@playmovingpictures I think "LOL" is exactly what garmin thinks of user input! Sad when you read amazon user reviews... And difficult to use is the #1 complaint. Like I said in the video, this could be REALLY GREAT... But would require them to "listen" to us users. Glad you liked the video ( and my stupid comments). ;-)
@stevejohn01 Ummm, on map screen- click menu button, setup map, data fields, dashboard, compass. I also set north up on map for geocaching. Did that do it for you?
how do you get the screen with the compass and the track showing??? i cannot work out how to do it on my etrex 20, can you tell me the secret ;) cheers
@guyNbluejeans also, they have belt and pack mounts that would work nicely . There are also lots of options to control backlight when it's needed. For example, when driving, the 20 will kick on the backlight as you near the turn, and then shut off after the turn. This is a nice touch! ( or use backlight all the time if you want). Like I said... Use backlight management (and don't bump the joystick if you use timed backlighting) and you will be happy with the battery life!
@guyNbluejeans I have not found a great way to carry it yet, but I found going to the menu screen when putting it in my jacket pocket helps. Not sure how I will carry it when I don't need a coat? It's not that big a deal... Just need to figure it out. As far as the battery, I am very happy with the battery life! I just turn the backlight OFF.
Might you be able to say if this unit is better than the Garmen Vista HCx? I would guess that it is but what you said about the joystick mucking things up ... and draining the battery makes me wonder.
I'm really looking forward to getting it as it should be great fun to use when I go out metal detecting for gold and/or shooting (providing the joystick doesn't turn things into a nightmare).
Hey man I just bought the etrex 20 and its great. It lacks of the touch screen but for the price its awesome. For routing its great too, it calculates and re-calculates really fast. so im super happy with it. thanks again for this review.
@5brbr. It will show you the way on the built in map, or any maps you want to install. But, if you want driving directions (turn by turn), you need to install special maps for that. Garmin sells them... Or you can find some free ones online. Did that help?
@neuroleptika. I was looking to buy the 10, and after looking at all 3 decided on the 20. Like I said in the video... That would be a personal choice. For me, I would only get the 30 if it was the same price. (and I was sure I could turn off the compass )
@refresh77. I have a ton of old screen protectors from old devices... I just cut one to size. The screen is plastic on the 20 so I would not go without one.
Update: added street maps with turn-by-turn. The 20 handled the maps perfectly in the internal memory... And happy with the way the device handles turn-by-turn on a small screen. Good job garmin!
@mrarthurallen1 I would love to see garmin provide "basic training" videos, or sponsor someone like me to create them. Unfortunately, they are a lot of work! (this vid here took over a week) Ummm, let me give this some thought.
Continued from the first two....If you are willing and have the time...I can send you my e-mail address you can teach me via e-mail...I dont know that others have the same problems that I have...My younger brother does, but then we have the same genes...maybe we're both stupid? Hope not.
At any rate, If you are willing, I will appreciate your help. It would better if you posted a video so that I can save it and view is many, many, many times, until it is burned into my brain as it should be.
fm "cont"...to my vehicle. I also want to be able to map where I find deer sign & return to that exact spot to hunt that area.. I dont know how to do that. In addition, I want to be able to mark my home and my destination & have the GPS provide me with the shortest or quickest route to that destination. Does this GPS have that capability or can I purchase a map/program so that it will? HELP ME PLEASE! I can see that once I learn how, this will be a very useful piece of equipment.
Good video and it helped. This is our first GPS and we don't have a clue how to use it. Garmin provides poor instructions concerning how to use ea function...i.e. while sitting at home..they do not show how to use each function in the field...eg...like the hike on your video.
I am stupid...I admit it. I need someone to provide step-by-step instructions for each feature in an actual situation...eg.. park my car in my hunting area..I am looking for sign...I want to find my way back.continued.
Great video. About the track issue, I hope Garmin will go back to the old system of transfering tracks and being able to edit them on the map which you can't do with the etrex 20. I hate that you have to use Basecamp to retrieve waypoints you mark on the device. Other than that, it tracks very well (made one very small hiccup today).
@fcfkyle88 sorry for the confusion. It's all there, and it all works. Just a real puzzle to figure out for several features of the device. Once you figure out the "trick" to these features... Your good to go! ( that is if your that type that will dig until you find the answer (most won't) ).
Around the 11 minute mark you talk about the poor job Garmin did on being able to save tracks for later use...Does this mean you cannot save them at all? Or It's complicated to get to? Sorry if you answered the question in the video, I am at work and in a hurry! haha. One of my main reasons for getting it would be to save tracks on the AT for later use. Do you recommend another GPS, if so?
@wscott52 I hope I sent you in the right direction. It's a great caching machine once you learn the "no digital compass" technique. And yes, a touch layer begs for backlight... And the key to great batt life is NO Backlight. Hope you love it... Let us know.
Nice video. Based in part on your video I have ordered an eTrex 20 and the 24k topo maps to try geocaching. Like you, I guess, I saw no need for the compass and altimeter. The Dakota 20 was a top contender for my needs but twice, almost, the internal memory and GLONASS reception moved me to the eTrex 20. I have also read the touch screen units are harder to see. Thanks.
Update: Loaded some custom maps last night using some excellent instructions here on you tube. Worked better than I expected! You can even turn the custom map layer on and off in the device!Very very nice feature garmin!!!!!!
@chefrd2000 Thanks for the quick response, I asked this because theres a friend buying me one in the U.S, so i have one chance to buy the right one. a new et 20 where I live costs like 3 times more, and im not spending that much. I want a do it all gps, im also hoping the road navigation feature comes out good enough. I know I need to buy garmins maps for that so thats no problem. I dont know if there are any free maps that work with road navigation. 20 is the way to go no need for barometer
@fazeraddict. The question about the altitude was a very good question. Garmin makes that unclear. I said the same thing about the joystick... And yes... It's a pain. Still trying to figure out how to carry it. If the joystick touches anything, it powers on the backlight or makes random selections. On the other hand ... It's nice to have! Garmin should add a "sleep" mode that turns off the joystick input. They could even give you the option to power down the screen. When running a track l
I erased my past comment :D cause it was not necessary. So thanks for this vid, it helped me a lot, so ill be buying the etrex 20 :D.
I only have one question, and it is about the joystick, I saw another video of a guy complaining about it and he tells that the joystick makes way-points when he carries the gps in his pocket.
@fazeraddict Not sure what benefit the fancy altimeter on the 30 gives over the 20. I do know from the manual that the 30 requires you to know the barometric pressure or the current altitude to calibrate it. Otherwise it uses the gps altitude to set it ( that makes no sense to me ) . My 20 shows the elevation ... And it's more than accurate for my needs. Not sure how the 30 is better? Maybe you could use it to predict the weather?
I like your video demo. Exactly the kind of vid I've been searching for. I'm mainly using it for mtb-ing but my type of usage hasn't been as thorough as you'd shown it can be for hiking or geocaching.
@playmovingpictures I think "LOL" is exactly what garmin thinks of user input! Sad when you read amazon user reviews... And difficult to use is the #1 complaint. Like I said in the video, this could be REALLY GREAT... But would require them to "listen" to us users. Glad you liked the video ( and my stupid comments). ;-)
chefrd2000 1 hour ago
just a thought garmin are you listening lol, love your review entertaining
playmovingpictures 2 hours ago
Great job. Very informative and well done. thanks you.
uniquemicro 4 days ago
@stevejohn01 Ummm, on map screen- click menu button, setup map, data fields, dashboard, compass. I also set north up on map for geocaching. Did that do it for you?
chefrd2000 1 week ago
how do you get the screen with the compass and the track showing??? i cannot work out how to do it on my etrex 20, can you tell me the secret ;) cheers
stevejohn01 1 week ago
@guyNbluejeans also, they have belt and pack mounts that would work nicely . There are also lots of options to control backlight when it's needed. For example, when driving, the 20 will kick on the backlight as you near the turn, and then shut off after the turn. This is a nice touch! ( or use backlight all the time if you want). Like I said... Use backlight management (and don't bump the joystick if you use timed backlighting) and you will be happy with the battery life!
chefrd2000 1 week ago
@guyNbluejeans I have not found a great way to carry it yet, but I found going to the menu screen when putting it in my jacket pocket helps. Not sure how I will carry it when I don't need a coat? It's not that big a deal... Just need to figure it out. As far as the battery, I am very happy with the battery life! I just turn the backlight OFF.
chefrd2000 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Great review!
Might you be able to say if this unit is better than the Garmen Vista HCx? I would guess that it is but what you said about the joystick mucking things up ... and draining the battery makes me wonder.
I'm really looking forward to getting it as it should be great fun to use when I go out metal detecting for gold and/or shooting (providing the joystick doesn't turn things into a nightmare).
guyNbluejeans 1 week ago
Comment removed
guyNbluejeans 1 week ago
@fazeraddict: glad I could help. Enjoy
chefrd2000 1 week ago
Hey man I just bought the etrex 20 and its great. It lacks of the touch screen but for the price its awesome. For routing its great too, it calculates and re-calculates really fast. so im super happy with it. thanks again for this review.
FazerAddict 1 week ago
@5brbr. It will show you the way on the built in map, or any maps you want to install. But, if you want driving directions (turn by turn), you need to install special maps for that. Garmin sells them... Or you can find some free ones online. Did that help?
chefrd2000 2 weeks ago
hi, can it show me the way on the map or only the airline ??? i didn't understand this funktion ... :( maybe you can help me ... ;)
5brbr 2 weeks ago
@neuroleptika. I was looking to buy the 10, and after looking at all 3 decided on the 20. Like I said in the video... That would be a personal choice. For me, I would only get the 30 if it was the same price. (and I was sure I could turn off the compass )
chefrd2000 2 weeks ago
Is it worth the money to buy a 30 instead of this 20?
neuroleptika 2 weeks ago
@refresh77. I have a ton of old screen protectors from old devices... I just cut one to size. The screen is plastic on the 20 so I would not go without one.
chefrd2000 2 weeks ago
Where did you get the screen protector and how much was it?
refresh77 2 weeks ago
Excellent review that answered Many of the questions I had regarding this device. Well done. Thanks.
Anthrax2404 1 month ago
@cab337 commission?!? LOL. Hope I helped you pick the right device. Let us know what you think after you mess with it a while. (or questions ) Enjoy
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@cab337 Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@chefrd2000 I just got back from buying one at REI, largely due to your video. Sorry, no commission.
cab337 1 month ago
Great job! Refreshing to watch a review of a product conducted so professionally.
cab337 1 month ago
Update: added street maps with turn-by-turn. The 20 handled the maps perfectly in the internal memory... And happy with the way the device handles turn-by-turn on a small screen. Good job garmin!
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@mrarthurallen. Ok... Have some great ideas for you. Send me an email: ChefRd2000@live.com
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@mrarthurallen1 and yes, I am willing to help, one way or the other. ;-)
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@mrarthurallen1 I would love to see garmin provide "basic training" videos, or sponsor someone like me to create them. Unfortunately, they are a lot of work! (this vid here took over a week) Ummm, let me give this some thought.
chefrd2000 1 month ago
Continued from the first two....If you are willing and have the time...I can send you my e-mail address you can teach me via e-mail...I dont know that others have the same problems that I have...My younger brother does, but then we have the same genes...maybe we're both stupid? Hope not.
At any rate, If you are willing, I will appreciate your help. It would better if you posted a video so that I can save it and view is many, many, many times, until it is burned into my brain as it should be.
mrarthurallen1 1 month ago
fm "cont"...to my vehicle. I also want to be able to map where I find deer sign & return to that exact spot to hunt that area.. I dont know how to do that. In addition, I want to be able to mark my home and my destination & have the GPS provide me with the shortest or quickest route to that destination. Does this GPS have that capability or can I purchase a map/program so that it will? HELP ME PLEASE! I can see that once I learn how, this will be a very useful piece of equipment.
mrarthurallen1 1 month ago
Good video and it helped. This is our first GPS and we don't have a clue how to use it. Garmin provides poor instructions concerning how to use ea function...i.e. while sitting at home..they do not show how to use each function in the field...eg...like the hike on your video.
I am stupid...I admit it. I need someone to provide step-by-step instructions for each feature in an actual situation...eg.. park my car in my hunting area..I am looking for sign...I want to find my way back.continued.
mrarthurallen1 1 month ago
@patester24. Thanks! Mine tracks good also. Hope to see them tighten things up as the OS matures and the remaining Russian Sats go online.
chefrd2000 1 month ago
Great video. About the track issue, I hope Garmin will go back to the old system of transfering tracks and being able to edit them on the map which you can't do with the etrex 20. I hate that you have to use Basecamp to retrieve waypoints you mark on the device. Other than that, it tracks very well (made one very small hiccup today).
patester24 1 month ago
Anyone tried garmins cityXplorer maps on the 20? Looks like 1 city, on 1 device... $9.99. Hmmmmm?!?
chefrd2000 1 month ago
@fcfkyle88 sorry for the confusion. It's all there, and it all works. Just a real puzzle to figure out for several features of the device. Once you figure out the "trick" to these features... Your good to go! ( that is if your that type that will dig until you find the answer (most won't) ).
chefrd2000 1 month ago
Around the 11 minute mark you talk about the poor job Garmin did on being able to save tracks for later use...Does this mean you cannot save them at all? Or It's complicated to get to? Sorry if you answered the question in the video, I am at work and in a hurry! haha. One of my main reasons for getting it would be to save tracks on the AT for later use. Do you recommend another GPS, if so?
Fcfkyle88 1 month ago
@wscott52 I hope I sent you in the right direction. It's a great caching machine once you learn the "no digital compass" technique. And yes, a touch layer begs for backlight... And the key to great batt life is NO Backlight. Hope you love it... Let us know.
chefrd2000 1 month ago
Nice video. Based in part on your video I have ordered an eTrex 20 and the 24k topo maps to try geocaching. Like you, I guess, I saw no need for the compass and altimeter. The Dakota 20 was a top contender for my needs but twice, almost, the internal memory and GLONASS reception moved me to the eTrex 20. I have also read the touch screen units are harder to see. Thanks.
wscott52 1 month ago
Your welcome... Hope I helped you make the right choice.
chefrd2000 2 months ago
Update: Loaded some custom maps last night using some excellent instructions here on you tube. Worked better than I expected! You can even turn the custom map layer on and off in the device!Very very nice feature garmin!!!!!!
chefrd2000 2 months ago
@fazeraddict cont: When running a track log , I never even look at the screen. Not a deal breaker, just need to figure out a new way to carry it.
chefrd2000 2 months ago
@chefrd2000 Thanks for the quick response, I asked this because theres a friend buying me one in the U.S, so i have one chance to buy the right one. a new et 20 where I live costs like 3 times more, and im not spending that much. I want a do it all gps, im also hoping the road navigation feature comes out good enough. I know I need to buy garmins maps for that so thats no problem. I dont know if there are any free maps that work with road navigation. 20 is the way to go no need for barometer
FazerAddict 2 months ago
@fazeraddict. The question about the altitude was a very good question. Garmin makes that unclear. I said the same thing about the joystick... And yes... It's a pain. Still trying to figure out how to carry it. If the joystick touches anything, it powers on the backlight or makes random selections. On the other hand ... It's nice to have! Garmin should add a "sleep" mode that turns off the joystick input. They could even give you the option to power down the screen. When running a track l
chefrd2000 2 months ago
I erased my past comment :D cause it was not necessary. So thanks for this vid, it helped me a lot, so ill be buying the etrex 20 :D.
I only have one question, and it is about the joystick, I saw another video of a guy complaining about it and he tells that the joystick makes way-points when he carries the gps in his pocket.
So is it that bad?
Thank you
FazerAddict 2 months ago
@fazeraddict Not sure what benefit the fancy altimeter on the 30 gives over the 20. I do know from the manual that the 30 requires you to know the barometric pressure or the current altitude to calibrate it. Otherwise it uses the gps altitude to set it ( that makes no sense to me ) . My 20 shows the elevation ... And it's more than accurate for my needs. Not sure how the 30 is better? Maybe you could use it to predict the weather?
chefrd2000 2 months ago
Comment removed
FazerAddict 2 months ago
@kiddokit. Glad you liked it. Are you using garmins handlebar mount on your bike? If so, can we get some feedback?
chefrd2000 2 months ago
I like your video demo. Exactly the kind of vid I've been searching for. I'm mainly using it for mtb-ing but my type of usage hasn't been as thorough as you'd shown it can be for hiking or geocaching.
kiddokit 2 months ago
can you make a review of the etrex vista hcx? thx
deltaflier1399 2 months ago
@b747... glad you liked it.
chefrd2000 2 months ago
email question : work with the raster and vector maps? with family visiting over holidays, wont have time to test this week. anyone know?
chefrd2000 2 months ago
glad you liked it!
chefrd2000 2 months ago
Thank You very much!
b747power 2 months ago