Some GPS help...

[TechBrute]

Looking to buy a GPS reciever. Any to avoid? Any ya just gotta get?

[mtnbkr]

What are you going to do with it? Basic models like the Garmin eTrex work well for basic GPS functionality, but don't include the ability to download maps for road trips, etc.

I have a Garmin eTrex and love it so far. I even found a local geocache site with it. I wanted a GPS for marking and setting routes to/from my hunting and camping sites. I don't need road maps or that sort of thing. The price difference between the basic eTrex and one that can store maps was nearly $100.

Chris

[TechBrute]

It won't be used for Road Tripping. I know my way around the areas I frequent, and always use Hertz with their Neverlost system when I travel.

I'll be using it for out in the middle of nowhere. I'm looking at the Garmin Rino right now, just so I can have the radio and GPS in one unit. It will be used for backpacking, camping, hunting, etc.

[mtnbkr]

The Rhinos are neat units (my friends have them for hunting). However, I would not get one unless you can take advantage of their one unique feature, the ability to beam your coordinates to a friend with a Rhino. Otherwise, you're putting two devices into one and could lose both at once should it break or your batteries die.

It sounds like you need the functionality of the basic eTrex or similar system (the eTrex is the only one I have real experience with). The eTrex is waterproof, small, and easy to use. Mine got me within 15' of the geocache last night (a 6"x6" plastic box).

Chris

[TechBrute]

I'm doing a group buy of radios and GPS units for family and some buddies, so I'd be buying 6 sets of them for use together. We'd discussed the downsides to using a unit like the Rino, but it's still on the table. For someone like my wife, it would be invaluable for her to be able to beam her position to me. Me, I'm also looking into a small, rugged, backup GPS in addition to the Rino, which is currently the group preference.

[Skunkabilly]

I kinda want one but am holding off until they are fully integrated into a PDA/phone :cool:

But then the blue helmets can eavesdrop AND track me down AND look at my shopping list :uhoh:

[TechBrute]

Bwahahahaha...

[Pheonix]

I like the Geoko 201 by Germaine or however you spell it. You should be able to find it for about 120 bucks, accurate to about 10 ft I do believe. It is a bright neon green color though.

[larryw]

Before you buy the Rino, check your local laws: in some areas, two-way radios and cell phones illegal while hunting.

Also, see http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46567

[Lennyjoe]

I have the Rino 120 and really like it. Took me a little time to get used to it since it was my 1st GPS but it works well. I like the fact that I can download up to 8 mb of topo maps.

The closest accuracy that I have had in the open desert here is 10 feet with the WAAS enabled

Also like the FRS radio set up. It has GMRS radio but Im not licensed for that. Even though my hunting partners dont have one, its still nice to have a radio as a back up.

We used it on our trip last weekend up to the mountains and I used the GPS for travel and talked to the other family behind us on the radio. Made for a fun trip.

Some states do not allow you to use a radio during hunting but if your the only one in your party that has one, what can they fine you for? Maybe Im wrong about that but most of the Game Wardens I met here are pretty down to earth. Then again, there are some that aint.

[Monty]

Just listed my Garmin Geko 201 GPS on e-bay. The Geko 201 works great but I just didn't get around to using it that much. Starting at only $75 + shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34289&item=3076338435&ssPageName=STRK:MESSE:IT

Thanks, Monty

[Unisaw]

I have an eTrex Legend and really like it. I have heard that the Gecko's, which run on AAA batteries rather than AA batteries, really eat batteries. One thing you might not realize: the compass is not functional unless you are moving. This isn't a huge problem -- you should always have a back-up map and compass -- but some models do have an electronic compass that works even when you aren't moving.

[roscoe]

I recommend the ETrex Summit - it has an electronic compass, but more importantly, an altimeter/barometer. With that you can tell if low-pressure systems are moving in (bad weather), plus keep track of vertical change much more accurately than with the GPS elevation data. Plus, the ETrex line is absurdly easy to use.

[Thumper]

Another vote for the Garmin Etrex Legend. Roscoe's right about ease of use.

FWIW, I work in the Hi Precision GPS industry.

[SirPorl]

I have owned two magellan products. My first gps was a 315, worked great. My current one is a Meridian Platinum. It is a tad bigger than the garmin units I find it to fit my hand better. The thing I like most about it is that you can expand the memory in it with SD flash memory. That means you can load up maps to your hearts content and not worry about running out of space.

SirPorl

[Litefoot]

I've had quite a bit of experience with GPS units over the last few years in my line of work. All the comments above about the Garmin eTrex units are correct. They are good...and that is what I own (eTrex Summit). The little eTrex saved my bacon on a climb last year when I got disoriented (ok, lost). However, in my mind, Magellan has caught up with and passed Garmin in terms of speed of acquisition, ease of use and sensitivity. I just completed a survival course with NWSOS and they used the latest Magellan units. I used my eTrex. I now want a Magellan.

Now understand that Garmin, in the past, was a much better choice than the Magellan. So if anyone tells you their junk..well, they haven't seen the latest and greatest models.

The earlier comment about the built-in barometer on the eTrex Summit is accurate. A barometer (in this case an aneroid capsule) is nice to have, but if it's me, buying a new GPS, I'd opt for the nice Magellan with the ability to download topo. Then I'd buy a Sun altimeter for a barometer.

[Houndawg]

Litefoot,

What are you calling the latest and greatest from Magellan? I'm looking into a Meridian Gold. I'd like to get a Meridian Color, but I'm not sure color is worth the extra couple hundred.

Here's my big question. Which unit would be best if I got sent to the land of camels? Will downloadable maps and all of that do me any good out there? How much memory does one really need with these things?

[Blue Line]

I have this model and its exactly what I had in mind when shopping for a gps. Not too much and not plain jane either. Compass works when stationary, altimeter, able to use it with computer etc etc. Check it out. Be careful with all in ones.

[Houndawg]

I went ahead and ordered a Meridian Gold from AAFES. People on the Geocache forum seem to hold it in higher regard than the eTrex.

[xjer]

I must be the only one that is not happy with their
eTrex. Mine is not usable for marking routes unless
you are out in the open. It will not track under light
to moderate tree cover.

Mike

[TechBrute]

If anyone's curious, the Nextel phones with GPS in them don't work worth a poo.

[Litefoot]

Hounddawg,
You did good my friend. That's an excellent unit! Lots of memory and probably the best built-in map in an affordable handheld. I can't think of a better value than the Meridian Gold. Good luck to you wherever you end up.

[Treylis]

Before you buy the Rino, check your local laws: in some areas, two-way radios and cell phones illegal while hunting.

That seems rather stupid... what's the reasoning behind the law?

[45R]

How well does the Garmin eTrex function under bridges, homes, moderate tree coverage?

[Kevlarman]

Love my Rino! Make sure you get at least the 120 or 130 rather than the 110. The latter two models allow you to upload your own-area specific maps which I find invaluable.

If you don't need the radio, the Garmin GPS 60CS looks rather nifty, if a bit pricey.

[Zer000]

Skunk:

http://www.garmin.com/products/iQue3600/

Its a bit pricey, but it comes pre-loaded with street maps for all of north america!

[dance varmint]

I have the Garmin eTrex Vista, with 24 MB compared to the 8 MB of the Legend. Although it had an often-reported screen defect which was fixed under warranty within about a week, it has been working up to expectations, particularly when driving, biking, and flying. As long as I've had it this year I haven't had an opportunity to get into heavy foliage or rugged terrain. I have the Mapsource street maps, a serviceable piece of Windows software, but it's limited in features; it doesn't have all the search functions of the GPS. Probably my main beef with the Garmin is that "routes" are nothing but line segments, so they don't conform to curved roads. Also the eTrex doesn't calculate any routes between points (autorouting). It has a slow serial interface, and it isn't smart enough to upload a set of maps differentially (only the ones needed); it deletes and re-uploads all selected maps. For autorouting you'd want to consider the Garmin 60CS, a new color model that's all the rage. Here's the High Road of Geocachers (hobbyists who use GPS for treasure hunts)
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC

[mrstang01]

I just got the Etrex Legend, and it doesn't seem very intuitive to use. I work with computers all day, but I'm struggling with this thing. Is the video worth the money, or am I just an idiot?

Michael

[BenW]

I work with GPS for a living. When I'm not using my $12K Trimble, I use a Magellan Sportrak Pro. I have a bunch of these at work that I use when I teach land navigation. They seem to be one of the most inherently accurate sport receivers out there. You can read more about them (and everything else you wanted to know about buying a GPS) here: http://gpsinformation.net/ which is where I first heard about their accuracy.

I tested the accuracy myself using benchmarks and my survey GPS, and found the Sportrak Pro to give under a meter of accuracy 75% of the time, given a good WAAS lock. The Sportrak Topo is the same unit, but comes with built in topo maps of the US, and of course costs a bit more. A good place to buy: http://www.gpscity.com/

[rick_reno]

There are some new ones from Garmin that offer color display - the 60C and 60CS are available now and have 56mb of memory. I've got the 76CS on order that has 115mb of memory, it's about $35 more than the 60 series and has twice the memory.
A good place to read about GPS units/etc is the GPS forum (http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=11)

[Grayrock]

Old thread, I know- but I still need the help.

I have an eTrex Legend. It gets a bunch of vertical lines on the display like an old TV when you let the vertical hold button get out of alignment. Anyone experience that or know what it is or how to fix it? I have had this unit almost 3 years, so no warranty no more.

[rodregier]

Grayrock:

Description of your eTrex Legend problem leads me to suspect it has serious issues. Suspect buying a replacement is going to be cheaper/simpler/faster than repairing. The technology and pricing has improved over time.

I have an eTrex Venture Cx - color dspy, upgradable memory, loadable maps, turn by turn road nav.