GPS

[RobertN]

I am thinking about a GPS unit. Is there a particular model I should look at? Right now, I know little about them or their features, besides they can pick up long/lat, can save a route, or a route can be programmed.

My parameters are:
1 - I'm and assistant scoutmaster in the local Boy Scout troop. We do hikes and backpacking fairly often. It would be nice to have in addition to map/compass.

2 - There are a couple places I would like to check out that have coordinates. For example,
Crash Site of the B-17C near Tells Peak, CA

3 - Would like to occasionally use it in the car/truck on trips

4 - Briefly looked at the REI web site, and Amazon.com. Do not want to spend $500-700. Would prefer something in the $250 range, +/- $25 or so.

Any recommendations on where to start? What to look at?

 

[ronjhall]

I have the Delorme Earthmate PN-20. It is a great unit. But has limitations. If route is long it takes forever to calculate it. If at all. It came with Topo 7.0 software and sold for $300. I use it for Geochacing. Works good for this hobby. I also use it for going on hikes in areas that I am not familiar with. Last week Costco had it for $200. But did not see it there this morning. Saw some EBay prices at $200. Here is a link. Delorme]Earthmate GPS PN-20 with Topo USA 7.0 & 1-GB SD Card & Reader - BUNDLE - DeLorme.
Some Garmin units have higher ratings than the PN-20. But cost much more.

 

[wrangler6831]

Check out the GHARMIN Rhino series. I have the 210 and they are great. They can be linked with other Rhino's and it pin pionts there location on your screen and can also guide you to the other GPS/Radio's location.

Rich

 

[Travelover]

Check out this site for reviews and recommendations:

GPS Receiver Information, Software, and Hardware Reviews of Garmin, Lowrance, Magellan and other GPS Receivers

It is pretty exhaustive, but thorough.

 

[RonMar]

I have a Garmin Etrex that I just love. They now make it with a slightly larger color screen. It also incorporates a magnetic compass and a couple interesting features that might help you to teach young scouts how to land navigate. It also has a display screen that will show you your cross track error at the same time as the compass display(either magnetic or true) commonly known to aviators as a CDI, along with 2 user selectible data windows...

I use it in vehicles from time to time also by wedging it at a viewable angle between dashboard and windshield. If it is out under the glass, it can get a pretty good view of the sky and this so far has worked well for me.

 

[mjarrels]

Shucks... real men don't ask for directions!

mark

 

[jdbower]

Depending on your phone and service provider you may also want to look into getting their GPS service. The price seems high, then I calculated out how much a new fairly high-end GPS costs, divided by the monthly service charge, and figured out that there's a strong possibility that I'd end up replacing the physical GPS before I spent more on the GPS service. Plus the service has tighter integration into data services like traffic, construction, and weather, it's one less thing to carry, and you don't have to worry about getting an update when they finish that new off ramp. Another cheaper alternative (again, depending on your phone type) is a Bluetooth GPS and Google Maps Mobile. No service fee and a Bluetooth GPS is dirt cheap, but again it assumes that you've got a phone with a screen you can read while driving.

 

[RobertN]

Depending on your phone and service provider you may also want to look into getting their GPS service.

I have this on my Verizon/LG-Chocolate phone. It has come in handy a few times. But, it is my understanding it works off cell towers. When we're out hiking, we're often out of cell phone range. That's why I was thinking about a sattelite gps system.

 

[jdbower]

You can confirm with Verizon, but many newer phones have an integrated GPS as well. The cell-based triangulation isn't all that accurate, people without the GPS service can also use Google Maps Mobile on some devices (Blackberry, for example) to see, but typically I can only get to within several hundred feet of my location as opposed to within 10's of feet for a GPS. Now smart software that assumes you're on a road can make even cell-based triangulation seem much more accurate so the only way to know for sure is to go someplace without cell service. Of course the other issue is that I have no idea what Verizon will give you if there are no roads nearby, I'm hoping there's a breadcrumb feature or at least lat/long display.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I love my garmin nuvi 660, however it is a car one, so it does not save your tracks like a portable one.

I also have an older garmin etrex legend, which does save tracks,etc. I have the map software for the computer, and you can download your tracks and review your trip,etc...

 

[RollTideRam]

Look at the Garmin hand held models. They are not the best for using on the road, but they do work. They are the best for using in deep woods. JC

 

[RonMar]

You can confirm with Verizon, but many newer phones have an integrated GPS as well. The cell-based triangulation isn't all that accurate, people without the GPS service can also use Google Maps Mobile on some devices (Blackberry, for example) to see, but typically I can only get to within several hundred feet of my location as opposed to within 10's of feet for a GPS. Now smart software that assumes you're on a road can make even cell-based triangulation seem much more accurate so the only way to know for sure is to go someplace without cell service. Of course the other issue is that I have no idea what Verizon will give you if there are no roads nearby, I'm hoping there's a breadcrumb feature or at least lat/long display.

I can't think of a current production phone that dosn't have a GPS receiver in it. Unfortunatly that GPS information is typically not user accessable. But as mentioned some providers are making use of it for additional mapping services for those phones with displays large enough to make use of the information. About the only control over it you have in most phones is to disable the GPS reporting feature for normal calls(kind of like blocking your caller ID). It is defaulted to the on position for calls to 911, so yes, big brother is watching.

It works pretty well also. I had a dispatcher finish a sentence for me when reporting a hit and run and I couldn't recall the name of the cross street that I saw the driver turn up as he fled the scene. She knew exactly where I was calling from by the GPS position reported by my phone.

 

[ray66v]

but again it assumes that you've got a phone with a screen you can read while driving.

That's the big issue. I have been using a automotive GPS for about 8 years, and the most important thing, to me now, is to be able to see the screen.

My unit is a 2" square, B&W screen, Garman. And man, its getting tougher to see as I get older. Driving with reading glasses on!!??

I suggest getting a nice one, you will probably use it more than you think.

 

[sandman2234]

Microsoft has a GPS with their 2008 version of Streets and Trips, if you have a laptop. Probably roadways only, but the last time I priced it, it was $80 which is better than most of the GPS's your going to find at that price. I will probably get around to one of them soon, as I drive a truck for a living and carry a laptop with me anyway.
David from jax

 

[archerynut]

I just picked up a Garmin colorado series GPS and this is my second one after I wore out a Garmin Rhino 120. The new Colorado is expensive but it seems to do everything fairly well, it has been great in the woods and it has a on road feature for traveling roads. Definitely more than you wanted to spend but it is really easy to use and comes preloaded with topo maps that are pretty darn good.

 

[bigshovel]

I bought a Garmin 60csx last year to replace my Garmin etrex of ten years. I also purchased city navigator software and Topo2008. I love it. User friendly runs on batteries an 12v. Color screen and super fast start up and holds signal in heavy canopies.

Brad

 

[johnk]

I also have a Garmin 60 cx with the topo in it. It's impossible to get lost. I feel it is quite easy to use and the screen is very nice. It is a very versitile GPS.

 

[RobertN]

I bought a Garmin 60csx last year to replace my Garmin etrex of ten years.

That unit has really good reviews. And, I have found it on Amazon for $275. Interestingly, REI, where I am a long time member, wants $399.

I think I might go with that unit.

 

[RobertN]

I just picked up a Garmin colorado series GPS and this is my second one after I wore out a Garmin Rhino 120.

How did you wear out the Rhino? Did buttons fail, screen fade, or?

 

[dmccarty]

That unit has really good reviews. And, I have found it on Amazon for $275. Interestingly, REI, where I am a long time member, wants $399.

We bought the 60csx last year. Can't remember the price but I surely don't think it $399. Thats alot of money. And we bought the GPS at REI.

We have used it in the car for trips. I had setup a bunch waypoints which was nice when the family was asking for the next bathroom break. It was nice to see our actual speed during the trip when bathroom breaks were included. Well I thought it was nice to know, the wifey and kids did not like my telling them to hurry up.

Wifey had borrowed her company's 60csx and it worked very well around the house. One of the reasons we bought the GPS was to help find our property lines in the woods. We know the location of the pins but getting between the pins is the trick. Both my dad and I have used the compass to do this and we end up going off on an angle. Figured the GPS will allow me to put up flagging and eventually figure out the straight line between pins. At least once the leaves drop.

One our our neighbors works with GPS systems and mapping software. He helped us down load the plots from the county GIS so we can see our property lines on the GPS display.

Later,
Dan