FCC Images: Garmin GPSMAP 62 Much Like GPSMAP 78
STM Cartesio, large square device to left-bottom (click to see larger image)
I was hoping for a something new when the GPSMAP 62 FCC photos became available, but as we anticipated the GPSMAP 62 looks like another STM Cartesio design, similar to the Oregon, Dakota and now the GPSMAP 78 that we’ve been testing for the last two weeks. FCC internal images show a similar cluster of components both in placement and size on the GPSMAP 62 printed circuit board so we are all but certain of the Cartesio-based hardware design. Garmin has blacked out any identifying marks on the chip which make it impossible to know for sure.
The quad helix antenna that Garmin promised is clearly visible in this shot and we are anxious to see how it performs when paired with the STM chipset. So far our results on the GPSMAP 78 have been encouraging — it has very good reception as long as the unit is held flat. This is typical for GPS units which use patch antennas. The quad helix should improve reception and be better suited to holding the GPS in a more upright vertical position.
What's that next to the MCX connector?
The FCC postings also include an owner’s manual which is an almost exact copy of the GPSMAP 78 manual. This further leads us to believe that the hardware is the same, I wouldn’t be surprised if these two units even run the same software image.
There is one thing I can’t figure out — what is that object immediately to the right of the MCX connector? Maybe it is just some sort of fastener through the antenna…
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June 10th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
…looks like a torx head screw, the same as the other ones holding the case together.
June 11th, 2010 at 1:43 am
its a torx screw
June 11th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
It’s a torx screw as others have said. It’s holding the rubber port cover on.
I like the way Garmin does that so that things that are obviously subjected to high wear are fairly easily replaceable.
June 17th, 2010 at 4:49 am
somebody know if the 62s or 78s version may supported old atlantich bluecharts ( ex. 9.5 version ) ? thanks
June 17th, 2010 at 8:16 am
It should. I haven’t tested it but these new devices are based on the Oregon/Dakota software and I have used BC 9.5 with my Oregon.
-Scott
June 25th, 2010 at 5:54 am
Hi there GPSers, what is the difference between the 62st & 62s? Is it only the preinatalled maps on the 62st?
Henry.
June 25th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Henry,
Yes, the “t” includes the preinstalled topo maps.
There may also be a slight difference in the amount of internal memory which is used to store the preinstalled maps and other user data. For example, the Oregon the “t’s” have 4GB vs the non-t’s which have 1-2GB. The difference being roughly the amount of space needed to hold the preinstalled maps.
Based on Garmin specs the 62st has 500MB of free space vs 1.7G for the non-t’s. This makes me think that the 62st might have 3GB and the non-t’s might have 2GB but we’ll see when they come out.
-Scott
-Scott
June 25th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thanks Scott. I plan on getting this device, but really don’t need the preinatalled TOPO map. However, if the 62st comes with 2GB more internal memory then I may consider the 62st over the 62s model.
Henry.
June 25th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Henry,
Keep in mind both have an microSD card slot where you can add up to 8GB more storage which for most people is more than enough even w/o the added internal storage.
-Scott
June 29th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Is there also proximity alarm function on the 62 ? just like the old gpsmap 60csx
June 29th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Yes, the 62 and 78 both have a proximity alarm function like the 60csx.
-Scott
December 28th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Hello,
Can somebody help me with finding the schematics or a service manual of the Garmin gps 60cx (or schematics of any gps map 60). I would like to try to repair the unit myself.
The symptoms are: when I push the on-button for a few seconds the unit goes ON (as it should) and starts to work normally. But if I let go of the on button the unit goes OFF.
Thanks in advance.