A cheap but still good enough GPS.

[mckrob]

Here is where to get the most current declination values:

In the U.S.:
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/geomag.shtml (go to the calculator link)

Or in Canada:
http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/geomag/field/magdec_e.php (go to the calculator link)

The Garmin models I have used will give you the calculated current magnetic declination for your current location. With the unit turned on, and sats locked on (the position is current), enter the UNITS Setup, choose HEADING, options are AUTO MAG VAR, TRUE, GRID, and USER MAG VAR, pick the first option (AUTO) and your calculated magnetic delination for your location will be displayed in degrees east or west. You can then set your compass with this number, but don't forget to change it back to TRUE or GRID, whichever is most applicable for your navigation.

 

[kenk]

The Garmin models I have used will give you the calculated current magnetic declination for your current location.

The links were meant to help those who needed to set the magnetic declination on their compasses - not the GPS units, as the values listed on many topo maps are out of date.

Of course another way of getting the local declination is to use a GPS to get a bearing to any location with the GPS set to true north, and then again set to magnetic north. The difference between the two bearings (TrueN - MagN) will be the magnetic declination. Keep in mind that negative declination equals west declination, while positive declination equals east declination.

On the other hand - and to make it just that more confusing, if manually adjusting for declination on a compass, then you'd add west declination and subtract east declination. Thus the "West is best and east is least" phrase.

Ironically I've been told that many (all?) GPS units also record the temperature to make adjustments. I wish they'd display that temperature. See http://www.gpsinformation.org/dale/secret.htm

 

[savagesicslayer]

I bought a Magellan Triton 300 and didn't like it.Besides I couldn't get any maps for it as they were all for the SD compatible models.The customer service was useless as well.
I returned it and got a Garmin Etrex Legend and really like it.It works really well for the terrain I hike on.I like that it's easy to use and weighs next to nothing.I can add and edit waypoints on my pc as well.

 

[orrey45]

You cant go wrong with a Garmin. I have a gps60cx, used it for the last few years with no complaints. Works great both in and out of the car.

 

[holeymoley]

Well said!
I use a $70 Garmin Geko 201 for SAR and it keeps up the heaviest most expensive on the market.
Skam

Thats the one that I have. Its cheap (I paid $70), black-and-white screen, but it does any of the basic orienteering jobs that you might need...like storing waypoints, routes, etc. If you're looking for pretty, color TOPO maps- skip this one.

Definitely not sensitive, mine takes a couple of minutes to get a lock- and under heavy canopy will not fix at all. But I can personally attest to its toughness. I have dropped it into a river while canoeing and it floated downstream for a while before I caught up to it. I've dropped it down rocky trails and it still works fine. As cheap as it was, I'm not concerned about taking it out and getting it lost, stolen or damaged. Highly recommended:thumbup:

 

[dartanyon]

Blood Grooves,
I have used the Garmin 12, 72 and 76 ... and the Garmin units are excellent.
I also train people to use these units.
A few pointers to remember -
Maintain visual with sky - GPS units rely on satellite communications and need at least 3 to get a triangulation on your location and cand be easily obstructed by a roof, mountain or even trees. More expensive units maybe not.
GPS is not a compass - GPS will tell you the direction you are travelling in and not the direction you are facing when stationary
Ensure location datum is set correctly - I use WGS84 as it reliable for my area and we dont require accuracy greater than 10 metres
Learn about Latitude Longitude navigation and also UTM (universal transverse mercator grid) - These are two different methods of displaying your location ( topographic maps generally use MGRS (military grid reference system))
Hope my input helps a little.

 

[BlackHills]

I suggest starting with a map and compass only, then suplimenting with the electronic toy after becoming proficient with the map. My reasoning, a GPS is not much use without the basic map skills. A small park or farm, Suunto M3 Leader compass, and a 7.5 minute USGS topo map will get you on the right track.

Best Luck!
-Bob

+1 :thumbup: The GPS will make a lot more sense if you know how to read and use a map/compass before you ever touch the GPS. Learning to use a map and compass is a skill; a GPS is just another tool to help you with that skill.