GPS / Navigation » Garmin Vista HCx
Deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal in the toughest environments. Similar to the Vista Cx, this handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD™ card slot and automatic routing for wherever adventure takes you.
Enjoy Clear Reception
With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, eTrex Vista HCx locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Product Link: http://www.adventurestation.com/product/view_product.asp?x_ID=149143
Please rate this product: (no login required)
(14 votes, average: 4.07 out of 5)
Loading ...
I frequently recommend this GPS to folks looking for a powerful, yet easy to use GPS. I have personally used this GPS on a half dozen or so bikepacking trips and it kept me on track and has never let me down.
Map capacity is good — it comes with a 64 mb SD-card, and I have never felt the need to upgrade it. Even with the newest Mapsource Topo 2008 maps I can still fit enough maps to cover a weeklong trip (e.g. all of Arizona).
Track capacity is good enough for hundreds of miles of trail. It takes a little GPS software know-how to optimize your track points (I use the “saved tracks” area of 20 x 500 point tracks).
Minor complaints: the screen is a little small. The 60CS series is larger, but you pay for it in the bigger, bulkier, harder to mount unit. The good part is that the Vista’s screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Some units have had problems with vibration shutting them off. Mine has been rock solid for thousands of miles and has only very recently starting occasionally shutting off. Sometimes an update of the firmware can help here too.
I use the regular Garmin GPS mount and have never had the unit pop off or any other issues. I leave it a little loose on the bars in case of a crash, and also so I can adjust viewing angle while riding.
My unit popped off the Garmin GPS Handlebar Mount and was never found.
I would recommend making an extra tie to make sure that if it does fall it doesn’t get lost.
About the shutting off – It was hell until I fixed it by opening the unit and cleaning contacts.
Ben — I’m curious what you used to clean the contacts?
Ditto on the GPS loss…I’ve left 2 (yes, as in two) in Canada. Bucket of Blood in BC, and day 6 of TR…
Leash it!
The vibration from riding can do a number on some older units. Apparently it is easy do develop “false contact” from the batteries to the unit. There are posts on several forums (cycling, motorcycles, 4×4 off roading) explaining how to fix it. It involves soldering wires from the power supply to the circuit board.
Here is a link to a Spanish cycling forum with some self explanatory pictures:
http://www.foromtb.com/showthread.php?t=353300
I’ve had an VIsta HCx for over a year. I chose it over other cycling specific Garmin models because of the regular AA batteries it uses (also price). I felt that proprietary battery packs are a hassle when travelling several days away from home. Can’t always plug a charger in the woods, but a couple of AA batteries are easy enough to carry along and purchase along the way.
On the negative side, I feel that Garmin software for MAC could be better.
About losing the unit while riding, I use the lanyard and wrap it around the handlebars. Also, I place a piece of cardboard on the handlebar mount to take up the play.
http://holzking.net/alejo/albums/altotajo/IMG_5179_2.sized.jpg