Thread: GPSMAP66st

For me, both the opinions seems strong. Old habits die hard but sometimes we have to exercise our adaptation skills for good. GPSrChive is a great site, there are a lots of very detailed information for many Garmin devices.

But GPSMAP 66 is a relatively new series and many related intimates remains to be discovered by the community. For instance, the hardware. It's still hard to find any information so I've looked into the images on the FCC site and have found some interesting things. First, it seems the 66 series uses the platform SoC (STA2065 aka Cartesto+) which is exactly similar to that for the 64 series and recent Oregon and Montana series. So all that units has exactly similar computing power. Not more, not less. As for the external GPS chip, the image is not clear enough to identify the part. But it's certainly not MT3332 (as in the 64). It's something different (perhaps it's MT3333 as in the new 64sc(x) units). So if you'll be going to take your unit apart for some reason, please don't forget to identify this chip and let us know. Second, there is the Garmin satellite modem module inside the GPSMAP 66i and some other units of such capability. According to the modem module specification, it can radiate up to 2W power in the micro-wave RF (L band). So when the modem is transmitting, it is advised by the spec to maintain at least 24 cm. clearance between the antenna and any living thing. Not a single word about than in the user's manual or safety data sheet for related units