Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

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Reviewed by 4 Trailspace users

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Description

The eTrex Vista HCx is a gps receiver made by Garmin. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 4 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Campmor:
"The new and improved eTrex Vista HCx features a color screen and a high-sensitivity GPS receiver which allows better performance in heavy foliage or deep canyons. This compact handheld has a built-in basemap with automatic routing capability and accepts preprogrammed microSD cards for adding optional maps on the go. The eTrex Vista HCx includes an electronic compass for continuous bearing information and a barometric altimeter for precise altitude. Product Features and Specifications: High-sensitivity GPS receiver for peak performance in any environment WAAS-enabled Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability USB compatible for high speed map downloads MicroSD card slot for optional MapSource mapping software Pre-programmed microSD cards are available with map information including topographic maps, Bluechart marine charts, detailed inland lake maps, and turn-by-turn street data based on premium NAVTEQ mapping data Automatic Track Log with a total of 20 saved tracks Stores 1000 waypoints and 50 routes Provides automatic turn by turn directions with optional auto navigation kit Audible beeper alarm with configurable tones Weighs only 5.5 ounces (156 grams) with batteries Compact size : 4.2'' x 2.2'' x 1.2'' (10.7x 5.6 x 3.0 cm) Up to 25 hours (typical use) on two AA batteries 4-way cursor for smooth, one hand operation High resolution TFT color display Display size: 1.3'' x 1.7'' (3.3 x 4.3cm) 176 x 220 pixels Rugged waterproof case (IPX7) Barometric altimeter and electronic compass Find cities, exits and waypoints; with MapSource data, users can look up addresses and attractions Limited one-year warranty."

From REI:
"Garmin Vista HCx GPS is fat on features and lean on size! This compact model features a high-sensitivity chipset for superb reception. High-sensitivity chipset delivers super-fast signal aquisition and lock for reception in narrow valleys, dense woodlands and urban jungles. Expandable memory accommodates microSD™ cards up to 4GB in capacity (sold separately). Upload detailed maps via USB interface (cable included); power is supplied through interface. 256-color TFT technology produces a bright, sunlight-readable display. Electronic compass provides accurate bearing while standing still. Precise barometric sensor with pressure recording tracks elevation gain and loss, as well as weather trends. Comes pre-loaded with U.S. basemap; accepts detailed maps from MapSource® software (sold separately). Follow 50 reversible routes with 1,000 user waypoints with names and graphic symbols. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity waypoint and clock. Trip-computer calculates current and average speed, sunset and sunrise, trip time and distance. Weatherproof case keeps unit functioning in wet conditions; waterproof to IEC 529 lPX7 standards. WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver delivers sub-3-meter accuracy. Two AA batteries supply up to 25 hours of typical use (batteries sold separately). Compatible with most MapSource products including BlueChart®, City Select® and U.S. TOPO 24K. Comes with: PC/USB interface cable, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD-ROM, lanyard, owners manual and quick reference guide."

From EMS:
"The rugged Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal in the toughest environments. This handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, and microSD; card slot for unlimited memory. WAAS-enabled GPS receiver to locate position quickly and precisely, even in heavy cover and deep canyons. Built-in electronic compass, providing bearing even when it's standing still. Barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint altitude, and changing weather conditions. Expandable memory with optional microSD cards for additional map data; slot located in waterproof battery compartment. Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability. Finds cities, exits, and waypoints; with included MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, look up addresses and attractions. Includes USB cable so you can quickly transfer waypoints and other data to your computer. Crisp, attractive 256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to distinguish map details. Waterproof, so it can withstand the elements or an accidental dunk in water; waterproof, rugged case. Lightweight and compact- the perfect size for all your travels. Pressure-sensitive elevation page with current min/max elevation and ascent/descent rate. Stores 1000 waypoints and 50 routes. Provides automatic turn-by-turn directions with optional auto navigation kit. Up to 25 hours on two AA batteries (not included). Internal patch antenna. Smooth, one-hand operation with 4-way cursor; sighting marks help you aim at objects to get bearing."

From Mountain Hideaway:
"Deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal in the toughest environments. Similar to the Vista Cx, this handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSDT card slot and automatic routing for wherever adventure takes you. Physical & Performance: Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 4.2'' x 2.2'' x 1.2'' (10.7 x 5.6 x 3.0 cm) Display size, WxH: 1.3'' x 1.7'' (3.3 x 4.3 cm) Display resolution, WxH: 176 x 220 pixels Display type: 256 level color TFT Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g) with batteries Battery: 2 AA batteries (not included) Battery life: 25 hours Waterproof: yes (IPX7) Floats: no High-sensitivity receiver: yes PC interface: USB RoHS version available: yes Maps & Memory: Basemap: yes Preloaded maps: no Ability to add maps: yes Built-in memory: no Accepts data cards: microSD card (not included) Waypoints/favorites/locations: 1000 Routes: 50 Track log: 10,000 points, 20 saved tracks Features: Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): yes Electronic compass: yes Barometric altimeter: yes Geocaching mode: yes Outdoor GPS games: yes Hunt/fish calendar: yes Sun and moon information: yes Tide tables: no Area calculation: yes Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): no Picture viewer: no"

User Reviews

eTrex Vista HCx
Reviewed by Desertphil, Jul 15, 2009

"Overall this unit is a huge improvement over the Vista B/W screen unit, which I used to own.

Pros: Color screen, more sensitive satellite antenna, geocaching features.

Cons: The biggest problem I've had is that the elevation randomly resets itself anywhere between 1000 to 3000 feet higher and sometimes lower than the actual elevation."

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eTrex Vista HCx
Reviewed by soleful2001, Oct 25, 2008

"Excellent product overall.

Pros: Super sensitive receiver very reliable signal in almost all situations.

Excellent screen that is very visible in all light conditions.

Lightweight and compact - ideal for backpacking.
battery life is the best I have seen on any unit."

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eTrex Vista HCx
Reviewed by RainBuzz, Oct 14, 2007

"RainBuzz review. . .

Hello All this is my unbias review of this unit.

I know what readers want to see, a unbiased thorough report.
Lets face it, the ". com"s relies on ads for revenue and have restrain from a totally honest review.

I'll tell you the good, the bad and what is acceptable."

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eTrex Vista HCx
Reviewed by TravMan, Oct 13, 2007

"Great Receiver. The color screen is awesome and once you load some TOPO maps on it, it has as much information as you could ask for on a handheld unit. The microSD card slot is awesome. with a 2 GB card you can fit almost the entire TOPO of the US."

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