery
>changes. That concerns me. Garmin better have figured out how to
>make a better battery compartment.

Garmin web site shows a cigarette lighter adapter available for it!

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=11022

Roy

2008-01-08, 10:33 pm

On Jan 8, 4:15 pm, Pegleg <Peg...@usnavyret.mil> wrote:
> Garmin web site shows a cigarette lighter adapter available for it!
>
> https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=11022

Thanks a bunch for that! I've never been so pleased to be wrong.
Looks like it plugs into the USB port. Having had the USB port on my
76CS fail just from connecting it to my computer (repaired by Garmin
under warranty), I'm a little concerned about the car cord plugging in
there (I know, I sound like a worry-wart); but I would hope that if
they were planning on people powering it that way, they would have
designed it to be robust enough to take the strains that are likely to
be placed on it.

Thanks, Pegleg. I'm once again looking forward to the release of this
model.

Jack Erbes

2008-01-09, 10:34 am

Roy wrote:
<snip>
> I like a lot of things about this unit, but it appears there is no
> option for 12V power.
>
> I was pretty sure I would buy one of these until I learned that. Now
> I'll have to reconsider. Of course you can always use NiMH
> rechargeables, but I've seen a fair number of reports from people
> whose battery contacts broke from fatigue from frequent battery
> changes. That concerns me. Garmin better have figured out how to
> make a better battery compartment.

That has a mini-USB connector on it. It will probably draw power from
the mini-USB port when it has the 5V power that is normally found on USB
there.

All the current handhelds that have a mini-USB connector will take their
power from the mini-USB. They will not charge batteries from the
mini-USB though, it just isolates and does not use the AA cells when USB
power is available.

You can buy cigarette lighter outlet style DC-DC inverters with a 5V
output for a few Dollars, one of those and a mini-USB cable would give
you a power source in an auto.

Hurry up and get one of those. Then come back and tell us about it. We
need to hear all about what was left off or downgraded compared with the
last generation of handhelds. :> )

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Dan Anderson

2008-01-09, 10:34 am

Jack Erbes wrote:
& #91;snip]
> Hurry up and get one of those. Then come back and tell us about it. We
> need to hear all about what was left off or downgraded compared with the
> last generation of handhelds. :> )

One item that doesn't look good to me is the cover for the
USB connector and antenna connector seems to be the same.
When I plug in the external antenna out on the trail,
I want the USB connector protected from the elements. But
uncovering the antenna connector may also uncover the
USB connector.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Jack Erbes

2008-01-09, 12:33 pm

Dan Anderson wrote:
> Jack Erbes wrote:
> [snip]
>
> One item that doesn't look good to me is the cover for the
> USB connector and antenna connector seems to be the same.
> When I plug in the external antenna out on the trail,
> I want the USB connector protected from the elements. But
> uncovering the antenna connector may also uncover the
> USB connector.

I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen a Garmin with a connector cover
that was not primarily cosmetic. I know the ones on my 26xx's do not
stay in place well and certainly don't seal out moisture well.

I applied a light suction (by mouth) to my 76Cx and decided that the
mini-USB connector was either sealed or pretty well sealed. Did not
mess with the external antenna connector yet as I have not needed to use
one.

If I was going to "go wet" with one of these for any period of time,
especially in salt water, I would probably fill the connector cavities
with dielectic compound, let the excess be displaced when the
connections are made, and wipe away any excess.

I've become mildly addicted to the use of dielectic in the course of
using it on connectors that are exposed to the environment on
motorcycles, boats, and cars. It has not caused me any grief yet, it
sure keeps the corrosion down. And making and breaking some connections
is easier due to the lubricating qualities.

I've got a tube of Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease that is about a
lifetime supply in the average home and I think it was only a few bucks.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

Dan Anderson

2008-01-09, 3:33 pm

Jack Erbes wrote:
> Dan Anderson wrote:
& #91;snip]
>
> I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen a Garmin with a connector cover
> that was not primarily cosmetic. I know the ones on my 26xx's do not
> stay in place well and certainly don't seal out moisture well.
>
> I applied a light suction (by mouth) to my 76Cx and decided that the
> mini-USB connector was either sealed or pretty well sealed. Did not
> mess with the external antenna connector yet as I have not needed to use
> one.
>
> If I was going to "go wet" with one of these for any period of time,
> especially in salt water, I would probably fill the connector cavities
> with dielectic compound, ... [snip]

Fortunately I don't have to worry about a salt water environment
at this time (I lived in Alameda - San Francisco Bay - for a few years).
Otherwise I'd be thinking along the same lines as you with regards
to protecting metal.

I usually break off (not intentionally) the antenna connector cover
within a few months as it can't stand the frequent insertions/extractions
from the belt holster while hiking.

I try to keep the receivers dry but frequent afternoon thunderstorms
in the Colorado Rockies usually means they get a little wet at times.
So far I haven't seen much water getting into the power/serial data
connector on the 76 series or the USB connector so the covers work
well enough for the exposure I give them.

I also try to keep them dry around the keys because I wonder if
it's possible to "pump" water inside while operating the keys
surrounded by water (in the groove).

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Roy

2008-01-09, 3:33 pm

On Jan 9, 7:21 am, Jack Erbes <jacker...@adelphia.net> wrote:
> That has a mini-USB connector on it. It will probably draw power from
> the mini-USB port when it has the 5V power that is normally found on USB
> there.

Yes, Pegleg had also responded to my previous post, and provided a
link to Garmin's web page on the Colorado, which shows a cigarette
lighter cord for it. It does appear to be designed to plug into the
USB port.

> All the current handhelds that have a mini-USB connector will take their
> power from the mini-USB. They will not charge batteries from the
> mini-USB though, it just isolates and does not use the AA cells when USB
> power is available.

And I expect this one to be the same. I might have thought of power
via the USB port, except that I had seen a couple of web pages with
"specs" which listed only batteries under the heading of "Power".

> You can buy cigarette lighter outlet style DC-DC inverters with a 5V
> output for a few Dollars, one of those and a mini-USB cable would give
> you a power source in an auto.

Yes, it's nice to have alternatives to Garmin's overpriced
accessories. In the past, GPSGeek has been a good source. Haven't
checked lately.

> Hurry up and get one of those. Then come back and tell us about it. We
> need to hear all about what was left off or downgraded compared with the
> last generation of handhelds. :> )

I know you're saying that in fun, and I know where you're coming
from. (I read a lot of your posts.) But it seems to me that most of
the "dumbing down" has occurred in the dedicated automotive units, and
not so much in handhelds. There have been a few specific features
that some have mentioned missing in the newer handheld models, but
nothing that I considered really important.

I've looked at Garmin's page on the Colorado and a review that I
posted a link to previously. So far, it looks like all the really
important stuff is there: everything my 76CS has and then some. It
even has the tides feature that I enjoy when I take a beach
vacation.

It looks like the text entry method may be a step backwards compared
to the 60/76 series, but I can live with that. And maybe it will work
better than I expect.

If I don't find some fatal flaw, I will almost certainly buy one of
these, primarily to get the SiRF Star III receiver and SD card
support. If Garmin hadn't come out with this new unit, I would have
bought a 76CSx to get those things, but now I'll probably get the new
model.

Of course, if I get one, I'll become an unpaid beta tester while
Garmin work the bugs out of the firmware, but as a trade off for that
there are some nice new features. One of the most interesting is
configuration profiles that quickly change a number of settings for
different uses (i.e., automotive and hiking). Indications are that
these are at least somewhat customizable, though it isn't clear to
what degree.

It would be nice if Garmin has finally made GPS elevation available
for display as an updating data field, but that's probably too much to
hope for.

Dan Anderson

2008-01-09, 10:33 pm

Roy wrote:
& #91;snip]
> If I don't find some fatal flaw, I will almost certainly buy one of
> these, primarily to get the SiRF Star III receiver and SD card
> support.
[snip]

Based on one of the reviews, it does NOT have the SiRF III but
apparently has a new high sensitivity receiver of Garmin's
own design. The review said the "Colorado" performed similar
to the SiRF III in what was probably a quick, not in-depth,
comparison.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Roy

2008-01-09, 10:33 pm

On Jan 9, 2:38=A0pm, Dan Anderson <noEM...@noServer.net> wrote:
> Based on one of the reviews, it does NOT have the SiRF III but
> apparently has a new high sensitivity receiver of Garmin's
> own design. The review said the "Colorado" performed similar
> to the SiRF III in what was probably a quick, not in-depth,
> comparison.

You're right. I was skimming the review and misread that bit.

Steve Calvin

2008-01-09, 10:33 pm

Dan Anderson wrote:
> Roy wrote:
> [snip]
> [snip]
>
> Based on one of the reviews, it does NOT have the SiRF III but
> apparently has a new high sensitivity receiver of Garmin's
> own design. The review said the "Colorado" performed similar
> to the SiRF III in what was probably a quick, not in-depth,
> comparison.
>

Want SiRF III with SD card support, buy a 76CSx

--
Steve

Roy

2008-01-10, 7:33 am

On Jan 9, 3:27 pm, Steve Calvin <calv...@optonline.net> wrote:
> Dan Anderson wrote:
>
>
> Want SiRF III with SD card support, buy a 76CSx

I only said SiRF Star III because in my haste, I misread a review and
thought that's what the Garmin Colorado had. If I had known that was
not the case, I would have said "high-sensitivity receiver" instead of
SiRF Star III. I don't care whether it is SiRF or something else, as
long as the performance is at least as good as the SiRF.

Note that I said that I would buy the receiver "primarily" to get the
better receiver and SD card support. While that is the primary
motivation, it isn't the only consideration. I don't upgrade every
time a new model comes out. When I do upgrade, I like to make it as
much of a leap forward as possible. I'm not very interested in buying
a model that was introduced 2 years ago, when a newer one with a
number of desirable new features has been announced.

gps_dr

2008-01-10, 12:33 pm

>
> I know you're saying that in fun, and I know where you're coming
> from. =A0(I read a lot of your posts.) =A0But it seems to me that most of
> the "dumbing down" has occurred in the dedicated automotive units, and
> not so much in handhelds. =A0There have been a few specific features
> that some have mentioned missing in the newer handheld models, but
> nothing that I considered really important.
>
> I've looked at Garmin's page on the Colorado and a review that I
> posted a link to previously. =A0So far, it looks like all the really
> important stuff is there: everything my 76CS has and then some. =A0It
> even has the tides feature that I enjoy when I take a beach
> vacation.
>
> It looks like the text entry method may be a step backwards compared
> to the 60/76 series, but I can live with that. =A0And maybe it will work
> better than I expect.
>
> If I don't find some fatal flaw, I will almost certainly buy one of
> these, primarily to get the SiRF Star III receiver and SD card
> support. =A0If Garmin hadn't come out with this new unit, I would have
> bought a 76CSx to get those things, but now I'll probably get the new
> model.
>
> Of course, if I get one, I'll become an unpaid beta tester while
> Garmin work the bugs out of the firmware, but as a trade off for that
> there are some nice new features. =A0One of the most interesting is
> configuration profiles that quickly change a number of settings for
> different uses (i.e., automotive and hiking). =A0Indications are that
> these are at least somewhat customizable, though it isn't clear to
> what degree.
>
> It would be nice if Garmin has finally made GPS elevation available
> for display as an updating data field, but that's probably too much to
> hope for.

This is in reply to several messages in the group.
The 60/76 series allowed for a wide range of input voltages, Didn't
know they had an issue with battery power being to high.

The wireless communication to sensors & other devices is from
something called Ant+

I had an Edge 705 on order from Garmin and had them change it to the
Colorado 400t.
I like the ability of having the heart rate and speed/cadence sensors
for my biking activities and still have
a unit I can use as well in the woods or streets.

I am looking forward to the slightly larger and much higher resolution
screen on the Colorado.
I was concered about them tampering with a display that has the best
sunlight visibility.
Garmin rep has one and says the sunlight visibility is great.

I've played with the Magellan Triton series and found them to be very
hard to read in bright light conditions.

The specs do not specify SiRfStar receivers - like the 60/76Cx -
probably their own chipset as used in their other "high sensitivity"
units.

Since I do different activities with my GPS, am hoping the "profiles"
will be beneficial.

Enjoy

Dan Anderson

2008-01-10, 3:33 pm

gps_dr wrote:
> The specs do not specify SiRfStar receivers - like the 60/76Cx -
> probably their own chipset as used in their other "high sensitivity"
> units.

Last spring they came out with "H" eTrex models that use the
MediaTek chipset not their own.

There were rumors at that time that Garmin was working on
their own "high sensitivity" chipset. Fairly recently,
someone posted a response from Garmin technical support
that mentioned that they had there own "high sensitivity"
chipset. One review of the "Colorado" so far has said
that the chipset is Garmin's own "high sensitivity" chipset.

--
Dan
(Email: dan at domain below )
(www.gpsmap.net)

Miguel

2008-01-14, 10:34 am

On Wed, 9 Jan 2008 11:02:22 -0800 (PST), Roy <roybassist@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On Jan 9, 7:21 am, Jack Erbes <jacker...@adelphia.net> wrote:

>
>I know you're saying that in fun, and I know where you're coming
>from. (I read a lot of your posts.) But it seems to me that most of
>the "dumbing down" has occurred in the dedicated automotive units, and
>not so much in handhelds. There have been a few specific features
>that some have mentioned missing in the newer handheld models, but
>nothing that I considered really important.
>
>I've looked at Garmin's page on the Colorado and a review that I
>posted a link to previously. So far, it looks like all the really
>important stuff is there: everything my 76CS has and then some. It
>even has the tides feature that I enjoy when I take a beach
>vacation.
>
>It looks like the text entry method may be a step backwards compared
>to the 60/76 series, but I can live with that. And maybe it will work
>better than I expect.
>
>If I don't find some fatal flaw, I will almost certainly buy one of
>these, primarily to get the SiRF Star III receiver and SD card
>support. If Garmin hadn't come out with this new unit, I would have
>bought a 76CSx to get those things, but now I'll probably get the new
>model.
>

I may be dense, but while the Colorado clearly has an "Automotive" mode and
there is the ability to create a route, is it clear that the unit will autoroute
if loaded with the autorouting capable NT road maps? The 76CSx will (no voice
prompts though) and I can't tell if the Colorado is capable.

Jack Erbes

2008-01-14, 12:34 pm

Miguel wrote:

<snip>
> I may be dense, but while the Colorado clearly has an "Automotive" mode and
> there is the ability to create a route, is it clear that the unit will autoroute
> if loaded with the autorouting capable NT road maps? The 76CSx will (no voice
> prompts though) and I can't tell if the Colorado is capable.

Don't worry about being dense, that's probably not the case. It always
takes some time and feedback from actual users to figure out the details
on these.

And the quality and accuracy of Garmin's online documentation has always
been such that even when you think you have it all figured out by
studying the details before you buy, there can still be both happy
surprises and even disappointments later.

I'm a little concerned about the look of the mapping as seen in those
early online reviews. I really like the way City Navigator and
BlueChart are displayed on my 76 Cx now and I have learned how to
control the detail. If the Colorados does not display both of those as
well as the "x" series models, they'll be of little or no interest to me.

I'm also not too crazy about the shape of the case, I like the way the
more rectangular shape of the 76Cx works for me both in hand and when
laid down and/or propped up in various places.

But it looks like "which is best, buttons over the display of buttons
under the display?" question has been resolved. Of course, we 76 users
have been saying all along that buttons on top was the superior plan.
Let the argument resume... :> )

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA (jackerbes at roadrunner dot com)
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine dot com)

Roy

2008-01-14, 12:34 pm

> I may be dense, but while the Colorado clearly has an "Automotive" mode and
> there is the ability to create a route, is it clear that the unit will autoroute
> if loaded with the autorouting capable NT road maps?

Yes. On Garmin's web page for the Colorado 300 (here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=11019 ), on the Specs
tab toward the bottom under Features. (The 300 seems to be identical
to the 400 series, except without pre-loaded maps.)

Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): Yes

>The 76CSx will (no voice
> prompts though)

I feel certain the Colorado won't have voice prompts either.

There was an interesting thread on voice prompts lately, where a bunch
of people said they wouldn't want voice prompts. The always-helpful
Jack Erbes suggested that people try using the "Next Turn" preview
page (not the pop-ups, but a continuously displayed page showing
details like the pop-ups) and they would find that it makes using the
handheld units for road routing much easier. I tried it, and I'm
sold. Sorry I can't provide a link to that thread, but a bit of
Google searching should turn it up.

I expect that the Colorado will have the "Next Turn" page, but I'll be
checking to make sure.

MacArthur

2008-01-14, 3:33 pm

"Roy" <roybassist@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:709bc2f3-fa44-4e3c-95db- 57f35e35428e@f10g200
0hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
> Yes. On Garmin's web page for the Colorado 300 (here:
> https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=11019 ), on the Specs
> tab toward the bottom under Features. (The 300 seems to be identical
> to the 400 series, except without pre-loaded maps.)
>
> Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): Yes
>
>
>
> I feel certain the Colorado won't have voice prompts either.
>
> There was an interesting thread on voice prompts lately, where a bunch
> of people said they wouldn't want voice prompts. The always-helpful
> Jack Erbes suggested that people try using the "Next Turn" preview
> page (not the pop-ups, but a continuously displayed page showing
> details like the pop-ups) and they would find that it makes using the
> handheld units for road routing much easier. I tried it, and I'm
> sold. Sorry I can't provide a link to that thread, but a bit of
> Google searching should turn it up.
>
> I expect that the Colorado will have the "Next Turn" page, but I'll be
> checking to make sure.

This is the most comprehensive info that I have seen.

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2008/01/... /> _review.php

--
Live strong and have a nice day, - "Nil carborundum illegitimi"!
Mac H E L P the planet - Don't I D L E ! ! !
Over 1600 Links at Http://MacArthur.Funknstyle.Com
Pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/macarthur
and http://www.flickr.com/photos/macarthur-ii/

Miguel

2008-01-16, 10:33 pm

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:26:18 -0800 (PST), Roy <roybassist@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>Yes. On Garmin's web page for the Colorado 300 (here:
>https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=11019 ), on the Specs
>tab toward the bottom under Features. (The 300 seems to be identical
>to the 400 series, except without pre-loaded maps.)
>
>Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): Yes

Thanks for that. I swear I thought looked there....
>
>
>
>I feel certain the Colorado won't have voice prompts either.
>
>There was an interesting thread on voice prompts lately, where a bunch
>of people said they wouldn't want voice prompts. The always-helpful
>Jack Erbes suggested that people try using the "Next Turn" preview
>page (not the pop-ups, but a continuously displayed page showing
>details like the pop-ups) and they would find that it makes using the
>handheld units for road routing much easier. I tried it, and I'm
>sold. Sorry I can't provide a link to that thread, but a bit of
>Google searching should turn it up.
>
>I expect that the Colorado will have the "Next Turn" page, but I'll be
>checking to make sure.

I read that thread and filed it my headforfuture reference (I read nearly all
the threads though I rarely post). The voice prompts are not all that important
to me (I have a 276c that does have voice"turn by turn" but doesnot say the
street name). The autorouting IS important though. I doubt I woulduse a
Colorado - or a 60/76 for that matter - as a vehicle GPS often as my 276c is
great both on the motocycle and in the car. But I would like a smaller form
factor and better sensitivity in the woods (the 276c's two shortcomings IMHO).
And if I'm going hiking I would like to have just one unit to get me to the
hiking area, keep up with where I am on the hike or geocache expedition and then
get home.

I do like the 76cs and almost bought one (and still might if the Colorado causes
a price drop) but who knows, the "Rockn Roll" wheel might just sway me. I'll
just have towait and see one live.

shopsis@gmail.com

2008-01-18, 3:33 pm

After reading as much as I could find, including the GPS magazine
review, it wasn't quite clear to me whether the 300, when loaded with
the topo 2008 maps, would offer the same 3D view described for the
400t. Anyone have any thoughts/knowledge on that?

Thanks,

Charlie

LinkBot