MnGCA

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3649

There allegedly is a thermometer built into the Garmin GPSMAP60CSx, which I would guess is used with the barometric pressure to calculate altitude. Does anyone know if the actual temperature is visible as a data field ANYWHERE on ANY screen in this unit? The owners manual mentions temperature a few times but says nothing about using it as a stand alone thermometer.

There's a chance I am looking right at it but can't see it... kind of like caching.

NeoAddict · Geocacher Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 189

Really? Sounds neat if someone could find it. I should do some sleuthing on mine. Surprised

Pear Head · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

The thermometer is in most Garmin units for sure, if not most units of all brands. It's used to correct for drift of the GPS's clock (as the crystal is affected by temp). Some units also use it to adjust the contrast of the display (which is also affected by temp).

It can usually be viewed from the diagnostics screen, which isn't accessible while the unit is in a normal operating state.

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK:

Using Garmin's secret keystrokes can have unintended consequences on your unit. If you toast your unit doing what I describe below or any other keystrokes then don't come crying to me.

As far as I know (which is very little), the only thing that going into diagnostics will do is possibly force the unit to do a cold-start the next time it's powered up (looking for satellites). If something else happens then you're on your own and I'm not responsible.

Accessing the diagnostics screen varies by model. For the 76CSx (which I have), and I'm guessing it applies to the 60CSx as well, you need to hold the enter key down and then hold down the power key. Hold those keys down until you see diagnostics. It takes about 1 second to come into diagnostics. If you get to the normal first "welcome" screen that you're used to seeing then you're doing it wrong.

The temp is displayed in Celsius.
_________________
Hmm...

spinowner · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

Keep in mind that it's going to register the temperature inside the receiver, not the ambient air temperature. Therefore it's not going to be very useful, which I'm sure is why the screen is not normally set up to display the reading. Altitude is determined strictly by satellite signals in exactly the same way that latitude and longitude are determined.
_________________
Sig line? I don't need no stinking sig line!

Pear Head · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:35 pm Post subject:

spinowner · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

I'm not familiar with how that particular unit works. I would think that satellite signals would be more accurate because barometric pressure is so variable.

Edited to add: My eTrex displays the altitude accurately in a pressurized jet airplane cabin. If barometric pressure is used the receiver would tell you you were on the ground.
_________________
Sig line? I don't need no stinking sig line!

Pear Head · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject:

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3649

We spend $300 to $500 on a device to talk to a multi-billion dollar satellite system and they can't add the $.37 external thermometer circuit? I guess I can't have it all.

Thanks for the note about diagnostics. Sounds pretty cool. Will have to borrow a GPS during the next weeknight event and try it on someone else's unit.

LucidOndine · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:59 pm Post subject:

To my knowledge, the CSx models determine altitude by barometer alone, but I'll test it the next time I can sneak it on an airplane without scaring the flight attendants, or Jambro.
_________________
The Lucid Network (tm)-- More Bars in More Places!

spinowner · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 5:10 am Post subject:

Even though determination of altitude by barometric pressure wouldn't be as accurate as by satellite it still can be used to monitor changes in altitude. This could be useful for climbers, for example. It's also better than nothing if you are in a location where satellite signals are blocked, such as in a cave or under dense tree cover.
_________________
Sig line? I don't need no stinking sig line!

Arcticabn · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:51 am Post subject:

LucidOndine · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:

Assuming you've calibrated your barometer (which I hope anyone with a CSx model has calibrated both barometer and digital compass already) it should work just fine. You're right though, to get altitude by satellites alone you need 4 or more.
_________________
The Lucid Network (tm)-- More Bars in More Places!

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3649

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:51 am Post subject:

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261