Garmin Oregon 6xx

[Grasshopper]

Garmin has released a newer technology replacement model for their Oregon 450. This newer technology receiver is called the Garmin Oregon 6xx.

This forum topic is issued for ongoing discussions related to this newer technology Oregon 6xx receiver.

[joebartels]

Looking at the 600 vs 450 side by side specs the only worthy difference is the screen in sunlight.

I've never run out of memory, needed more waypoints or an extra 0.6 oz of weight. Yet I'd probably get one if I wasn't a penny pincher.

Interesting in the above link add a "t" to the end of each model number. Aside from topo - memory and prices change inwards.

[Grasshopper]

Looking at the 600 vs 450 side by side specs the only worthy difference is the screen in sunlight.

That gpscity.ca comparison option is nice.

I'm very interested in what HAZ Dave1 has to report (pro and con) for field comparisons as he now owns an Oregon 600 and has in the past owned an Oregon 450?

[joebartels]

indeed, hope he doesn't hide his response too
( Dave if you read this throw in your RX100 II review too )

aside from specs seems it was easier to swipe the screen on the map when I checked it out

[Dave1]

The new Garmin Monterra has internet and an FM radio! Its huge though.

RX100 II

If only it had a 24mm wide lens I would have got it instead of the Canon S110, which is not impressive at all. Still on the lookout for a "big sensor", pocket-able point and shoot with a wide angle lens. Zoom is not that important.

I think the 600 is easier to use over the 450 with more intuitive controls. More customization, much longer battery life (can go more than 3 days on one set of lithiums), better screen, more dashboard options and more info on-screen at once. But my 1st 450 (I had two) was the most accurate, although the 600 has fewer errors when near cliff walls, in side canyons, etc... The 600's battery cover is a little tricky to get on and off but you don't have to do it as often. I like the 600's screen lock better. Once the screen shuts off (you set the time limit, same as the 450), you press the side button to turn it back on. Touching the screen won't turn it back on. No need to keep locking and unlocking. You can also go back to the old way too.

[Grasshopper]

@Dave1
I'm about ready to "take the plunge" for a new Garmin GPS Receiver (the GPSMAP64s or the Oregon 600). Are you as satisfied now with your Oregon 600 (1.5GB Internal Memory / Base Unit) as you were when you posted on 2/25.. any new comments "pro or con" to update us on? Thank you!

I am curious regarding your latest findings regarding the Oregon 600 Computer Odometer Screen readings in the field vs after you upload the route to BaseCamp or HAZ (prior-to any route editing). What approx percentage delta difference are you now experiencing, if any?

Looking at the GPSMAP 64s vs Oregon 600 side by side specs: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/catalog ... uct=113532
(both new models presently shipping from Garmin.com and Amazon.com for $399.00 + tax + free S & H)

[Dave1]

I hope you're not picky about the mileage being accurate because its usually 10-15% too high. AEG is usually close. I'd still rather have a touch screen.

[The_Eagle]

@Dave1
Did you ever upgrade the Software on your unit?

Current Software for your GPS is 5.9 (4/7/2014)
You can read through the updates (Newest on top) to see if there is anything that affects you.
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=5335

Also.. From the Garmin Website....
Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters (49 feet) 95% of the time with a clear view of the sky. Generally, users will see accuracy within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) under normal conditions.

Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. From time to time your accuracy will drop. GPS works on 'Line Of Sight'. If the device does not have a clear view of the sky your accuracy will drop and sometimes you will lose reception altogether. This is because the GPS signal is not powerful enough to travel through most solid objects. This holds true for all GPS devices.

To ensure you receive the best accuracy possible:

Avoid storing the device in your pocket, backpack, or rucksack
Ensure you hold your device properly as its antenna is located with this expectation
If possible, navigate to an area with a clear view of the sky

[Dave1]

@Dave1
Did you ever upgrade the Software on your unit?

No thanks, I don't need a $400 paper weight. Garmin needs to do something about their updating software before I go through that again. I mean come on, they make their how to videos in their office break room. There's a lady in the back microwaving a burrito! My DeLorme, on the other hand, updates flawlessly. And yes I keep it buried in my pack. I don't want it getting scratched

[CannondaleKid]

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters (49 feet) 95% of the time with a clear view of the sky. Generally, users will see accuracy within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) under normal conditions.

Yes, it is true the GPS itself is very accurate, and the tracks are also very accurate.
:bdh:
However... the part that is consistently inaccurate is the mileage displayed by the Trip Computer. As I've mentioned before, my 62st reads a consistent 19% too high when leaving the setting on 'Auto'.

If you only care about the resulting track AFTER the hike and you don't care the trip computer doesn't read the correct distance while hiking, then it shouldn't be an issue.

While I personally don't rely on the trip computer for distances while hiking, I paid (threw away?) good money on a product that in my opinion is not performing up to the expectations resulting from Garmin practically claiming it is the best thing since sliced bread.
Ok, off the Garmin :SB:

[Grasshopper]

I don't need a $400 paper weight. Garmin needs to do something about their updating software before I go through that again.

I do remember your original discussion on this issue--> http://hikearizona.com/photo=377759

Yes Garmin software and Garmin hardware does have "ongoing" issues to be resolved and it does get frustrating, but I'm still going to hang-on for the ride and I personally consider it very necessary to continue to update to the latest Garmin unit software. I placed a new order today directly with Garmin on-line for a new Oregon 600. If upon arrival next week, it crashes after my attempt to update the unit to the latest software revision (via their Garmin WebUpdater module), then I will return it back to them and be certain to post those results here with the joke being on me this time ;)

[The_Eagle]

@Dave1
Give it to me. I'll update it and return it to you. If it turns into a paperweight, I'll give you the $400 to go out and buy another one.

And yes I keep it buried in my pack. I don't want it getting scratched

Packing tape

[azbackpackr]

Gentlemen: I hereby resolve to learn how to use my 450t after this semester is over with. (The only thing I know how to do is to save and name routes and load them onto HAZ, thanks to a longish lesson session in private messages with Joe.)
1. I will print out the manual and work through it, do some "geo-trashing" etc., etc.
2. I will continue to bug Joe.
3. I will start bugging everyone else who has one.

[rwstorm]

3. I will start bugging everyone else who has one.

Oh No!!

[Grasshopper]

I placed a new order today-4/22 directly with Garmin on-line for a new Oregon 600.

To date since my 4/28 unit receipt, my Garmin registration, software updates from receipt Rev 3.7 to latest Rev 3.9, my changes for unit main menu preferred icons along with my numerous setup option menu changes to accommodate what I now believe (subject to change) to be my preferred options for day hikes, here are my first observations/impressions for my new Oregon 600 (1.5GB Internal Memory / Base Unit):
(Note: this is my first "touch screen" Garmin GPS Receiver having previously owned and hiked with a "push button" Garmin 60CSX and most recently a Garmin 62s. Also, these first observations/impressions are to date without any actual hiking "field data" to comment or report back on)

..Battery Compartment "Back Case Top" on/off with Carbiner Clip installed- with the plastic holder clip (for the carbiner) installed on the back case of the unit, you cannot open or close the plastic back case to install or remove the batteries and neither can you plug into the unit the USB cable when this plastic holder clip (that holds the carbiner) is attached This must be a Garmin mechanical design flaw?, but of course has a work around by not having this plastic clip holder installed on the unit when needing to change the batteries or needing to hook up the USB cable. Since I personally like and use the carbiner plastic clip option (less the carbiner) in the field, my concern is the possibility of losing this plastic clip holder when needing to remove it to change the batteries in the field;
..Unit size- I like. It seems to fit well in my medium sized hand/palm and I seem to be able to work ~90% of the screen function options with my same hand thumb.
..Screen Size- I like this larger screen better than my other owned models.
..Screen Resolution- I like. A higher resolution color unit than my previously owned models.
..Menus & Icons response time- I like. A faster response time than my previous owned units.
..Icons/Screens Option Sensitivity- This model has a couple of menu options for selecting a sensitivity touch setting (a high and a normal). I'm finding both setting to be quite sensitive to my thumb location touch and the larger your thumb and fingers, probably even more of a concern..
..New Screen/Menu Options and Set-up Options- I like. Seems that Garmin has cleaned-up, simplified, and helped to make more user friendly a lot previous confusion I had setting up with quick access and use of a number of these screen/menu options.
..Battery Life- I am somewhat concerned on this newer, larger touch screen model using my preference of "rechargeable NiMH" batteries as to how many hours in the field I will have out of a set..still TBD..and I really prefer not to have to change to a more expensive battery type.. like the Lithiums.
..User Friendly- There is definitely a learning curve required (this newer model has menus inside of menus inside of menus ) and for me especially moving from push button to touch screen.. but so far (mostly driving it with the USB Cable from my computer arm chair), I'm really liking it so far

..More Later- when I next schedule an actual "field observation hike" to report back. As of this moment, my entire May'14 hiking calendar is open

Grasshopper's Oregon 600- "Main Menu Screen"
(Icons setup for quick access)

[rwstorm]

@Grasshopper
Sounds like it operates a lot like my Oregon 450, which I am happy with.

[CannondaleKid]

but of course has a work around by not having this plastic clip holder installed on the unit when needing to change the batteries or needing to hook up the I/O cable. Since I personally like and use the attached carbiner option in the field, my concern is the possibility of losing this plastic clip holder when needing to change the batteries in the field;

I never liked (flopped around too much) or trusted the plastic carabiner clip holder (too many stories of lost GPS's for one) so I continue keep my GPS in a zippered case right on my chest for easy access, which I've done since my first GPS.

Further, by also using the line tether hooked to the GPS and the zippered case so it's pretty hard to lose, or set it down and leave it somewhere by mistake... like I've done with hiking poles, gloves, and on & on... :whistle:

[Grasshopper]

..More Later- when I next schedule an actual "field observation hike" to report back.

I had my first field test/observation hike with my new Oregon 600 on 5/25 (latest Software Rev 3.9) and I'm happy to report back that all the features and other that I liked from my previous 5/4 posting, I still like and what I had previously posted any concerns about (with exception of the Back Plastic Carbiner Clip) , were either a non-issue or further discussed as follows:

..Battery Life- It does seem to use more juice. For approximately 7.5 hours on (1.5 hours on driving and 6 hours on hiking) with new Ion Core 2400mAh "rechargeable NiMH" batteries, for most of my return 1.25 mile hike distance, the battery level rating was showing only one level of power left before dying.. I did make it to hike end with these same batteries, so I'm not exactly sure how much time I had left, but it was a concern and I think a confirmation that NiMH batteries may not be the best choice for this new Garmin GPS Series. For this first battery test, I did have all the GPS power draining modes on "full bore" on my Oregon 600 so for my next planned hike outing, I will have the Compass turned off (as I only use it when I'm navigating to a "go to" and the Compass automatically activates when you do a "go to"), I will change the ON display screen lighting to 15 seconds instead of 1 minute, and the display screen brightness I will turn down a notch or two. I don't like the power saving option where the screen turns completely off, so I won't be using that power saving option.

..Trip Odometer vs Current Track Distance-
(As a baseline reference for this 5/25 test, I setup my Oregon 600 Track Menu options as follows: Record Method = Auto, Interval = Normal)
It was interesting that both the Trip Odometer distance and the Current Track Distance were tracking the same.. so initially I thought very that maybe Garmin had actually corrected in this new Oregon 600 series the always large discrepancy between the two in my previous Garmin GPSMap62s, but I was soon to realize after completing this day hike that the 3.9 mile R/T distance that was showing on both the Trip Odometer Screen and the Current Track Distance Screen was way high and later (before needed clean up editing) loaded on HAZ at a more correct 2.8 miles. HAZ- Dave 1 had already previously alerted us to this high mileage concern on his Oregon 600, so I guess I should not have been surprised, but I was anyway

Between 5/25 and now, I have been testing various setup change options and most recently I've been active on a good forum user discussion group for the Oregon 6xx GPS. I can now report that some more savvy owner/users than I have come up with a supposed solution to allow the Oregon 6xx "Trip Odometer and the Current Track Distance and the Mileage Upload Distance" to now represent a more correct mileage. Their solution (yet to be verified by me) is the following Tracks Menu setup changes: Record Method = Time, Interval = 3 seconds with the Auto Archive option set to When Full;

I do hope this new proposed tracks menu setup will now work correctly in our Oregon 6xx and will not cause any additional problems on HAZ when trying to correctly upload the route, geocoding it, and etc..??

..Garmin Oregon 6xx Screen- I add quoted review comments by Andy Byers, creator of the Garmin Oregon 6xx wiki, Montana wiki, and BaseCamp wiki: "Perhaps the most obvious, if not immediately apparent change to the Oregon 6xx series is the new chemically strengthened glass multi-touch display. The new Oregon 6xx screen looks and behaves much like my iPhone screen. Scrolling menus, making selections, and panning the map screen all function as I expected. I have limited time testing the screen in the wet and with gloves, and have experienced no issues with either. The display is very bright, and is as easy to see in direct sunlight as any smart phone. I have absolutely no complaints, and believe this to be the best display Garmin has produced for their outdoor line of GPSr. You will simply have to see the screen for yourself before you can decide." I can't personally provide a comparison to this new Oregon 6xx screen having better brightness and better view-ability in direct sunlight than the Oregon 450 series, but I can provide a testament (from my first 5/25 field test hike) to this new screen having better brightness and better view-ability in direct sunlight than my GPSMap 62s (and I always liked this view-ability feature on my 62s).

[CannondaleKid]

It still boggles my mind... it seems to me the more $$ we pay for a Garmin device the less accurate the trip computer is when using the default settings. Unfortunately, until/unless there is a direct hit to Garmin's bottom-line I don't expect any change.
But as long as we keep buying them and not returning them for a refund there is no down-side for Garmin... complaining to them doesn't work, I've tried it on numerous occasions, but of course the folks in Support don't get paid to make those kind of decisions.

[tibber]

Thx Hank for the update. A few of us will look forward to your testing of this:

Their solution (yet to be verified by me) is the following Tracks Menu setup changes: Record Method = Time, Interval = 3 seconds with the Auto Archive option set to When Full;

. I finally wrote a review on amazon:

After using this product while hiking in the field for the last 4 months, I discovered that the odometer is off by 1/4 to 1/2 mile depending on the length of my hike. It adds the 1/4 mile fairly quickly. On our 9.5 mile hike yesterday, my friends GPS totaled 9.47 miles while the 450 said 10.5 miles but when I loaded it to the site the 450 said 10.23 miles (interestingly both were close in AEG and time stopped).
This is very frustrating; especially if I need to depend on the odometer reading to help me look for a turn or a junction. I have tried all sorts of resets and setting changes but to no avail. There are a couple other of us on a hiking site that are having this issue with the 450. Unless I'm missing something, I find it hard to recommend this unit unless you can somehow verify the trip odometer accuracy. I am going to still work on it and if I get it fixed, I'll let you know but I wanted to share this with you.
I do like the touch screen and it seems easy to read. Sometimes I do find the scroll hard to work with. This 450 replaced my Garmin Etrex Vista HCx (nearly as I could determine the chip set had to be replaced). It took me a bit to get that third part of the heading compass re calibration down but I'm doing much better with that.
Oh, and like others, I had to figure out that you need to reset the trip computer a couple times to once again get an accurate read of your trip odometer... shouldn't have to but that's okay and very doable.
However, I am disappointed I can't rely on this good company's product, at least for me, while out hiking in the wilderness. I have spent a couple hours trying to figure out an answer to no avail.

Almost as long as my trip reports