Request for help learning how to use Garmin Etrex 20 GPS

[lozzyrob]

To the Melbourne Bushwalking community,

I recently purchased a Garmin Etrex 20 GPS. Since it arrived in the mail I have attempted to sit down and teach myself how to use it. I am a complete beginner when it comes to using a GPS and am finding it overwhelming trying to teach myself. There are a couple of useful resources on the net and some tutorials via Youtube showing you how to set up but nothing caters entirely to an absolute beginner like myself.

I am hoping that there is someone out there who knows how to use this thing and would be willing to either point me in the right direction of some better beginner resources or even better, meet up with me (or chat on the phone) and show me the basics. I live in Melbourne's inner north but would be willing to travel to see someone who knew what they were talking about.

I set off on the Australian Alps Walking Track in 6 weeks time so am very keen to get the hang of this thing as soon as possible.

Please let me know if you would be willing!

Laura

[tastrax]

Ask away. I am sure folks here can help with specific issues. What are you trying to learn?

[GPSGuided]

Even quicker is to search on YouTube. Lots of instructional clips to help you out. Ask those you can't understand.

[walkabout]

tutorials via Youtube showing you how to set up but nothing caters entirely to an absolute beginner like myself.

Even quicker is to search on YouTube

[RonK]

The search function is your friend.

If you use the search function, you will find a similar thread asking for tips on using the Etrex 30, which is basically the same device less a few features.

Look for my post on Francis Cooke's essays.

[keithy]

I've posted some tips in another thread before: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=15200#p269919

Have a look there if you haven't already. In that post I had links to AAWT gpx track files, but haven't checked if they are still active. Have a look at those gpx files and and see if they might help you.

Also if you don't have maps for your eTrex 20 yet, have a look at andrewp's OSM maps with topo contours also linked in that post.

The very basics are in a few videos that Garmin made a while back http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/o ... ail/etrex/, but you've probably seen those already.

While it is entirely possible to preplan a trip on the device itself, it is easier to use the PC software Basecamp (or the older Mapsource) to view tracks and routes before copying the route to the etrex 20.

When you're new to GPS receivers, it can seem daunting with the various options and settings. Even after using various models of GPS receivers, there are always new things I find that aren't documented in the manual.

I have the eTrex 30 and I'm in inner eastern burbs, and more than happy to help if you have specific questions.

[GPSGuided]

Even after using various models of GPS receivers, there are always new things I find that aren't documented in the manual.

Some say that's a Garmin ploy...