Recommended GPS Receivers? 54
vergere asks: "Christmas has come and gone and I've got the go-ahead from the SO to make one of those big once-a-year electronic purchases. I've decided to get a handheld GPS receiver, so I'd like to draw on the collective knowledge of Slashdot and ask for recommendations. I'd like a good set of features (nothing too basic) and mapping capability - the more bells and whistles I can get for my budget of $350 the better. I'm currently looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 76S - any user experiences with this particular model would be welcomed."
It seems to have all the features (Score:2, Insightful)
As for accuracy, any GPS can be affected by how fast you walk vs how fast it updates, so it takes a little practice.
OnStar (Score:1, Insightful)
www.gpsnow.com seems to be where to buy it (Score:4, Informative)
I've not checked every possible nook and cranny on the 'net, but GPSNow.com [gpsnow.com] has the cheapest price I've managed to find anywhere.
--jc
Garmin GPS V (Score:3, Informative)
I also have the US topo map CDs and have used them for hiking as well. These are accurate as they are provided by the USGS and not their other map vendor (Navtech).
The 4.01 North America City Select fixed a lot of the accuracy issues, but be prepared to pay $120 every year or so for updated maps if you are going to want them.
Do you really need mapping? (Or to spend $350?) (Score:4, Insightful)
I've found that I don't miss the mapping capabilities because now I simply plug the GPS via a serial cable into the available nine pin com port on my laptop. I use Streets and Trips from MS and USA PhotoMaps for down to 1 meter photo views. I plug the GPS in when I'm stumbling for wireless AP's, too.
I occasionally use the GPS while Geocaching and while snowshoe hiking. Again, both hobbies don't really need/make use of the maps. I simply set a waypoint for the car before I leave and, if necessary, I can use the backtrack function to find my way back. Otherwise, you just walk towards the waypoint you made.
MS's S&T is about $30, USAPhotoMaps is either free or there is a small donation requested. A Garmin eTrex Summit GPS is $180-190 (via froogle.google.com). Streets and Trips will outstrip the maps on the GPS by FAR, assuming you already have a laptop and won't have to suffer that additional expense.
Otherwise, the eTrex Legend has mapping capabilities and is $160 at Wal-Mart and has mapping capabilities. No need to spend the full $350! The eTrex line is nice, IMO. A friend of mine has the basic yellow eTrex and we've used it (and my Summit) on the water, in the cold (snow), heat, etc. They've both been banged around a bit and haven't suffered at all from our adventures.
Re:Do you really need mapping? (Or to spend $350?) (Score:2)
Many years ago, I bought a Garmin GPS 12XL. Excellent receiver performance, built in LCD shows breadcrumb trail, waypoints, etc. No road maps, etc. When I want those I connect it to my PC.
When it came time to replace it, I looked around at all the fancy new features, maps, and all. What did I buy? Another Garmin 12XL. Fits in my shirt pocket, now has US city database.
Can be had for less than $200.
A.
Re:Do you really need mapping? (Or to spend $350?) (Score:2)
I have the GPS 48; basicly the marine version of the 12XL; different antena hookup, and has additional navigation aids. It has worked well in the time I have had it, although the internal battery is toast. I sent garmin email and they confirmed that it is still covered. They expect the internal battery to last a lot longer than it did, so even though the warant
Informative (Score:2)
Re:Do you really need mapping? (Or to spend $350?) (Score:1)
Yes, the Garmin GPS 12XL is a fantastic unit. I've used one since 1998 for work purposes and have absolutely no complaints. Like Alrescha, this is my second unit (the first one was stolen from my truck) and I had no qualms about getting another. The latest revision of the 12XL (circa 2001, I believe) added several new features such as track area calculations, a power-saving mode, higher-capacity battery, and others.
I must say that it is a definite improve
Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Venture (Score:4, Insightful)
YMMV, but those are my observations. My father got an ETrex for Christmas from someone this year, and I told him not to even open the package, return it and get the Meridian. The Etrex's patch antennae works for sh*t in my experience.
Also be sure to check the forums over on Geocaching.com [geocaching.com] -- this subject has been talked to death there.
Re:Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Ventur (Score:2)
in my experience the Magellan v. Garmin is a low key religious war... Not unlike the choice between certain operating systems. They do things differently, but they both will get the job done. Personally I find that the Garmin interface is a bit more natural to me, but it is religion not science. Play with the particular model you want... interface is everything.
Re:Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Ventur (Score:2)
The Garmin unit (at least the Venture and those below it) has a sort-of compass that only works if you have satellite coverage and are moving.
Re:Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Ventur (Score:2)
BTW, do any eTrex owners know if the mag compass funciton does automatic drift correction (or whatever it's called -- the magnetic bearing offset that's provided on topo maps)?
Re:Magellan Merridian Plat vs. Garmin Etrex Ventur (Score:1)
BTW, do any eTrex owners know if the mag compass funciton does automatic drift correction (or whatever it's called -- the magnetic bearing offset that's provided on topo maps)?
You are talking about magnetic variation. In Garmin units you can set the display to read True Heading or Magnetic Heading. The variation is computed by the unit based on your lat/long and its magnetic model. I think you can override its computed setting and set your own however.
Your topo maps have another north line on
Features to look for (Score:3, Insightful)
Waterproof
if you fish then floating might be neat
Does it give you a bearing if you are standing still? This could be soved with a simple compass but still, it's nice to have embedded in the device. Maps are nice, does it have pluggable modules?
Also, if you are going to be in the woods, like say geocaching with buddies, it's nice to have one with the built-in two way radio.
Re:Features to look for (Score:2)
Trees contain, or hold a lot of water and that is what will generally kill the signal.
Re:Features to look for (Score:2)
If it doesn't say "Works INDOORS!" chances are good that it will lose connection when it's in your pocket. That's all I'm saying.
I have one - like it (Score:4, Interesting)
I've also used in the colorado mountains and in Puget Sound. Accurate in all cases. By accurate I mean that all marks and the electronic maps matched up with paper maps using simple ded reckoning or orienteering techniques.
Other notes:
The 76S will run about 8 hours reliable on a set of AA batteries - be sure to keep one new set of batteries in reserve for emergencies. It will run only 4 to 6 hours on rechargable batteries.
The unit does float
The on-screen mapping function is usefull, but you must scroll frequently. Be sure to take paper charts/maps with you.
The UI is easy and relativly intuitive to use. I found no mamor problems.
The tide table feature is really usefull! It always matched the navigation softare I use on my laptop.
The unit works well with the various laptop based navigation and mapping software I've used including The Captain and Microsoft Mappoint.
The Garmin downloadable maps work well and are worth the cost, but don't expect a lot of detail for the Marine (Blue Chart) maps - the do a good job of augmenting good paper charts, but never rely on them by them selves.
Note that with the 76S you are paying for three tings: 1) more flash memor 2) a barometic altimiter, 3) a magnetic compas. Here are some notes regarding each:
The flash memory holds a LOT of map information, way points and tracks. You probably really don't need the ammount of memory in the 76S.
I've never used the barometric altimeter - it must be calibrated and this is a pain. Do you really need it?
The magnetic compas is the relativly usefull and seemed to always be accurate enough. However, it is no substitute for a god hand held compas or a ships compass.
All in all, I've been very happy with my Garmin.
Offtopic: ded vs. dead reckoning (Score:2)
Re:Offtopic: ded vs. dead reckoning (Score:1)
E.g. neither is more correct than the other though I general find that people who are versed in the art of navigation often use the term 'ded'.
Also note the assertion by the Straight Dop questionier that "dead reckoning refers to a primitive for
Re:I have one - like it (Score:2)
With a good unobstructed view of the sky, tracking 10 sats, I see Estimated Probable Error values approaching 4-5 feet. Tell me you need more accuracy than that in a hiking GPS?
Re:I have one - like it (Score:1)
Re:I have one - like it (Score:1)
GPS units (Score:3, Informative)
This unit features GPS, barometer and electronic compass. Check the description and tech spec at
http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod171.html
Battery life with the suggested strategy is perfectly adequate for 2 weeks from to AA cells.
Note the low minimum operating temperatute.
Built in maps sound like a nice idea but some units have functions specific to certain areas only(North America) which you pay for. Some places you might visit may not be that well served by maps.
Personally I'd either go for this or one of the Magellan GPS receivers.
Good luck.
Garmin Rino 120 (Score:1)
It includes WAAS support for ~10ft accuracy (or so it says), and even if you don't need the FRS radio now, you'll come up with uses for it.
Garmin's information page for it is here [garmin.com] It also comes with an RS-232 cable, and can stre
questions Re:Garmin eMap (Score:2)
Also, is there a good howto on getting NEMA maps into these devices? I'd rather not spend a hundred bucks on their software, but will if I must.
Just serial output for a laptop for $99 (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.rayming.com/products/tripnav_tn200.htm [rayming.com].
It works great with Street Atlas, is weatherproof, and has a magnetic back. No display, no internal maps, in fact nothing but a USB cord and one blinkenlight. But if you're just going to hook it up to a laptop, this is what you want.
Garmin and Trimble make similar ones - look under their OEM/sensor sections.
I have experience with the 76S (Score:1)
Garmin 60CS (Score:3, Informative)
The Garmin 60CS [garmin.com] has the same features as the 76S, but also has:
It looks like a sweet little unit. If I hadn't bought a GPS V 6 months ago, I'd seriously consider getting one myself.
-- Mitch
PDA+GPS (Score:1)
CF GPS unit may even work in a laptop with a PCMCIA->CF adapter.
I have a Meridian Platinum... (Score:1)
Meridian Color GPS Traveler Value Pack (Score:1)
Amazon had the color traveler kit for about 450$ when i looked a couple weeks ago. Theres also a gold traveler kit (non-color lcd) thats cheaper.
That would be the route i would go if you want to do any vehicle navigation.
Drop it. (Score:2)
Re:Drop it. (Score:2)
Re:Drop it. (Score:2)
Black isn't horrible, but I can't imagine dropping a camo unit in the bush and trying to find it.
My unit, the GPS48 as mentioned is white. Seems to be a marine thing. But I am glad it is, it makes it highly visibble if it is dropped while hiking. As for durability, all the garmin units I've seen and used have been quite durable. There are complaints about the durability of their PDA unit, but then, it -is- a PDA.
(Note: I bou
Features? (Score:2)
Magellan Sportrak Pro + Mapsend Topo - $350 (Score:2, Informative)
Garmin 76s (Score:1)
DGPS, is there any need any more? (Score:2)
Re:DGPS, is there any need any more? (Score:1)
Re:DGPS, is there any need any more? (Score:2)
Re:DGPS, is there any need any more? (Score:1)
you can get alot for that price (Score:2)
GPS II Plus for -either- Car -or- Pocket (Score:2)
as Garmin 12XL, but has a triangular form,
viewed from the end, so - in a vehicle -
it sits nicely on a dashboard (preferably
on top of a layer of 'blue-tack' as a shock-
absorbing stabilizer)
Screen ROTATES 90 deg's at the push of a
button, so you can view it when standing
on an end or when setting on the dash.
But... hey! Why aren't we just
sending people off to the USENET newsgroup:
sci.geo.satellite.navigation
adequately answered, ev
Don't spend too much! (Score:2)
This, like most handheld GPS units, has a serial port that you can use to interface the unit to a PDA (I have personally connected mine to a Handspring Visor, again, a very cheap option) or a laptop. There is some excellent freeware out there that will let you do all kinds of stuff that the device doesn't natively support e.g. tracking altitude.
I use my GPS for dicking around with when out hiking but I mainly k
Vista info (Score:1)
How about a Garmin iQue GPS+PDA ? (Score:1)
The iQue comes with street level detailed maps of the US (or Europe depending on where you buy), voice-prompt navigation and routing, and you get the bonus of an MP3 player and a PalmOS PDA built in - handy if you need to justify your purchase to the other half<g>
They are a little outside of your budget if you only want to buy brand new (a
I use the eTrex Legend (Score:1)