Garmin vs. Magellan

[1cypress]

So I have been doing extensive research on what type of GPS to buy. This will be my first GPS and I want to make sure I get one that will do what I need.

 

What I would like to know is people's opinion on different GPS receivers. I am looking to buy one specifically for geocaching (with some use in travelling). I want one w/ a color screen...altimeter is not important (that I know of). A compass would be nice but may not be necessary.

 

The two receivers I have looked at are:

Magellan explorist 500

Garmin 60cx

 

I would like to get people's opinion and critiques on these models as well as other recommendations. I want my first purchase to be something I am happy w/. Ease of use and ease of expandability are important as well.

 

Thank you,

Jason

[+dr.clean]

So I have been doing extensive research on what type of GPS to buy. This will be my first GPS and I want to make sure I get one that will do what I need.

 

What I would like to know is people's opinion on different GPS receivers. I am looking to buy one specifically for geocaching (with some use in travelling). I want one w/ a color screen...altimeter is not important (that I know of). A compass would be nice but may not be necessary.

 

The two receivers I have looked at are:

Magellan explorist 500

Garmin 60cx

 

I would like to get people's opinion and critiques on these models as well as other recommendations. I want my first purchase to be something I am happy w/. Ease of use and ease of expandability are important as well.

 

Thank you,

Jason

 

Hi Jason,

 

I've owned and used both models you are looking at. Either one will work well for caching or navigation, but the 60Cx has amazing signal acquisition and lock. I won an explorist 500 at an event last September and was very happy with it. It's software is somewhat different to use than the Garmins I was used to but it was definitely an improvement over my Etrex Vista. I recently upgraded to a 60Cx (in March) after borrowing a 60CSx for a week. I've since sold the Explorist and use the 60 Cx as my primary handheld GPSr.

 

The differences between the 2 can be summarised as follows:

 

Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db

Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500

Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.

Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.

Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.

Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.

Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.

 

My personal recommendation for ease of use and amazing signal lock is the 60Cx. I ran the Explorist and 60Cx side by wide for several weeks to compare the differences in downtown Toronto. The 60Cx maintained more accurate tracks and did not lose signal. The Explorist occasionally lost signal and tended to wander in the downtown core area.

 

I opted to buy the 60Cx rather than the 60 CSx since the Garmin electronic compass is not very good. I also did not feel the need for the barometer. I added a 512 Mb micro SD ram card that provides more than enough room for maps. While I usually use a laptop with oem sensor for vehicle navigation (and to find cache parking), I've used the 60 Cx on occasion and was quite happy with the result.

 

Happy caching and good luck with your impending purchase!

[1cypress]

So I have been doing extensive research on what type of GPS to buy. This will be my first GPS and I want to make sure I get one that will do what I need.

 

What I would like to know is people's opinion on different GPS receivers. I am looking to buy one specifically for geocaching (with some use in travelling). I want one w/ a color screen...altimeter is not important (that I know of). A compass would be nice but may not be necessary.

 

The two receivers I have looked at are:

Magellan explorist 500

Garmin 60cx

 

I would like to get people's opinion and critiques on these models as well as other recommendations. I want my first purchase to be something I am happy w/. Ease of use and ease of expandability are important as well.

 

Thank you,

Jason

 

Hi Jason,

 

I've owned and used both models you are looking at. Either one will work well for caching or navigation, but the 60Cx has amazing signal acquisition and lock. I won an explorist 500 at an event last September and was very happy with it. It's software is somewhat different to use than the Garmins I was used to but it was definitely an improvement over my Etrex Vista. I recently upgraded to a 60Cx (in March) after borrowing a 60CSx for a week. I've since sold the Explorist and use the 60 Cx as my primary handheld GPSr.

 

The differences between the 2 can be summarised as follows:

 

Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db

Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500

Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.

Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.

Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.

Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.

Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.

 

My personal recommendation for ease of use and amazing signal lock is the 60Cx. I ran the Explorist and 60Cx side by wide for several weeks to compare the differences in downtown Toronto. The 60Cx maintained more accurate tracks and did not lose signal. The Explorist occasionally lost signal and tended to wander in the downtown core area.

 

I opted to buy the 60Cx rather than the 60 CSx since the Garmin electronic compass is not very good. I also did not feel the need for the barometer. I added a 512 Mb micro SD ram card that provides more than enough room for maps. While I usually use a laptop with oem sensor for vehicle navigation (and to find cache parking), I've used the 60 Cx on occasion and was quite happy with the result.

 

Happy caching and good luck with your impending purchase!

 

dr.clean-

 

Thank you for your summation. I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. I have another question if you have the time. What maps come standard w/ the Garmin and how easy is it to upload more maps? What size memory stick will I need to ensure a nice amount of maps in my garmin? I travel throughout Missouri and throughout Illinois w/ very little travel elsewhere.

 

Thank you again,

Jason

[+briansnat]

What maps come standard w/ the Garmin and how easy is it to upload more maps?

 

Garmin (and Magellan and Lowrance) comes with a very limited base map. They just show major highways and roads and are basically useless. You need the mapping software, which would be City Navigator V8 for Garmin. Uploading the maps is a breeze once you have it set up. It involves a few mouse clicks and takes about 2-3 minutes.

 

What size memory stick will I need to ensure a nice amount of maps in my garmin? I travel throughout Missouri and throughout Illinois w/ very little travel elsewhere.

 

I just checked my City Select software and all of Illinois and Missouri, along with 3/4 of Indiana and small parts of KY, KA and Iowa come to 150 megs. City Navigator V8 might take up a bit more memory but it should be roughly in that ballpark. A 256 meg card should give you more than enough coverage and allow you to run Mapsource Topo if you decide down the line that you want topo mapping as well as road maps.

Edited August 23, 2006 by briansnat

[+BAMBOOZLE]

I am enclosing advice for new cachers........I think the Magellan Platinum is one of the best units ever made.....for around $100 you can get one on ebay( I've bought 3 there). Don't get one for caching without an electronic compass.....it will always point at the cache even if you are standing still ( no more walking around like a drunk)

 

From what I have read I am convinced the Magellan Platinum is superior to the newer units. I have used them for years and currently have 4 , 2 of which I got on ebay. They have a 3 axis compass, sd card slot, sunken-large screen, wonderfull operating buttons, quad-helix antenna all of which the new ones lack ( some have some features, but not all) The Mapsend software works great with these.....I'm including a list which may be of use to you......it was posted by a couple of us on our states website. You can get these on EBAY with extras.

 

LIST OF USUFULL GEOCACHING ITEMS

I can’t say that mine is better than any other because I have only used 1 other. But my Magellan Meridian Color with Mapsend Software gets the job done. I can carry the whole Southeast US on my 500 mb sd card and have plenty of room for more. That includes dirt and gravel roads. Last summer, I lead a column of cars carrying 19 people across the Florida countryside in the middle of the night for 4 hours, and I did it from the rear of the column via CB radio. Missing signs were not a problem. That’s real-time mapping capability in a practical application. Superior signal stability under harsh conditions, etc, etc. So Watcha, what kind of Magellan are you using? And what did you do to provoke it?

 

Doggy is right.......again.

Bamette and I each use a Meridian Platinum ( Magellan) with Directroute Software and I have a Platinum for a spare. With the SD card capability you can store maps, lists of caches, etc. ( an immense amount) and you also have an electronic compass, big screen, easy to use buttons, and maintain a lock under heavy canopy for hours. I also have two Garmins but the Platinums are the way to go.

Grab you a couple of Palms on ebay, download spinner and plucker, and you're good to go. On a cross country trip you could load dozens of spinner files ( one for each city?) on your Magellans SD card and use plucker to put each one on your Palm, charge your batteries, and you're ready for weeks of caching ( you can also get the Platinum GPS on ebay w/ lots of extras for about $150.).

 

A convenient holster will give you a place to carry and protect your gpsr. A PDA holster will do the same for your PDA. An adaptor for your cig lighter will stretch your batteries life. A probe will help you avoid biting varmints. A mirror with an intense pocket flashlight will get you past those out-of-sighters. I like to use a lensatic compass for precision. I also use a wrist compass clipped to my watchband for qlance orientation. That’s just on the weekends of course. I like it so much that I’m looking for 2 more, one for my dress watch and the other for my son. I guess they’re out of season? If you are really loaded for bear, bring along a metal detector. If the cache has a coin in it or is made of metal, it will give you the edge. I guess that’s about it. I’m not saying I do that. It’s an interesting thought though

 

To add to the geocache tool list you must buy a top of the line MAHA battery charger ( I use three) and a supply of MAHA POWERX Ni MH batteries .....these are the best made ( don't take my word for it, look it up ) then you will have plenty of batteries for your digital camera ( my wife and I each carry one), GPS unit, flashlights etc.

For a small , powerfull flashlight you can't beat a Surefire L4 Digital Lumamax ( 5 blinding watts of LED driven by two 3 volt lithium batteries.....the batteries are $15 for a box of twelve and have a 10 year shelf life....kind of pricy but well worth it...will light up the woods.

I don't know if the most important thing was mentioned....a good walking stick. Local cachers and special guests can get one free at the View Carre' cache.......don't leave your car without your stick.

Also a small pocket screwdriver for digging out micro logs and other probing.

AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING A PENCIL.

LIST From Above :

 

1. Magellan Meridian Platinum GPS Unit + Belt Holster (EBAY- If you will have a regular partner , get two )

2. Palm M500 PDA and case ( ebay- buy an extra for backup )

3. 12” metal probe for searching tree cavities etc. for micro caches

4. 2 “ or 3” extension mirror

5. Small, intense flashlight ( Surefire L4 Digital Lumamax )

6. Pencil

7. Sharpie ( Fine Point)

8. Cotton Gloves

9. Pocket Screwdriver

10. Walking stick

11. Plastimo Iris 50 Hand Bearing Compass ( Great for offset caches)

12. C401FSDC MAHA NiMH Battery Charger

13. Maha 2500 mAh NiMH PowerX AA Batteries (GPS,camera,flashlights,etc. )

14. Digital Camera

15. Access to computer w/ internet connection ( premium membership in geocaching.com is best )

 

INFORMATION ON PAPERLESS CACHING

 

I got started with step by step info. I got from the Florida Geocaching website and I keep copies here at my View Carre' cache to hand out to others. I am not hi tech and can't quite use my cell phone but this guide is can't miss. If you can't find it email me and I can fax it to you.

 

http://www.floridageocaching.com/paperless.htm = step by step instructions.

[+gpsblake]

Here is a question. Is it possible that the SIRF chips are too sensitive? Let's say you are totally out of sight from the satelittes yet it still is picking up a signal. My question is, is that signal being reflected off buildings and such or not? If it is being reflected, that means your fix would be off by the amount of the reflection.

[+cachenut06]

Here is a question. Is it possible that the SIRF chips are too sensitive? Let's say you are totally out of sight from the satelittes yet it still is picking up a signal. My question is, is that signal being reflected off buildings and such or not? If it is being reflected, that means your fix would be off by the amount of the reflection.

i have the magellan explorist 500, and its pretty dead on, i have no problems with accuracy. I have not lost signal while on caches. I was in thick thick backcountry woods, and i had a accuracy of 31 feet, not too shabby!

[+budd-rdc]

The differences between the 2 can be summarised as follows:

 

Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db

Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500

Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.

Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.

Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.

Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.

Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.

That's one of the best summary I've seen in the forums.

 

I don't own these units, but have seen them perform in deep redwood forest covers. You can't go wrong with either one.

[+geognerd]

Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db

Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500

Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.

Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.

Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.

Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.

Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.

I was trying to figure out where you got the chipset info and came across this page, which links to this page, which says the sensitivity is -145db.

[Tracker Don]

So I have been doing extensive research on what type of GPS to buy. This will be my first GPS and I want to make sure I get one that will do what I need.

 

What I would like to know is people's opinion on different GPS receivers. I am looking to buy one specifically for geocaching (with some use in travelling). I want one w/ a color screen...altimeter is not important (that I know of). A compass would be nice but may not be necessary.

 

The two receivers I have looked at are:

Magellan explorist 500

Garmin 60cx

 

I would like to get people's opinion and critiques on these models as well as other recommendations. I want my first purchase to be something I am happy w/. Ease of use and ease of expandability are important as well.

 

Thank you,

Jason

 

Hi Jason,

 

I've owned and used both models you are looking at. Either one will work well for caching or navigation, but the 60Cx has amazing signal acquisition and lock. I won an explorist 500 at an event last September and was very happy with it. It's software is somewhat different to use than the Garmins I was used to but it was definitely an improvement over my Etrex Vista. I recently upgraded to a 60Cx (in March) after borrowing a 60CSx for a week. I've since sold the Explorist and use the 60 Cx as my primary handheld GPSr.

 

The differences between the 2 can be summarised as follows:

 

Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db

Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500

Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.

Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.

Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.

Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.

Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.

 

My personal recommendation for ease of use and amazing signal lock is the 60Cx. I ran the Explorist and 60Cx side by wide for several weeks to compare the differences in downtown Toronto. The 60Cx maintained more accurate tracks and did not lose signal. The Explorist occasionally lost signal and tended to wander in the downtown core area.

 

I opted to buy the 60Cx rather than the 60 CSx since the Garmin electronic compass is not very good. I also did not feel the need for the barometer. I added a 512 Mb micro SD ram card that provides more than enough room for maps. While I usually use a laptop with oem sensor for vehicle navigation (and to find cache parking), I've used the 60 Cx on occasion and was quite happy with the result.

 

Happy caching and good luck with your impending purchase!

 

Just a little correction here regarding eXplorist map size. It is not limited to 64MB. I have a 230MB Mapsend map of the Northeasat US on mine right now. Larger maps are possible and work quite well. Also all the talk about number of waypoints is misleading, as a tracklog of a recent trip of mine had over 900 waypoints logged. GPS made by different manufacturers all do the same thing but in different ways. Which way is better ? I don't know, but so far I have found my eXplorist 500 does everything I use it for quite well. BTW, on a recent trip to Wisconsin I observed 3 foot accuracy on several occasions with the norm being 6 feet.