Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx Review:
The 7.6-ounce Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx 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 Garmin 76CSx’s integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and you’ve got a highly capable unit.

It is not cheap, in addition to the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx, you will need to purchase a MicrosSD card (I bought a 1GB card) for storing extra map information (the built in “base map” is almost useless); the MapSource Topographical CDROM for hiking; and the MapSource City Navigator CDROM, Garmin Automotive mount, and Garmin Cigarete power cable for use in the car.

The GPSMAP 76CSx does not have all the features of the GPSs designed only for in car use, but I have used it on several trips and it met all my needs. It gave accurate directions even in one-way street situations, and has been very useful finding restaurants and other points of interest near locations I have visited.

You can download topo and city street maps at the same time. If you have both types of maps downloaded, the Garmin will only show the city street maps unless you hide the city street maps, in which case it will show the topo maps. Finding the menu to hide the city street maps is not obvious, I had to call tech support to find out how to do it. With a map displayed, you have to press the menu button; select Setup Map; press the Enter button; at the top of the screen select the “i” (Information) icon; press the Enter button; finally select the Hide US NorthAmerica City Streets and press the Enter button.

With the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx you can have as much memory as you can fit into a micro SD card. I’ve got one with 1GB and have the detailed info for pretty much the entire East Coast and neighboring states downloaded. Adding the color screen is a plus so now Navaids are red and green, not just labeled such. And a great improvement is the autorouting capability where you just plug in your start and end points and it routes you there automatically with turn by turn directions just like on most websites.

The Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx is a very good handheld GPS unit. It is much more sensitive than a cheaper Garmin unit that I have. It’s rather large - about the size of your hand, but has a nicely lit color display. Menus are easy enough to navigate, and everything seems solid. It floats in water (I tried it to be sure), and that makes it great for outdoor adventures in the rain or down the river.

My only complaint with the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx is the very poor software that it comes with. Garmin 76CSx comes with “Waypoint Navigator,” which has very limited city maps allowing you to do simple trip planning. You do the planning on your computer, and then download the path info using the USB port - not as convenient as car-based GPS units, but still ok. The problem is that the software has very limited detail, with many roads missing - not much more than highways really. My recommendation is to look at add on Garmin Mapsource software like the North American City Navigator or the Topographical Maps. The way they work is you pay for the CD/DVD and with them you get a code to unlock any recent updates from the Garmin website. This ensures that you get the very latest map data (as of your purchase date). If you want future updates, you have to pay Garmin to get another unlocking code.

The Garmin 76CSx is light, and battery life so far seems as promised (15-20 hours). I have not tried rechargeable batteries, but plan to do so. If they work well, fine, and if not, fine too. Alkalines are inexpensive enough bought in bulk.

Downloading maps from the computer is quite a slow process, so I’m going to guess the USB is 1.1 not 2.0. I downloaded the mid-Atlantic and New England region, approximately 700k of data, which took over 45 minutes. I can’t imagine loading the whole country. The Navigator maps may be smaller, since I don’t believe they contain elevation data.

The main things a potential buyer must be aware of is the need to add: 1) a larger microSD card to store additional map data; 2) the need to purchase better topographical maps for serious outdoor use; 3) the understanding that while Topo maps show roads, they do not calculate driving routes on these roads; 4) for routable driving maps, you have to add a Navigator type map.

Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx Features:

You can use the Garmin 76CSx’s memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts.

The Garmin GPSMAP 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. Marine users will also like the fact that the Garmin GPSMAP 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 GPSMAP 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 Garmin 76CSx 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 Garmin 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 GPSMAP 76CSx can share navigation instructions with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots.

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