Anybody have any experience with the eTrex Vista HCX?

[ex-Sup]

Where would you guys recommend I but this unit? 

I've bought my units from GPSCity. Reasonable price, shipping and since they're in Calgary, no PST!  ;D
http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-etrex-vista-hcx/etrexvistahcx.htm
I will be looking to buy local though when I acquire 15+ units for my dept at school.

 

[Nfld Sapper]

Walmart has a Legend package which comes with the Legend GPS (not the colour one), lanyard, carrying case and a complete set of topo maps for Canada for around $120 (give or take I think)

EDITED TO ADD

Package is called: eTrex Legend Canadian Tracker Pack

 

[Harley Sailor]

Where would you guys recommend I but this unit?  I've found that I can get it off of ebay for cheapest (brand new).  However shipping and handling is looking to be in the area of $40 dollars and then there is duty because it seems all of the units are from South of the border.  By the time I paid all that it would probably more expensive than buying it at a store.  Any suggestions?

gpscentral.ca is a good place for you to price compare

 

[Harley Sailor]

I think there is some misunderstanding about the electronic compass on the GPS.  They both have ones that work while you are moving.  The Vista has one that works when you are standing still.  Again I say, If I am standing still and require a bearing I will always use the magnetic type, it is more accurate.

 

[ex-Sup]

gpscentral.ca is a good place for you to price compare

This is a good spot as well, though I have switched to GPSCity since their prices have been a bit better as of late. Both located in Calgary, so the no PST is still a big plus.
However, as I mentioned in my inital post, the GPS is still only part of the system. To use such a great piece of technology without mapping software is a waste. Spend a bit extra and at least get the topo software; the ability to download, upload and edit the map information makes it all that much better. 
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topoCanada.jsp
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynavnt.jsp

 

[Haligonian]

This is a good spot as well, though I have switched to GPSCity since their prices have been a bit better as of late. Both located in Calgary, so the no PST is still a big plus.
However, as I mentioned in my inital post, the GPS is still only part of the system. To use such a great piece of technology without mapping software is a waste. Spend a bit extra and at least get the topo software; the ability to download, upload and edit the map information makes it all that much better. 
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topoCanada.jsp
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynavnt.jsp

Does that Garmin map have an up to date and detailed Gagetown map?  What are the other map options, can you use other maps than Garmin maps?  Anychance of getting a free one from the Forces?

 

[MCpl Burtoo]

I have an Garmin eTrex and I love it!  I bought it a few years ago to use on my Adv Tow Crse and it worked great! I was able to easily put in all my way points (AT Psn  ;D) with no problems. Since I am not in the Infantry anymore, I use it go geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com/). I have even hooked it up to my lap top and used it in the car to Nav. If I was going to spend the money now, I would get a Venture,Legend or a Vista so that you have the built-in basemap of North & South America with cities, major roads, lakes, rivers and railways. If you are just looking for the basic GPS to give you a Grid, eTrex works great.

Here is a link to all the differences in the models.......
http://www.gpscentral.ca/products/garmin/etrexseriescomparison.htm

Good luck......VP

 

[Ecco]

Does that Garmin map have an up to date and detailed Gagetown map?  What are the other map options, can you use other maps than Garmin maps?  Anychance of getting a free one from the Forces?

The other typical map option is the paper 1:50 000 map you will receive for free from the CF.  It is quite up-to-date, it never runs out of batteries and shows great detail.  It should be plastified to show its complete potential.

Seriously, the Topo map from Garmin is useful, but pale in comparison to the detail from a paper map. It provides the basic features (rivers, etc...) but will not be sufficient for most of your training.  Enjoy Scotty Dog Wood.

 

[Fusaki]

Does that Garmin map have an up to date and detailed Gagetown map?  What are the other map options, can you use other maps than Garmin maps?  Anychance of getting a free one from the Forces?

Make friends with the GEO Techs. ;D

They may have it, and if you're nice to them they might help you out.

 

[ex-Sup]

Does that Garmin map have an up to date and detailed Gagetown map?

I'd have to check. Since I don't live anywhere near NB, I don't have that map loaded into the GPS. The Canadian Topo software is on 4 disks, and I only loaded the central Canada maps. The disks are in my desk at school, so I can check tomorrow when I have a minute (I had to first look up where Gagetown was  ).

What are the other map options, can you use other maps than Garmin maps?

I think you can upload other maps, but I haven't tried it. Check on the Garmin site and look through the instruction pdf, it might have something there.

Anychance of getting a free one from the Forces?

Not in the loop, haven't been a long time, so I have no idea. I have found some "free" Garmin maps on the web, but I don't what else is out there.

 

[Nfld Sapper]

The Garmin Topomap has a somewhat ok map of the training area.

 

[ex-Sup]

Here's an image from the software of the Gagetown area. I have no idea if this is anywhere near the base, but it will give you an idea of the resolution and detail of the maps in the Canadian Topo series.
Editted for really bad grammar.