Garmin vista hcx canada

Hopefully I will never have this issue. ScottM, thanks! Exactly what I needed to here. Am looking to use it for a potential trip down the great divide this october. So this will be my first unit. Am not even sure what features I need besides. If anyone has any other recommendations do tell.

Coincidentally, I just replaced this with an identical unit after 4 years of service even after reviewing the latest models. It has been dropped not less than ten times sometimes onto asphalt or rocks , bounced around and kicked off once during a sketchy fall on my handlebars, gotten wet, etc. It gets bonus points for using standard batteries 2 AAs.

They also switched to a different mounting system for their newer models, so I would also have had to replace all of my existing mounting hardware. I always unload these to the computer at home, but if you keep these in your unit, there you go.

Turn-by-turn navigation is also handy for driving in cities… apparently not all devices have this, which I figured was a standard feature. Regarding the mounting system coming slightly loose, I put a strip of electrical tape in the channel of the mount, which tightened it right up. AA batteries had a fair amount of play between them, such that a good bounce on the bike could momentarily break the circuit which was fixed with a little piece of foam to take out that slack.

The new unit came with firmware version 3. Its just been fantastic. Excellent battery life, easily readable in bright sunlight, takes separate AA batteries. Its very powerful, with an ability to customise the way data is presented. Its been very well thought through, I use it for a lot of marine work as well as cycling. BAD: Screen a bit small fine for cycling but not so great for marine use , interface is slightly clunky now that everyone seems to use touch screens.

Rubber ring around outside provides waterproofing, but many myself included found that the adhesive failed after a couple of years.

I returned it to Garmin, who provided me with a replacement unit and another 12 months guarantee. Apparently it can also be fixed by putting a bit of foam into the battery area, just to snug up the batteries. For Mac users Garmin provide a very usable desktop application called Basecamp.

The old PC software was fine too. For free. The maps are superb South UK showing tracks, paths, foliage, etc. You can check out the degree of coverage on OSM, most of Europe is pretty good, and what you see on the website is what you get on your little handheld. No hacking needed. OSM on Basecamp allows you to plan quite complex routes, and alternatives, and just upload them to the unit. POIs: Points of interest. You can create and add your own data files which appear on the maps.

Name required. Mail will not be published required. Get Your Bearings. The Vista HCx has a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even while you're standing still, and its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can also use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

Expand Your Memory. Conveniently plug in optional preloaded microSD cards with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and Vista HCx provides turn-by-turn directions to your destination. The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet. Take It Anywhere.