Garmin Etrex Vista

by John J. Boling
(Coupeville,Wa,USA)

Purchased a Garmin Etrex Vista.
PIECE OF CRAP!!!
First change of batteries the date changed to 15 Jan 47.
No way to correct it. Contacted Garmin by e-mail (they don't answer their phone) They sent me a program to download and use my laptop to change the date. DIDN'T WORK.
My son found a solution on the web that set the correct date until I changed batteries again.
Now the date reads 05 Feb 25 and the unit will not locate satellites therefore does nothing. Four e-mails to Garmin have not resolved the problem. When powered up the Satellite page shows 5 or 6 solid black lines but the window "Wait, Locating Satellites" remains in view and no lat/long readout.
One e-mail from Garmin said to do a "Master Reset" by holding 4 buttons at once for at least 5 seconds - didn't work.
Next e-mail from Garmin says the date must be accurate for it to work and said to use the computer program that didn't work the last time.

Summary; Has nice features WHEN IT WORKS.
Right now it doesn't even make a good paperweight.