GPSrChive Discussion Forum

gpsrchive wrote: Sun Mar 27, 2022 7:47 pm

0x01 wrote: Sun Mar 27, 2022 7:23 pm As per my experience with smartphones it is hardly possible to recharge lithium batteries when temperature drops below 10°C (50°F).

I am not certain comparing a Garmin GPSr to a smartphone can be considered entirely conclusive.

Garmin specifications indicate the 66i and 66sr have an operating temperature range of -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C), and a charging temperature range of 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C).

Perhaps some GPSrChive readers currently in climates that get below this temperature range can do some charging tests to see at which temperature they actually stop charging?

Anyone could test that in the fridge.

I've read almost every thread on here about the 66sr and 65s, but I'm still completely torn on which one I should get in order to replace my 64s.

The 65s would be 33 % or (150 EUR) cheaper and I do prefer AA batteries and I most likely do prefer the shape of the 65s.

The thing that worries me the most about the 65s is the signal reception issue and the fear of it being unreliable.

At the moment I'm about to buy both and decide later, but that's kind of silly. All thoughts are welcome!

We of course have both the 65s and the 66sr.

The 66sr is my primary GPSr, the one I grab every time I go out the door, second only to the Montana 7x0.

The 65s almost never leaves my office (unless I am testing something and I want to be in another room).

If you are holding onto the "AA" batteries because you fear the internal battery in the 66sr will not last long enough - well - I can tell you almost every person I know that took the gamble and purchased a 66sr have long since decided that was a silly thought that almost prevented them from having an exceptional GPSr.

In my opinion, the only factor that should prevent someone from obtaining the 66sr over the 65s is budget. And even then, wait a little longer while you save for the 66sr!

I purchased the 66s when it was first released. I use it primarily for geocaching, and my experiences were it was not ready for prime time. I worked with Garmin to resolve the issues, they even sent me a second unit. The geocaching app was not fully integrated, you have to switch between it and maps. I eventually sold and got the 65s which I use today. I like the TopoActive maps in it, and the lifetime updates that are provided at no cost. I also use my Oregon 550 for Wherigo caches.

ivhs72 wrote: Sat Jun 18, 2022 4:01 pm The geocaching app was not fully integrated, you have to switch between it and maps.

This statement puzzles me.

The Geocaching page has always included a dedicated Map Tab that can be used in addition to the standard Map page.

Why were you 'having to switch between the Geocaching page and the Map page'?

I hope the buttons on the 66sr are still just as easy to use with gloves on?

The screen can be switched on by pressing any key, provided it has previously switched off automatically?

ewald.gruen wrote: Sat Jun 18, 2022 6:09 pm I hope the buttons on the 66sr are still just as easy to use with gloves on?

Yes they are. No more difficult than any other GPSMAP 6x model.

ewald.gruen wrote: Sat Jun 18, 2022 6:09 pm The screen can be switched on by pressing any key, provided it has previously switched off automatically?

No. Only the Power Button can be used to exit Battery Save mode.

Route planning is still a lot slower on the 66sr?

ewald.gruen wrote: Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:14 pm Route planning is still a lot slower on the 66sr?

Slower than what?

According to a German YouTube video, route planning is around 50% slower than with the 65.

41 s vs. 26 s for a 11 km hike.