etrex Legend HCx?

[Kickin Bass]

I got the bundle for xmas. looks like it would be great but I am illiterate with this GPS stuff. Does anyone have one and what do I need to get to see some accurate lake map readings? Seems like it also works in the car. Any tips, reviews?

[BobT]

Your Garmin Etrex Legend is able to be loaded with lake map data available from Garmin's HSOforum. It can be either downloaded directly to your handheld via your PC or installed on MicroSD cards and inserted via the card slot.

Visit Garmin's HSOforum and look for their Maps link then scroll down to Lakemaster to see the various programs available. You should also be able to find an online viewer so you can see actual samples of lake contours that you'll get with the software.

Good luck. Once you become familiar with your new GPS, I think you'll wonder how you got along without it.

Bob

[JimJim]

I also got the HCx from Santa.

I will be stopping at Gander today to but the MicroSD card. I will let you know how easy it is to install in a couple hours. I'm heading to Castle Rock Flowage in WI tonight and will also let you know how accurate it is.

Have fun playing with your new toy.

[PerchJerker]

Garmin has a MN LakeMaster chip on microSD that will work in your HCX units

LakeMaster microSD Chip

[Kickin Bass]

ok well I was looking at lake map chips and software. I looked up the lakemaster stuff and it is easy with the chip, but I like the amount of mn lakes on the new navionics pro. There are tons more lakes on it, but noone ever talks about it. That is what I really want and I dont know if I can put it on this unit. Also with the navionics, is it software or a chip? If I get software do I need a memory card? Has anyone used navionics in the last year? I guess my main question is what is the best gps unit, and chip/software?

[Kickin Bass]

anyone?

[BobT]

Nobody talks about it? Where have you been? Navionics is probably THE most talked about lake map software on this site. As far as compatibility with Garmin, I don't know. I do know that a great majority of visitors to this site use Lowrance GPS products and Navionics is very compatible.

Bob

[Brade04]

I have one too, instead of buying a chip I can download maps off the Garmin site?

[Kickin Bass]

Like I said I am a virgin. I havent played with it at all because I want to know if I should exchange it for a h20 or an xoc (which isnt waterproof but has mp3 compatibility.)

[PerchJerker]

Navionics chips do not work in Garmin GPS.

Navionics sells map chips, they do not sell software that you can load on a PC.

[Kickin Bass]

do they work on the H2O? What would you suggest?

[snoozebutton]

Yeah, a Navionics chip will work in the Lowrance H2O.

[JimJim]

This may be a dumb question but I've read the directions three times and can't figure it out.

I have coordinates written down from when a buddy and I found "special spots" over the last couple years. Now I got the HCx and want to put these coordinates into my GPS to create waypoints. I've created waypoints when I'm at them but want to install these from home so when I'm headed out on the lake I can find my spot right away. Can anyone help me with this.

Thanks,

Jim

[BobT]

To manually enter a waypoint on your HCx do the following:

1.

Create a waypoint at your current location like you normally would.

2.

Before you accept the new waypoint you should be able to navigate to view the actual coordinate of the waypoint. I don't know what format you are using on your GPS but I'll assume degrees/minutes/seconds so it might appear like this.

N47 02 30.9 W92 16 17.9

3.

Edit the coordinate values to match the ones for the waypoint you wish to enter.

4.

Accept the waypoint as entered.

Hard to describe it exaclty since I don't know how the Etrex waypoint configuration menus appear on your handheld.

Bob

[JimJim]

Thanks BobT. That worked perfectly.

Jim

BTW Kickin Bass I didn't get the map chip in time Friday but I am hoping to get it Monday and I'll let you know how it is. Here's one I managed to pull out of Castle Rock yesterday using my Legend HCx.

[Kickin Bass]

thanks for all of the info, I am going to stop into sportsmans today and ask a few more questions.

[JimJim]

I stopped at Sportsmans today and bought the WI MicroSD chip. It was clearance for 79 dollars. It was extremely easy to set up. Just plug the chip into the back of the GPS unit and then turn on the GPS. It loads for one second and then all the info is on. I looked up my waypoints and it looks like the depths are real accurate. I was surprised to see it has all the roads on the chip also. Even the subdivision streets are on the chip.

[KadenBear]

I have Lakemaster on My legend Cx and i like it a lot. It's not Navionic's, but I have not had any complaints. I have the garmin mapsource software on my computer and I can scout out possible spots and mark them and transfer the data to my gps via usb cord. Also I recommend getting the car adapter that plugs into the 12 volt power. There is plenty of sites out there you can find it cheap. Enjoy your new toy!