Garmin 276c: $459.99 w/Rebate

[K6UK]

Garmin has a $100 rebate on the 276c (and its fancier brethren) thru December.
GPSonSale.com has them for $559.99. So I think that's as good as a deal gets on these brand new.

Thought I'd pass along the info.

-Mike

[bulldog]

Cool price, but remember to get the accesories as well. Like the memory card, speaker, mount (get the RAM-mount) and the maps. It's almost like the front bumper wehre the extras cost more than the actual main item :jester:

[K6UK]

Indeed. Good point.
BTW it seems that GPSonSale is rather pricey for the extras... so I'm getting them elsewhere.

I picked up a Garmin GPS 18 as well
http://www.garmin.com/products/gps18/gallery/sc-GPS18Large03.jpg
since it cost just about the same as City Navigator and comes WITH City Navigator. So I have a nice little backup GPS.

The memory card (512MB) I got on Ebay for a good price.

So now I just need the mount and I'm set.

Now, as far as the RAM mount... which suction cup is the best?

The 4" one:
http://www.gpsw.co.uk/ProdImg/prod330d.jpg

or the 3.5" locking one?
http://www.veypor.com/images/car_mount.jpg

Decisions decisions....!

[bulldog]

I used the smaller locking one.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79

It works really well, though it does tend to shake a bit on rough roads. You can let it lie on the dash once its mounted for fast offroad driving, but it really doesn't bug me that much.

[Teotwaki]

Cool price, but remember to get the accesories as well. Like the memory card, speaker, mount (get the RAM-mount) and the maps. It's almost like the front bumper wehre the extras cost more than the actual main item :jester:

I really appreciate this thread. I've found that some of these places that seem to have a good price want ridiculous amounts for shipping via UPS ground. $18 on UPS Ground for example!!

Andries:

Speaker? Can you share the background on the need for it?

[K6UK]

Yes, shipping is a problem somtimes.
Shipping was 14 bucks from GPSonSALE - not cheap, but not ridiculous.
No sales tax since I'm not in AZ.

-Mike

[bulldog]

I really appreciate this thread. I've found that some of these places that seem to have a good price want ridiculous amounts for shipping via UPS ground. $18 on UPS Ground for example!!

Andries:

Speaker? Can you share the background on the need for it?
The lighter and external speaker allows the GPS to be charged while you drive (it has an internal battery) adn also tot alk to you while it navigates. "Turn left in 300ft", or my personal favorite "Off route recalcilating" :D

In my mind it is a must for these GPS's to have a speaker. The 276c does come with a plug and open ended wires to allow you to build your own charger speaker system if you choose to. That way in can be nicely integrated into the wiring and not have loose wires hanging around. I have yet to get aorund to that and many other things.

[Teotwaki]

The lighter and external speaker allows the GPS to be charged while you drive (it has an internal battery) adn also tot alk to you while it navigates. "Turn left in 300ft", or my personal favorite "Off route recalcilating" :D

In my mind it is a must for these GPS's to have a speaker. The 276c does come with a plug and open ended wires to allow you to build your own charger speaker system if you choose to. That way in can be nicely integrated into the wiring and not have loose wires hanging around. I have yet to get aorund to that and many other things.

THANKS! It took me forever to integrate the wiring of my Escort radar detector so I know how it goes. Probably the same will occur with the 276c. If I were to use it in another car it would be nice to have a speaker and charge for it anyhow. In the 4Runner I'll probably roof-mount an antenna too.

[Dealmaker]

that is a good price. as a side note, by 276C died last month, 1 day before the 1 yr. warranty expired. I sent it in to Garmin for repairs, and they sent me a refurbished unit as its replacement. I was not the least bit happy about that as mine had very little use, and I know nothing about the history of the refurbished unit. Warranty on the refurbished unit is 90 days. Whoopee.

[K6UK]

Usually refurbished units have little use... but that still stinks.
I don't know how much you could sell your refurbished one on ebay for... but you never know. Could be worth selling it and grabbing a new one.

In fact... buy the new one... keep the packaging and all the accessories wrapped and just swap the main unit. It will sell pretty well on ebay like that as "refurbished like new"

I'm glad it was still under warranty for you though.

-Mike

[bulldog]

Man that blows. My original GPS V is still working fine. What broke on it, the battery? These Garmin units are supposed to be very robust, as they are marine units afterall. Mine has been flawless for sometime now.

[Teotwaki]

I have some questions for 276c owners:

Does the unit measure altitude strictly based on GPS or does it have a barometric altimeter?

Is altitude included in the display and waypoints?

Is there a electronic (flux-gate) compass or is the "compass" display based on GPS and will only indicate direction of travel if the vehicle is moving?

[bulldog]

I have some questions for 276c owners:

Does the unit measure altitude strictly based on GPS or does it have a barometric altimeter?

Is altitude included in the display and waypoints?

Is there a electronic (flux-gate) compass or is the "compass" display based on GPS and will only indicate direction of travel if the vehicle is moving?
Alt and compass is GPS based.

You can choose what info it displays while navigating and driving like speed, alt, ETA, etc.

Alt is not included inthe waypoints, but you can match it up to the Topo map for a reasonably accurate alt, but not totally accurate.

[K6UK]

Well they shipped it fast, it's already here.
Nothing fishy so far, came in the box with all accessories. The serial numbers matched etc.

No shrinkwrap on the box, but maybe that is how Garmin ships them - also the unit itself wasn't wrapped in plastic which seemed odd. But it had the plastic on the screen, and the unit looks completely untouched. No fingerprints on the screen or anything.

So It's charging, and I'm pleased with my purchase.

My GPS 18 also arrived today. It said that it came with City Navigator on the Garmin site, but it shipped with City Select. I'll be able to upgrade this online to City Navigator (for free) - but I paid more than I had to, thinking Garmin would be shipping the newer software. (serves me right for trusting the website) GPSNOW has them at a better price.

Now to get this installed!
(oh and to fill out that rebate form!)

-Mike

[Teotwaki]

For topographic is it best to go with the topo on disc and download to blank SD cards?

[Dealmaker]

What broke on it? Don't know. The day it boke, I used it for a 1/2 hr. to nav to a house here in L.A. (El Sereno). I put it in the console for 15 min. while I was in the house, and when I came back to the Runner and mounted it, it wouldn't turn on. I then plugged in the 12V cable and still no luck. I R&R'ed the battery a few times and still nothing. When I got back to my office I plugged it in to the 110V cable, and yet again nothing.

On the return paperwork I received with the refurbished unit, it simply said "malfunction" or something like that. They (Garmin) assured me it was something beyond a battery isue, tho.

Man that blows. My original GPS V is still working fine. What broke on it, the battery? These Garmin units are supposed to be very robust, as they are marine units afterall. Mine has been flawless for sometime now.

[K6UK]

Just a little followup.

The software, City Select, that came with the GPS 18 does indeed allow you to install it on two units. Plus, it comes with a free upgrade to City Navigator (you have to order the DVD off the Garmin site) so it is in fact a bargain way to score an extra GPS.

So far I'm really liking the 276c. Next step is to hard wire it into the car, but the battery works fine for now.

-Mike

[Teotwaki]

For topographic is it best to go with the topo on disc and download to blank SD cards?

BUMP for my question for you 276C owners plus another question:

By looking at the manuals and such on-line I can see that the unit will display altitude and also record it in the unit's waypoint log. Now that I have cleared that up for myself I think that I am ready to order.

So for exporting waypoints is it that the exported list can't be configured to include altitude along with lat/long??

Andries? Mike? Anyone?

[K6UK]

I'm not sure about that, actually.
I'm off to the Grand Canyon this week - I'll play around with it some more and see what I can export.

-Mike

[Teotwaki]

Alt and compass is GPS based.

You can choose what info it displays while navigating and driving like speed, alt, ETA, etc.

Alt is not included inthe waypoints, but you can match it up to the Topo map for a reasonably accurate alt, but not totally accurate.

When I read about waypoints in the on-line manual at Garmin's website it clearly shows elevation.

Did you mean that altitude is not included in tracks that are recorded live while driving?

[bulldog]

I will have to check mine when I get back home, on business this week.

I will have to check the waypoint settings, but as far as I know the track log only record lat/ong, time and avg speed between points.

You can set the unit up to constantly show you the current altitude while driving, not sure on the recording of it though.

[Teotwaki]

I will have to check mine when I get back home, on business this week.

I will have to check the waypoint settings, but as far as I know the track log only record lat/ong, time and avg speed between points.

You can set the unit up to constantly show you the current altitude while driving, not sure on the recording of it though.

Thanks to all in this thread for your help, especially parts, prices and web vendors. I ordered a 276C, speaker/cig cord and the Ram Mount last night.

Looks as if I'll still need Topo s/w and maybe City Navigator (update?) s/w and possibly memory sticks.

I am hoping that the supplied cable with bare wires includes all connections as I plan to hard wire the unit in to power and a speaker. I will also use an external antenna.

I'll use the cig adaptor for taking the 276 to other cars.

[Joel]

I'm ready to pull the trigger as soon as they make mac software!

[Mikestang]

I forgot about this thread, good deal on the coupon! I was going to try to get a gps soon, so that $100 off may be the motivation I need to do it before 12/31.

[Teotwaki]

I forgot about this thread, good deal on the coupon! I was going to try to get a gps soon, so that $100 off may be the motivation I need to do it before 12/31.

Going from a list price of over $700 all the way down to $459 is very nice. Besides, you need the money for all of the accessories and software.

[Teotwaki]

I'm ready to pull the trigger as soon as they make mac software!


That's right! I remember seeing at the No-IP.com website that only folks with Macs need to apply for service :moon:

[Mikestang]

Going from a list price of over $700 all the way down to $459 is very nice. Besides, you need the money for all of the accessories and software.

I'll put the accessories on my xmas list, any suggestions? :drink:

[Teotwaki]

I'll put the accessories on my xmas list, any suggestions? :drink:

looks like these are good with beer:

External antenna, only about $29 and helps to get a better view of the sky. The stock helix antenna is a great design however running the GPS on the dash will cut off the view of some satellites. The current GPS units can easily pick up 10 satellites which is usually the most that can be in view. The best GPS data will come from satellites spread across the sky so a rooftop antenna achieves that view especially while in motion.

Topographic map s/w, some that are for the whole US or for National Parks

Memory cards to hold map s/w so that you don't have to bring a laptop and programming cable

For Memory cards you can program up to the 256 Mb size outside of the receiver using a USB adaptor.

City Navigator s/w for detailed street maps. If I am correct we only need the upgrade version.

I bought the same Ram Mount that Andries recommended. Was $43 shipped. I considered vent mounts and cupholder mounts as alternates.

If you will hike with the unit you can buy a spare Lithium battery.

The sonar unit would be a hoot for river crossings!!!! :rotflmao:

[K6UK]

Just so you know, I'm running the stock antenna and have no problem getting signal. I really get very very good coverage from the window mount location.

-Mike

[Teotwaki]

Just so you know, I'm running the stock antenna and have no problem getting signal. I really get very very good coverage from the window mount location.

-Mike

I would expect good signal as the stock Garmin antenna is a quadrafilar helix which has good omni coverage with the main lobes quite broad. It is a tried and true design. The max number of satellites in sky view would be 10 and you want to capture at least 4 to 5 for solid 3D positioning. The 276C should see that many out the front window quite well when driving in open terrain.

One of my previous GPS units was a Magellan NAV DLX-10, a large unit with a 10 channel receiver and a quad-helix antenna. I initially ran it in the front window and found situations where the steel in the cab blocked quadrants of the sky. Having a fiberglass rear shell was an advantage over our all-steel 4Runners' roof. Anyhow, when you have a clear view around the vehicle a quad-helix does well. When I was in heavy tree cover, canyon walls or if there was rapid vehicle direction change an outside amplified antenna made a big difference. By the way, trees aren't a problem with absorption due to moisture content in leaves or needles. It is actually a problem where small branches approach fractional wavelengths and cause signal scattering. This was from some testing with the University of Colorado for NASA.

The other reason to have an outside antenna with a clear view has to do with positional accuracy (PDOP). GPS calculations will be better when based on satellites that are widely separated in the sky versus satellites in a narrower field of view. Also there is one main WAAS bird for US coverage and I can imagine it can be blocked from the southerly view of the stock antenna depending on the position of the truck. That would be a fun experiment to try when I get my 276C.

Here is a good WAAS webpage: http://www.prairie.mb.ca/waas.htm

Garmin numbers corresponding to WAAS locations

AOR-E 33
AOR-W 35
IOR 44
POR 47
MTSAT-1 42
MTSAT-2 50

[Teotwaki]

My Ram Mount arrived yesterday and my Garmin will be delivered today! :rockon:

[K6UK]

That's great!
I just got back from a trip to the Grand Canyon (and other places) and the GPS was just fantastic!

Enjoy!

[Teotwaki]

Andries,

it looks as if there is Garmin mapping s/w

Topo US v 3.02
National Parks West
City Navigator US v.8

and then memory cards up to 512 Mb

Are you using these and do the Topo and National Parks maps simply duplicate the park areas?

Any memory card advice?

[bulldog]

Andries,

it looks as if there is Garmin mapping s/w

Topo US v 3.02
National Parks West
City Navigator US v.8

and then memory cards up to 512 Mb

Are you using these and do the Topo and National Parks maps simply duplicate the park areas?

Any memory card advice?
I have CIty Select V6 (probably need an update sometime), National Parks West, Topo v3.02.

Topo covers all the areas and overlap with the National Parks one. The National parks maps only covers the national parks, but in a lot more detail normally than just the Topo maps. You can however survive without the national parks one.

On memory I would say the bigger the better, unless it is very expensive. I have a 256MB card, the biggest at the time, and it is plenty. However I would have liked more memory to allow me to load up more maps at the same time. WIth 256 I can pretty much get the whole of CA in city and topo loaded up.

[Teotwaki]

I have CIty Select V6 (probably need an update sometime), National Parks West, Topo v3.02.

Topo covers all the areas and overlap with the National Parks one. The National parks maps only covers the national parks, but in a lot more detail normally than just the Topo maps. You can however survive without the national parks one.

On memory I would say the bigger the better, unless it is very expensive. I have a 256MB card, the biggest at the time, and it is plenty. However I would have liked more memory to allow me to load up more maps at the same time. WIth 256 I can pretty much get the whole of CA in city and topo loaded up.

Excellent. Thanks for the advice. I have been shopping for deals and am about ready to buy s/w and memory

[Teotwaki]

For those still shopping for s/w

Both Topo US v 3.02 and National Parks West, current versions at ErwinComputers.com with shipping is $152.85 for both

City Navigator US v.8 is $109.90 and free shipping at Amazon and they are offering a credit card with an instant $30 off of a purchase. I don't need the card so it will sit in a drawer and then kill it later

Garmin memory cards of 512 Mb run about $130

[Teotwaki]

Erwin Computer rocks! Ordered Sunday afternoon and my Topo 3.02 is already here. I just need the memory card to really go to town (or the desert!). I downloaded the Cero Gordo waypoint file from the web and then was able to view it in the MapSource utility and download it to the Garmin 276c

[Teotwaki]

Erwin Computer rocks! Ordered Sunday afternoon and my Topo 3.02 is already here. I just need the memory card to really go to town (or the desert!). I downloaded the Cero Gordo waypoint file from the web and then was able to view it in the MapSource utility and download it to the Garmin 276c

Just got my City Navigator DVD and my 512Mb memory card. Just waiting on the National Parks CD and I'll be done with the early Christmas. Next I'll figure out how I'll deal with hardwiring the power and speaker.

[Teotwaki]

I received the last s/w disc Topo 24k West. I just found out that the Garmin protocol is to erase all data on the memory stick when writing new data. Is there a trick to having city maps and topo maps coexist on the memory stick?

[bulldog]

I received the last s/w disc Topo 24k West. I just found out that the Garmin protocol is to erase all data on the memory stick when writing new data. Is there a trick to having city maps and topo maps coexist on the memory stick?
For some reason Garmin decided that erasing the old maps before loading new ones is a good idea.

To load Topo and CIty maps at the same time you just need to select both mapsets you want on the Garmin PC software. SO once you upload it will upload both mapsets to the GPS unit. However you need to turn of the CIty maps to see the Topo map details. I normally run in CIty map and then turn them off when I get to the trail head. That way I can see the Topo map. You also need to turn off the Topo maps if you want to National park maps.

In the map screen on the GPS just press Menu, go into map information and then select CIty maps. Once you are in press menu again and select turn all off. DOn't remember all the exact prompt, but you will get the idea once you do it.

[Teotwaki]

For some reason Garmin decided that erasing the old maps before loading new ones is a good idea.

To load Topo and CIty maps at the same time you just need to select both mapsets you want on the Garmin PC software. SO once you upload it will upload both mapsets to the GPS unit. However you need to turn of the CIty maps to see the Topo map details. I normally run in CIty map and then turn them off when I get to the trail head. That way I can see the Topo map. You also need to turn off the Topo maps if you want to National park maps.

In the map screen on the GPS just press Menu, go into map information and then select CIty maps. Once you are in press menu again and select turn all off. DOn't remember all the exact prompt, but you will get the idea once you do it.

Thank you kind Sir

I found that once all of the maps are loaded onto the PC that I can build a list in the box to the left of the screen by going to each of the three map types in the upper left drop down box, then selecting the areas to add to the list. Glad I bought the big-a** 512 MB stick!

[my034runner]

How stupid is this, the day after Thanksging Day: Black Friday, all of the big sporting goods stores (except Big 5) had blow out "doorbuster" deals on GPS unit's!!

Sport Chalet had the Garmin 60CSX for $349.97 supposedly reduced from $499.00. And they had a Magellan Roadmate 360 for $249.97, from $750.00.

Sport Authority had a Magellan X whatever (I forgot the model) for $99.00, from $299.00, and Dicks had the Garmin Xtex for $199.00 I think. I think that Bass Pro Shops had a couple on sale also.

My bad timing, I never read the Thanksgiving Day ad's until I got home from work, today! :( :spank:

Oh well, there were definitely deals to be had today, for the shopper who actually read the ad's on time!! :mecry:

[Mikestang]

I ordered my 276c today and am looking at software now. I want to get Topo and City maps (I think I can live w/out the national parks stuff), but have a few questions:

Is this the correct Topo program? clicky (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004Z0C8/ref=ord_cart_shr/105-1261740-2357253?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A2JUPN4BTA3CZV&v=glance)

Regarding City Nav., what is the difference between this (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BW3TK0/ref=ord_cart_shr/105-1261740-2357253?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance) and this (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000JLIHEQ/ref=ord_cart_shr/105-1261740-2357253?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A2UDDXWWLASCI6&v=glance)? Which one is the one I want? They appear to be the same thing, one $10 cheaper than the other.

Also, if anyone wants to share where they got their 512 meg cards from I'd appreciate it. I plan to order from eBay unless I hear otherwise.

Thanks!

[K6UK]

As for the topo... yes that is correct, but for some reason Garmin also sells this one
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZ6AHA/ref=dp_cp_ob_title_1/102-6912061-2293735
which is exactly the same software, but much cheaper.
I checked with Garmin and they are exactly the same. Maybe the packaging is different.

As for City Navigator, what I did is got a GPS18 from garmin (you may find it cheaper elsewhere) it's the same price as the software alone and comes with city navigator (you have to request an upgrade -FREE - from garmin on their website once you get the unit, and they send you a DVD) ... anyway, this gives you a nice GPS for you laptop and city navigator. So that is the best deal in my opinion. Garmin software is usable on up to two units, so software licensing is cool.

That's my 2 cents.

-Mike

[Mikestang]

Thanks, Mike. Nice idea to get City Nav, but I don't have a laptop and was trying to get the stuff this week for my vacation next week, so I'll probably just order to software by itself so I don't have to mess around with Garmin and upgrade discs and such.

[bulldog]

I just ordered all my Garmin goodies from GPSnow, they used to have the best prices (hven't look for a long time now) and their service was pretty good. Just check to see if they are competitive.

[K6UK]

Thanks, Mike. Nice idea to get City Nav, but I don't have a laptop and was trying to get the stuff this week for my vacation next week, so I'll probably just order to software by itself so I don't have to mess around with Garmin and upgrade discs and such.

Well the GPS-18 comes with City Select... which works fine while you're waiting for City Navigator.

GPSNOW has them on sale for 119.00 and they ship fast.

Either way you'll be happy...

Good Luck!

[Mikestang]

I just ordered City Nav, Topo, and a 512meg card from Amazon. Makes it easy to all ship at once, and prices were comparible with elsewhere on the web. I'll get to use it all next week, going up to Mammoth for 7 days, woo hoo!

[bulldog]

I just ordered City Nav, Topo, and a 512meg card from Amazon. Makes it easy to all ship at once, and prices were comparible with elsewhere on the web. I'll get to use it all next week, going up to Mammoth for 7 days, woo hoo!

Enjoy and let us know how you liked it.

[Teotwaki]

Just so you know, I'm running the stock antenna and have no problem getting signal. I really get very very good coverage from the window mount location.

-Mike

A good way to see how well the antenna works from the windshield is to use the accuracy data field and look at the WAAS satellite's signal strength on the main menu.

With an external antenna I get 7 to 8 foot accuracy almost all of the time and with WAAS enabled. Using the stock antenna inside the truck it was more like 14 to 20 feet.

[Teotwaki]

The power connector on the cig/speaker adaptor failed on me. First I had no speaker audio and then when I attempted to unplug from the back of the Garmin the whole connector came apart, tearing the wires.

GPSonSale hides behind a recording; no one ever answers. I've sent emails with no response from them. I'm going to have the credit card company hold the funds until this is resolved.

[Teotwaki]

The power connector on the cig/speaker adaptor failed on me. First I had no speaker audio and then when I attempted to unplug from the back of the Garmin the whole connector came apart, tearing the wires.

GPSonSale hides behind a recording; no one ever answers. I've sent emails with no response from them. I'm going to have the credit card company hold the funds until this is resolved.

Happy Days...

I called Garmin and explained to them and the nice lady said

"Just throw it away, we'll send you a new one"

Simply amazing.... :guitar:

[Mikestang]

Bummer to hear, as I got that speaker/12v plug, too. I'll use it a lot next week and report back if anything similar happens. Was it the speaker/12v wire itself that failed, or the connector on the back of the Garmin?

[Teotwaki]

Bummer to hear, as I got that speaker/12v plug, too. I'll use it a lot next week and report back if anything similar happens. Was it the speaker/12v wire itself that failed, or the connector on the back of the Garmin?

The cable's connector/wiring. It looks as if the cable pulled out of the molded L-shaped housing, yanking some of the wires out of the pins. Then the whole L-housing separated from the plug.

[K6UK]

I've heard a few times before about some failures at the plug on the Garmins.
I purchased a couple of 9-pin DIN connectors from Digikey and I'm making a pigtail connector so that I never need to unplug from the back of the GPS.

I'll just plug it into an appropriately configured cig adapter when traveling, and I'm installing a jack for the "hard wired" solution. I'll let you guys know if this turns out to be a good idea in the long run.

-Mike

[Mikestang]

I used my 276c extensively last week up in Mammoth. I used it to find my condo, find places to eat, and find my way back to where I came when we went out exploring in the hills. This thing is awesome, I'm totally happy with it. The step by step directions were great - very useful for long road trips. We had a slight detour on the way home and it actually found a route that was about 45 minutes shorter than the way I had thought we would go.

[K6UK]

I'm glad your liking it. I don't know how I ever lived without it!

While I'm on the topic... for anyone else thinking about getting one - I see that on eBay you can buy a factory refurbished GPS V (http://cgi.ebay.com/Garmin-DELUXE-GPS-V-Waterproof-with-Auto-Routing-GPSV-5_W0QQitemZ270075892841QQihZ017QQcategoryZ34289QQr dZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270075892841) for around $150.00 including an upgrade to Version 8 Maps (which is City Navigator) this would make a great backup GPS, and since you have to buy the maps anyway ($120) it's really a great deal. Garmin lets you use it's software on up to two units, as you may know.

They are also available at Cabela's for around $200 (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0038478228147a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&No=20&noImage=0&Ntt=garmin+gps&Ntk=Products&QueryText=garmin+gps&Ntx=matchall&N=4887&Nty=1)... only it looks like they got a little confused about the software in their ad copy. They state: "Garmin has upgraded the software for the GPS V and will include the City Select CD-ROM. City Select has enhanced routing capabilities over the City Navigator." - obviously they got this backwards.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000066TPO.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Joel]

gpsonsale.com now has the 276c for $459 w/o rebate.. :D

[Teotwaki]

As promised, they got the new one to me pretty fast! Love Garmin's support.

[Cruiserhead]

good info, just looking over gpsonsale.com's site and saw this- didn't realize suction mounts are illegal in CA

NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)

[bulldog]

good info, just looking over gpsonsale.com's site and saw this- didn't realize suction mounts are illegal in CA

NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)



Yeah I saw this before. Apparently in CA you are not allowed any devices mounted to the windshield. Yet my fastrak transponder got shipped to me with instructions and tape to mount to the windshield :jester:

I think the cops have better things to worry about.

[Mikestang]

Yet my fastrak transponder got shipped to me with instructions and tape to mount to the windshield
There's a portion in corner of the windshield where you are allowed to put things, and this is where those transponders go:
CVC 26708, section 3 (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm)
"(3) Signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver."


As long as it's not suctioned directly in front of you, high up on the windshield, I'd say you'd have to get a cop pretty pissed at you to get them to ticket you for it.

[Teotwaki]

I think that GPS-onsale is just covering their wallets and their cheap skinny ***es.

California's law never mentions "suction mounts". The law does try to address how much of your vision is potentially blocked. I agree that you would have to first piss off the cop before he wrote you up, or he might use it as an excuse for stopping you. I was stopped once for not having covers on my driving lights (previous vehicle) and not having a in-line fuse holder with the fuse removed. It was still a fix-it ticket but the cop was up to something and wanted to stop me for some other reason.

[bulldog]

There's a portion in corner of the windshield where you are allowed to put things, and this is where those transponders go:
CVC 26708, section 3 (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm)
"(3) Signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver."


As long as it's not suctioned directly in front of you, high up on the windshield, I'd say you'd have to get a cop pretty pissed at you to get them to ticket you for it.

The funny part is the directions on the transponder states to put in on the windshield by the rear view mirror :guitar: Bottomline is that they are in violation of themselves, wonders of government.

[Mikestang]

Heh, that is funny. Down here they all go in the bottom passenger side corner.

[Joel]

Anyone have an approximate battery life on the 276c?

[bulldog]

Anyone have an approximate battery life on the 276c?

WIth the backlight set to the middle, mine shows 10-11 hours on the battery alone. I have run mine for over 12 hours before it died, when I forgot to plug in the lighter adpater properly (the speaker still worked).

The indicator for battery life is pretty accurate.

[Joel]

When you say "shows" is there a battery time remaining screen or just the battery percentage style icon?

[bulldog]

When you say "shows" is there a battery time remaining screen or just the battery percentage style icon?

Once the GPS is on press the power button quickly (dont hold or it will turn off). It will give you a display where you can change the backlight and sound level. On this display it shows the remaining battery life (if it is plugged in to a power source).

I quickly looked a gain and at 1/2 backlight brightness ti shows over 12 hours of battery life.

[Teotwaki]

Once the GPS is on press the power button quickly (dont hold or it will turn off). It will give you a display where you can change the backlight and sound level. On this display it shows the remaining battery life (if it is plugged in to a power source).

I quickly looked a gain and at 1/2 backlight brightness ti shows over 12 hours of battery life.

I would agree that 12 hours is a practical number. I made a long drive (6+ hours) out to Phoenix witht the GPS on battery power and did not have to charge it when I got there. I charged it the next night.

[Mikestang]

The power connector on the cig/speaker adaptor failed on me. First I had no speaker audio and then when I attempted to unplug from the back of the Garmin the whole connector came apart, tearing the wires.


This just happened to me. I'm going to call Garmin and hope for a free replacement, too.

[Teotwaki]

This just happened to me. I'm going to call Garmin and hope for a free replacement, too.

I am happy that Garmin took care of me and hope that you have no hassles either.

This is a good reminder for me to go ahead and complete the hardwiring project!

[Mikestang]

They're sending me a new one, too, but I don't think hardwiring will be the solution, as you still have to deal with the plug into the back of the unit. I think Mike has the best idea in rigging up another connector to plug/unplug all the time.

[Teotwaki]

They're sending me a new one, too, but I don't think hardwiring will be the solution, as you still have to deal with the plug into the back of the unit. I think Mike has the best idea in rigging up another connector to plug/unplug all the time.

I rarely unplug mine so I am undecided about adding another connector into the mix. I suspect Garmin had a bad batch of the cables and they are not being fussy about replacements.

Jim

[Joel]

I just wanted to check with you guys to make sure the 512mb card works on the 276c. GPSCity seems to state otherwise: http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-512mb-memory/mg512mb.htm

[Mikestang]

Works for me, I've got like 380 megs on it so far.

[Joel]

Another question: Do tracks/waypoints/routes store to the card or only mapsource maps?

Edit: Looks like only maps from mapsource will be stored to the card.

[bulldog]

Bumping an old thread on the 276c. Seems like it is a bit aged now, but still the only GPS that provides the functionality I need (Topo, tracking/tracks, auto routing and NMEA support).

Well anyway just for completeness. I was having a terrible time getting APRS to work properly with my 276c and Kenwood D710A radio. It ended up being my firmware was outdated and didn't support NMEA duplicate waypoints or something of that nature. I was on v3.00 :eek: probably 3-4years old. I upgraded to v5.3 and it worked like magic. APRS beacons show up as waypoints so you can show them on the map and navigate to them if needs be. SO I guess it is good to check the updated firmware adn bugs/functionality fixes. GPS seems to work better/quicker as well, and display seems a bit cleaner.

I also got a external antenna (still need to mount it properly and clean up the wires) the GA 25BNC. Plugged it in and slapped it on the roof by the windshield. Reception is so much better. It picks up satellites quicker and many more of them with stringer signals compared to the normal antenna. Should definitely help for those canyons where I have lost my signal in the past. Highly recommended for those that are able to run the wires and go in area where reception get a bit dodgy at times or if you have slow times getting a position.

[Vegas Runner]

I also use an external antenna (different GPS model). Huge difference.