Garmin eTrex 20/30/35/Touch - Ride With GPS HelpRide With GPS Help

The eTrex is a sturdy GPS unit that is great for all sorts of uses. It runs off of AA batteries so you never have to worry about charging the device or not being able to keep it powered on multi-day tours.

Although there are a couple of feature differences between the two models, the configuration and use of tracks is exactly the same.

The eTrex series doesn’t have a specific distance limitation, but it is limited by the number of course points or track points on the route. If you export the route, check it on the device to make sure the entire route is visible. If the latter part of the route gets clipped, then split your route into multiple routes. Learn more about splitting routes.

Exporting a route to the eTrex

After planning a route on our website, you’ll want to export the route to use on the eTrex 20 & 30.

While viewing any route, click MORE > Export as File
Then click GPX Track.
If you are a Premium or Basic subscriber, click the option to have the cues exported as a waypoints.
Plug in your eTrex to your computer with a USB cable.
Copy the exported file into the GPX folder on the device.

Recommended Settings

We recommend the following settings for your eTrex 20/30 for an optimal navigation experience.

Change the following under SETUP > MAP

GUIDANCE TEXT = WHEN NAVIGATING

GUIDANCE METHOD: ON ROAD FOR DISTANCE

CALCULATE ROUTES FOR BICYCLE

LOCK ON ROAD = NO

OFF ROAD TRANSITIONS = AUTO

AVOIDANCE SETUP = turn all these to DO NOT AVOID

Starting Navigation

Go to the WHERE TO? page to select your route.

Go to TRACKS

Select the route you wish to navigate

You’ll get a preview of the route on your map. Your installed map card may not have the contour lines install.

Click GO to start the navigation

Viewing Cues

If you want to see the cues for the route, go to the ACTIVE ROUTE on the main page.

You will see all the cues (waypoints) for your active route. You will also see HIGHPOINT and LOWPOINT cues that have been automatically generated by the eTrex 20/30.

This option cannot be disabled.

Scroll down and click on a cue to see where it will appear on the map.

Clicking a cue will show you its location on the map, distance to that point, and an ETA.

When viewing the map screen, I recommend the two data fields.

Tap the Menu Button on the left side, then select Change Data Fields:
DISTANCE TO NEXT – This will tell you how far to the next waypoint.
WAYPOINT AT NEXT – This will tell you which cue is next.

A couple of pointers about the eTrex.

Lithium AA batteries are expensive but will last much longer especially in colder conditions.
The screen will stay on, but you can turn of the backlight to save power. Tap the light/power button to see the backlight settings, then use the thumbstick to move the backlight brightness slider all the way to the left.

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