GPS Recommendations

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O

OUTSIDELC

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Threads
39
Messages
112
Location
Decatur, GA
I'm looking to add gps to the old 60. As I am getting into Search and Rescue, I am interested in a waterproof and handheld unit also, that I would be able to mount in the vehicle. I'm looking at less than $500 for the unit and accesories(car mount, software, etc.)

Some main questions:

Color or black and white?

SD card?

Where to mount and how to mount?

Software?

Anything else that helps with my decision is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Kevin
 
The Garmin 60CSx is a beast. It shows $420 at gpscity.com. You'll find all kinds of mount options on that site too. Check the RAM mounts pages.

Software will depend on what you want to do with it. If you're away from civilization, nothing will beat slaving the GPS to a computer and using a package like Delorme, TOPO!, Terrain Navigator, or OziExplorer to get into the 7.5' detail. Garmin's Mapsource (you can get CDs and copy parts to SD card, or buy individual pre-loaded SD cards by region) will only get you to the 100k level. You can tell the difference as Mapsource comes on a CD(for the entire US), while TOPO! or the like takes about a DVD's worth of data to cover 1 state. So if what you are doing with the GPS requires more detail, laptop/tablet is the way to go.

Be that as it may, you can get around the laptop by preparing. Using the 7.5 data, you can trace tracks and mark waypoints ahead of time and move them over to your GPS. Your built-in base maps or the 100k maps can handle major roads in the boonies, and your tracks and waypoints can be guides into the more detailed stuff.

Hope that helps- Ken
 
My first unit was a Garmin GPS V which is handheld, vehicle mountable, grey-screen, bare-bones, and moderately priced. I used it for a couple years and my only complaint is that it's hard to use while the vehicle is moving due to the small screen. I later upgraded to a Streetpilot and although I lose the handheld aspect, it's got plenty of memory and can easily be used while the car is in motion.....by the passenger!
 
eshelbyk said:
The Garmin 60CSx is a beast. It shows $420 at gpscity.com. You'll find all kinds of mount options on that site too. Check the RAM mounts pages.

Software will depend on what you want to do with it. If you're away from civilization, nothing will beat slaving the GPS to a computer and using a package like Delorme, TOPO!, Terrain Navigator, or OziExplorer to get into the 7.5' detail. Garmin's Mapsource (you can get CDs and copy parts to SD card, or buy individual pre-loaded SD cards by region) will only get you to the 100k level. You can tell the difference as Mapsource comes on a CD(for the entire US), while TOPO! or the like takes about a DVD's worth of data to cover 1 state. So if what you are doing with the GPS requires more detail, laptop/tablet is the way to go.

Be that as it may, you can get around the laptop by preparing. Using the 7.5 data, you can trace tracks and mark waypoints ahead of time and move them over to your GPS. Your built-in base maps or the 100k maps can handle major roads in the boonies, and your tracks and waypoints can be guides into the more detailed stuff.

Hope that helps- Ken
Click to expand...

I agree, I have a 60cs. Love it, wish I had waited for the csx to come out for the expandable memory. But I can load quite a bit on the cs.
 
I use one of the Garmin PocktePCs (M3). It's a GPS, PocketPC, loads Maps easy. and using a 2GB SD card, it holds 25 hours of MP3's along with 3 states of maps (Including topos).
 
For the record, I still use a Garmin III+. I bought it used on ebay a long time ago and am still waiting for it to croak. In-car I use it for the data screens (it is the only one I've seen that has a builtin voltmeter) like distance-to, time-to, or altitude. Mapping is done on a mini tabletpc. The III+ has a large enough screen to make tracks and backtracking work if you zoom in enough, but not really much size (or detail) for map readouts.

One thing I forgot to mention is you NEED an external antenna. I don't care if some new GPS comes out with a spanky new way of acquiring birds in .003ms, you need the antenna outside your vehicle. In cover (tall fir or pine in the PNW) I average 4 additional satellites with an antenna on the roof or hood. Some friends I've ridden with won't pickup enough to get a position at all. Kind of pointless to have a GPS when you can get a reading. It makes a huge difference. gpsgeek.com has been a great source for me.

If you want a larger screen, maybe the Magellan Explorist line is something to take a look at? I'm kind of a Garmin bigot myself so I've stuck with their lines. The units with larger screens are going to be a bigger hassle to walk around with so there's a balance to strike.
 
GPSmap 478, SICK UNIT. Very expensive but it has XM radio Built in and XM Weather (the coolest electronic toy i have ever had $50pm for the XM Weather service). It is perfect if you would use it for the car and the boat. it is portable but not as small as the 60 series or 70 series handheld gps units.

If you are looking for GPS units i am an authorized dealer for all GPS and Marine Electronics and will give any fellow mudder a very good deal on one.
 
I have the Garmin 60csx. Bought it a few months ago. I also wanted a unit in a hand held option as well. Works really well. The expandable memory is great. I bought a 512mb card for it, and can load a ton of maps. The base map that comes on it is pretty useless, so be prepared to buy all your maps. I got city navigator for the US, and it turns the unit into a turn by turn GPS unit. Great for city and highway use. The abililty to load TOPO maps is great as well for off road use, hiking, etc. It also fits in my shorts pocket.

This is my first GPS, so cant compare to anything else. But I am happy with my purchase. The screen can be a bit small when using it in the car, but if you mount it in a good spot, it is fine. The suction cup windshield mount bounces a bunch if you dont rest it on the dash. But watch out it will put a dent in your dash (ask me how I know). So i figure I will just put a piece of foam under the unit to stabalize it.

but overall, very happy.
 
Another vote for the 60CSX. I have one and absolutely love it. It navigates well!
 
Sorry to hijack the thread but I am looking at getting a Garmin GPS60CSx and have a couple of questions for you guys that have them.

Does the backlighting have adjustable levels?

Does the backlighting ever get irritating while driving if mounted on the "A" pillar grab handle (HZJ80)?

Is the unit User-friendly or do you need a science degree?

Do they reqire an external antenna in tight terrain or does the unit's antenna receive well enough?

Are external antennas available for them?

:cheers:(hijack over for now)
 
Kevin,

Congrats in your interests in search and rescue, it's a worthwhile endeavor. I'm pretty active with my team which is an all volunteer wilderness SAR team. I've got a link in my sig.

Originally I was using a Garmin Etrex Vista mounted in my 4Runner, but found the small screen a major limiting issue. I searched several boards and decided to replace my Vista with a Garmin Streetpilot III. You can pick these up new, with the auto kit, on eBay fairly cheaply. Compared to my Vista, it has a larger display which is also color.

My Vista stays in my pack pocket for personal use in the field.
 
Mickldo said:
Sorry to hijack the thread but I am looking at getting a Garmin GPS60CSx and have a couple of questions for you guys that have them.

Does the backlighting have adjustable levels?

Does the backlighting ever get irritating while driving if mounted on the "A" pillar grab handle (HZJ80)?

Is the unit User-friendly or do you need a science degree?

Do they reqire an external antenna in tight terrain or does the unit's antenna receive well enough?

Are external antennas available for them?

:cheers:(hijack over for now)
Click to expand...


Another vote for the 60csx. It is a great unit on and off road.


Does the backlighting have adjustable levels?
>> Yes.

Does the backlighting ever get irritating while driving if mounted on the "A" pillar grab handle (HZJ80)?
>> Not for me. I have mine installed on my rollbar just above and to the left of my steering wheel. And with the adjustable back light feature, you can set it to a level that doesn't bother you.

Is the unit User-friendly or do you need a science degree?
>> I think it's user-friendly. I read the manual once, then just started playing with it. It does have a lot of features so you will probably need to refer to the manual a few times as you get used to it or when you use features that you haven't used before.

Do they reqire an external antenna in tight terrain or does the unit's antenna receive well enough?
>> No. The 60csx has a great antenna. I have done a lot of tight canyon driving and haven't lost signal.

Are external antennas available for them?
>> Yes, Garmin has 3 listed on their site.
 
Get an external antenna. They are cheap enough to experiment with- $20 on sale at gpsgeek.com. (they run $50-60)

It may be in a canyon you'll stay connected but if you have a track running you'll see a drop in accuracy.
 
About the best link for GPS stuff is http://gpsinformation.net/

They have lots of excellent tech reviews, screen shots, other good stuff... Just passing it along, I've found it a great source of info. You can easily got lost for hours in there reading all the articles and stuff.

If you like the 60 series, also look at the 76. They are similar functionality with slight technical differences, but also a different button/screen layout. Personally I prefer the buttons at the top and the 76 form factor in general, but I think I'm in the minority...
 
cont. hijack

thanks for the replies.

It sounds like the 60CSx is the one for me. The couple of minor questions I had have been answered so thanks again.

I do a lot of 4wdriving in heavy rainforest cover so I will fit an external antenna to the top of my snorkel.

I plan on using the GPS with a Toshiba Satellite laptop and Ozi-Explorer software.

:cheers:Mick

hijack over
 
Even though that Garmin unit is a really good hand held, for vehicle use I recommend the Lowrance Baja 480C which is purpose built for off road vehicles. As well, the Lowrance works great in heavy tree coverage.
 
TexasBadlands said:
Even though that Garmin unit is a really good hand held, for vehicle use I recommend the Lowrance Baja 480C which is purpose built for off road vehicles. As well, the Lowrance works great in heavy tree coverage.
Click to expand...

I also want to be able to take it in my 4.1m tinny (aluminium boat) when I go fishing so I need portability and water resistance. Is the Lowrance a handheld or in car mount? I really like the Lowrance product I have a Lowrance X58 DF depth sounder in my tinny.
 
Mickldo said:
I also want to be able to take it in my 4.1m tinny (aluminium boat) when I go fishing so I need portability and water resistance. Is the Lowrance a handheld or in car mount? I really like the Lowrance product I have a Lowrance X58 DF depth sounder in my tinny.
Click to expand...

Well if you want portability, Lowrance has the waterproof portable model called the H2O which is also available with marine maps etc. I used to do the hand held in the vehicle too, but I found the large screen just is so much nicer on a model meant to just be installed into your rig. I have a Lowrance Global Map 100 (not sold anymore) which I use for hand held walking and boating etc, and have the Lowrance Baja in the truck. Lowrance pioneered and developed the system that most gps systems are using today and are always updating their products. Also, the Lowrance have always been best in heavy coverage according to various reports from Backpacker magazine, to off road magazine write ups in the past.

That is my two cents, for what it's worth.

:beer:
 
I'm using a Lowrance Baja 480c unit. Got it for 465. It uses memory card for detailed mapping, and is WAAS enabled. I think it's a steal at $465.00

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GPS is really personal depending on use. I also have a garmin Rhino 120 which has basic maps, frs radio etc. The big reason for the up grade is I can not see the small screen while operating the rig. The new system offers great visibility. I am planning on getting another GPS in the fall as a hand held. Soemthing small and light for hiking. Wish they made a forunner system with detailed mapping I would be all over it.
 
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