Garmin’s new ‘X’ models; What does ‘X’ add? Is SiRF good?

[DCexplorer]

There are the new “X” series of Garmins: eTrex Venture Cx, eTrex Legend Cx, eTrex Vista Cx, and GPSMAP 60 & 76 Cx and CSx models.

This is a multi-part question:
One, what is the difference between the “X” models, and similarly named older models? What does the “X” designation add?

Secondly, some of the “X” models seem to use a traditional Garmin receiver, and the higher end models use something called a “SiRF III” receiver. What is the difference between the two? If my old Geko 201 has a baseline of 1.0 on a cloudy day under tree cover, how much better would an cheap “X” model be in the same location, and how much better yet would a SiRF GPS be?

[DCexplorer]

The X models seem pretty much the same, other than the addition of the removable micro-SD card for maps. Any other changes anyone is aware of?

The SiRF seems to offer better satellite locks under cover. Under open skys, it won’t offer additional accuracy if you already have a decent lock with a “regular” GPS.

Any other impressions?

[LightningBugs Mum]

I was using a 60CS but had the usual troubles keeping a satellite lock under heavy tree cover and in other challenging situations.

I used my mother’s 60CSX at the camp-out and was instantly hooked by the quickness that the SiRF locked on to a signal and just would not let it go! It was very fast and very accurate. So I upgraded to a 60CX and have been real happy with it. It hasn’t lost the satellites once.

I also got a topo chip to use in it. I have found it to be pretty helpful too, but not 100% accurate.

[hogrod]

You may already know this, but the only X models that get the sirf chip are the 60/76cx & 60/76csx models, the vista/legendCx do not get this chip. does it make a difference? you bet!

I’ve had many receivers and I will say that my 60cx seems to be one of the best. first off it has very fast acquisition times(cold start usually under a minute, warm start a couple seconds). The only other garmin I can compare it to is my legendC, and when In a very deep valley with heavy tree cover the legendC only had 160ft claimed accuracy and could only get me within 50ft of coords(was jumping around a bit). at the same time the 60cx had 35-40ft claimed accuracy and got me within 8ft.

I will say sometimes it is not sure of its location as other models I have had, you can stand on a known location and the distance to the coords will change +/- 20ft. a good example of this is if you zoom in on the map screen you can see the location icon moving around constantly. This is not as noticeable with the most current firmware/gps updates, probably closer to a +/- 10ft fluctuation.

There is one thing that is totally new with the sirf equipped models, there is not just one firmware download to get the unit up to date. It now has a unit software (firmware) and a gps software( for the sirf chip). so you either have to download two things from garmin to get the unit upto date or run garmins webupdater twice.
It is very important to update to the newest software because they have fixed quite a few bugs so far. I have never bought a new gpsr that had the most current updates installed so it’s best you check what software you have right away. You can check at main menu, setup, system, click menu key and select software version.(see photo)

[hogrod]

Here is a few comparisons I could find. the first is a comparing the 60csx to the 60cs.

http://patrick-roeder.de/reviews/garmin_gpsmap_60CSx.htm

The second comparison is of the 60cs, 60csx, & explorist 600. This test shows the constant movement of the X models, though I would now say with the newest updates it definitely don’t move around as much as before. It would be nice to see this test done with latest updates installed.

http://www.mtgc.org/robertlipe/showdown/

[Team Deejay]

I had an opportunity to do the ultimate test for this. I was recently in Buenos Aires, and took my old Etrex and my new 76Cx with me. The day I was testing, it was raining. I was walking down narrow streets between tall buildings, and from what I can tell, there seems to be fewer satellites available down there. In short, about the most extreme cover conditions you will find. My 76Cx never lost its link. To get a lock on my etrex, I had to walk to the middle of an intersection (dodging maniac taxi drivers) and hold my GPS straight up in the air. Even then, etrex would lose its lock while I was just standing there (maybe a thicker cloud came by or something). Bottom line – SIRF seems to really work as advertised.

[DCexplorer]

Thanks to all who contributed opinions. While GPS receivers have added lots of features over the last several years – color screens, maps, etc., – they apparantly haven’t added much in the way of accuracy; Until SiRF chips. Hopefully, prices will come down.

[skarolek]

I think I mentioned in another thread that I finally stalked a 60cx to the sub-$300 level on ebay last week. I was playing with it last night in the house and was shocked to see solid signals for *11* birds. Amazing. My eTrex Vista doesn’t get any signal in the house 🙁

Lots of these brand new in the box going for just over $300 plus shipping on ebay. I think it will be a while before we see prices drop significantly below that. Heck, there are people still paying retail and MSRP!

Last night I also scored a 1Gig microSD card for $25 plus shipping. I love ebay…

Steve K

[DCexplorer]

I just got mine for $325 on Amazon. Now I’ve got to sell a few trinkets to cover the cost…

[CBMB]

Wow! Glad you’re all having such great luck with your new units! I just the the “X” stood for “X-pensive!” 😆

[hogrod]

@CB&MB wrote:

Wow! Glad you’re all having such great luck with your new units! I just the the “X” stood for “X-pensive!” 😆

Actually these units maybe slightly more money than most people want to spend, but if you factor in te seemingly endless garmin warranty it is well worth the money. Another thing to consider is that all the garmin X models a have a $50 rebate until Dec of this year.

http://www.garmin.com/whatsNew/currentpromotions/pdfs/gpsmap60_etrex_series.pdf

Also the Sirf chip may be new to garmin but lowrance has used them for many years. Granted it is the older sirfII chip in most but they are supose to also be very good. I have heard that the new h20C & expedition C use the same sirfIII chip as the garmin 60/76Cx models, so great reception can be had for allot less money(both are less than $250 online).

[hogrod]

I noticed the other day that someone hid a cache at the Sirf chip headquarters they actually stock the cache with old sirf chips….. kinda cool if you as me. GCVC4M

[NicknMadison]

The Garmin 60csx is $500 at REI….seems to be a pretty high price. I am headed to Milwaukee (from Madison) and would like to buy a unit sometime soon. Are there any places to buy one of these units at less than the REI price other than eBAY?

[Buy_The_Tie]

@NicknMadison wrote:

The Garmin 60csx is $500 at REI….seems to be a pretty high price. I am headed to Milwaukee (from Madison) and would like to buy a unit sometime soon. Are there any places to buy one of these units at less than the REI price other than eBAY?

I’ve purchased a few GPSr accessories from a website: http://www.gpscity.com and have had good luck (your mileage may vary).

Here’s the link to the unit you are interested in: http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-gpsmap-60csx-gps/60csx.htm

[Team Deejay]

I have had good luck with http://www.GPSDiscount.com. Their current price on the 60CSx is $399. Before you buy this, you should also consider the 60Cx, which does all the good things of the CSx without the internal compass (or barometric altimeter). Usually this is around $50 cheaper. I tried a CSx and decided the internal compass was too finicky for me, requiring that the GPS be held at a specific angle and requiring frequent recalibrations (if you ever see anyone spinning in circles while holding a GPS parallel to the ground, they are calibrating their compass). I have found the regular GPS altitude readings to be within 20 feet of posted altitudes, so I don’t really see the point of the barometric altimeter for any application.

Additionally, no matter where you buy it, Garmin is offering a $50 rebate on the 60CSx and 60Cx (as well as the etrex Xs). here is a link to the coupon:

http://www.garmin.com/whatsNew/currentpromotions/pdfs/gpsmap60_etrex_series.pdf

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