Etrex Vista HCX - Good Choice?

[CAMRAMan]

I've just got one of these.

How do I enable the TalkyToaster maps I've installed on the MicroSD card? I've followed a video someone here posted a link to, but it's a different Garmin version, so the UI is different.

Also, the thing seems to lock up with the USB cable attached & I can't get away from the "connected" screen. That can't be normal, can it?

[bloomers100]

Get into settings go to maps click across to the 'i' and check the map. If its not shown turn it off and replace the card, took me a couple of goes. When its connected I think I pressed the top right button a couple of times to get to menu.

[CAMRAMan]

Clueless as I am, I don't know if I'm looking at the TalkyToaster maps or the Garmin ones. There are 69 maps with codes: 6692001 to 69.

As soon as I activate the USB link, all I get is a static screen with the usb cable to computer picture. No key other than the off button works in this status.

[frankly frankie]

Yes that's normal.  In that mode the mSD card is simply seen as an external drive by the PC, and the Garmin itself is inactive.  You can only get out of that mode by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB lead (preferably do the usual USB things to disconnect cleanly!).
In the 'other' (default) connect mode, that is 'Garmin' mode, nothing will work unless you have the Garmin USB driver installed on your PC, and the Garmin is not seen as an external drive (but some specialised software will see it).

In any case, for map transfer, it's much better to take the card out and put it in a card reader - the Garmin is only USB1.1 which is painful when handling map-sized files.  You can get by without ever using the Garmin connected in 'USB link' mode.
The card can be FAT or FAT32, and the only map the GPS will see is one called gmapsupp.img placed inside the /Garmin/ directory.

[JayP]

I've been using one of these cradles http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-garmin-etrex-color-cradle-ram-hol-ga16u.html
,as pictured in Wowbagger's post up thread, for about two years (with an Etrex Hcx Legend). Clearly there are no rattle or jump out probs with this.
BUT, after two years, constant removal and remount the tight fitting cradle has worn through and unstuck the peripheral rubber sleeves on the Garmin which houses the 'controls'. The unit itself is still perfectly functional. I'll either have to get a new rubber sleeve fitted (any pointers?) or  nurse the old one and get a new mount .

[frankly frankie]

Why not nurse it and keep the RAM mount which will at least hold the rubber tightly in place.  Otherwise you'll need a stout elastic band to hold it together (which is what I do).  The other mount you've linked to won't fit an Etrex (without bodging).

To my mind the problem with the rubber is 90% cosmetic.  I don't believe it contributes much to the weatherproofing.

[Canardly]

Review quote JayP

This is an excellent mount if you have a 60 series Garmin receiver. It won't fit the eTrex or other Garmins

[JayP]

Frankie and Canardly. Thank you gents for the timely warning. I should have read the reviews.  Cancellation requested!
I'm not sure about nursing the rubber in the old mount and a stout rubber band may be a nuisance. I already have enough trouble changing screens with gloved fingers - but it is an option. I think I'll try the backplate option and Kim's Gaffer tape rattle fix. Thanks

[frankly frankie]

There are a few "this is how I repaired my stretched rubber" how-to's out there, including one on this forum somewhere.

[Canardly]

I seem to remember Wowbagger had some problem with his etrex rubber on the forum somewhere.

[Wowbagger]

I had my Garmin replaced some time after I bought it. I'm not sure if Garmin are still offering this replacement service.

[De Sisti]

I seem to remember Wowbagger had some problem with his etrex rubber on the forum somewhere.

I had the same problem (with an eTrex vista cx) and Garmin replaced it.