Posted 2011-10-26 8:46 AM (#138516) Subject: GPS users~need opinion please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Need some opinions. My last handheld GPS (Magellen Explorist 500) just crashed. I've been reading reviews of the 3 major brands~Garmin, Magellen and DeLorme. They all sound great, but I think I'm more confused than ever on which one to purchase. I don't need all the "bells & whistles". I want the basics but would like to be able to download waypoints and tracks to my computer. I met a rider who claimed his little handheld would download his track using software that would superimpose the track onto a map of the area. That would be nice, but his GPS was not one of these 3 brands. I'm not good with topo maps but would love to be able to have the ability to transfer data onto "real" maps. I'm a bit "techy" but no expert!
I'd sure appreciate opinions from you riders on the brand/model you use and the features which make yours the most practical. Thanks!!
Posted 2011-10-28 7:10 PM (#138589 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Veteran
Posts: 178 Location: Richmond, Ky
I use a Garmin 60 csx and the prices on these have come down lately since Garmin introduced the 62 series. I can upload tracks and maps to mine as well as download them to my computer. There is all kinds of info on the web on how to make and create custom topo maps that you can use on the 60 csx, it's only limit is only storing up to 20 tracks. To date I have never have this GPS lose signal even in the deepest forests with it's antenna, check it out....
Posted 2011-10-28 11:27 PM (#138594 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Tks for the info, everyone. I'd like to be able to download "real" maps as opposed to topo maps. Our Mounted Search & Rescue unit (and ground SAR) uses Garmin Rhinos, but I want maps that show roads, lakes, rivers, trails, etc. for "landmarks". I simply trailride, and would like to download my tracks onto those kinds of maps. Like I said, I'm not super techy, but with guidance in the right direction, can usually figure it out on my own.
Hoping to head out to the southern IL trails in a week or so. Then looking to TX in the spring and/or CO in the summer. Want to make my purchase before too long. Again, appreciate your opinions and input.
Posted 2011-11-09 7:28 AM (#138809 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Location: Central Arkansas
I'm told that iphone has a search & rescue app that sounds exactly like what you are asking for. The beauty of that is iphone, ipod, or ipad can use the app.
Posted 2011-11-09 3:32 PM (#138828 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Brushy Creek, Good reason to get a new phone. My Droid continually "pocket dials" and it's so frustrating. Tks for the tip. Actually, I belong to the county's Mounted Search & Rescue unit.
I overnighted at both Hope and Bismarck. There was a really neat gentleman from Bismarck by the login "Banjo" who was very active on a horse messageboard. He was so articulate and a poet, too. Never met him in person, but felt like we all knew him well.
Posted 2012-01-01 7:10 PM (#139777 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
In our mounted search/rescue we use Garmin Rino 530 CX, I also use a Garmin Oregon 550T. Both are great with mapping functions, get signal very quickly and are good in thick growth. The Rino has the advantage of location "polling" of other Rino users (their location shows on your screen and vice versa) While the Oregon has a camera that geo-tags photos and uses those images for your waypoint symbols. I use non rechargeable lithium batteries or the factory rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. They perform really well for our MSAR and also for my personal trail riding and hunting use.
Posted 2012-01-01 7:24 PM (#139779 - in reply to #139777) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Our mounted group also uses the Garmin Rinos on searches. I'm happy with my new purchase, but have to brush up on how to use it. They all basically functions pretty much the same. I also recently bought a new laptop that I have yet to finish setting up. That in addition to all the holiday hub-bub is about to fry my brain!
Posted 2012-01-02 7:19 PM (#139802 - in reply to #138516) Subject: RE: GPS users~need opinion please
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
We have the Garmin Oregon also. Have had it several years. Fairly easy to use although it eats through batteries pretty fast so always bring extra. I find it works well in dense foliage and valleys.
GPS users~need opinion please
