Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld Marine GPS Navigator
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Manufacturer: Garmin
List Price: $589.99
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Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld Marine GPS Navigator
Aimed squarely at boaters and marine users, the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx is packed with features that seasoned mariners crave. The 7.6-ounce 76CSx now features an insanely accurate, high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF that tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons. Plus, you get a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 128 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Add all that to the 76CSx’s integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and you’ve got a highly capable unit. Simply put, the 76CSx is ready to take you anywhere on the water. Landlubbers will find much to like about this unit, too, as it packs great GPS mapping capabilities into a compact device.
Projected waypoint display. View larger. |
Track profile. View larger. |
 The GPSMap 76CSx features the powerful SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy in all conditions. You also get an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. |
You can use the 76CSx’s memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products, including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits, and tide data. There’s also a preloaded marine point database. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you’re driving, and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more.
The 76CSx’s 2.6-inch, 256-color TFT color display is designed to present mapping and trip information clearly and accurately in any lighting conditions. Plus, the case is lightweight, rugged, and water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes). Marine users will also like the fact that the 76CSx floats. When using two AA alkaline batteries, you’ll get up to 20 hours of battery life from the unit.
Another key feature of the 76CSx is the 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions. Meanwhile, there’s a large numbers option for easy viewing, as well as a dual-position display mode. The unit also includes built-in celestial tables for best times to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. You also get audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity waypoint, and clock. The unit’s barometric altimeter system features automatic pressure trend recording while providing current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, and average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Meanwhile, the electronic compass allows you to get accurate headings while standing still.
The 76CSx’s trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more. Meanwhile, a fast processor allows the 60Cx to provide quick auto-routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts when you use the optional MapSource software, which can be stored on the unit’s included 128 MB microSD card. Downloading information is quick with the USB or serial port interfaces. Using the dedicated serial port, the 76CSx can share navigation instructions with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots.
If you like the features of the 76CSx but don’t need an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, check out the Garmin GPSMap 76Cx.
What’s in the Box
76CSx unit, 128 MB microSD card, belt clip, USB interface cable, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, lanyard, owners manual, and quick-start guide.
The GPSMAP 76CSx is a refreshing upgrade of the GPSMAP 76CS, one of the most popular models for outdoor and marine use. This unit features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment. Users can load map data and transfer routes and waypoints through the unit’s fast USB connection.In addition, this unit features a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets users track their location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons. The GPSMAP 76CSx also incorporates a barometric altimeter for extremely accurate elevation data and an electronic compass that displays an accurate heading while standing still.Considered the mainstay among serious outdoor enthusiasts, the GPSMAP 76CSx and GPSMAP 76Cx offer a large color TFT display and turn-by-turn routing capability. These units also float when dropped in the water.
Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld Marine GPS Navigator Features:
- Bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 128 MB microSD card
- Uses the powerful SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy
- Includes barometric altimeter and electronic compass
- USB connectivity for sharing map and waypoint data with PC
- Preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap
Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld Marine GPS Navigator Reviews
Nice all around GPS unit
I originally purchased this item to replace my iQue 3600. I found that the iQue is not very useful for working in the woods. The 76CSx is more robust and light weight and can be used in extreme environments. I’ve used the unit in heavy rainfall and in cold temperatures (-40F).
Pros: Powered by AA batteries, weather proof, lightweight, Garmin MapSource to track waypoints, routes, and upload maps from City Navigator, easy to navigate menus, has great satellite reception in the thickest of tree cover.
Cons: No voice commands when using to navigate through busy city streets and highways, the display is a bit small to read for driving, will not fit on automount when powered with an external power supply.
Overall this unit worked in a pinch when navigating streets, but I will stick with my iQue for the driving. I’ll use 76CSx for all of my outdoor uses.
GPSMap 76CSX
This is my first GPS receiver and I do love it. I will not go into all the pros, as others have already done that. I did want to share some cons:
1. The compass is very inaccurate, and generally useless. I have to recalibrate it before every use. It could be that my unit is bad, but I have nothing to compare it against. I would recommend the cheaper 76CX instead. The out of warranty repair cost is also $25 cheaper for the CX vs. the CSX according to the Garmin website.
2. The SIRF receiver chip died after 4 months. I had to send the unit to Garmin for warranty repairs. I don’t know if it’s symptomatic of gnerally poor construction quality, or just a random occurence.
Satisfied User
I found this device to be relatively easy and comfortable to use (one-handed, no less), and accurate to within 15′ +/- under tree cover of greater than 90% mature alder and fir - once locked onto satellites under clearer overhead conditions in Seattle WA and using an external Gilsson antenna mounted atop a hat. Satellite aquisition under the trees did not happen the few times I tried. The display is excellent under sunny conditions. Downloading waypoint data into a text file was simple. I haven’t used it yet under driving conditions, so I can’t speak to using related features. Were it damaged or stolen, I’d buy another one without hesitation.
Garmin GPSmap 76CSx, Great GPS!
I highly recommend Garmin GPSmap76CSx unit to anyone looking for a GPS unit for the road, hiking and/or boating. The numerous menus and features are very intuitive and easy to use. The hi-res color screen may be small compared to in-car GPSs but is very clear. The time for the satellite lock is relatively quick. Even while indoors, I can get a lock on at least 3 or 4 satellites. Buildings with metal roofs or concrete floors above may not get any reception. This is expected of any unit.
For the road, I would highly suggest purchasing the City Navigator North American v8 Maps ($112). The map extends the features of the GPS with turn-by-turn directions, millions of points-of-interests (POI) such as fuel stations, garages, attractions, restaurants and shopping venues. You can even upload your own POIs to the unit as well. Don’t be surprised if some of the route calculations it comes up with seem a bit odd. It will get you there though. If you miss your turn it re-calculates a new route very quickly. There are numerous websites that provide POI files that you can upload to your unit. You will notice that some of the pre-installed POIs may not be up to date.
Unlike other handheld GPS units, the memory is expandable. I installed a 1GB microSD card ($45) in order to store vast amounts of map data or tracking that you may have done. The entire US is about 1.5GB of information. The unit comes with a blank 128MB microSD memory card that I moved to my cell phone (bonus).
The sensors included are the electronic compass and barometer. Having an electronic compass allows one to determine ones (N,S,E,W) direction without moving. Many GPS units determine direction by changes in position coordinates. Therefore you must be moving. Optional sensors such has for water temperature may be plugged into the back of the unit.
To protect your unit I recommend the Foarm textured, rubberized (~$20) case. The case comes with a few transparent protectors for the screen. If you don’t get this case go out and at least buy some PDA screen protectors. If the protected screen gets scratched you can peel off the overlay and stick on a new one. Since the screen is a bit small and with hi-resolution you want to keep it clear. The GPS unit floats with or without the case. That can come in handy while hiking or boating.
Based on all of this I would highly recommend any other Garmin unit as well.
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