I remember my first search for free Garmin GPS maps had me pulling my hair out after spending hours trying to download them and getting them to work on my GPS, which is the one I list below, but the good news is that getting the maps is the easy part.
Once installed, run the executable map file that you downloaded. This will install the map into Map Source and your computer. You can delete the downloaded file after you finish installing it. To install the maps onto your GPS, follow this tutorial.
Disclosure: When you click on a product link, we may earn a commission. That commission doesn't change the price of the product to you, but it does help keep this website running. Thank you for your continuing support. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Vista is an excellent backpacker's GPS thanks to it's lightweight and durable construction Upper left: the optional GPS protective sleeve has a handy belt clip.
Capabilities: There is a abundance of information available to you via the Vista's multiple menus and screens.
In addition to accurate mapping the Vista provides anglers with a customizable trip computer which can track speed, avg speed, odometer, moving time, stopped time, and much more. I found the barometric altimeter extremely useful when backpacking in the Yosemite High Country, and I was able to track the daily elevation losses and gains. The Vista was able to calculate the Max elevation that I reached, as well as generate the total ascent during the backpacking trip.
The Vista's handy digital compass also helps when you combine the information of the GPS with field maps. The feature package that the Vista supports right out of the box is particularly impressive. The customizable trip computer uses various windows to convey your information in real time.
Bonus Features: As if the basic features of the Vista weren't enough the GPS also features 4 "accessory" features to help sweeten the pie. These include:. This information is very accurate and benefits anglers as they plan their days in the field.
Anglers could possibly use this as a fishing log. Based on your location and date the GPS will make 2 best time, and 2 good time predictions for when hunting and fishing will be at it's peak. The digital compass is very accurate, and good when on large bodies of water or in the wilderness. Limitations: While there are not too many, the Vista is not without flaws. While the unit is feature packed the price that you pay is a drastically reduced battery life in comparison to the lower eTrex units.
The entry level eTrex units achieve hours battery life while the Vista runs out of juice every 12 hours. To fully take advantage of the Vista's capabilities we highly recommend using additional MapSource maps from Garmin, but these additional discs are expensive. The next problem is that 24MB, while the largest in the eTrex class, is still not enough to handle a generous region of maps.
I was only able to install the maps for Northern California before I ran out of space. Unfortunately the Vista does not make use of any additional storage, as a small SD or compact flash would make the map storage basically unlimited. Finally, once high quality maps are installed you will have access to everything from fishing marinas to McDonalds, but the Vista is not capable of giving any step by step driving directions via mapping or text to your destination.
You will have to navigate the map yourself, and follow the compass to your selected target. The California Delta consists of hundreds of waterways and the Vista serves as an excellent backup solution to help navigate and mark fishing hotspots. We wish that for this price the unit would come with the additional mapping software, or at least a certificate for one region. While the package is excellent, the price is still somewhat expensive.
The Vista represents the best that there is right now for an ultra portable GPS, but newer units that feature color screens, improved internal memory, and expandable memory systems will soon be arriving. For the time being the Vista is reasonably priced, but before throwing down the to buy this unit, and an additional for maps, you should ask yourself what are the actual features that you really need from a GPS.
If basic mapping or coordinates is all you need an entry level eTrex will fit the bill nicely, while costing dollars less. Garmin eTrex Vista Ratings? Whether it was backpacking, cruising in the car, or speeding along in the boat the Vista delivered quality mapping while tracking, and marking key waypoints. The wealth of information available to anglers is impressive, but the basic basemap lacks the details most anglers are looking for.
Buy the additional maps and all that changes. Ask yourself what are the features you really want from your handheld GPS, maybe a lower model will fit your requirements. But if your looking for the most feature rich offering, this is it. Various menus allow access to very rich data.
This unit is along the best when it comes to easy one handed operation 9 Application A excellent backpacking GPS, or backup solution for boaters or drivers. Somewhat small screen for larger vehicles. The Garmin eTrex Vista is an admirable solution. This GPS unit brings more features into a ultra small and lightweight package then ever before. The small screen makes it somewhat hard to read in large vehicles, where the size of the unit makes better suited for backpacking or as a backup unit for anglers that fish in the untamed wilderness or on large bodies of water.
The only other major downside to the unit is that you require the additional maps for truly detailed navigation, and the unit is not capable of step by step directions. Overall the unit is impressive and for the most part we recommend the Garmin eTrex Vista for anglers who are looking for a GPS that will deliver accurate performance and a full suite of additional features.
If you are an angler just looking for basic coordinates or simplified mapping with routes and waypoints then you should consider other less pricey units, as they will deliver the features you desire and save you a pretty penny.
Electronics Review. Tackle type:. Garmin eTrex Vista Specifications. Plastic, Rubber. Display Size. Display type. Yes Single Level. Audible Alarms. Number of Waypoints. Built in Memory. Additional Memory Capable. Americas Highway.
Additional Features. With the optional mounting kit the Vista can be mounted on your car dash or boat console, though the screen is somewhat small for use while driving. Nice construction and good use of rubber to help make this small GPS unit durable and rugged. The Vista performed excellently in all our tests. Reasonably priced for the features you are getting, but expensive if you are just looking for basic GPS functionality.
0コメント