*Found by turning the unit on while holding down the click stick. This also gives the diagnostics page. Pressing PAGE multiple times brings up additional diagnostic screens
The units have Garmin eTrex's familiar "click stick" switch to the upper left of the screen along a power switch, page switch and zoom in/out switches. We don't like the click stick as well as the four way rocker switches on larger models BUT, on the eTrex the click stick seems the right way to go considering the very compact size of the unit. Both units have 24 MB of map memory -the same as the old Vista, and the Vista Cx comes with a 64MB microSD chip.
The new color display is 176 x 220 pixels and is 1.3"W x 1.7"H. This compares with 160 x 288 pixels and 1.1"W x 2.1"H for the Vista/Legend. Thus the color screen is not as tall, but is wider. The Vista/Legend C(x) actually have less resolution than the Vista/Legend, see unit resolutions (HERE). We have criticized the text size on previous eTrex models as being difficult to read, because the text was so small, but the Legend and Vista Cs are considerably improved with the map and text easier to read, and we now consider it satisfactory.
VISTA Cx:
So what's different about this unit? "x" stands for a microSD
card for map memory storage and (in the case of the Vista Vista Cx) not
for the new SIRF-III processor. The unit comes with a 32MB card,
but up to 512MB cards have been tested. The card is easier to extract
than the one in the 76Cx. It's just under the battery cover on the
left and 'pops' straight out.
To see the 76Cx microSD card bumps into the battery compartment, but can be extracted if one is careful. It's to the right of the serial number and partly extracted in (THIS) photo. We measured 65ma battery drain for both the compass ON or OFF. Compare this to other units (HERE). The Vista Cx's backlighted screen is somewhat brighter than the C.
NOTE! If you turn tracking off and then clear the tracking history, the device may be frozen on the startup screen every time it's turned on.
(By Will Spangler): If the Vista Cx is frozen on the startup screen:
- Power on the GPS
- Press the power button again to brighten the display
- Press the menu button twice
- Select the Track Setup
- Turn Tracking On (It will take a moment)
- Device will function correctly on power up
- Download the Web Updater from Garmin's website and upgrade the
GPS firmware
Maps:
Garmin recommends City Navigator maps for the Cx rather than the
City Select maps, recommended for the other units. It appears that
all "x" units support City Navigator maps.
BAROMETER:
Unlike the GPSmap 76S, the GPSmap 76CS(x) and Vista C(x) don't show
a continuous readout of GPS altitude. All the data fields show barometric
altitude. GPS altitude must be accessed from the Satellite Page by
pressing Menu Key, then select GPS Elevation. This is a "one
time" reading, and is not continuous. A similar procedure is required
in the original Vista. However, the Vista does not have a "barometer"
function, only Barometric Altitude. In the Auto-Calibrate mode, the
Vista-C GPS altitude does appear to calibrate the barometric altitude,
as shown below. And contrary to the Vista's original Normalized Pressure,
the Vista C's Barometer doesn't go up and down when you go down and up!
...
...
...
Running Elevation Plot ** Read Data
at Crosshairs ** Hurricane Francis Pressure Plot ** Click above thumbnail
In the first two screen shots, the barometer was calibrated to 1500 feet (in the Fixed Elevation mode), where the actual altitude was about 1,100 feet. In approximately an hour and a half, this large error was basically wiped out. Under normal conditions, it only takes about 30 minutes to Auto-calibrate the barometer to within 0.02 In-Hg of the correct barometer setting. The above plot also can be displayed as a function of distance traveled. Moving the Click Stick activates movable crosshairs to read out Elevation and Time along the plot. The above plot is similar to (THIS) plot of the GPSmap 76S barometric and GPS altitudes with only 100-foot initial calibration error.
The second two pics are a screen shot of an actual pressure plot of Hurricane Francis (and Ivan) as it passed by Atlanta and a screen capture of the hurricane. This hurricane was 'excruciatingly' slow moving. The center of the storm passed near Atlanta at about 5:00pm on Sept. 7, 2004, and the GPS recorded a low pressure point of 29.50" at that time. In order to get this plot, the unit was connected to a notebook computer for two days via the USB cable, which provided uninterrupted power. However, I discovered later that the unit can go for at least a month (without any external power and turned OFF) and still record the pressure.
In the Altimeter Setup, there is a selection of Variable Elevation or Fixed Elevation. The reason someone would want to used a Fixed Elevation, is that any fluctuations in air pressure would be seen as air pressure fluctuations, not altitude fluctuations. This allows the Altimeter to function as a standard barometer. (See above for an example of the Pressure Trend mode set to Always -then it records even when the unit is turned off.) Elevation trip data isn't recorded in the Fixed Elevation mode.
COMPASS: Tests of compass accuracy will be published when we can get repeatable results.
POSITION ACCURACY: Tests over surveyed markers (in the clear) showed the Vista-C consistently more accurate than the SporTrak Color. The Vista-C showed errors in the range of 1 to 2 meters while the SporTrak Color typically showed errors in the 3 meter range. One problem for the SporTrak Color is that it has an internal precision of only 0.06 seconds of Lat/Long while the Garmins have an internal precision of 0.01 seconds. 0.01" is approximately a foot while 0.06" is approximately 6 feet. Thus the Magellan receivers receive benchmark coordinates in errors up to 3 meters.
Is it a quality, and functional GPS
receiver for Hiking and Automobile use?
We do agree that eTrex LEGEND and VISTA are easy to learn,
not-so-easy to use, but fully functional in getting you from A to B.
It is accurate and provides all necessary functionality for hiking use.
The extremely small package coupled with good battery life is a real winner.
Battery life was measured at 29 hours for the Vista-C with the backlight
and compass OFF and 18 hours with the compass ON.
What's New and Different in the eTrex
VISTA COLOR and LEGEND COLOR?
The eTrex Legend and Vista have been around for several years now
and constitute one of Garmin's larger sellers. Now comes Garmin with
the eTrex Legend Color (LC) and the Vista Color (VC). These are Garmin's
latest in the medium cost eTrex line but enhanced with automatic CAR NAVIGATION
features, improved battery life and a great color display that is easy
to view in bright sunlight. These models are the SMALLEST, and among
the least expensive car navigator units we know of as of August 2004.
These models require City Select or City Navigator, for automatic car navigation, but can also operate with MetroGuide maps, blue charts, and World Map and other Garmin map products. (NO maps not furnished by Garmin can be uploaded to Garmin GPS equipment (EXCEPT). The Legend/Vista was the first of Garmin's new product line to offer built in (WAAS) which improves position measurement accuracy. Selected screen shots are shown (HERE). Note: The screen shots file contains about 50 jpg photos and is about 1.5 megabytes in size.
The Legend/Vista were the first Garmin model GPS receivers to offer WAAS. These new models continue this tradition. WAAS give best case accuracy of approximately 3 meter position error (95% confidence). Note: The VC and LC do NOT have a standard serial port. Thus they have no NMEA capability. They use a USB interconnection to a computer for map uploading and waypoint/route/track downloading. The Garmin MapSource systems can use this USB data to allow position tracking on Garmin MapSource maps on a PC. Also, the units are powered by the PC when connected by the USB cable.
The Legend C model does not have the electronic compass and barometer, included in the Vista C, which is otherwise similar. The Vista C(x) model has two options for the barometer feature. It can either be set to act as an aneroid barometer OR it can be set to be used to stabilize the (normally fluctuating) GPS altitude. Legend and Vista come pre-loaded with a regional basemap for the part of the world where the unit is purchased. Descriptions of the USA (Americas) basemap can be found (HERE) and the description of the European (Atlantic) basemap can be found (HERE).
Included in the kit is a copy of Garmin's Trip and Waypoint Manager CD which permits download/upload of waypoints/routes/tracks to your IBM compatible PC. The older eTrex eliminated the "Remarks" feature from waypoint names. However, the Legend and Vista Color allow 24-character waypoint comments. Also, all waypoints created in the units include the time of creation in the remarks.
ROUTES and MAPS: Vista and Legend can upload ALL of Garmin's digital mapping products. A major new feature is the ability of both Legend Color and Vista Color to automatically generate a route from current location to a destination address input by the user WHEN either City Select or City Navigator digital maps are installed in the GPS. The destination can be (among other things) a street address, city, street intersection, POI, hospital, police station, and etc. The map area that can be loaded into a GPS depends on the road system in a state, but typically, the LC or VC can hold about 1/3 to 1/2 of a typical state's residential streets, roads and highways in their 24 MB memory. Coverage area will be GREATER in states like Montana/Idaho, and LESS in states like California. If no map is installed, the units will auto-route on the base map.
The memory is loaded via a USB serial connection in about 15 minutes or less from a typical IBM compatible computer using the optional at extra cost City Select mapping software. We note that the speed of route calculation of LC/VC is actually faster than on the older GPS-V and StreetPilot III. However, the routes generated tend to stay more on major roads and highways and take fewer "short cuts" than the more expensive car navigator systems with more powerful CPUs. A typical 50 mile route with half being on an interstate and the other half to a destination in downtown Atlanta takes the LC/VC about 15 seconds. Re-routes tend to be somewhat faster.
Compatibility with Garmin's Proprietary Data Transfer Protocol:
Hard Reset:
With the unit turned off, press and hold the follow buttons: PAGE
+ Enter on the click stick. Then press and release the POWER. The unit
will power up asking if you want to release all user data. Select yes,
and the unit will be reset.
After the master reset please place your unit outside, so that it has a clear view of the sky for 25 to 30 minutes for the unit to acquire new almanac data.
What about regular GPS features?
The eTrex model series are designed with a new "non technical" GPS
user in mind. However, the Vista and Legend have a
complete feature set for hiking and motoring. Standard
features of Legend and Vista include: Sun and Moon predictor, Calculator,
and "Best time to hunt and fish". A list of major features
and descriptions is given below. Garmin's Fishing Hot Spots maps
also are not compatible with LEGEND/VISTA.
Other VISTA COLOR
and LEGEND COLOR features of interest are:
CLICK
HERE to see typical screen images with explanations (1.5 MB to load)
Note: There are usually some "hidden options" available on display
screens by pressing the Find/Menu key.
Well.. What do we think about
eTrex LEGEND COLOR and VISTA COLOR?
Jack and I are always interested in new models. These offer
almost everything a hiker/motorist needs to navigate. Automatic best-route
calculations, and the electronic compass can be used in the units' most
sensitive position.
For automobile navigation, key data entry, which is available in the StreetPilot 2610/2620/2650/2660, is easier to use in a car navigation environment. However, we have to say (emphatically) that the very small size, portability and the much easier to read color screen go a LONG way if you need a general purpose PORTABLE car navigator/outdoor GPS unit. For both hikers and Car Navigators, we think the LC and VC are small, high quality and lightweight units that have all essential features and more.
Even though the LC and VC are not marine units, we are delighted to see the HIGHWAY PAGE which makes the units much more useful to marine users as it can be used to give left/right steering information. The VISTA unit has useful and interesting elevation profiling features that will be of great interest and use to hikers, glider and soaring enthusiasts, and private pilots among others. These Vista elevation features include a "trip profile" in elevation much the same as your bread crumb trail gives you an (x,y) profile of your horizontal travels. In addition, altitude data is stored as a part of the tracklog so you can do post trip analysis on your voyage in (x,y,z) coordinates. Waypoint Averaging is also featured in the LC/VC units.
On the other hand, the "not included" features we like to use in other Garmin GPS versions include: external antenna port, and internal wide range voltage regulator. However, we like the fact that the units are automatically powered from the USB cable when they are connected to a computer AND there is also an external cigar plug power cable available. Map memory is NOT expandable.
WAAS: What is it and why would
I want it.
First, in System, Setup, you have to have Battery Saver turned OFF,
and WAAS Enabled. WAAS is a position accuracy enhancement system
being tested (now) for full deployment (in years to come) as a safe and
reliable source of differential corrections and integrity monitoring for
aircraft navigation system using GPS. (See more information on WAAS
(HERE).
In our "casual" testing, we found that WAAS gave us routinely accurate
measurements only as long as there were no surrounding trees. There
were many "outliner points" in this environment out to about 42 feet.
(That is why GPS accuracy is specified as 95% confidence.)
This accuracy with a good strong WAAS signal CLEAR OF TREES was about the
same error as compared to a DGPS equipped consumer model GPS receiver.
..
Satellite Page - Red dot is compass
heading or direction of travel, depending on speed
Note Carefully: Your geographic location and terrain has EVERYTHING to do with WAAS working for you. The availability of a WAAS satellite and data available is shown by a "D" on each satellite signal bar where satellite WAAS correction data is available. Presently there are only TWO WAAS satellites. ( Garmin units allow for 19 WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS unique GEO satellites as specified by the FAA. They are depicted on the GPS as Satellite ID 33-51 which is actually a NMEA convention. Each WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS satellite will have its own unique PRN code assigned from the list of 19.) Sample plots of WAAS accuracy with the VISTA are shown (HERE).
One of these WAAS satellites is low on the SE horizon from the Eastern USA and the other low on the SW horizon in the Western USA. If you cannot see at least ONE of these WAAS satellites, WAAS will not operate. You can forget WAAS coverage at present in tree cover, mountainous terrain, or city canyons or in any other situation where you do not have a CLEAR view of one of the two WAAS satellites. Note: The FAA is expected to provide additional WAAS signals in the future, but NO TIME FRAME for these additions has been established as of August 2004. In "northern and middle America" Garmin advises that WAAS operation may be spotty at best until the FAA provides additional satellite signals. Europe's EGNOS (compatible with WAAS) is available on a "testing" basis in Europe at this time.
WAAS in a nutshell: It works just fine when you are in the clear with a good view of the WAAS satellites. When you do NOT have a CLEAR view of one of the WAAS satellites, your Legend or Vista will operate as an ordinary GPS.
What about RF sensitivity and use under
tree cover?
We noticed in comparative testing that our test VISTA unit seemed
to be somewhat less sensitive than some other Garmin receivers, because
the Legend and Vista have smaller antennas than say the GPSmap 76(S) and
G-V with which we compared. Perhaps Garmin has further improved the
noise figure in the newest receivers. Experiments under tree cover
show all the eTrex models to have more reception problems than other Garmin
receivers. Data scatter due to trees is about the same.
Is VISTA COLOR/LEGEND COLOR ROBUST?
Is it WaterProof?
These are indeed robust GPS receivers and like other Garmin
units in current production, it is rated for submersion to 1 meter
for up to 30 minutes. We did not try the submersion but Garmin has
a reputation of replacing or repairing any unit found to leak. We
made several drops to a wood floor and onto the ground outside and did
not notice any problems. (Such tests are NOT recommended.)
There has been discussion as to the degree of "waterproofness" of Garmin GPS receivers and especially the eTrex and Summit (Legend and Vista use essentially the same package). Here is Garmin's statement on waterproofness:
Garmin reports: "Our specifications for eTrex are that it is waterproof per IEC529-IPX7. IEC is a European specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It is very similar to the Japanese Industry Standard JIS-8. IEC529 gives an excellent breakdown of the relative degrees of protection against water ingress. IEC529 specification can be found (HERE) A layman's breakdown of IEC529 can be found (HERE). By the way, our products are more waterproof than virtually everyone else's. We test 100% of them in our factory. It costs a lot more, but we do it anyway to be sure what we ship meets IPX7. We understand and acknowledge that the marine environment can be very harsh. Even the brass contacts with nickel plating and gold over that will eventually corrode if left exposed to sea water long enough. That's the best contact material available, and we use it on all our external power contacts. All other marine electronic products in the $100-$500 class that we are aware of have this weakness. IEC529 specifies that the immersion test is to be done in fresh water, probably for this reason. The harsh environment does occasionally cause failures and we continually work on improvements to existing products while introducing new ones."
"The classification of IPX7 is for temporary (i.e. accidental) immersion in water. It is not for continuous underwater use. If the end user is looking for something that can be used underwater continuously, they need to find something rated IPX8 or JIS8. However, we are not aware of any GPS or fish finder that is rated for IPX8 in any price category. You will see in the attached sections of IEC529, that "The manufacturer of the equipment should be consulted to determine the degrees of protection available and the parts of equipment to which the stated degree of protection applies." We recently did start to add to our packaging a note concerning the extended waterproofness of our battery compartments as the seal is rubber and over time and wear and tear, will not be able to maintain as good of a seal as when new. We have a vested interest in presenting truthful, correct information to all of our current and potential customers." (End of Garmin statement.)
VISTA C(x) Feature Highlights:
Barometric Altimeter Features:
- Accuracy: 10 feet with proper calibration (user and/or automatic
calibration)
- Resolution: 1 foot
- Range: 2,000 to 30,000 feet
- Pressure: 48 hour automatic pressure trend recording.
Electronic Compass:
- Accuracy +/- 5 degrees with user calibration
- Resolution 1 degree
- Built in LEVEL sensor aids compass reading accuracy. GPS
must be held LEVEL to read compass accurately.
- Compass operates in both North Up and Track Up map modes.
- Automatic Declination adjustment with manual override.
LEGEND and VISTA C(x) Feature Highlights:
Track Log:
- Automatic elevation and track logging (3000 points, more user
Seattle)
- Save up to 10 tracks (along with elevation profile) with 250 points
each
- Note: Clearing track log will also clear elevation profile
Options/Settings:
- Option to show/hide waypoint
- Option to display heading using big numbers
- Option to set different units for distance/speed, elevation, and
pressure
- Options to turn on/off GPS and Compass (saves power when entering
data)
Other Features:
- Automatic map rotation, Track Up or North Up.
- Create new waypoint by projecting from an existing waypoint
- 500 Waypoints (with Icons/graphic symbol, and name)
- 50 reversible routes with up to 250 waypoints in a route.
- Trip Computer with current speed, average speed, sunrise/sunset,
max speed, trip timer and trip odometer
- Position format has Lat/Long, UTM/UPS, Maidenhead, MGRS,
and other grids, one USER grid, and one USER Datum.
- Receiver is 12 channel parallel and operational with the WAAS
system.
- WAAS accuracy is in the range of +/- 3 meters 95% confidence.
- Antenna is slightly smaller than on larger Garmin units, but gives
sensitivity almost equal to the larger Garmin receivers.
- No external amplified antenna connection port is available.
- Legend and Vista C(x) have only 6 control buttons,
one a "clickstick", for easy one-hand operation.
- Interfaces: proprietary GARMIN USB only.
- 108 map datums
Specifications:
- Position Error: <15 meters 95% typical.
- Acquisition Times: Warm ~15 sec, Cold ~45 seconds, Auto
Locate ~2 minutes (longer in non clear-sky situations.)
- Speed Accuracy specification 0.1 knot RMS steady state
- Physical Size: 4.4"H x 2.0"W x 1.2"D (11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm)
- Weight: 5.46 ounces (155 g) with alkaline batteries
- Display: 1.7"H x 1.3"W (4.3 x 3.3 cm) high contrast TFT LCD 256
colors, sunlight viewable with bright backlighting
- Case: Waterproof to IEC 529 IPX7 standards (Immersion to 1 meter
for 30 minutes)
- Temperature range (operation): 5°F to 158°F (-15°C
to 70°C)
- Data storage: Indefinite; no memory battery required
- Power Source: 2 AA batteries or via the USB cable or via
the accessory cigar power cable.
- Update Rate: Once per second, continuous
- User Waypoints: 500
- Trackpoints: Up to 10,000
- Saved trackpoints: Up to 500
- Saved tracks: 20
Specific questions answered:
For: How Do I operate my GPS? See: news:sci.geo.satellite-nav
