GPS choices are baffling
02-05-2013, 05:25 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NE Washington st
Posts: 56
GPS choices are baffling
Howdy all,
I've been lookin at gettin a GPS for hunting and hiking for quite a while now. I can't seem to commit to one because there are SO MANY choices out there! With the barometric altimeters and electronic compasses, who knows if you actually need all this stuff? Anyone have experience with a simple, fair-priced, reliable unit for someone starting out? Thanks
I've been lookin at gettin a GPS for hunting and hiking for quite a while now. I can't seem to commit to one because there are SO MANY choices out there! With the barometric altimeters and electronic compasses, who knows if you actually need all this stuff? Anyone have experience with a simple, fair-priced, reliable unit for someone starting out? Thanks
02-06-2013, 03:46 AM
#4
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NE Washington st
Posts: 56
You know an Apple Iphone can do all that.
Decide what features you NEED then pick a Garmin that fills those needs
02-06-2013, 04:19 AM
#5
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,437
Google and then read on line. I own several GPS units. With my research way back when I went with Garmin and was never disapointed. I even run GPS tracking collars on my bird dogs.
Things I have found I needed.
Capable of increasing memory or adding maps using a SD Micro chip. Most units use these now but back then they did not. I was limited on what maps I could use or download myself.
I bought maps from Garmin of tha areas I hunt. I have a 100 K topo to which can see all of USA and then bought Regional 24K maps as it is in better detail of the main areas I hunt.
I use my GPS to find my deer stands.
I run a GPS on my duck boat. Most helpfull in dense fog as I can find my duck hunting islands by following my previous track and or using the Go To function.
And I run A GPS in my truck. Helps me find anything from an address to maybe a shopping center if I am on the road. I also use it as my speedometer as it has big digital numbers easily seen and far more accurate than my needle type speedometer.
One GPS you might really like is the Garmin Rino - that has a 5 watt radio - you can get instant weather updates no matter what part of the country you are in let alone talk to a buddy - the GPS map and if you have a pair, you and your buddy can see where each of you are on the GPS map. The higher end models will allow a SD Micro card.
JW
Things I have found I needed.
Capable of increasing memory or adding maps using a SD Micro chip. Most units use these now but back then they did not. I was limited on what maps I could use or download myself.
I bought maps from Garmin of tha areas I hunt. I have a 100 K topo to which can see all of USA and then bought Regional 24K maps as it is in better detail of the main areas I hunt.
I use my GPS to find my deer stands.
I run a GPS on my duck boat. Most helpfull in dense fog as I can find my duck hunting islands by following my previous track and or using the Go To function.
And I run A GPS in my truck. Helps me find anything from an address to maybe a shopping center if I am on the road. I also use it as my speedometer as it has big digital numbers easily seen and far more accurate than my needle type speedometer.
One GPS you might really like is the Garmin Rino - that has a 5 watt radio - you can get instant weather updates no matter what part of the country you are in let alone talk to a buddy - the GPS map and if you have a pair, you and your buddy can see where each of you are on the GPS map. The higher end models will allow a SD Micro card.
JW
02-06-2013, 10:09 AM
#6
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NE Washington st
Posts: 56
One GPS you might really like is the Garmin Rino - that has a 5 watt radio -
Things I have found I needed.
Capable of increasing memory or adding maps using a SD Micro chip.
Capable of increasing memory or adding maps using a SD Micro chip.
02-07-2013, 05:43 AM
#7
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,437
My buddy has one of the coveted 530 hcx models, and he likes it a lot. Not sure if I need the radio function or not. I'm assuming you can communicate between a rino radio and a regular walky-talky type? Seems like as long as they're on the same freq and within range it would work.
Yes you can. I like the radio as you can find a NOAA Weather channel and get the latest weather update anywhere for your current location.
I'm thinkin even if I don't use this option initially, it might be nice to have if I decide I want to add a map or extra memory.
Yes you can. I like the radio as you can find a NOAA Weather channel and get the latest weather update anywhere for your current location.
I'm thinkin even if I don't use this option initially, it might be nice to have if I decide I want to add a map or extra memory.
02-07-2013, 07:04 AM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,926
It sure is baffling...
To make a choice for a complicated one, when you started out using only a compass.
Wonder who does all that walking, to use all those way points?
Or maybe they have the unit fastened to the ATV they had to buy to go with the gps.
Basically for me it's going to be a going in, and the quickest way back after moving several times. That'll be a distinct advantage over the compass, and remembering your moves specifically.
Since I won't be going to unseen or unknown territory, I'll surely opt for one of the less expensive ones. And if I carry a cell phone, it'll be disconnected until I'm finished hunting.
But it's a price to pay for being old. You remember when you did without things that are now seen as essential.
Wonder who does all that walking, to use all those way points?
Or maybe they have the unit fastened to the ATV they had to buy to go with the gps.
Basically for me it's going to be a going in, and the quickest way back after moving several times. That'll be a distinct advantage over the compass, and remembering your moves specifically.
Since I won't be going to unseen or unknown territory, I'll surely opt for one of the less expensive ones. And if I carry a cell phone, it'll be disconnected until I'm finished hunting.
But it's a price to pay for being old. You remember when you did without things that are now seen as essential.
02-07-2013, 05:26 PM
#9
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NE Washington st
Posts: 56
It sure is baffling...
To make a choice for a complicated one, when you started out using only a compass.
To make a choice for a complicated one, when you started out using only a compass.
Wonder who does all that walking, to use all those way points?
Or maybe they have the unit fastened to the ATV they had to buy to go with the gps.
Or maybe they have the unit fastened to the ATV they had to buy to go with the gps.
I won't be going to unseen or unknown territory
02-17-2013, 10:44 AM
#10
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 3
Shredder.... I use GPS's for work everyday. I have a Garmin 530hcx and the new 650.. These units are soooo easy to use that I think you would be surprised ! I have used several different brands however I prefer the Garmin. Remember when you buy a GPS that you need to buy a GOOD mapping system to install. (Added cost). The walkie talkie feature is ok, however what I really like is the ability to "poll"your buddies out with you and see immediately where they are. Good luck!!