best map choices

[EddieS]

Hello HAZ folks. A Garmin 450t arrives today, just in time for a weekend hike around the Cabin Loop. I haven't used a GPS before - maps and compass have always served me well, and just paying attention - but it looks not difficult. But I have a few questions:
* is the Topo US 100k/Southwest map set worth purchasing from Garmin? I've download gpx files for the trails (thanks GPSJoe!) and suspect those will be quite sufficient
* I'm in Texas until tomorrow - can I test the gpx files from here, or will the GPS be discombobulated so far from the waypoints?
* any tips, recommendations, etc. for using this gadget?

Sincere thanks in advance!

Cheers

Eddie

[Grasshopper]

is the Topo US 100k/Southwest map set worth purchasing from Garmin?

No, the 100k is not worth buying.. if you want to spend some money on topo maps, then only buy the Garmin 24k state map sets.. the one for AZ is a good one (I use it and am very happy with all the mostly correct detail) and this Garmin SW states DVD also includes NM, UT, and CO maps too. You will also need to buy a micro SD card for your new 450t.. I suggest buying a minimum of an 8GB card or a 16GB card to consider for long term maps/download use. Note: The downloaded SW DVD alone will take up 3.8xGB of space on your purchased micro-SD Card.

can I test the gpx files from here, or will the GPS be discombobulated so far from the waypoints?

Huh?.. you can view (first turn on the downloaded .gpx maps for viewing & scrolling around in your new 450t) your downloaded maps to confirm that that they are downloaded correctly.

any tips, recommendations, etc. for using this gadget?

Most of us have a significant learning curve associated with these Garmin units, but congratulations on making a smart long-term investment
You will drinking from a fire hose for a while but the Cabin Loop trails should be a great GPS learning experience for you.

[joebartels]

can I test the gpx files from here

yes
- download from HAZ
- drag file into your "GPX" folder on your Garmin ( it is in the the "Garmin" folder on your "Garmin" device so Garmin > Garmin > GPX )
- give it a couple seconds to transfer then turnoff and unplug your Garmin
- turn it on, find the "Track Manager" button, click it, click a track, click "Show on Map", click "View Map"

you will now be able to see the track on the map
FYI - if you then click the huge "Go" button you now know how to follow a track ( it will show distance to destination on "Trip Computer" for instance )

since you just bought it I recommend doing the software upgrades
( sorry I'm not on my Windows computer to offer the name of that or help until later today )

[EddieS]

Thank you, Grasshopper and Joe! I'm very grateful for your help. I'll save my pennies, and use the HAZ gpx files.

I read the manual last night, and it doesn't seem too difficult. The weekend hikes will tell...

One quality about the Cabin Loop trails is the abundance of water sources - not always the case on many of the hikes I've made in other places. As long as I have my trusty Katydyn, I should be fat and happy!

One could get spoiled hiking in Arizona. The helpful HAZ people, and this fantastic resource site, are not available just everywhere!

Cheers

Eddie

[Grasshopper]

since you just bought it I recommend doing the software upgrades
( sorry I'm not on my Windows computer to offer the name of that or help until later today )

Very important to do and to continue to check periodically for updates.. download the 450t latest software updates from Garmin website (from Garmin WebUpdater) here: http://www8.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=591

[EddieS]

Thank you, Grasshopper. I'll do that first thing before trying anything else.
Cheers
Eddie

[EddieS]

Hello, Joe and Grasshopper. I've been on a crash-course learning to use the Garmin. Updated the software, configured it, loaded the Col Devin and Cabin Loop .gpx files into the microSD chip, looked for the tracks, and ..... nothing. After examining the folders in the unit, I found one named 'GPX' and loaded the gpx files there (Garmin samples were already there). That did the trick. When I open Track Manager or Where To the trail maps show up. Hooray! Now I'll learn how to follow the trail in detail. The unit doesn't much like the fact that I'm so far from the waypoints (in Texas until tomorrow) but it looks like all is working well. The weekend will tell! If i can learn the functions quickly enough, I'll create a track of my own....though it may not bear following! ;)

Thank you again for your help.

cheers

Eddie

[joebartels]

yes into the GPX folder, not the microSD

Sounds like you are on your way!

You can learn how to set a nice HAZ background here viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7206
( the black is best for contrast )

One thing I find nice too is to rearrange the buttons to what I use most
Setup > Main Menu
- now tap a button you want to move and it will highlight
- go to the screen you want ( 1 through 5 with 1 being the far left ) and tap the position you want to move the highlighted button "to"

For reference my first screen contains the following button rows
[ Map ] [ Elevation Profile]
[ Waypoint Manager ] [ Track Manager ]
[ Trip Computer ] [ Setup ]

[EddieS]

Great suggestion, Joe! That will save time and battery power. Thank you!