Just got an eTrex 20, what do I need?

[wisaunders]

My wife gave me a Garmin eTrex 20 today for my birthday.  I've only used google maps on my iPhone in the past but wanted something with a better battery life for longer trips.  IN the past I've always planned my overnight trips on the computer using google maps, then used the maps on the iPhone on during trips.  The preinstalled maps don't look that great right off the bat.  What do I need to use this guy? 

• I'm downloading the garmin basecamp software now.  Should I purchase a map from Garmin or use a free map from a site like GPSFileDepot?
• Will I need a microSD card?
• Has any one used the Satellite imagery from BirdsEye?  Is it worth it?

Those are the questions I have right now about setting it up.  Any other suggestions are welcome.

[Blammo]

The first thing you are going to want is some rechargeable, low-discharge batteries. I got Maha’s Imedion and a fancy PowerEx charge.  I use both Garmin BaseCamp and TopoFusion for creating maps.  TopoFusion is more flexible, but the Basemap is simpler if you are GPSFileDepot.

[RossC]

Any other suggestions are welcome.

A lanyard. Yep the mount looks solid. Yep, people still lose them. Tie it to your bars.

[Done]

A lanyard. Yep the mount looks solid. Yep, people still lose them. Tie it to your bars.

Good advice. I've seen three people lose their Garmins. I've never even had mine come loose--but I've always used a lanyard just in case!

[Gimmearaise]

I've heard the Garmin bike mount is cheap. what mounts are you guys using, I really don't want mine to be falling off!

[Done]

I've heard the Garmin bike mount is cheap. what mounts are you guys using, I really don't want mine to be falling off!

I've been using Garmin's for several years. Never had a problem.

[Gimmearaise]

I've been using Garmin's for several years. Never had a problem.

Great, cant complain on the price! I'm going with it!

[sherpaxc]

I'm going to piggy back on this because I'm about to be in the same water.  Can you use Topofusion with a new Mac?  If not, what do you use?  Basemap?

[hikernks]

Topofusion isn't available for Mac.  I've heard that some people are having luck running it under Windows through Bootcamp.  I just use Garmin's Basecamp program.  I am, however, having a problem getting Garmin topo maps to load on my eTrex 20 through BaseCamp.  Is anyone else having the same problem?

[EricB]

Garmin has an app called "MapInstall" that works on a Mac. Works with my eTrex 20 fine.

[wisaunders]

OK, so what are you guys using for the lanyard?  i have some paracord, but i think it'll be too thick to get into the attachment point on the eTrex.

[Done]

OK, so what are you guys using for the lanyard?  i have some paracord, but i think it'll be too thick to get into the attachment point on the eTrex.

I use some thin cord from the climbing section of REI. It was a PITA to get through the loop on the GPS, but it's otherwise great!

[Striker]

Here is the setup I put together - 1.25 mm Z-Line Ultralight Spectra Backpacking Cord and Cord Accessories - http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/spectra_cord.shtml

[wisaunders]

Here is the setup I put together - 1.25 mm Z-Line Ultralight Spectra Backpacking Cord and Cord Accessories - http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/spectra_cord.shtml

That's the kind of detail I'm looking for!  Thanks.

[Striker]

Forgott to mention that make sure the Lanyard is long enough to pass the GPS unit thru when looped around whatever you want to tie it too.  I got lucky when I made mine the first time.

[wisaunders]

Ok, ordered the mount and Z-line for a lanyard.  Now, how do I use this thing with my Mac.  I installed a map from gpsfiledepot.com and got it onto the eTrex.  Do I just put some waypoints on a map using base camp then sync?  Anyone know of a good video or site for a quick basics tutorial?

[RossC]

I work one of two ways (mac user) - find a file that goes where you want (strava is a nice source at the moment) and then cut and hack bits together to make it work. OR If I want to start from scratch - I often use some kind of online mapping program - mapmyride or similar. Draw the route on that and then add it to whatever else I am working on back in basecamp.

Topofusion is nice to do the same thing with if you want to run a windows emulator on your mac.

[hikernks]

What I do is like RossC said, kind of.  I map out the track using mapmyride and then click "download as GPX."  That way it's saved to your computer, as well.  Then import that into basecamp and it will put it right on top of your map.  I'd suggest doing a basic google search on GPS terms, such as the difference between tracks and routes, GPX files, following a track, etc. 

I like Garmin's stuff because it's sturdy as all get out, but their software is a little clunky.  The best GPS program I've ever used is MotionXGPS for iPhone.  The only downside to that is the iPhone battery life.  If they ever make a stand-alone GPS, I'd drop Garmin like a bad habit.

[sivilized]

Adze http://kobotsw.com/ is a pretty decent GPX editor for Mac. Only thing it doesn't have is an elevation profile. But you can also export your file to Google Earth and that program has an elevation profile.

I have used it a lot to hack around various GPX files.