KAYAK DIVERS > GEAR > NAVIGATION > GPS > Garmin GPSmap 60CSx

Garmin GPSmap 60CSx: We are advocates of "simplest is best" but the GPSmap 60CSx really has challenged that ethos. It does all the standard GPS stuff but has the ability to load and use digital charts so you can see exactly where you are and where you're headding in real time. The colour screen is excellent, making the chart and it's features easy to read including shaded depth contours. Many colour screens are claimed to be readable in direct sunlight but most are poor. No worries with this one though, as it really is. In fact, the brighter the sun the easier it gets. With regard to functions, it does all the standard stuff:- Location, waypoints, single-point go-to, multi-point routing, tracklog etc. Combined with PC based BlueChart software it will also provide real time and projected tide graphs and tables which is great for trip and dive planning. It has both USB and Serial ports for connection to PC. It also has built in barometric and magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensor to be honest is a bit of a waste of time so we keep it switched off. It's better to let the device use GPS to calculate direction of travel as the magnetic sensor has to be kept level to work. The Barometric sensor is linked to a barograph which is good for watching the weather. Garmin BlueChart Atlantic Software: The 60CSx uses Garmin's BlueChart "Atlantic" marine software which is PC based and covers Europe. Although all the charts are on the CD they are broken down into areas which are all locked so initially they can't be seen on the PC or transferred to the GPS. One unlock code is supplied allowing one area to be unlocked and used. Additional unlock codes have to be purchased either directly from Garmin's web site or in the form of a coupon from a Garmin dealer. For example, one area covers the west coast of Scotland from the Mull of Galloway on the south western tip right up to Cape Wrath including the whole of the Outer Hebrides. Each unlock costs almost as much as the original CD so they're not cheap but, this works out for the given area cheaper than buying all the paper charts. The BlueChart cartography is highly detailed. You can zoom right in to mark positions with pin point accuracy and print charts at any scale onto A4 which are ideal for laminating. User waypoints, marks, routes and tracks can be printed on the charts as well. > Garmin's BlueChart coverage map for the UK The Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. Enlarge GOOD: It does everything you could want a GPS to do. BAD: Loaded with charts one of these is worth more than most kayaks so don't lose it! REMEMBER: To use it with the magnetic sensor switched off. Supplier: Hitch n Hike (the outdoor shop), Bamford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 0AL. Website: www.hitchnhike.co.uk Product Link: Garmin GPSmap 60CSx Mail Order: 01433 651013.