GPS Land Nav

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ROLDS

ROLDS

Joined
Aug 12, 2008
Threads
19
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80
Location
Columbia
Website
www.robinolds.com
What do you guys reccomend for GPS Land Nav systems?

I would like to be able to map trails and be able to back track. I want to be pretty simple to use and hopefully not add many maps but have enough detail for mapping out new trails.

I currently have a Garmin City GPS and it doesn't allow trail maps.
 
Lowrance makes the Baja 540C which is a nice 5" color display and has substantial storage for maps, and mapping your own trails....pretty spendy, around $500.00, and only provides straight line navigation. You need to order the map create software which will give you the topo maps of the whole US for about $100.00. It is not the easiest to use, but they have a simulator on line you can download and practice on. They also have the XOG which is a smaller screen, and combines the street GPS with mapping and topo which is less money with more features.

Regarding other brands, since have purchased one of each of the above, I have not kept up on others. I have the Baja 540C semi-permanently mounted in my Jeep CJ, and the XOG I move from motorhome to 94FJ80.

Hope this helps.
 
I prefer one that I can take handheld (for backpacking), so I got the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. The main reason I chose this model was the outstanding reception it has even in covered woods. It has something to do with the SIRF processor and type of antenna (the CSx part of the model number). The cheaper models without those upgraded processors work great on the road, but suffer greatly in city's with lots of high rises, and supremely suck on wooded trails. I had an Garmin ETrex Legend prior and it was frustrating on trails, even when backpacking.

I shop at OFFROUTE.COM for good deals. Garmin has a new line that came out last year and I got my 60CSx on sale when those came out. The new ones look easier to use but were spendy last year.

The downside to most handheld units and maybe some in-dash units is that you have to spend extra to get detailed maps onto the device. Garmin software runs about $95 for North America. And if you want Topographical maps that's another software package for about the same $$. Also need to factor in some sort of dash or windshield mount into your budget if you go handheld.
 
ROLDS said:
What do you guys reccomend for GPS Land Nav systems?

I would like to be able to map trails and be able to back track. I want to be pretty simple to use and hopefully not add many maps but have enough detail for mapping out new trails.

I currently have a Garmin City GPS and it doesn't allow trail maps.
Click to expand...

Hey Rolds

Do all of the research (for us)...I plan to buy one also. So far I like the Lowrance 540C. Unless I can find one that works on land and sea (mapping/charting that is), I have not gotten that far yet and put my search on the back burning.
 
One of the Overland journal that was given out at the crab boil had a really good article and feild test of several units. Might want to check out their web site and see if its on there. I think their"winner" was a garmin.
 
check out www.gpsnow.com

oops so thats not the site, lemme look some more. That link does have some info and selection criteria though.

here is where i started. There is some good info in the section on camping and outfitting.
www.buygpsnow.com
and they offer 10 25% discount for gpsforum members.........trying to find the forum now for you.
 
Last edited:
proinv said:
Hey Rolds

Do all of the research (for us)...I plan to buy one also. So far I like the Lowrance 540C. Unless I can find one that works on land and sea (mapping/charting that is), I have not gotten that far yet and put my search on the back burning.
Click to expand...

will do...
 
If you are considering a handheld unit, I'd look at the new Delorme units. I've been using their Street Atlas and TOPO software for years and it's a lot better than the Garmin software. So I imagine the new GPS units they have mesh with their software a lot better than my Garmin does with it's MapSource software. The Mapsource software is just not as intuitive and more difficult to manage.

Also their software is considerably cheaper than Garmin's. Once you buy your first copy and register it, the subsequent updates are cheaper.
 
ROLDS said:
What do you guys think of this:

garmin GPSmap 60CSx
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310
Click to expand...

I really like mine. The base map with auto routing is fine for navigating from city to city, but you'll have to buy the City Navigator software/preloaded SD card to get true address to address routing capability.
DSC00100.jpg
 
proinv said:
Hey Rolds

Do all of the research (for us)...I plan to buy one also. So far I like the Lowrance 540C. Unless I can find one that works on land and sea (mapping/charting that is), I have not gotten that far yet and put my search on the back burning.
Click to expand...

David. If you look at the Lowrance models, most are built for the "sea", and do exactly what the 540 does. The only difference is the 540 theoretically is more shock resistant, and costs a little less than the plotters.....
 
jcwhitty said:
David. If you look at the Lowrance models, most are built for the "sea", and do exactly what the 540 does. The only difference is the 540 theoretically is more shock resistant, and costs a little less than the plotters.....
Click to expand...

Thanks! I thought that was true about the 540 but could not find it in print anywhere. I am finding out there are too many different models to choose from and NOT enough details on features.
 
This maybe over the top wishful thinking but what I am really wanting to do is install a computer in the FJ and use Topo USA - DeLorme

Im just concerned about the hard-drive offroad, could always go Solid state but then starts gettign pricey. I have a decent laptop that isnt being utilized that much anymore that would be a perfect donor. Could also double as a music player and what not, maybe even get one of those code readers to see real time stats on the truck.

But again maybe over the top but I am getting pretty close to saying what the hell and going with it.
 
Boot
I have thought about the same thing, but i am thinking touch screen in dash connected to some micro computer in back of truck. there are some special shock mounts for hard drives, or can run off of compact flash. they are cheaper than ssd's. there was a thread in 80's section about installing a mac mini in an 80. I am going to look into this more as I am about to start modifying my 60.

Dave
 
john
I have actually looked at that laptop to purchase. The reason for the mac mini is it is super small and compact so it can be placed in the bottom of a tuffy or under a seat. I am going to look into this a bit more as i am thinking of getting a tuffy for my 62 o i can do a touchscreen in dash and then a radio in the tuffy if i go with a dedicated screen like this:
Lilliput 7" EBY701-NP/C/T VGA Touch screen +free ship - eBay (item 200275953621 end time Dec-14-08 19:10:02 PST)

then i can output audio into a line in on the radio for mp3 or movie playback.

Dave
 
90FJ62 said:
Boot
I have thought about the same thing, but i am thinking touch screen in dash connected to some micro computer in back of truck. there are some special shock mounts for hard drives, or can run off of compact flash. they are cheaper than ssd's. there was a thread in 80's section about installing a mac mini in an 80. I am going to look into this more as I am about to start modifying my 60.

Dave
Click to expand...

I would like to do a touch screen but I am going to first see if I can utilize the screen that is on the laptop, just have to figure where I am going to stick it. Probably going to end up with a touch screen.
I've been lurking the MP3Car.com - Powered by vBulletin forums to see what other people are doing.

-Lenny
 
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