Garmin Etrex 20x
 

Someone has offered me a Garmin Etrex 20x for $50. They bought it for hiking but have never used it. While researching it, I came across this post:

From https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/1...ore-2-a-2.html

I currently use paper maps or routes figured out on Google maps and printed, and I use my bike computer to figure out how many miles I've gone and make my turns. I would only use my phone when I something went wrong, as I wanted to save battery power. This method sounds like it would work for me. I do have a few questions:

• Does the Etrex 20x display where one is on the prefigured route?
• Does the display show other roads? Say a road was closed for construction--could you figure out a different route?
• What programs can be used to figure routes? RWGPS? or will I have to buy maps from Garmin?

1. Yes.
2. a: yes. b: yes (the on-device routing on the Edges can be a bit odd).
3. a: Any route planner (including RWGPS). b: No. You can get free maps (don't buy them from Garmin.

One issue is that you might need to get a mount for it.

There are eTrex 20x offered on eBay for $70+. I have no idea if people are buying them.

I'd guess that it wouldn't be too hard to sell it on eBay for about what you got this one for (if you ended up deciding it doesn't work for you).

So, this might be an opportunity to try it out.

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You can get free maps from the following (among other places):

https://garmin.bbbike.org/

The Edges need the Latin version of maps (unicode doesn't work on them). Not sure about the eTrex.

Thanks njkayaker . From my reading, you seem to know these units really well.

Wow, my old eTrex is worth $50? I use the Garmin Edge Explore after lots of frustration trying to use the eTrex for cycling. The eTrex is a fine GPS for hiking, but I found the screen too small and the controls hard to use while riding. Its ok as an aid to paper maps, when you're stopped and trying to figure out where you are. The turn-by-turn capabilities of the Edge GPS devices is actually usable when you are riding, with visual information for upcoming turns, etc. and audible alerts to remind you to look at the device.

I had given up on using my eTrex for anything other than a flight recorder to capture ride bread crumb trails, when I decided to buy the Edge device. It really comes down to if you're a gadget person or a paper person.

I know the Edge units well. The other units work similarly.

Tourist in MSN uses a hiking GPS and has useful comments about that.

https://www.bikeforums.net/electroni...mendation.html

Note that I'm not saying it's the best option but there's no reason it can't work reasonably well.

It's just a low-risk option if you are "GPS curious". (But you have to include the issue of mounting it in your equation.)

That is discontinued, but that does not mean it is bad, just that Garmin has made some later models.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/518046/pn/010-01508-00

There are cheaper after-market mounts, but the Garmin mounts do not cost much more, you can get Garmin ones from non-Garmin sources.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/11411#devices

I find that the mount is less likely to rotate around the handlebar if you wrap a bit of innertube rubber around the bar first. Then the zip ties and mount stick to rubber better than a smooth handlebar. You could try skipping the rubber first, the Etrex is lighter than my GPS, maybe that is not needed?

These types of mounts are prone to user error on putting the GPS into the mount. I always use a tether so that if the GPS falls out of the mount, the GPS is still hanging from your handlebar by the tether (cord) instead of getting lost somewhere.

I like the Ikea 2450 AA Ladda batteries, which also need a recharger. Eneloop AA batteries are my close 2nd choice. Or, use disposables.

If you get it and start loading different maps into it, best to put the maps on a separate Micro SD card (no more than 32 gb). The internal memory might be limited if you try to put several maps in it.

I know a couple people that have used an Etrex series GPS for randonneuring and I use a non-cycling GPS for bike touring and for randonneuring brevets.

There is more than enough space in the unit for a custom map (a few states, at least).

I’d suggest trying that before buying an SD card.

I've used the Etrex 20 for cycling (and kayaking and hiking) for 7+ years and it works great. You might try a search on BF for Etrex as this topic has come up before as I remember posting a photo or two with the cycling screen I use illustrated. (or search for posts my me..it's here somewhere). My basic setup is four small info screens showing (speed, moving avg speed, distance, and heading (N, S, E, W..)). There's quite a few fields you can have up..selection is your choice. With the unit attached to my handlebar, I typically ride with the screen-zoom set to 500 feet. This allows you to view your track as well as the context/map of roads coming up. You have plenty of warning of when to and where to turn. The track itself is easy to see.

$50 for an Etrex 20..seems reasonable to me.

As an aside..with each track I load into the Etrex, I also use RWGPS to export a KML format file. On your smart phone, install an app called "Organic Maps". Then download a map within Organic Maps of any area you'll be riding in(the map downloads are by state, or sections of a state, or in some cases large city files). This app will give you a very good and reliable off-line map on your phone. I've found it to be very accurate and it has a SURPRISINGLY large and accurate amount of hiking trails also included. Email the exported KML to yourself. Open(not download) the KML file on your phone and you'll get a dialogue screen asking whether you want to use Organic Maps to open it. Click yes. The KML file (track) will now be installed in your Organic Maps library. If you need to re-route while riding, then use your phone to do so. Organic Maps will have all the local roads wherever you are and it also has a routing function(much like Google Maps) if you need it.

Second what DCwom said. For $50 you can get a better paperweight. It has about a zillion nice functions which I always found took about a zillion^2 to access. Hiking was better, but the screen is tiny and takes a lot of toggling to traverse etc. One time I got a lift around a bridge that was out and at the end of the day discovered my maximum speed was 45 mph! One advantage, it uses AA batteries so I could recharge them from a Dynohub, or a solar panel so one could really be independent that way.

Here is my new Garmin Etrex20x:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5358d5aea7.jpg

Pratt very generously sent me his Garmin, as 'tis the season. Thanks Pratt!
I will experiment with it on my commutes, and see if I can figure it out before touring next Summer. As asked above, I am really not a gadget person, but I've already found routes on RWGPS (US Bike Route 20, say) that I am interested in riding.

Looks good. When you download files from RWGPS be sure to download a GPX Track not a Route. Import it into Basecamp then use Basecamp to transfer it to the E-20..hopefully you have the usb cord that goes with the E-20.

If you any questions on setting it up..ask. It's pretty simple if you know how to use it. Loading up a track for a ride and starting the ride takes 4 toggle entries and about 3 seconds(not including turning the unit on). ..that can be pared down to 3 toggle entries if you choose to set up your home screen as the Track Manager.

You might be able to put a GPX file directly into the GPS unit from your computer. I assume you have the mini (not micro) USB cable for it. I assume it operates the way my Garmin 62 or 64 does.

When I connect my GPS via the cable to my windows based computer, the screen on my GPS has a weird symbol on it and the word Garmin that indicates it is connected.

From my computer, I can see two extra drives, or only one if there is no micro SD card in the GPS. On my computer, one is called D, the other E. The D drive is named Garmin GPSMAP and the model name. The E drive is named whatever name I gave to the micro SD card, if I named it.

In the drive that is Named Garmin GPSMAP <model namd>, the direcory called Garmin has a directory in it that is labled GPX. That is where my tracks, routes, waypoints, etc., are. If you have a GPX file for a track or route you want to ride, put a copy of that file into that GPX directory.

Then exit. Tell your computer to disconnect that drive. When I do that I get a note that it is safe to remove.

I unplug it and the GPS turns off.

I assume the Garmin manual tells you what to do at this point. The track shows up on the map screen, it is up to you to keep on that line.

You can copy files directly to the Etrex. It works just like your units do.

???

You can copy files directly to the unit. You don’t need to use BaseCamp.

Any USB data cable should work.

One more note on your new Etrex.

I find that when the GPS is configured to time out the screen (goes blank to save batteries after several seconds), sometimes I accidently leave it on thinking that I have already turned it off. That is a good way to deplete batteries so that you do not have any power when you wanted it.

Also, I don't like having to keep pushing a button to wake up the screen when I am on a bike navigating. So, I have my GPS units configured to keep the screen on. When I am approaching a turn in an urban area where there are lots of places to turn, so I am frequenly glancing at my GPS to see where the turn is, having the screen time out is quite inconvenient, especially if you are in traffic.

Since I run rechargeable batteries, it cost nothing to do a few experiments for battery life. So, I intentionally left my GPS on a few times, to see if leaving the screen on depletes the batteries faster, battery life is still pretty good with screen on all the time with no backlight.

But what kills the batteries is the backlight. With backlight on full, I had less than half the battery life that I would have with backlight off.

Thus, I have it configured to leave the screen on full time, but I am obsessive to make sure that my screen backlight is off unless I really need the backlight. And when my backlight is on, I only use the amount of backlight that I really need.

Generally, I only need backlight when the sun is low (early morning, or close to sunset) or after sundown. And when it is dark out, I can get by with my backlight at a very low setting. Heavy overcast or fog might also need some backlight.

If you have rechargeable batteries, you can start every ride with freshly charged batteries.

???
Good to know, but doesn't matter (to me) as I have other reasons for doing so.

I don't think any USB cable will work. This isn't your standard micro-usb port, it's much (1-2mm) thicker than the std micro USB. Perhaps other years they used a standard connection, no idea.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d1b70bdab0.jpg

It’s not about you.

It would matter to the OP, since there is no requirement to use BaseCamp (which is more work).

It’s not a “micro” USB at all.

It’s a “mini” USB, which is a different standard (older than “micro”). They aren't as common as mini but they are easy to get.

There are persistent rumors that only Garmin branded cables will work. Cables from any manufacturer will work. Obviously, the plug has to be compatible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware

The mini USB cable is less common than they used to be, you probably will not find one at a Dollar store or a truck stop. A decade ago, you could buy them at Dollar stores, I did.

Stuff it.

An assumption on your part. The OP may indeed find some value in working with Basecamp. like keeping various tour files organized. No harm in getting to know what is does and how to use it. In his initial post it sounds like he's a blank slate in this path of navigating a tour.

Then it would appear an "any USB cable" actually will not work, however any mini usb will..

I'm done. Debating you is a waste of time...back to the ignore status. Debating anyone on BF is a colossal waste of time.

OP..I hope the etrex works out for you. Make a little effort in learning how to use it (it's anything but a paperweight) and you'll be fine.

This is dumb. You indicated that BaseCamp had to be used. You are providing misleading information.

It appears yoou had no idea the files could be copied directly!

This is dumb too. You thought it was some sort of unusual thing. It's not.

You provided useless/misleading information. Talk about a waste of time

You were done before you started.

I have encountered situations where some USB cables, when connected to my Edge 1000 or 1030, would not pass data to the PC Express software. Trial and error had me find certain cables that would allow the connection. I subsequently labeled those cables with a "G" to indicate I could use them with my Edge devices, so it's not a rumor, I have seen this happen. and it has been discussed more than a few times on the assorted FB Edge groups. I have no way of knowing if the cables that did work had been provided by Garmin and then thrown into the pile of assorted USB to mini/micro cables. This issue of "wrong" cable seemingly went away when Garmin moved to the USB-C standard on the 1040 (and others). I can use any USB - C cable on my 1040.

Different issue.

Ignoring the plug differences, there are two types of USB cables: 1- charging-only cables (*), 2- data cables (that can also charge).

I've never had any issues with any data cable with any mini or micro Garmin device (various models over many years).

Micro/mini USB cables are simple things: they are 4 wires (for data type) connected to the right pins. There's no place to hide magical behavior. It's possible there might be an issue with the quality of the cable but even that would be remote (USB cables are simple things). (USB-C cables are complicated. I suppose charging-only USB-C cables exist but I don't think these would be common.)

The rumor was that the cable had to be an explicit Garmin one. The devices come with a cable that has "Garmin" on it. (You wouldn't need to label the Garmin cable with "G". So, these are non-Garmin cables that work with the Garmins and also work for other stuff)

(One basis for the rumor is that Garmin asks people whether they are using the Garmin branded cable. They do that because it's an easy way to be sure people are using the right cable type.)

------------------------------------------
* Charging-only micro USB cables often come with rechargeable lights.

I do not think any of my USB Mini cables were provided by Garmin, most were bought on Ebay, shipped from Asia. But I bought some at Dollar Tree over a decade ago.

I have had one Mini USB cable not work as a data cable, it also had high resistance and would not pass much power for charging so I concluded it was defective and chucked it.

Some of my USB powered NiMH AA chargers also use the Mini USB cable, such as two of the chargers in the photo. But those are older chargers, the photo is over 7 years old.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1c2398f36e.jpg

If the OP does not have a Mini USB cable, he needs one for data transfer, which I mentioned in the first paragraph of post 12, above.

The photo above is from the last trip I did with one of the old Garmin GPS units with a black and white display, I could not charge AA batteries in the GPS so I had to carry more AA batteries on a long bike tour. Now I can charge NiMH AA batteries in my Garmin 64. (Garmin will tell you that it won't work but I used a work around so I can.) But I still need the Mini USB cable to do that.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate everyone trying to help me, but let's cool down the tempers a little.

I have a variety of Mini USB cables and the first one I tried works fine. I'll try a few others.

I created both my morning commute and afternoon commute in RWGPS, and saved them as GPX files. I could not choose to save on the eTrex, so I saved to my computer and copied them into the GPX folder on the Garmin. One shows up in Routes; the other in Tracks. Not really sure why.

I need to play around with it more, but I'll see if I can try it here in the next two weeks and figure out how to use it on tour.

There are two types of GPX files: track files and route files. (There's kind of a third type: waypoint files.)

Track files have enough points to trace the curves and turns of your intended path. On the Edges (at least), the "fancy" navigation follows the track (as best it can). Track files originally were recorded tracks. That sort still exists but things like RWGPS create synthetic ones.

Route files have a few points (waypoints) that indicate the places you must pass through. With route files, the device has to calculate the route ("fancy" navigation) between the waypoints. (The Edges can't use route files at all.)

It's a bit confusing because "route" is also used generically. For example, you create a route in RWGPS but can create a track GPX file and a route GPX file from it.

I suspect the files are in two lists because you chose different export options in RWGP (track for one and route for the other).