Thanks for the review. I owned two garmin 12 and a 72. First one bought it new in 97 and still kicking. second one bought from old timer who doesn't know how to use it, still in new condition. 72 a piece of junk. Going to buy another 12 tomorrow from this guy. Those will be gifts for my brothers. After watching this review, it made me appreciated my 12 more. It's simple yet very accurate just like this Etrex 20. In thickest woodland canopy it have not lost satellite acquisition.
I just got the Garmin eTrex 20 and I am so happy that I purchased it. It is easy to use and it is also rugged and sleek. Good price for a great model. Use it for geocaching and alpine navigation.
@Xisla @Xisla Finally bought the Etrex 20. I've been playing with custom maps, in Google Maps I plot the course and take screen shots, then to Photoshop to join the tiles and then to Google Earth to get the Geo reference and finally to the Etrex, it works a treat, Thanks for the help.
I don't know what this guy is talking about. When I use my Etrex 20 when I ride my bike, during the day I don't even need the back light on. In full sunshine I have no trouble reading the screen. And I have never encountered any issues with the software. As for the interface, I love it. I can use it with one hand (left or right) with no issues there. As for batteries, they last a few days before I have to recharge them. Etrex 20 is the best unit I ever had. Period.
@1dancier The eTrex 20 can track height - it is in MENU>TRACK MANAGER>CURRENT TRACK>ELEVATION PLOT - though it uses GPS/GLONASS signals to determine altitude, whereas eTrex 30 has a barometric altimeter that I assume won't need good signal reception to work.
That warning varies and is determined by your speed as you approach the target. If you were driving at 60 km/r it would alarm at about 100 meters away to give you time to slow down.
@Xisla Finally bought the Etrex 20. I've been playing with custom maps, in Google Maps I plot the course and take screen shots, then to Photoshop to join the tiles and then to Google Earth to get the Geo reference and finally to the Etrex, it works a treat, Thanks for the help.
@federicopl The eTrex 20 has a dark grey rubberized strip surrounding the hard plastic orange-brown area. Its battery cover is completely hard plastic, including the dark grey part with "GARMIN" embossed. I don't have a HCx so I can't tell if it's the same rubber material, but based on photos on the internet, the HCx has a relatively thinner and flatter band, whereas the eTrex 10/20/30 has a broader band that wraps more around the front of the unit.
@1dancier the compass on eTrex 20 (and 10) depends on satellite signals, so it doesn't work when you're standing still. I find that a normal pace of walking (~3 km/h) is enough to get it to work, so that shouldn't be a problem for your mountain biking. Satellite reception is quite good under tree cover, but in my experience if you're surrounded by skyscrapers (eg. city centre), when the reception is weak, the compass becomes erratic.
@ZalnorMax Good question. According to the Garmin website battery life is 25 hours, but in my experience on the field running the unit continuously, battery life (2100 mAh NiMH) is about 10-12 hours. Maybe it depends on battery type and how freshly charged they are.
@arthurtondato Yes, you can choose the satellite system. Under MAIN MENU>SETUP>SYSTEM you can select GPS, or GPS + GLONASS. If you select GPS only, under MAIN MENU>SATELLITE the satellites detected are shown in orange. If you select GPS + GLONASS, GPS are orange and GLONASS are dark brown. Accuracy is better if you use both. There is no option for GLONASS only, but in the field I noticed the eTrex 20 will give you a position fix using GLONASS if it didn't detect enough GPS satellites.
Yes, the backlight is a big power drain. Last year when I started using my eTrex 20, I wondered why it only lasted ~12 hours, until I discovered that screen brightness can be further reduced by using the mini joystick. That helped increase battery life to over 20 hours. Under direct sunlight, reflection glare from the screen makes it hard to read, but so I far I can manage without using the backlight. Not big enough of an annoyance for me to replace my eTrex 20 yet.
@gigahertz20 In this video it beeps 16m (52.5ft) away from the waypoint. When I'm standing about 2m away from the marker, it reads 4m, so the accuracy looks fine. The beeper usually sounds 10+ m in advance when walking, or 100+ m away when in a vehicle. There is a function to customise alarm settings, but I'm not sure about the details because I don't use it.
@mitkomlk Yes, there is a Photo Viewer. My eTrex 20 came with three preloaded JPEG photos of Garmin buildings. The viewer works but the photos don't look very sharp; my guess is that photos are downsampled to fit the screen. The best accuracy I've seen is indicated as 3m, but that may not correspond to actual field accuracy. Sometimes it can be off by a few metres.
That warning is just that, a warning that you are getting close. Its there so if your not watching the screen it gives you a heads up that you are approaching your target. Also, the coordinates you are searching for and are only as accurate as the persons GPS unit they were using the mark the waypoint in the first place. When you consider your room for error and the person who marked the targets room for error, you could be off by by a significant amount or you could be dead on.
The eTrex 20 supports custom maps so you can add any jpeg map you want. The jpeg files should not exceed 1024x1024 pixels, otherwise it will look downsampled on the display screen. Tracking data is saved as .gpx files which can be opened by Google Earth and converted to .kmz for Google Maps. The data points only indicate time and position; there may be some way to read course and speed directly, but I don't know how because I didn't need that info.
@gigahertz20 It's accurate enough for my needs. In the open field or under tree cover, the reading is within a few metres of the marked position. But if you want to use it in the city (eg. driving or cycling), reception is poor when surrounded by tall buildings. The tracked path can drift away in some random direction more than 100 metres and the compass becomes erratic.
@1dancier Thanks! I initially wanted an eTrex 10 which is enough for my needs, but I was attracted to the eTrex 20's colour display and map expandability. Your eTrex 30 will have more capabilities like stand-alone altimeter, compass etc., and in my opinion a nicer colour scheme!
@Jezkovnik According to the Garmin website, eTrex 10/20/30 are indicated as [Outdoor GPS games: no], so it looks like Wherigo is not supported. I haven't tried though, since I don't need that function.
@Xisla I'm in two minds about the added functionality of the Etrex 30, one thought that came to mind was using the compass for navigation but some say don't trust it. If you can plot height with the Etrex 20 then maybe I'll buy that and take a normal compass with me. The etrex 30 has a 3 axis compass where the Etrex 20 has another type of compass, does this work ok if you want to navigate to an object. I'm a GPS newbie so it's a learning experience for me.
@lucasdh I've had my eTrex 20 for two months and I think it is quite good. What I like most is the custom map capability. For where I live, in Singapore, the default basemap has very sparse info, so I have added my own maps that have more details. This flexibility is brilliant. What I dislike is the lack of a key lock function. When in map mode, if the mini-joystick is accidentally held down (eg. in your pocket) it will set dozens of errant waypoints. So I stow it in compass mode instead.
@supercooldude1953 Should be enough for the day. According to the Garmin website battery life is 25 hours, but in my hands I get 10-12 hours on 2100mAh NiMH batteries. On the field, I turn it on and off a number of times and scroll around the map often. My settings are: Satellite System = GPS+GLONASS, WAAS/EGNOS = On, Backlight Timeout = 15 seconds, Backlight intensity in position 1, Tones = On. Changing some settings may result in more battery life, but I haven't tried optimizing yet.
from geocaching dot kom "For most GPS devices, you will need to download third-party geocaching software to read LOC or GPX files. Some devices, like the Magellan Triton and Garmin Colorado, support and read Geocaching GPX files directly."
Thanks for the review, I have ordered an eTrex 20 after watching this, and reading a few more reviews online. A bit unrelated question, what is the name and model of the camera you used to shoot this video? I like the quality, and how it captured the letters on the GPS screen so clearly.
Hola, acaban de obsequiarme un etrex 20, pero el mapa que trae cargado, no me deja ver los detalles de las vìas de mi paìs Colombia, un amigo me dio el archivo del mapa de Colombia para que reemplacel el mapa, pero no se como cargarlo al dispositivo, me podrías ayudar? he buscado en los manuales, pero no es clara esta información. gracias.
I must be the stupidest person. I borrowed this eTrex from the library so I can figure out distances for my trail hiking and running. My Garmin Edge, I just hit "record" and away I go. But this thing has me so baffled. Waypoints? Find my way back? I know where I'm going, there's a trail. I'll figure it out but the manual is written as if you already know what all this stuff is, and I'm watching youtube videos to figure out my life. Ugh. Once I figure it all out though, I know I'm going to be rockin' and happy with the eTrex, but to GET there is always a pain in the ass.
What would it be like using this device as is for cvcling in Japan (with no Japanese maps installed)? I mean what could and couldn't I do with it? I'm mostly interested in tracking the course, speed, and uploading it to keep a history of where I cycled. Could my uploaded data be overlayed on some kind of map like Google maps?
Cycling would be ok... No need to have a map installed. Just copy the .gpx track the unit saves to your PC, and open it directly in Google Earth. Works great. I have an eTrex 30, and I especially like the screen in combination with sunlight. I think it's actually easier to read... :-S Another nice feature is the cycling mount for the new etrex series... You could also check if there's OpenStreetMap coverage in your area, and download these maps for free..
@wbaumschlager No, the eTrex 20 has no wireless capability at all. Same for eTrex 10. The eTrex 30 can do wireless sharing, but according to a geocaching forum it uses ANT+ technology, not Bluetooth.
@ebayaddict19 depends..for me 62s is more ruggedized feel it makes me confident..but i tink if u get this etrex. u will get the upper hand on satellites.. good for areas with much cover.. anyways i used 62s but annoyed when i go between buildings..
I just sold my Etrex 20 and purchased a Magellan 110. The screen on the Etrex 20 is awful frankly, you need the backlight on in sunlight to see anything at all, which completely kills the battery life. Additionally the software froze intermittently, the user interface while okay is completely let down by the location of the buttons -they are 'out of sight' on the sides of the unit so you either guess at which does what or spend your life rotating the unit to see which is which. The Magellan :-)
Can anyone help me? I am Brazilian and I wonder if this gamin eTrex ultilize 20 allows the system GLONASS and GPS separately or whether I can also utilize them together?
I just bought an eTrex 30, but the paperless geocaches I'm downloading aren't showing up on my GPS. I have to manually enter all the points, which can get tedious very fast. If anyone can help me, that would be great! :)
@Xisla Attempts have been made by major electronic firms to establish base there. Failed. A diet based on fish and chips has its consequences on the brain.
WHY did you fail to mention the exceptionally lousy quality of Garmin's user manual for the etrx 10/20/30? It is a pain in the d&*k to use this goddamned thing. I highly recommend staying away.
Thanks for the review. I owned two garmin 12 and a 72. First one bought it new in 97 and still kicking. second one bought from old timer who doesn't know how to use it, still in new condition. 72 a piece of junk. Going to buy another 12 tomorrow from this guy. Those will be gifts for my brothers. After watching this review, it made me appreciated my 12 more. It's simple yet very accurate just like this Etrex 20. In thickest woodland canopy it have not lost satellite acquisition.
I just got the Garmin eTrex 20 and I am so happy that I purchased it. It is easy to use and it is also rugged and sleek. Good price for a great model. Use it for geocaching and alpine navigation.
@Xisla @Xisla Finally bought the Etrex 20. I've been playing with custom maps, in Google Maps I plot the course and take screen shots, then to Photoshop to join the tiles and then to Google Earth to get the Geo reference and finally to the Etrex, it works a treat, Thanks for the help.
I don't know what this guy is talking about. When I use my Etrex 20 when I ride my bike, during the day I don't even need the back light on. In full sunshine I have no trouble reading the screen. And I have never encountered any issues with the software. As for the interface, I love it. I can use it with one hand (left or right) with no issues there. As for batteries, they last a few days before I have to recharge them. Etrex 20 is the best unit I ever had. Period.
@1dancier The eTrex 20 can track height - it is in MENU>TRACK MANAGER>CURRENT TRACK>ELEVATION PLOT - though it uses GPS/GLONASS signals to determine altitude, whereas eTrex 30 has a barometric altimeter that I assume won't need good signal reception to work.
That warning varies and is determined by your speed as you approach the target. If you were driving at 60 km/r it would alarm at about 100 meters away to give you time to slow down.
6:10 Short cut, just hold down the toggle button. Does the same thing
very nice & helpful review.
i've decided to buy etrex 20 for cycling
@Xisla Finally bought the Etrex 20. I've been playing with custom maps, in Google Maps I plot the course and take screen shots, then to Photoshop to join the tiles and then to Google Earth to get the Geo reference and finally to the Etrex, it works a treat, Thanks for the help.
@federicopl The eTrex 20 has a dark grey rubberized strip surrounding the hard plastic orange-brown area. Its battery cover is completely hard plastic, including the dark grey part with "GARMIN" embossed.
I don't have a HCx so I can't tell if it's the same rubber material, but based on photos on the internet, the HCx has a relatively thinner and flatter band, whereas the eTrex 10/20/30 has a broader band that wraps more around the front of the unit.
@1dancier the compass on eTrex 20 (and 10) depends on satellite signals, so it doesn't work when you're standing still. I find that a normal pace of walking (~3 km/h) is enough to get it to work, so that shouldn't be a problem for your mountain biking. Satellite reception is quite good under tree cover, but in my experience if you're surrounded by skyscrapers (eg. city centre), when the reception is weak, the compass becomes erratic.
@ZalnorMax Good question. According to the Garmin website battery life is 25 hours, but in my experience on the field running the unit continuously, battery life (2100 mAh NiMH) is about 10-12 hours. Maybe it depends on battery type and how freshly charged they are.
@arthurtondato Yes, you can choose the satellite system. Under MAIN MENU>SETUP>SYSTEM you can select GPS, or GPS + GLONASS.
If you select GPS only, under MAIN MENU>SATELLITE the satellites detected are shown in orange. If you select GPS + GLONASS, GPS are orange and GLONASS are dark brown.
Accuracy is better if you use both. There is no option for GLONASS only, but in the field I noticed the eTrex 20 will give you a position fix using GLONASS if it didn't detect enough GPS satellites.
awesome cant wait to get one of those for geocatching and hiking
Este GPS es el que andaba buscando, muchas gracias por su video.
Yes, the backlight is a big power drain. Last year when I started using my eTrex 20, I wondered why it only lasted ~12 hours, until I discovered that screen brightness can be further reduced by using the mini joystick. That helped increase battery life to over 20 hours.
Under direct sunlight, reflection glare from the screen makes it hard to read, but so I far I can manage without using the backlight. Not big enough of an annoyance for me to replace my eTrex 20 yet.
@gigahertz20 In this video it beeps 16m (52.5ft) away from the waypoint. When I'm standing about 2m away from the marker, it reads 4m, so the accuracy looks fine. The beeper usually sounds 10+ m in advance when walking, or 100+ m away when in a vehicle. There is a function to customise alarm settings, but I'm not sure about the details because I don't use it.
just wanted to say thank you for the info..really appreciate it, thanks
@mitkomlk Yes, there is a Photo Viewer. My eTrex 20 came with three preloaded JPEG photos of Garmin buildings. The viewer works but the photos don't look very sharp; my guess is that photos are downsampled to fit the screen.
The best accuracy I've seen is indicated as 3m, but that may not correspond to actual field accuracy. Sometimes it can be off by a few metres.
That warning is just that, a warning that you are getting close. Its there so if your not watching the screen it gives you a heads up that you are approaching your target. Also, the coordinates you are searching for and are only as accurate as the persons GPS unit they were using the mark the waypoint in the first place. When you consider your room for error and the person who marked the targets room for error, you could be off by by a significant amount or you could be dead on.
The eTrex 20 supports custom maps so you can add any jpeg map you want. The jpeg files should not exceed 1024x1024 pixels, otherwise it will look downsampled on the display screen. Tracking data is saved as .gpx files which can be opened by Google Earth and converted to .kmz for Google Maps. The data points only indicate time and position; there may be some way to read course and speed directly, but I don't know how because I didn't need that info.
@gigahertz20 It's accurate enough for my needs. In the open field or under tree cover, the reading is within a few metres of the marked position. But if you want to use it in the city (eg. driving or cycling), reception is poor when surrounded by tall buildings. The tracked path can drift away in some random direction more than 100 metres and the compass becomes erratic.
Great review, I'll probably buy the Etrex 30 for my MTB activities because I can plot the routes that I take but the Etrex 20 was hight on list.
@1dancier Thanks! I initially wanted an eTrex 10 which is enough for my needs, but I was attracted to the eTrex 20's colour display and map expandability. Your eTrex 30 will have more capabilities like stand-alone altimeter, compass etc., and in my opinion a nicer colour scheme!
@Jezkovnik According to the Garmin website, eTrex 10/20/30 are indicated as [Outdoor GPS games: no], so it looks like Wherigo is not supported. I haven't tried though, since I don't need that function.
@1dancier You're welcome. Have fun!
@Xisla I'm in two minds about the added functionality of the Etrex 30, one thought that came to mind was using the compass for navigation but some say don't trust it. If you can plot height with the Etrex 20 then maybe I'll buy that and take a normal compass with me.
The etrex 30 has a 3 axis compass where the Etrex 20 has another type of compass, does this work ok if you want to navigate to an object. I'm a GPS newbie so it's a learning experience for me.
@lucasdh I've had my eTrex 20 for two months and I think it is quite good.
What I like most is the custom map capability. For where I live, in Singapore, the default basemap has very sparse info, so I have added my own maps that have more details. This flexibility is brilliant.
What I dislike is the lack of a key lock function. When in map mode, if the mini-joystick is accidentally held down (eg. in your pocket) it will set dozens of errant waypoints. So I stow it in compass mode instead.
@supercooldude1953 Should be enough for the day. According to the Garmin website battery life is 25 hours, but in my hands I get 10-12 hours on 2100mAh NiMH batteries. On the field, I turn it on and off a number of times and scroll around the map often.
My settings are: Satellite System = GPS+GLONASS, WAAS/EGNOS = On, Backlight Timeout = 15 seconds, Backlight intensity in position 1, Tones = On.
Changing some settings may result in more battery life, but I haven't tried optimizing yet.
@1dancier: The eTrex20 plot routes too.
@Subraid - I should of been clearer but I want the altimeter to plot height so I can work out how much climbing I've done.
eTrex 20 is over 10 years old!
😭😭
Are there newer, better, devices out there?
eTrex 20 has full OSM support therefore just pick your favorite OSM based cycling map :)
from geocaching dot kom "For most GPS devices, you will need to download third-party geocaching software to read LOC or GPX files. Some devices, like the Magellan Triton and Garmin Colorado, support and read Geocaching GPX files directly."
Is it just me? But when you were walking back to the marker, your WERE NOT following the arrow. It was actually pointing in a different direction.
Very helpful and informative.
Didn't get no lanyard with mine. Just purchased 10-31-2013. So far I like it.
Thanks for the review, I have ordered an eTrex 20 after watching this, and reading a few more reviews online.
A bit unrelated question, what is the name and model of the camera you used to shoot this video? I like the quality, and how it captured the letters on the GPS screen so clearly.
how to land survey with garmin etrex 12,20,30? this instruments will give accuracy results or not???? which is best??? ,,,,,,,....replay very past
Hola, acaban de obsequiarme un etrex 20, pero el mapa que trae cargado, no me deja ver los detalles de las vìas de mi paìs Colombia, un amigo me dio el archivo del mapa de Colombia para que reemplacel el mapa, pero no se como cargarlo al dispositivo, me podrías ayudar? he buscado en los manuales, pero no es clara esta información.
gracias.
I must be the stupidest person. I borrowed this eTrex from the library so I can figure out distances for my trail hiking and running. My Garmin Edge, I just hit "record" and away I go. But this thing has me so baffled. Waypoints? Find my way back? I know where I'm going, there's a trail. I'll figure it out but the manual is written as if you already know what all this stuff is, and I'm watching youtube videos to figure out my life. Ugh. Once I figure it all out though, I know I'm going to be rockin' and happy with the eTrex, but to GET there is always a pain in the ass.
adarkerlight bad UI design, Garmin doesn't give a shit. but they make useful products tho
What would it be like using this device as is for cvcling in Japan (with no Japanese maps installed)? I mean what could and couldn't I do with it? I'm mostly interested in tracking the course, speed, and uploading it to keep a history of where I cycled. Could my uploaded data be overlayed on some kind of map like Google maps?
Yes, you are right, I noticed that.
Cycling would be ok... No need to have a map installed. Just copy the .gpx track the unit saves to your PC, and open it directly in Google Earth. Works great. I have an eTrex 30, and I especially like the screen in combination with sunlight. I think it's actually easier to read... :-S
Another nice feature is the cycling mount for the new etrex series...
You could also check if there's OpenStreetMap coverage in your area, and download these maps for free..
thanks for the great information
@wbaumschlager No, the eTrex 20 has no wireless capability at all. Same for eTrex 10.
The eTrex 30 can do wireless sharing, but according to a geocaching forum it uses ANT+ technology, not Bluetooth.
What's the best gps to buy to travel to different countries and continents even flying ?
Can you also view altitude?
the most fun part of this video was LOOKING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX LOL.
@ebayaddict19 depends..for me 62s is more ruggedized feel it makes me confident..but i tink if u get this etrex. u will get the upper hand on satellites.. good for areas with much cover.. anyways i used 62s but annoyed when i go between buildings..
Hi..just a simple question..what is the duration life of the batteries on the gps?...good for the day?...4hrs?.6hrs?...thanks
Is this for hiking too?
After you do an area calculation using Area Calculator, can it be saved and then down loaded on a PC or laptop to print out the mapped area?
@supercooldude1953 You're welcome, cheers.
does the Garmen e trex 20 use the quad helix antenna?
Thanks for the review. Cant wait for Son of e trax 20 and return of the killer e trax 20. Only joking it was very good
:-)
how do i change from utm to long and lat
can rechargeable AA batteries be used?
does it come with maps?
Thank you for this review.
thanks for this video. I need one but how can I get it. I am from Monrovia, Liberia in Africa.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I just sold my Etrex 20 and purchased a Magellan 110. The screen on the Etrex 20 is awful frankly, you need the backlight on in sunlight to see anything at all, which completely kills the battery life.
Additionally the software froze intermittently, the user interface while okay is completely let down by the location of the buttons -they are 'out of sight' on the sides of the unit so you either guess at which does what or spend your life rotating the unit to see which is which.
The Magellan :-)
i'm looking for a gps to use when fishing, something i can use to find lakes out in the woods, is this a good choice?
how can i find my property lines using my etrex 20
You will need a survey of your property first
Does it have Bluetooth on board or do we have to wait another 10 years for that feature?
Can anyone help me? I am Brazilian and I wonder if this gamin eTrex ultilize 20 allows the system GLONASS and GPS separately or whether I can also utilize them together?
@dinnerandashow No.
But someday when we have positioning satellites around Mars, I'd like to go "areio-caching" for that missing Beagle 2.
Do you need a GPS in Singapore?
I just bought an eTrex 30, but the paperless geocaches I'm downloading aren't showing up on my GPS. I have to manually enter all the points, which can get tedious very fast. If anyone can help me, that would be great! :)
@darmillionaire You're welcome. I used a Nikon L5, good for macro shooting, but it's 4+ years old now and some of the buttons are becoming unreliable.
@dinnerandashow That's not true, there was that Sinclair ZX... never mind.
Less a review and more an un-boxing and basic operation.
Can you put in location coordinates and it will guide you to those coordinates?
Yes.
Could i eat it if i got lost in the mountains?
Lol
Does it work on other planets?
Hi,how much you pay for that?Thanks Lendon.
to review, one must first know the product and have used it
Review?
bonjour curtis ou trouve ton le suuport velos merci
@Xisla
What was the British thinking ... Britain and electronics just do not mix.
with the GLONASS its more powerfull...the signal...
@Xisla
Attempts have been made by major electronic firms to establish base there. Failed.
A diet based on fish and chips has its consequences on the brain.
Class hindi me chahiye
waste of time
Don't walk into a tree
WHY did you fail to mention the exceptionally lousy quality of Garmin's user manual for the etrx 10/20/30? It is a pain in the d&*k to use this goddamned thing. I highly recommend staying away.
My Etrex 20 will not work. I used it only 8 times. Do not depend on these devices. Piece of garbage