Garmin eTrex Vista® Cx

Bringing USB GPS Support to Logger Pro

The Garmin eTrex Vista Cx is the first GPS receiver to communicate with Logger Pro through USB (Logger Pro version 3.4.6 or newer, Windows only). The eTrex Vista Cx is loaded with popular features, including a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, sunlight-readable color screen and advanced GPS routing capabilities—all in a waterproof design. In addition, it comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail.

When attached to a computer in the field, Logger Pro treats the Vista Cx as a sensor, collecting latitude, longitude, and altitude in real time. Without a computer, you can save waypoints, tracks, or routes on the Vista Cx, then retrieve the data into Logger Pro at a later time.

This sample file can be found in Logger Pro Sample Data\Environmental Science.

Other Garmin GPS models also work with Logger Pro. See www.vernier.com/gps for a complete list.

Garmin eTrex Vista Cx | Order Code GAR-VISTACX | $

GPS Sample Data in Logger Pro 3.4.6

Once you update to Logger Pro 3.4.6, open the file Sample Data\Physics\GPS Sample Data\Test Flight. There you will find some data taken during a training flight taken by one of our engineers, who is also a student pilot. He used a GPS to record his position and altitude during a touch-and-go sequence, as well as some other interesting maneuvers.

Afterward he retrieved the data into Logger Pro. Using this sample data, you can try exporting the data to Google Maps; then you can superimpose satellite photos of the area beneath his flight and use other tools available on the Google web site.

Check it out—you'll be intrigued. How can you use this tool in your teaching?