New 60csx owner - have some questions

[grove1]

Hello. I finally have all my maps uploaded thanks to the help I got on this forum. I plan on using this mostly for hunting/hiking. I do have some other questions though:

1. In the settings for the Compass, my options for North Reference are - True, Magnetic, Grid, and User..... Which should I select?

2. How do I send data to Basecamp from my device and vice versa (i.e. waypoints, tracks, routes, etc)? If I download new maps to my device from Basecamp, does that erase all my waypoints? Do they transfer?

3. Are there any default settings that I need to change?

4. Batteries - currently I have AA alkaline in it. Should I switch to rechargeable? If so, is there a specific brand? Thanks...

Thanks for the help....

[-Oz-]

1) true north is probably best. Magnetic would be useful if you're following an orienteering course where the declination is noticeable or the distances are very long (and thus the difference between magnetic and true would make a big difference).
2) Check out this tutorial on loading maps from basecamp to your GPS
3) I haven't used my 60csx in awhile but I think calibrating the altimeter was a good one and calibrating the compass.  Also, let it sit out for a little while to "burn in" the GPS almanac.
4) Yes.  Switch to rechargables.  Currently my favorite (and i've used/gone through a lot) are Sanyo Enloop batteries available at Amazon for less than $20.

Matter of fact, a great GPS blog (GPSTrackLog) has a generic article on starting using your GPS.