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GPS Users?
- Thread starter Mundele
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 22, 1999
- Messages
- 1,931
I have been using the Garmin ETrex for about 6 months now here in Germany. It works great. I have been using it in the field for navigating during training operations.
About the only limitation is that you must have clear view of the sky. Even light overhead trees can interfere with reception. Other than that I have been able to get a grid alot more quickly than with the military issue PLGR. Definitly worth the $119.00 I paid.
Regards,
Nick
About the only limitation is that you must have clear view of the sky. Even light overhead trees can interfere with reception. Other than that I have been able to get a grid alot more quickly than with the military issue PLGR. Definitly worth the $119.00 I paid.
Regards,
Nick
We use "virtual" GPS to navigate in Flight simulation games. No such item in Combat Flight Simulator, ( WWII ) but clever lads have created little GPS guages for the cockpit-just dial in an airfield and the thing points the way, even shows your distance!
I have an eTrex also, and have only had one episode where my reading was off. I was next to a large cliff in Ouray, Colorado. I suspect there was some bouncing of waves going on there.
There are some things I don't like about it, it is a pain to put labels on your waypoints, and the altitude readings are VERY inaccurate. We stood and watched it bounce around several hundred feet difference while on a mountain ridge. Much more than the selective availability would account for. Maybe I have a defective unit.
The size and weight is great, and it is easy on the batteries. I am satisfied with it, but not wildly so.
There are some things I don't like about it, it is a pain to put labels on your waypoints, and the altitude readings are VERY inaccurate. We stood and watched it bounce around several hundred feet difference while on a mountain ridge. Much more than the selective availability would account for. Maybe I have a defective unit.
The size and weight is great, and it is easy on the batteries. I am satisfied with it, but not wildly so.
Jedi Knife
Banned
- Joined
- May 6, 1999
- Messages
- 728
My Magellan GPS315 is a great little unit. I find the reception to be quite good; I can get a location fix in most houses. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
JK
JK
Good point, Jedi. I should also point out that if I carry my eTrex in my hand while hiking (i.e., on it's side), it loses it's fix. I also can't locate satellites in my house or in the cab of my truck.
Does anyone else have this problem, or is mine defective?
Does anyone else have this problem, or is mine defective?
Ive had the eTrex for about a year now and for the price its quite good. You dont have the mapping capability but unless you use it in the car youll likely appreciate the lack of clutter on the screen. I have found it to be accurate but it does sometimes take a few minutes to startup and find enough satellites to locate its position.
Ive used if for sailing and it was my primary navigation tool for a week long sailing trip last summer. After a wet day of sailing you appreciate the water resistance of the small unit and its small enough to keep in my pocket. Its now spending time velcrod to a kneeboard while I add a helicopter rating to my pilot's license. Just enter the waypoints and fly direct -- easy. Of course its missing all the cool features of purpose built units (for sailing or flying) but it's the right size and for $100, if it falls out the door (or overboard) Im not too unhappy (unless it hits someone).
Forget about entering waypoints on the unit. I use the Garmin data cable and software I found from www.gpsu.co.uk.
Oh, and stock up on AA batteries. It's not bad but use it for a few hours straight and you'll run through a set.
Ian
Ive used if for sailing and it was my primary navigation tool for a week long sailing trip last summer. After a wet day of sailing you appreciate the water resistance of the small unit and its small enough to keep in my pocket. Its now spending time velcrod to a kneeboard while I add a helicopter rating to my pilot's license. Just enter the waypoints and fly direct -- easy. Of course its missing all the cool features of purpose built units (for sailing or flying) but it's the right size and for $100, if it falls out the door (or overboard) Im not too unhappy (unless it hits someone).
Forget about entering waypoints on the unit. I use the Garmin data cable and software I found from www.gpsu.co.uk.
Oh, and stock up on AA batteries. It's not bad but use it for a few hours straight and you'll run through a set.
Ian
- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 259
I don't know about the eTrex... But I love my eMap. It costs a bit more, but I love the map. With the SA turned off now, the accuracy circle as Garmin calls it can get pretty small... I've seen it as small as 14 feet, which in general can get you within about 5 feet of a location. Normal accuracy is in the 20-30 foot range with decent sat lock, but when you got a bunch of them in view, it's absolutley wonderful. I need to go buy a mount to put it in my car. BTW, as some people have noted, GPS is TERRIBLE for measuring altitude. It's just the way the satellite systems works.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2000
- Messages
- 478
Before you buy and e-trex take a good look at the GPS III plus. I've used one of them at work and at play for the last three years and it is great. The prices are falling on them too so watch for the deals, especially on e-bay!
If your interested in accurate altitude readings get one of the new etrex models with a barometric altimeter like the Vista. The Vista also feature an electronic compass to provide you with accurate bearings while standing still.
I have the original etrex and it is great. I had a garmin 45 previously and the etrex is so much lighter (especially with lithiums!!) and smaller and intuitive to use. with only 5 buttons you quickly learn to operate the etrex without really looking at menus or anything. Like others have said I also use the pc to formalize waypoint names. I use a paper map in the field and just note the default waypoint #'s on the map. Also you can easily depict the waypoints meaning with the icons (car, fish, camp, etc..)
I am really wanting to uprade to the vista but that is mostly for gadget value. The basic etrex suits my needs very well.
I have the original etrex and it is great. I had a garmin 45 previously and the etrex is so much lighter (especially with lithiums!!) and smaller and intuitive to use. with only 5 buttons you quickly learn to operate the etrex without really looking at menus or anything. Like others have said I also use the pc to formalize waypoint names. I use a paper map in the field and just note the default waypoint #'s on the map. Also you can easily depict the waypoints meaning with the icons (car, fish, camp, etc..)
I am really wanting to uprade to the vista but that is mostly for gadget value. The basic etrex suits my needs very well.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2000
- Messages
- 19
I have the e-trex Legend and I love it. It has WASS (6 feet accuracy) and a built in map data base, and can accept down-loaded maps from Garmin Map Source CD's. It will pick up inside my house.
I can't say enough good things about the e-trex Legend. It cost $250 but it is well worth it. Hope this helps.
I can't say enough good things about the e-trex Legend. It cost $250 but it is well worth it. Hope this helps.
I have the Etrex and it is a great tool. I have found that in many situations, if you get your initial satellite lock, you can move under clutter and it will likely retain the lock. If you start under clutter, it will probably not get a lock.
The altitude issues with the basic model are I believe are partly the DOD limiting on commercial GPS applications.
If you have the money and want the electronic compass and accurate altitude features, I recommend the Etrex Summit.
The altitude issues with the basic model are I believe are partly the DOD limiting on commercial GPS applications.
If you have the money and want the electronic compass and accurate altitude features, I recommend the Etrex Summit.
dogboye
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 1999
- Messages
- 7,164
Ahhh... cool thread. Glad I found it, to dredge back up to the top. I have pretty much narrowed down my choices to, in order:
- eTrex Legend
- eTrex Venture
- eTrex (distant third due to lack of features, and resolution)
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The Legend and Venture have the WAAS, but I don't have any idea how good a feature that is. Anyone? Also, both have the 288X160 pixel screens, vs. eTrex 128X60 (or something like that; much less resolution). Does that matter?
The big draw for the Legend is the built-in base map. While the unit will most likely do primary duty as a back-packing and hunting accessory, the map capability is a plus that would help sell it to the wife. Does anyone think the base-map gets in the way if you're out in the country/wilderness, where the city stuff doesn't matter? Is there too much clutter? Or can you get rid of it? Is the map capability worth the extra cost?
One final question: Where's the best/least expensive place to buy?
So many questions. I sound like a 4-year-old, don't I?
- Joined
- May 29, 1999
- Messages
- 171
You really have to do your homework and know what your needs are before you buy a GPS.
I am a Magellan dealer and thought their 4000XL was one of the best they put out. Now it too is discontinued.
I have been using a Garmin Summit for elk hunting and like it very much. I got it primarily for its size and electronic compass. I tried the Etrex Vista which has the map but the screen is so small and is too cluttered when using the map. I don't need a map so I got rid of it.
Before you buy be sure to check out the new Magellan Meridian line. It is awsome. Slightly larger than the Etrex but if size isn't a problem it will put the Etrex series at the end of the line.
Regards altitude data, no GPS gives altitude data better than 100' increments and some much worse. Think about it, you need at least three satellites and they are a long way up and your altitudes are a mere spec.
My advice is to look, touch and play before you buy. I have found that 99% of the GPS buyers really only need or use 1) marking/saving waypoints 2) using the "go-to" the waypoint 3) getting compass directions and 4) speed and all GPSs will do those four things. The rest of the features are usually only used when new and as a novelty. Notice I said 99%, there are some purists and mountain climbers who do need and use the other features. I only know of one person who used tracking and routes, he was a Boy Scout leader and was training the scouts, but he never really needed/used them.
Have fun, stay basic!
I am a Magellan dealer and thought their 4000XL was one of the best they put out. Now it too is discontinued.
I have been using a Garmin Summit for elk hunting and like it very much. I got it primarily for its size and electronic compass. I tried the Etrex Vista which has the map but the screen is so small and is too cluttered when using the map. I don't need a map so I got rid of it.
Before you buy be sure to check out the new Magellan Meridian line. It is awsome. Slightly larger than the Etrex but if size isn't a problem it will put the Etrex series at the end of the line.
Regards altitude data, no GPS gives altitude data better than 100' increments and some much worse. Think about it, you need at least three satellites and they are a long way up and your altitudes are a mere spec.
My advice is to look, touch and play before you buy. I have found that 99% of the GPS buyers really only need or use 1) marking/saving waypoints 2) using the "go-to" the waypoint 3) getting compass directions and 4) speed and all GPSs will do those four things. The rest of the features are usually only used when new and as a novelty. Notice I said 99%, there are some purists and mountain climbers who do need and use the other features. I only know of one person who used tracking and routes, he was a Boy Scout leader and was training the scouts, but he never really needed/used them.
Have fun, stay basic!
dogboye
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 1999
- Messages
- 7,164
HEY, THANKS John for the information! That is exactly the type of info that I needed. So it sounds like the city map is still a pain and causing clutter when you're out in the back-country.
I do have one more question, though, please. Did you happen to try any of the topographical maps that you can download for the Vista? I'm wondering if that would be a good feature. While I'd plan to have a paper topo and compass with me as backup, having the topo map in the gps for quick position fixing would seem to be great. And it seems it would be hard to fix your position on a paper topo with a gps that doesn't have any map capability.
Thanks again for the info. Oh yeah, I'll take a another look at the Magellan Meridian.
- Joined
- May 29, 1999
- Messages
- 171
Rockspyder,
No, I did not try any topo maps with the Vista. I was so disappointed with the clutter that I just didn't explore any options.
I have been playing with the Garmin topo map and a Garmin StreetPilot Colormap and I am impressed. I downloaded my elk hunting landmarks and it seems to be fairly accurate with my memory of the topography. I will know more as we head for that country next week. I plan to play with the Streetpilot and the Topo map data in the elk hunting field.
I tried to get a Magellan Meridian Platinum to take elk hunting but they are not shipping until December. I am a Magellan dealer and was not able to get a "field test" unit. That ploy didn't work.
Later!
No, I did not try any topo maps with the Vista. I was so disappointed with the clutter that I just didn't explore any options.
I have been playing with the Garmin topo map and a Garmin StreetPilot Colormap and I am impressed. I downloaded my elk hunting landmarks and it seems to be fairly accurate with my memory of the topography. I will know more as we head for that country next week. I plan to play with the Streetpilot and the Topo map data in the elk hunting field.
I tried to get a Magellan Meridian Platinum to take elk hunting but they are not shipping until December. I am a Magellan dealer and was not able to get a "field test" unit. That ploy didn't work.
Later!
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2000
- Messages
- 15,401
Lowrance Global Map 100
I have never gotten lost or had a problem with it at all. The nicest feature comes in the way of the software. I am able to hook up to my PC and get detailed streets and street names for anywhere in the world. This was especially useful when I went to Paris for the 1st time...alone, not speaking a word of French. I managed to make my way across France without any problems.
I have never gotten lost or had a problem with it at all. The nicest feature comes in the way of the software. I am able to hook up to my PC and get detailed streets and street names for anywhere in the world. This was especially useful when I went to Paris for the 1st time...alone, not speaking a word of French. I managed to make my way across France without any problems.