GPS units

Chris · 12-24-2006, 08:28 AM

Any recommendations?

trapfreek · 12-24-2006, 09:22 AM

Are you wanting one for your auto or a hand held unit? I have a Magelan 315 hand held. It gets me back to the truck, thats all I need.

ash · 12-24-2006, 05:14 PM

Map and a compass.

Mooseman684 · 12-24-2006, 06:45 PM

One Brand...GARMIN !
I use a GPS 2 here in Alaska , the Magellan units were not sensitive enough to lock on Satellites quickly here in Alaska. The Garmin has never failed me yet in the harshest of conditions.
Rich
( ps. I do carry a Compass as backup for dead batteries !)

Dale · 12-24-2006, 10:49 PM

We have two Garmins and the major complaint we have is not being able to see the screen during bright sun light....even with the back light adjusted.

And....the MapSource mapping program that it comes with sux.

Chris · 12-27-2006, 11:43 PM

I would like to have one for my car, but that is for another story.

I am wanting one for when I am going out camping and rock climbing in the mountains.

CrazyIvan · 01-02-2007, 12:25 PM

Considering you would be preparing for buggin' out, I would want nothing that would fall victim to dead baterries.

Topo Map, Compass, and star chart/map (all water proof recommended) would be what I would take with me, and is what is in my BoB

Big Dog · 01-02-2007, 06:26 PM

I have started with the Magellan eXplorist 200 - the next-to-lowest level they sell. I use it as a glorified roadmap while doing roadtrips by motorcycle - I cobbled up a handlebar clip-on mount.
I set the scale as I approach or leave a city area - bigger for highway travel, and tighter in town. It gives me a much quicker headsup if I get off-course. Beats stopping to read a paper map!

I have also used it for hiking and off-roading on single-track trails.
It is battery-only (no power plug-in), built-in memory only (no download mapping capability or cards).
It proved more sensitive and able to synch on more satellites than my partner's Garmin. It has bounced off the bike onto a packed-dirt road and still works like a Timex. Rugged and fairly water-tight - it's been thru several hard driving rainstorms.
While it doesn't have loadable mapping, and only goes down to state and county road level, I can still plot routes and backtrack - great for off-road trips!
As a cheaper unit for somewhat limited use, it's good. Soon though, I will be upgrading to a more featureful unit. I just hope it's as tough as this little yellow nut!

Stopper · 02-20-2007, 03:48 PM

I have a garmin and have had the issues Dale complained about, it's the $99 model, so no mapsource stuff - thanks for the advice Dale!

Spent the money and bought a very nice Silva Ranger model compass - highly recommended - if you haven't had an Army compass course, buy your self a book and learn it. I took a friend elk hunting in Utah and we used nothing but my compass, he was impressed. Good maps of your AO are a must also, compass will only point you in a direction, the map will show you the way home.

Caparzo · 04-28-2007, 12:56 PM

I have the Garmin Etrex vista for the trails, and it will work in an auto also.

this unit is relatively cheap, and acquires and tracks lightning fast! Something like 23 foot accuracy.

[and a compass, and the knowledge to use it]

mos19k · 04-28-2007, 01:34 PM

I have a Magellan Explorist 400, it's b&w screen has a full map of the USA and you can download detailed maps to SD memory chips and put them on the GPS. I like this system because it never becomes outdated since you can always download the newest maps. You should still take a good lensatic compass and a detailed, topographical, grid marked map.

I used this during our trip to Tennessee and it guided us to our cabin, which was on a single lane dirt road on top of a mountain. The map actually showed the dirt road. We did a lot of hiking in the national park and most of the creeks and all the rivers showed up on it. From my experience with it, I can't complain.

Big Dog · 04-29-2007, 06:55 PM

The thing is, the GPS DOES NOT replace the compass - it's an entirely separate tool. I use it as a roadmap, as I said earlier. I have a compass for direction - but roadmaps are difficult to use on a bike while riding! In the mountains, it shows a preview of an upcoming tight curve, warning me of possible problems - a compass can't do that, no matter how good.
I do carry a compass when riding and hiking.

ruger22com · 05-01-2007, 03:46 PM

I have a tomtom 550 and it blows garmins away.

Deersniper · 07-16-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dog

The thing is, the GPS DOES NOT replace the compass - it's an entirely separate tool. I use it as a roadmap, as I said earlier. I have a compass for direction - but roadmaps are difficult to use on a bike while riding! In the mountains, it shows a preview of an upcoming tight curve, warning me of possible problems - a compass can't do that, no matter how good.
I do carry a compass when riding and hiking.

Also, if there were EMPs, the GPS [executive order] might not be there. If you find the North star at night, directly below it is North. A compass is invaluable. Maps will be too. Common sense will rule.

billy · 07-16-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

Considering you would be preparing for buggin' out, I would want nothing that would fall victim to dead baterries.

Topo Map, Compass, and star chart/map (all water proof recommended) would be what I would take with me, and is what is in my BoB

i thought he wanted one for rock climbing . not the collapse of western civilization.

ArkansasHunter · 07-16-2007, 08:13 AM

It's cause he's crazy !

Chris · 07-16-2007, 12:53 PM

I am still looking for a nice GPS unit.

I am thinking of getting a bluetooth enabled so I can call people from my GPS unit and use my speakers to hear them.

billy · 07-16-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

It's cause he's crazy !

THAT was pretty funny . thanks again for the laff!

Romey · 07-17-2007, 10:59 AM

I like and use the Sporttrax pro. They arent made as of recently and no have become the exsplorist 400. They are W.A.A.S enabled , Downloadable map, have a nice sized screen and water proof. What i use for guiding. But as said always carry a compass for back up. I mostly us my GPS for the topography map to help me remeber certian draws, hillsides ect

RockB · 07-20-2007, 03:31 PM

My father in law had a Garmin E-Trex Legend C that I really liked but the screen was pretty small but still easier to see than my GPSMAP 76 with a bigger black and white screen. I like the 76 because it is waterproof and will float if (probably not if but when) I drop it in the water.

I recently got a bluetooth GPS and receive that signal on my Verizon 6700 PDA phone running Delorme 2007 and like that setup for in the car.

Bill R

12-24-2006, 08:28 AM	#1
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,128 Trader Rating: (0)	GPS units Any recommendations? __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. --Thomas Jefferson No one has the right to deny my personal safety Need a reminder, why this site is so great?

12-24-2006, 06:45 PM	#4
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,261 Trader Rating: (0)	One Brand...GARMIN ! I use a GPS 2 here in Alaska , the Magellan units were not sensitive enough to lock on Satellites quickly here in Alaska. The Garmin has never failed me yet in the harshest of conditions. Rich ( ps. I do carry a Compass as backup for dead batteries !) __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

12-24-2006, 10:49 PM	#5
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284 Trader Rating: (0)	We have two Garmins and the major complaint we have is not being able to see the screen during bright sun light....even with the back light adjusted. And....the MapSource mapping program that it comes with sux. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

12-27-2006, 11:43 PM	#6
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,128 Trader Rating: (0)	I would like to have one for my car, but that is for another story. I am wanting one for when I am going out camping and rock climbing in the mountains. __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. --Thomas Jefferson No one has the right to deny my personal safety Need a reminder, why this site is so great?

01-02-2007, 06:26 PM	#8
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,063 Trader Rating: (0)	Magellan eXplorist 200 - $117 at Wally's I have started with the Magellan eXplorist 200 - the next-to-lowest level they sell. I use it as a glorified roadmap while doing roadtrips by motorcycle - I cobbled up a handlebar clip-on mount. I set the scale as I approach or leave a city area - bigger for highway travel, and tighter in town. It gives me a much quicker headsup if I get off-course. Beats stopping to read a paper map! I have also used it for hiking and off-roading on single-track trails. It is battery-only (no power plug-in), built-in memory only (no download mapping capability or cards). It proved more sensitive and able to synch on more satellites than my partner's Garmin. It has bounced off the bike onto a packed-dirt road and still works like a Timex. Rugged and fairly water-tight - it's been thru several hard driving rainstorms. While it doesn't have loadable mapping, and only goes down to state and county road level, I can still plot routes and backtrack - great for off-road trips! As a cheaper unit for somewhat limited use, it's good. Soon though, I will be upgrading to a more featureful unit. I just hope it's as tough as this little yellow nut! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables. Last edited by Big Dog; 01-02-2007 at 06:29 PM.

12-24-2006, 09:22 AM	#2
trapfreek Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 491 Trader Rating: (0)	Are you wanting one for your auto or a hand held unit? I have a Magelan 315 hand held. It gets me back to the truck, thats all I need.

12-24-2006, 05:14 PM	#3
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 932 Trader Rating: (0)	Map and a compass.

01-02-2007, 12:25 PM	#7
CrazyIvan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 2,299 Trader Rating: (0)	Considering you would be preparing for buggin' out, I would want nothing that would fall victim to dead baterries. Topo Map, Compass, and star chart/map (all water proof recommended) would be what I would take with me, and is what is in my BoB

02-20-2007, 03:48 PM	#9
Stopper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansass Posts: 2,210 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a garmin and have had the issues Dale complained about, it's the $99 model, so no mapsource stuff - thanks for the advice Dale! Spent the money and bought a very nice Silva Ranger model compass - highly recommended - if you haven't had an Army compass course, buy your self a book and learn it. I took a friend elk hunting in Utah and we used nothing but my compass, he was impressed. Good maps of your AO are a must also, compass will only point you in a direction, the map will show you the way home. __________________ They should have stopped at "Congress shall make no law"

04-28-2007, 12:56 PM	#10
Caparzo Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 15 Trader Rating: (0)	I have the Garmin Etrex vista for the trails, and it will work in an auto also. this unit is relatively cheap, and acquires and tracks lightning fast! Something like 23 foot accuracy. [and a compass, and the knowledge to use it]

04-28-2007, 01:34 PM	#11
mos19k Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 295 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a Magellan Explorist 400, it's b&w screen has a full map of the USA and you can download detailed maps to SD memory chips and put them on the GPS. I like this system because it never becomes outdated since you can always download the newest maps. You should still take a good lensatic compass and a detailed, topographical, grid marked map. I used this during our trip to Tennessee and it guided us to our cabin, which was on a single lane dirt road on top of a mountain. The map actually showed the dirt road. We did a lot of hiking in the national park and most of the creeks and all the rivers showed up on it. From my experience with it, I can't complain.

04-29-2007, 06:55 PM	#12
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,063 Trader Rating: (0)	The thing is, the GPS DOES NOT replace the compass - it's an entirely separate tool. I use it as a roadmap, as I said earlier. I have a compass for direction - but roadmaps are difficult to use on a bike while riding! In the mountains, it shows a preview of an upcoming tight curve, warning me of possible problems - a compass can't do that, no matter how good. I do carry a compass when riding and hiking. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

05-01-2007, 03:46 PM	#13
ruger22com Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mobile Alabama Posts: 723 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a tomtom 550 and it blows garmins away. __________________ www.CheapGunParts.com http://ruger22.com/art/banners/tiny.gif Home of the "YELLOW JACKET" Bolt Buffer and Takedown Bolts! Free Shipping & Lifetime Warranty!

07-16-2007, 08:13 AM	#16
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,504 Trader Rating: (0)	It's cause he's crazy !

07-16-2007, 12:53 PM	#17
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,128 Trader Rating: (0)	I am still looking for a nice GPS unit. I am thinking of getting a bluetooth enabled so I can call people from my GPS unit and use my speakers to hear them. __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. --Thomas Jefferson No one has the right to deny my personal safety Need a reminder, why this site is so great?

07-17-2007, 10:59 AM	#19
Romey Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 443 Trader Rating: (0)	I like and use the Sporttrax pro. They arent made as of recently and no have become the exsplorist 400. They are W.A.A.S enabled , Downloadable map, have a nice sized screen and water proof. What i use for guiding. But as said always carry a compass for back up. I mostly us my GPS for the topography map to help me remeber certian draws, hillsides ect

07-20-2007, 03:31 PM	#20
RockB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 191 Trader Rating: (0)	My father in law had a Garmin E-Trex Legend C that I really liked but the screen was pretty small but still easier to see than my GPSMAP 76 with a bigger black and white screen. I like the 76 because it is waterproof and will float if (probably not if but when) I drop it in the water. I recently got a bluetooth GPS and receive that signal on my Verizon 6700 PDA phone running Delorme 2007 and like that setup for in the car. Bill R