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schweady
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09/27/2020 11:07AM  
The Garmin GPSMAP series just got a little more crowded with the introduction of the 65, 65s, and 66sr. They boast a "multi-band technology" and "TopoActive maps," which are "routable." I'm still looking into what that might mean for me. They also have modified the 64 series (perhaps a while back without my noticing), dropping the 64st (my current model) for the 64s, 64sx, and 64csx which also include "TopoActive maps."

I immediately discounted the 65 series as it uses the same slightly smaller display as does the 64st and stores the same lower number of tracks, routes, waypoints, and map segments. So, I found myself interested in comparing the new 66sr to my existing 64st (and my original replacement idea, which is still available, the 66st).

My ongoing research includes:
"Multi-band technology" - is this a big improvement over the 64st and 66st?
Rechargable battery vs replaceable AA batteries - can I quickly deal with my recharging needs on longer trips?
TopoActive mapping vs 100K US+Canada topographic maps - is there a big difference?

Garmin GPSMAP model lineup

Some side-by-side comparisons - I included the 64sx as it most closely replicated my existing 64st. (The exceptions found so far: 64sx has TopoActive routable map preloaded, 64st has TOPO U.S. 100K non-routable map; 64sx is slightly lighter weight than 64st - 7.7 oz vs 8.1 oz)

Separate page with specs on the 64st
 
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09/28/2020 08:00AM  
Have an interest in the 66 series, improved screen, memory, power choice.

"Multi-band technology" - is this a big improvement over the 64st and 66st?
Not much in good reception or in North America. It's combined use of GPS/GLONASS/Galileo
systems offers redundancy wold wide but is still limited by the internals far as data rate. I'm not sure if the systems can be used interchangeably or the unit pick the signal best received ignoring the rest.

"Rechargable battery vs replaceable AA batteries- can I quickly deal with my recharging needs on longer trips?"
I have become comfortable recharging camera batteries with the ANKER Powerbanks. The batteries are similar in power storage/wattage/voltage. I can get 3-4 charges with 1 20000 mAh bank, figure I could get 2 weeks use with a single bank., and would not think 2 powerbanks overdone.

"TopoActive mapping vs 100K US+Canada topographic maps - is there a big difference?"
Depend on how much you use routing. I personally ignore routing so much as to make it useless. That is in hiking as well as canoe triping and automotive use. The maps seem the same with just the unit capable of routing choices.

Anyway I'm still getting serviceable use from my 62st, if I needed routing I'd do that at home in Basecamp and upload the route. Accuracy is very good with just GPS and I have used units with GPS/Glonass. If and when I upgrade it will be for hard features like screen size and memory capacity/capability.
That's my take on the new versions, still considering the Inreach option but happy with my PLB so if I go that way it would be both for redundancy.

butthead
 
schweady
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09/28/2020 11:14AM  
Thanks, butthead.

Other than routing, do you know anything about the differences, visually, between the TopoActive mapping and the 100K topographic maps preloaded on my 64st? eg. topo line intervals drawn, public lands and other POIs shown, etc.
 
09/28/2020 11:31AM  
Have not seen an example but assume the Active Topo more geared to off road driving/biking/skiing activities. Displaying the pre-mapped routes designated. Again my assumption.
Due to the messed up public situation this year have not been to the EAA where I could talk directly to Garmin techs and engineers.

Far as displayed maps and layers I still like best the Birdseye 25K especially considering cost.
I'm more concerned with finding ways out than routing in, must be the adventurer in me. How I get somewhere is the adventure and I take many side detours.

butthead
 
10/02/2020 10:47PM  
Got a new 6.6 series GPS this spring-two days after I got it in went black or dead.
Liked it the short time I had it, but looked on the internet others have had the same problem.
So than I got the 64sx and love it. A few less bells and whistles but extremely accurate. I use the Galileo and along with the U.S. system and waas on.

Had the old reliable and still working 60csx series before.
 
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