GPS - What to buy

FLSnake · January 17, 2005, 11:36:28 AM

Anyone have a suggestion on a GPS for a novice, if I go buy one do I need to get additional software/maps to make it work? Or will it work out of the box?
I just want to go and be able to find my way back

Thanks

sk8r_dude · January 17, 2005, 12:34:08 PM

Depends on your budget. With GPS's you get what you pay for. I have a Magallen Sport Track Map, inexpensive and easy to carry. It will get you there and back but thats it. Very bare bones. I also have a Garmin 276 color GPS with 128 MB card and map source software and it is the bomb. Best GPS I have used for our use in the woods. I call it my adult Game Boy.

FLSnake · January 17, 2005, 12:57:15 PM

What did you have to spend for those?

allgirls4outdoors · January 17, 2005, 01:13:01 PM

buy a Honda Rincon Gscape

atvtrailer · January 17, 2005, 02:26:45 PM

i have a 99$ gps from walmart and it will work to get u back from where u started but it dont give u detailed maps or anything. but if u need it to get u back it will get u back to where u started or get u to a waypoint

Chuck_Norris · January 17, 2005, 03:40:45 PM

I BOUGHT AN OLDER MAGELLAN GPS FROM EBAY FOR 36$ I HAVE NOT GOTTEN LOST YET.

Redgrizzly660 · January 17, 2005, 03:44:26 PM

a big ball of string works well too. when you want to come back just follow the string back to where you started. Just take it out of the roll and ready to go no need to buy any software.No battery or electric needed. Need more track buy two roll of string and double your memory.

The Grizz

eric · January 17, 2005, 05:13:10 PM

Garmin seems to be a good brand. I was looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 76 With Carrying Case

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3404825

chadlogan112 · January 17, 2005, 07:00:16 PM

I have the one below for sale. It's brand new practically, I set it up then put in my drawer. I have the directions and maybe the box. PM me with offers. Thanks

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=2-1/qid=1106017192/ref=sr_2_1/602-1963734-4287857?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B0002VQ3TE

Moose · January 17, 2005, 07:21:08 PM

I got the Garmin 76c. Has maping in color, 125mb memory built in. New display that uses the sunlight so it's easier to see than most. With the Topo map, it shows almost all the trails, atv, jeep, and roads. I love it, runs 30hrs on two aa batteries.

IT200 · January 17, 2005, 07:37:28 PM

I have a garmin rino it works great It also has abuilt in gmrs/frs radio. When you communicate with other rino users you can see there position on your screen. Great if you have kids

2Raptors · January 17, 2005, 08:21:39 PM

Quotea big ball of string works well too. when you want to come back just follow the string back to where you started. Just take it out of the roll and ready to go no need to buy any software.No battery or electric needed. Need more track buy two roll of string and double your memory.

The Grizz

Plus you 'clothes-line' anyone that crosses your path [smiley=Wacko.gif] [smiley=Wacko.gif]

Hollywood · January 17, 2005, 11:45:26 PM

I have a Magellan Explorist 200. Pretty good little unit very simple, waterproof, shockproof etc. but bare bones. No detailed maps of the forest or such but works for what I need it to just get me back to the truck. You can find one new for around $125

FLSnake · January 18, 2005, 11:21:33 AM

With the bare bone type units they will track your movement and get you back to where you started?
Will they allow you to enter coordinates and show you the way there?

I assume the ones that have mapping will allow you to download maps of areas like big scub, which would show you the trails, ponds etc? Do you have to purchase the maps seperately or do they come with?

Thanks

scrambledeggs · January 18, 2005, 01:00:37 PM

The cheapest mapping unit with memory for uploading maps from mapsource software is the eTrex legend. I just got one and like it very much. I also purchased a RAM handlebar mount with a cradle made just for the eTrex series GPS's.

customrubicon · January 18, 2005, 04:08:58 PM

I like the garmin 76c and the 276. I have been looking for one myself and have decided on the 276. The reason that I was looking at these is the memory and the color. Color gives you better definition of the roads and the trails. The 276 is expensive, so it may not be for everyone. My $.02

Moose · January 18, 2005, 04:22:08 PM

I agree with you, both units are great. I wanted one that will fit in my pocket for hunting. I use it in my truck, boat, and atv also. I'm amazed at how easy the new units are to use. The older one I have is more confusing.

FLSnake · January 20, 2005, 01:35:57 PM

QuoteI got the Garmin 76c. Has maping in color, 125mb memory built in. New display that uses the sunlight so it's easier to see than most. With the Topo map, it shows almost all the trails, atv, jeep, and roads. I love it, runs 30hrs on two aa batteries.

What map and/or software is the best?

Moose · January 20, 2005, 08:41:03 PM

Looks like a lot of us have map source for Garmin, and topo east US National forrests.

FLSnake · January 21, 2005, 03:36:06 AM

Anyone got any comments on the eTrex Legend, I was looking at that one.

Moose · January 21, 2005, 04:26:24 AM

The first gps I have bought since they came out with all the new ones, was one of those eTrex Legend I think. I liked it, was a blue one, It did the job as good as any of them will. I just wanted more out of it. You will get basic mapping, blk & wht only, but works well. Small screen though, my old one has also, so I got a larger unit. If you don't need to wear glasses yet, then you should do just fine with an eTrex.

Someone will have topo for you I'm sure.

FLSnake · January 21, 2005, 04:53:24 AM

Yeah I do wear glasses mostly for reading, i don't want to have to drag my glasses along with me to read it, what has a bigger screen?

QuoteThe first gps I have bought since they came out with all the new ones, was one of those eTrex Legend I think. I liked it, was a blue one, It did the job as good as any of them will. I just wanted more out of it. You will get basic mapping, blk & wht only, but works well. Small screen though, my old one has also, so I got a larger unit. If you don't need to wear glasses yet, then you should do just fine with an eTrex.

Someone will have topo for you I'm sure.

NPRVinson · January 21, 2005, 08:18:00 AM

Go to Garmin's website, they show all of there products and give specs on each one. I have a GPS76MAP and am very happy with it. It has the larger screen which helps as I wear readers too. It's like everything else, it just depends on how much money you want to spend.

FLSnake · January 21, 2005, 06:58:55 PM

Went out looking tonite and I think I have settled on the GPSMap76 Unit, which Map set would be the best for the Big Srub Area? Will it show the trails and stuff?

cobrap · January 24, 2005, 11:37:37 AM

A few of us use the rino also. great radio locator and map functions. also works with those 2 way walkie talkies from motorola.

big-daddy · January 24, 2005, 12:18:10 PM

before you guys spend more than you have to, wait! I am work out a deal to buy 1000 units and setting up as a Motocomm dealer. give me a few weeks to setup the account. I will post the unit on the web site.

GPS - What to buy

Chuck_Norris

Redgrizzly660

NPRVinson