View Full Version : Garmin 60CSx
THEmapMAKER
09-17-2008, 21:42
I want to buy a garmin GPS unit. I was doing some research and I think I am going to buy the Garmin 60CSx. I want a handheld GPS unit that I can take anywhere in the woods and not loose signal and one I can use in the car that will give me driving directions. I have two questions:
1. Does the Garmin 60CSx have a "mapquest" type feature that will let me type two addresses in the unit (not on the computer but in the unit) and the GPS you will give me directions from one address to another. If it does do this, will it give me new directions on the fly if I make a wrong turn?
2. Is there any reason I should not buy the Garmin 60CSx and get a different Garmin GPS unit?
thank you for your help. I really would like question one answered.
1. I will have to get mine out of my car (its almost permanent home!) and see about point to point routing. I know you can put in an address and then get directions to it from your current location, but I dont know if you can enter the two points...
2. Love my 60csx, and would never get anything less!
JumpInTheLake
09-17-2008, 22:17
You have to load the routing software for accurate directions. I have one, but I have never used it for turn by turn directions. I only have the topo software loaded on it.
The unit works great in the woods. I like mine, and I would buy it again.
The Old Fhart
09-17-2008, 23:22
Go to the Garmin site for a PDF copy of the 60CSx manual (http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPSMAP60CSx_OwnersManual.pdf) and look at pages 32-35 on routes. You also need the City Navigator street routing software (http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynav.jsp) at about $90 to make street routing work.
fiddlehead
09-18-2008, 00:27
I just got mine (60 csx) 2 days ago.
Already i am quite impressed.
It takes between 3 and 10 seconds to lock into a signal (after the first time i ever turned it on)
It has a lot of bells and whistles that i am not too familiar with yet. (like alarms, changeable menus, etc)
As far as searching on it, from what i read on forums here in Thailand, it is supposed to be what you asked but i still haven't bought the Thailand detailed maps yet. I am trying to decide which maps to buy. There are 3 options for around $100 and 2 free ones with less detail. NONE of which have topo here in the "Land of Smiles" I knew that going in but am still impressed with the:
Size of the screen ( i am used to the old etrex models, and the 60 csx is MUCH bigger)
Full color maps (first time i've had one of those)
Ease of transferring files to computer.
It went back to the old push button format that i had on my old GPS 12 that i bought back in 97 to do the CDT. I think it's a better format than the etrex side buttons.
I has an electronic compass which is a necessity for me here as i am working with waypoints only and cannot always be moving to figure out which way to go when i'm deep in the jungle and bushwhacking.
It has an altimeter based on barometric pressure rather than trying to figure it out vs waypoints.
It also keeps a really nice (zoomable) log of elevation that can even then be printed out which is big for me as i intend to write a guidebook on the trail i am desigining.
The only question i have for you 60 csx users is: I am not sure how to start and stop the trip computer each time i want to start a new trip. Does it go by each time i turn it on or since i started the last track log or what? (i know i should probably have figured this out already but cannot find anything on it in the manual and only had it 2 days so....)
I also went out and bought a 1 gb micro card and replaced the little64 mb or whatever it was that came with it.
But now i don't know if that was wise as some of the map options for me to buy here come preloaded on their own micro sd card so it might be a moot point. But at least i know if i create a really long track log, it should have plenty of room.
Any comments on this thread to help me learn more about my new toy will be greatly appreciated. fh
To make a log of each trip, you have to clear the log history. If you dont, the internal memory just keeps adding your trips together!
Its under tracks menu...
Better example for Fiddlehead...
to map your way on a trail
Tracks
off
clear
(it will ask you if you want to clear all) Yes
(scroll up to) On
Heres the fun part... Hike your route!
At end of hike go to
Tracks
Off
Save
(do you want to save the entire route?) Yes
Clear
(do you want to clear the entire route?) Yes
Repeat as needed.
When doing several days on a trail, I usually save and clear several times during the day using major points as the start/finish (trail heads, road crossings, campgrounds...)
fiddlehead
09-18-2008, 00:52
Better example for Fiddlehead...
to map your way on a trail
Tracks
off
clear
(it will ask you if you want to clear all) Yes
(scroll up to) On
Heres the fun part... Hike your route!
At end of hike go to
Tracks
Off
Save
(do you want to save the entire route?) Yes
Clear
(do you want to clear the entire route?) Yes
Repeat as needed.
When doing several days on a trail, I usually save and clear several times during the day using major points as the start/finish (trail heads, road crossings, campgrounds...)
Thanks tons.
But, i am afraid to clear all tracks as i have my trail designed as a track on there.
See, the way i design my trail here is:
I drew the preferred route on Google Earth and then transferred it to my GPS (complicated process that i have explained how i did it on my blog here. (http://fiddlehead.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/gps-problems-solved-trailblazing-starts-in-phuket-thailand/)
Then, i have that line on my GPS and basically go out and try to follow it as close as i can, keeping in mind there are rubber tree plantations (which are very easy to hike through as they clear between the trees) or paths used by the people who do live out there in the jungle and dirt roads here and there (to get the rubber out)
So: i don't stick exactly to my preferred route but try to stay close.
Now, if i can create a new track (or route) while i am actually out there walking and then download THAT to my computer, THAT track will be my designed trail (downloadable to Google Maps and given to the world for anyone to put into their GPS and go hike it)
Anyway, that's my plan and so far things are working. My hardest part is keeping it all organized, and creating sections for a possible guidebook. (i'm much better at hiking than i am at organizing my thoughts or treks.)
So, i guess i'll go and try deleting all tracks and see if there is a way to do this without losing the one i have transferred from my computer. (could i make one a route and the other a track perhaps?)
I'm going out in about 30 minutes and playing around with it on some known paths. Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming! fh
Once you have SAVED a track, its in there. You are just clearing out the track memory to create a new one. You are not deleting the track...
fiddlehead
09-18-2008, 07:32
OK, your info helped a lot.
I've just been out playing for a few hours and first i cleared the track memory like you said.
BUT, then i was in the altitude mode and wanted to clear that so i hit menu and check all and then cleared them all. Well, it deleted EVERYTHING in my GPS (wasn't that much in there as i just got it 2 days ago)
So, i went home and hooked up my old etrex, downloaded all that info to mapsource and then uploaded it all to my new one.
Then i went to google earth and drew another route, converted it to kml, converted THAT to GPX (using gpsbabel) and uploaded THAT to my new one.
So, i am figuring it all out.
now i really have to buy the maps to put in there to make it all easier.
For some reason the map that comes loaded in it (worldmap) shows me, and most of my waypoints in the ocean about 3 or 4 miles away from here. But on mapsource, it's right on.
So, do you think perhaps i'm using the wrong datum or something?
I'm not gonna worry about it as i'm going to order the detailed thailand maps from a company here and should have them within a week.
So, anyway, i'm learning lots (screwups will be much easier remembering)
I've calibrated the magnetic built in compass already. Now i want to take a walk down to the beach and set the altimeter. (hopefully i won't erase it by mistake)
Thanks again. fh
fiddlehead
09-18-2008, 07:33
OK, your info helped a lot.
I've just been out playing for a few hours and first i cleared the track memory like you said.
BUT, then i was in the altitude mode and wanted to clear that so i hit menu and check all and then cleared them all. Well, it deleted EVERYTHING in my GPS (wasn't that much in there as i just got it 2 days ago)
So, i went home and hooked up my old etrex, downloaded all that info to mapsource and then uploaded it all to my new one.
Then i went to google earth and drew another route, converted it to kml, converted THAT to GPX (using gpsbabel) and uploaded THAT to my new one.
So, i am figuring it all out.
now i really have to buy the maps to put in there to make it all easier.
For some reason the map that comes loaded in it (worldmap) shows me, and most of my waypoints in the ocean about 3 or 4 miles away from here. But on mapsource, it's right on.
So, do you think perhaps i'm using the wrong datum or something?
I'm not gonna worry about it as i'm going to order the detailed thailand maps from a company here and should have them within a week.
So, anyway, i'm learning lots (screwups will be much easier remembering)
I've calibrated the magnetic built in compass already. Now i want to take a walk down to the beach and set the altimeter. (hopefully i won't erase it by mistake)
Thanks again. fh
The Old Fhart
09-18-2008, 10:34
"I am not sure how to start and stop the trip computer each time i want to start a new trip."
If you're talking about resetting the trip odometer, go to the 'trip computer' screen and press 'menu' then select 'reset'. This brings up a list of items you can select to reset or leave untouched when you select 'apply'. You can deselect 'elevation data' and 'max elevation'.
I leave the odometer (just like a car's) deselected so I have the total miles I've traveled but reset the 'trip odom'. You can also change which data fields are displayed on this screen.
4809
WalkingStick75
09-19-2008, 09:34
Love mine use it for loging my hiking trips and the batteries will last two days.
Toolshed
09-20-2008, 18:51
I want to buy a Garmin GPS unit. I was doing some research and I think I am going to buy the Garmin 60CSx. I want a handheld GPS unit that I can take anywhere in the woods and not loose signal and one I can use in the car that will give me driving directions. I have two questions:
1. Does the Garmin 60CSX have a "map-quest" type feature that will let me type two addresses in the unit (not on the computer but in the unit) and the GPS you will give me directions from one address to another. If it does do this, will it give me new directions on the fly if I make a wrong turn?
2. Is there any reason I should not buy the Garmin 60CSX and get a different Garmin GPS unit?
thank you for your help. I really would like question one answered.
#1 Yes. I upgraded to a 76CSx a year and a half ago and up til this summer only used Topo and then topo 2008. I picked up City Europe NT for $110 this summer and took it to Europe for a couple of weeks. When I loaded it from the DVD, I was worried that I wouldn't have all the terrain features like with Topo, HOWEVER - I was absolutely impressed with address to address features - Several type of upcoming turn notifications, Incredible automatic Re-route (we hit several road working spots in Switzerland and opted to go the most direct route and it took about 25 seconds, but it re-routed over mountain passes (you predetermined the lowest level of civilized road you wish to navigate via presets) and for fun, I passed a couple of turn offs or went in the wring direction -I get series of beeps and then the re-route occurs.
This isn't on Topo 2008, but if you get City Navigator North America, you will have street address routing. Lodging and restaurant listings, services, stores, public places and much much more. Really quite incredible. after 15 days of driving around Europe, I am absolutely stunned at how much easier it was this trip. In years past, It was always difficult for me to negotiate France as I didn';t know the language (Lived in Germany for a few years though) With Garmin it was cake.
#2 I know a bunch who have the 60CSx - the case differs from my 76CSX, but inside it is identical. Quad Helix Antenna. Try them both - it depends what else you do - do you like buttons on top (76) or bottom (60). will you kayak or canoe (76 might be better) or hike (60 is better for one hand with buttons lower).
Good luck
76 - waterproof and floats
60 - water resistant and sinks
fiddlehead
09-24-2008, 03:22
If you're talking about resetting the trip odometer, go to the 'trip computer' screen and press 'menu' then select 'reset'. This brings up a list of items you can select to reset or leave untouched when you select 'apply'. You can deselect 'elevation data' and 'max elevation'.
I leave the odometer (just like a car's) deselected so I have the total miles I've traveled but reset the 'trip odom'. You can also change which data fields are displayed on this screen.
4809
Old Fhart, I would love to know how you got that display on to this website?
I am mostly interested to also be able to do the same with the profile or altimeter display from the track log i did the other day.
I can't seem to be able to do either one with MapSource.
Are you using some other software to do this?
Please explain if you would. Thanks.
I am writing a guidebook and this could make it a lot easier.
Also, i have klm and/or klz files that i would like to upload to my blog but I don't think wordpress allows it. I see that whiteblaze does.
It appears i would have to buy some space somewhere and upload it to that and then link to it. any other ideas on this anyone? Thanks, fiddlehead
The Old Fhart
09-24-2008, 08:06
Fiddlehead-"Old Fhart, I would love to know how you got that display on to this website?"Ah, I think you mean "how did I get a copy of the 60CSx screen to display on WB".
If you go to the Garmin site you can download their screen capture utility program (www.garmin.com/ximage) free. This is a neat utility that can be used to capture any screen that displays on the 60CSx (or other Garmin) GPS.
4840
76 - waterproof and floats
60 - water resistant and sinks
Was this field tested? :D
Backpackrat
09-24-2008, 11:25
i hiked the coosa backcountry trail this past weekend with mine and batteries lasted all weekend and never lost reception, and recorded pretty accurate info!!!!
fiddlehead
09-24-2008, 22:00
Ah, I think you mean "how did I get a copy of the 60CSx screen to display on WB".
If you go to the Garmin site you can download their screen capture utility program (www.garmin.com/ximage) free. This is a neat utility that can be used to capture any screen that displays on the 60CSx (or other Garmin) GPS.
4840
Thank you VERY much Old Fhart!
(I'll never disagree with you again on this forum)
That is a huge help.
I wish i could adjust the zoom level a little better but it doesn't give you options except the presets that i can see.
Tried to go to help but it says Help is not supported in Vista.
Learning to hate Vista more and more.
I have two computers and am finding more and more that i need to use my old one with XP for so many things because Visa won't run certain programs. Oh well.
I'll have to now download it to my old computer just to see if I can answer my question from Help.
I still don't have the detailed Thai maps installed on the thing as there are 3 options and they cost a lot and none are topo anyway so, i don't know that i need them but of course they would be nice just showing the roads that they do have.
Now, i feel much better about categorizing info needed for this guidebook thing i'm working on.
Any suggestions on which data fields you would like to see in a guidebook?
Odometer of course.
Total Time I guess??
Trip time moving (as long as i put my average walking speed in there for comparison i guess) (maybe average speed to help with THat)
What is Glide ratio? Anyone know?
Thanks again OF.
The Old Fhart
09-24-2008, 23:42
Fiddlehead-"Thank you VERY much Old Fhart!
(I'll never disagree with you again on this forum)"I hope you just meant in this thread, it might get boring otherwise.:D
Was this field tested? :D
Yes, but only under controlled circumstances! Garmin promotes the 76 as floating, so I had to try it... in my pool!
What is Glide ratio? Anyone know?
Thanks again OF.
I dont have a detailed answer, but it has to do with using the gps in flight / flying as the pilot and using it? from what I recall...
fiddlehead
09-25-2008, 00:12
I hope you just meant in this thread, it might get boring otherwise.:D
Ha ha, good one OF.
I meant the whole or whiteblaze but.............well, i guess it depends on the subject a little bit... LOL
I am ready to go out exploring. I am trying to piece together an ascent of a mtn instead of a small road around it. It should be (according to GE) about 2 miles and will probably take me most of the day.
So, i was putting in about 5 waypoints by hand (the hard way) into my gps because my gpsbabel program that i used before doesn't seem to work now.
Keep getting error messages.
Does anyone have a reliable program (hopefully a free one) that will convert the kmz or kml files from google earth to gpx files that i can easily upload from Mapsource to my gps?
Thanks in advance. Goin explorin in what looks like some virgin forest according to the 2 year old picture we have here on google earth. (in other words no rubber tree plantations to be seen, which actually make very easy walking compared to the bushwhacking)
I'll check back in in about 8 hours.
JumpInTheLake
09-25-2008, 00:26
What is Glide ratio? Anyone know?
Glide Ratio is frequently used by hang glider pilots and sailplane pilots. It's horizontal distance over vertical change. It's also known as Lift/Drag.
For example a modern sail plane can travel about 60 feet for every one foot of lost altitude, or 60:1
A hang glider will do about 18:1.
Does anyone have a reliable program (hopefully a free one) that will convert the kmz or kml files from google earth to gpx files that i can easily upload from Mapsource to my gps?
I'll check back in in about 8 hours.
gpsbabel works for conversions
fiddlehead
09-25-2008, 04:15
Cuffs, i had been using gpsbabel but it only gives me error messages now. I'll try reloading it again and see what happens.
Ok, just got back from an awesome exploratory trek in good (somewhat) old growth real jungle. By that i mean, not rubber plantations but wild with some huge trees.
I was on a section that a Thai peasant woman told me 4 times i couldn't go in there.
I found out it was because she thought i'd get lost.
Found awesome little trails and followed my designed route that i had created on GE.
I also just discovered in Mapsource that you can view it in google earth.
That helps a whole lot.
Now i have to learn to work with layers in GE.
So much to learn.
Thanks for the info on the glide data. I doubt i'll need much of that although my dentist here is trying to get me into paragliding with him. He broke his leg once already. I feel safer in the jungle.
Now, if i could only organize all my thoughts and gps readings as easy as it is to go out and bushwhack the jungle. Thanks everyone.
Time to try to write up the days log.
fiddlehead
09-26-2008, 03:31
OK, i just finished writing up (and posting on my blog) what is basically the first 15 miles of the trail I am designing here in Phuket.
I used the GPS (60CSX) a lot in writing this. (I have also found that in MapSource you can click on view and there's an option to see it in Google Earth which REALLY helped me)
If anyone cares to spend the time, i would appreciate some feedback on what i wrote as I am calling it Section A of my trail. I expect this first section to be about 15% of the total trail once it's completed.
I do have another 5 or 6 miles explored and will hopefully write that up soon in Section "B"
But first, i would like to know if I should continue writing it the way i have been.
It is complete with pretty many pictures in trying to explain what the trail will be like.
It is here (http://fiddlehead.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/guidebook-for-phuket-high-trail-section-a/) on my blog.
I am also going to try to upload the kml. file or kmz file from my GE to whiteblaze as i think this is possible. That way, if anyone is interested, they could follow along on GE also.
Thanks in advance for any feedback. (I'm a better hiker than writer but trying my best)
fiddlehead
09-26-2008, 03:38
4851
I used the "attach file" link (below from the "Add reply" page) and uploaded the .kmz file (Google Earth file of the hike) to whiteblaze.
Hopefully it shows up here. First time I've ever tried this.
Again, please let me know if it works and if you can see my trail on google earth. thanks. fh
fiddlehead
09-26-2008, 21:39
OK, after a bit of feedback, i've gone back and fixed some things, added some data on mileage at the bottom, and generally just made it all easier to read (more paragraphs)
So, i am hoping for more feedback from anyone who would like to compare it to whatever guidebooks you have read in the past.
Also, if anyone wants to try uploading that kmz file and looking on GE, the red line is my original designed and intended route, the yellow line is the one we hiked with the girls last Sunday and is mostly what was written about with the grey line being the one i corrected the route in Part 3.
Thanks for any more (and all) feedback. Either PM me or post on here.
(sorry to the OP if i hijacked your thread. I could start a new one i guess if you have a problem with it)