Garmin Etrex Legend HCX

[Brade4]

I have the Garmin Etrex Legend HCX and use it for nothing but ice fishing. Is it worth the 109 bucks for a lakemaster chip?? What is so good about these>>

[Brade4]

And I believe I have a chord that connects from GPS to my computer.. What is this for? What am I supposed to or can I download and put on to the GPS??

[MN Mike]

If you go to Garmins site, sign up for a free account, you can register this GPS to your account, download a communicator program that will allow garmins site to detect your GPS, figure out if you need updates and tell you what updates need to be done.

If you have lots of waypoints and you would like to back those up so you don't loose them, you can download programs that will pull the waypoints and tracks from your GPS to be saved on your computer, I use this several times a year.

Garmin has a Mapsource cd line that will give you different maps, topo,trail, lake depth and navigation. You can use these CD's to place data into your GPS for whatever you want.

I highly recommend signing up for an account at Garmin.

As for the Lakemaster chip, if you like having the depth data on your screen instead of using a paper map, I think you would definetly like that chip in the gps.

Mike

[jimmyjames76]

I have the Garmin Etrex Legend HCX and use it for nothing but ice fishing. Is it worth the 109 bucks for a lakemaster chip?? What is so good about these>>

I haven't used the lakemaster chip in that model, but assuming it works as well as the other models I'd say it's well worth it. The chips are helpful to me for a couple reasons. First, when you're out on the lake you know the depth below you without having to drill holes. So if you're looking for a drop off or a sand bar you can go right to it w/o having to do a lot of drilling. You can also use the chip for scouting since it gives you highly detailed lakemaps of hundreds of lakes, and less detailed lake maps of thousands of lakes. You can mark spots you'd like to try before heading out or find spots you'd like to try while you're on the lake, and then drive/ride/walk right to them.

If you're interested in buying one you should check out Reed's. I think they still have the Garmin chips on sale.

[BobT]

Search the net for Garmin's HSOforum and check out their mapping software.

They offer MN Lakemaster in either CD or memory card form.

Depending on the lake you are visiting, the software can be really beneficial on ice because it can show you where you are relative to structure. Some of the most popular lakes are scaled to 3 foot increments while others have less resolution. You can preview the software online if you want to check the resolution of the lakes you frequent before you buy the software.

The CD form comes with the Mapsource software for your PC. This allows you to navigate around MN on your PC and view lake structure and such. You can then use it to mark waypoints, create routes to your lake's boat launch, view waypoints you've marked afield, view tracks you've recorded, etc. all from your PC. Then you can pick the map data for the area(s) you wish and download the maps to your handheld including waypoints, routes, etc. you added while viewing on your PC.

[Brade4]

Got the chip and put in GPS but not sure if it is recognizing it? Any suggestions?

[Brade4]

To view the contour of the lake do I have to be on the lake or can I be at my house and look?

[GrizzlyAdams]

Should be able to look at it from your house. I have the Garmin 60csx and I can see all detail from my couch by high lighting a lake and zooming in. Shouldn't have to be on the lake to see the detail it should be on the chip.