Garmin Etrex Vista HCx GPS Receiver
Packed with features for the part-time Geocaching enthusiast or the serious outdoor adventurer, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Receiver is a step above other offerings in this product range. Similar to the previous eTrex models released by Garmin, the Vista HCx is lightweight and compact, fitting easily into the palm of your hand to cater for any of your GPS needs on the go.
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Receiver comes with a 176x220 display resolution that supports up to 256 colors and weighs in at a tiny 5.5oz w/batteries. Maximum battery life on two AA's is approximately 25 hours. With built in high sensitivity receiver for maximum coverage in remote areas, the eTrex Vista HCx is also waterproof to cater for any mishaps on the trail. Whilst there is no preloading of maps, those are easily downloaded after purchase and can be stored on the units internal memory or on MicroSD card that can be purchased separately.
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Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx Description
Garmin Etrex Vista HCx Built-in Americas basemap with automatic routing functions; off-route recalculation; turn-by-turn directions; WAAS-enabled; high-sensitivity GPS receiver; barometric altimeter; electronic compass; 176 x 220 pixel color display; waterproof and impact-resistant; runs up to 25 hours on 2 AA batteries
Garmin Etrex Vista HCx GPS Feature
Packed with features, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is an outstanding GPS unit for your adventures, wherever they take you. In addition to the ability to store info on the MicroSD card, the unit features a barometric altimeter to keep track of just how high you are, an electronic compass and automatic routing between waypoints. Up to 1000 personal waypoints and locations can be saved and you also have the capability to add additional custom maps via the USB connection on your PC.
Satellite Page
This will show you the status of the satellites. It will show if it has a satellite lock by giving the lat/long. Pressing menu will allow you to use the unit indoors by turning the GPS function off, north or track up, blue satellite icons or multi-color, new location,-- which puts the unit into locating satellites mode if you have moved hundreds of miles from the last use and GPS elevation. This pages also shows you the elevation, but according to the GPS satellites, not the altimeter.
Map
This is the map page, and this shows optional CityNavigator detail. The black triangle represents my position. The data fields, which here show speed and elevation are customizable and also allow two additional data fields, but this will reduce the size of the map that is visible. (A screen example of the optional TOPO 2008 software is shown later on in this article when tracks are discussed.)
Altimeter
This is the built in barometric altimeter page. You can calibrate the altimeter on this page by pressing 'menu.' You will then be prompted for either the current barometer pressure or you must know your current elevation. You can also use the joystick key and adjust the scale of the altimeter. Also using the joystick key, you can use the red crosshairs that will appear, to move back and see your altitude. It will also bring up the date and time of this location. And when you press the joystick button in, it will bring up the map page and show your location on the map of where you were at, at the altitude you selected. For example, if you hike a summit and want to see where it was on the map, you can go to the peak on the altimeter and bring up the map page. This is discussed in more detail just below in the 'Tracks' section of this article.
Tracks
One of my favorite features in a GPS is the ability to be able to log tracks, which means the VistaHCx will record your lat/long, speed, heading, elevation, and time, providing a way for you to download it into your computer to analyze and to save tracks so they are visible on the GPS for future reference.
Compass
This is for getting to a location off road. It is not an actual compass, but works from determining your movement. This is until you turn the electronic compass on and your speed is less than five miles per hour, which will activate the electronic compass. You can also customize the data files on this page by pressing 'menu.' Remember to press and hold the page key to turn the electronic compass on/off.
Main Menu
This allows you access to the setup page, as well as mark, find, and the following other features included in the unit.
Summary
Whilst there is a lack of a touch screen and wireless transfer capability, the easy to use design of the unit makes up for these shortfalls. On balance, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Receiver is a solid GPS unit for any adventuring purpose and a contender for your new Geocaching GPS companion if you are just getting into it.