Discussion: Topo on GPS

Probably a dumb question to ask on an orienteering forum, but has anybody tried one of the newer Garmin eTrex GPS units with a topo uploaded?

We need 2 GPS units for the K-rock in Yellowknife. I have a basic one, (eTrex Legend) as we really don't use it for much except just-in-case for UTMs on camping trips.

I noticed a lot of the new ones can take a full Topo of Canada on a mini SD card. Is the topo any use on such a little screen? Worth considering?

here's a different gps question. can the recption of a GPS unit be improved? I have a gps 60 that I use while kayaking and it works fine but in the woods it always looses the satelite reception. Is there an upgrade I can make to make it get better reception?

The Garmin 60csx is awesome. Doesn't lose reception and can even go in a coat pocket in cold weather and still function. The topo software is useful. We use it for search and rescue training.

so how do I get my 60 to work like the 60csx?

Your 60 should be able to take an amplifying external antenna like this one. These can help a lot, I used to use one back when I had a Garmin 76.

The ones I'm looking at are the eTrex Summit HC and eTrex Vista HCx.

The H stands for High Reception- it's a new receiver that's supposed to be much better. C is for colour, and the x is for external SD cards.

Thanks Ken. Its nice to know that i can fix it for $10 instead of buying a whole new one for hundreds

I have a Garmin eTrex. It may have been a Vista model instead of the Legend. Though the controls were nice laid out, the reception was awful. I didn't try using a topo because of the reception problem but the longer antenna Ken suggest might get me some more use out of it.

I've been using the Garmin 305 (wrist model). That's been great for downloading to topo and other maps but it only displays tracks and waypoints by itself.

That's part of my question for anyone- is it worthwhile getting a new model eTrex HC series with the improved reception and topo features?