Tips for the Garmin 60CSx

GPS devices can help you find your location, anywhere on the planet.world map image by Andrew Brown from Fotolia.com

The Garmin 60CSx is a hand-held global positioning system (GPS) device that can help you find your location anytime and anywhere. Garmin markets it as an ideal device for campers and hikers, thanks in part to an upgraded GPS chip that can receive a signal, even in canyons or when camping in a dense forest. There are various tips and strategies to get the most out of your 60CSx device.

MicroSD Card

The 60CSx device comes with a 64-megabyte microSD flash memory card. The device uses this card to load maps and other GPS data. Users are not restricted to the original memory card. You can increase the storage capacity of the device by buying a high-capacity microSD card from any electronics retailer.

The Garmin 60CSx uses AA batteries and can accommodate both rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries or disposable alkaline batteries. The battery compartment is on the back of the device. Whichever battery type you use, mark it in the device's software settings so the device can better report the remaining battery life. Press "Menu" two times. select "Setup" and press the "Enter" button. Click "System" and choose either "NiMH" or "Alkaline" in the battery list.

The brightness of the screen on the 60CSx can be adjusted to conserve battery life. To adjust the screen brightness, quickly push and release the device's "Power" button, located on the top of the device. Press the bottom edge of the central rocker key to lower the screen brightness or push the top edge to make it brighter. Push "Enter" to save the settings.

The Garmin 60CSx can sometimes get out of sync with the satellites that send it directional signals. You may need to reset its connection with the satellites if it can't get a good signal or if you've taken the device more than 600 miles from the last place that you used it. Press "Menu" on the front of the device. Scroll down and click "New Location." The device will now resync with the satellites.

To find a route to a destination, the device typically only shows a graphical map with lines indicating the track you should follow. Alternatively, you can activate on-screen guidance text, especially when in a crowded city or for more clarification. When using the on-screen map, press "Menu" to open the device's map options. Use the rocker key to scroll down to "Guidance Text" then push "Enter." Click "Always Show," "Never Show" or "Show When Navigating" to turn the on-screen text on or off.