I am looking at GPS systems and discovering there is much that I do not know about what these do and what I need them to do. I want a high quality system with useful features. I don't want a bunch of impractical or unuseful bells and whistles. Can you guys tell me what features are necessary/valuable and which are more or less luxuries? I'm looking right now at a Garmin eMap which appears to be a good device... what do you think? Also, most devices have weatherproofing ratings that "meet IPX7 standards". Does anyone know what this means?
Any input/advice would be most appreciated.

 

Garmin and Magellon seem to be the most popular. The water proof rating is where they can be submereged under so many feet of water for a certain amount of time. I don't recall the particulars at this time. Features come down to money and preferences. For me I wanted something I could store several routes on. and have several waypoints on each route. I know that some of the lower priced ones could only store 1 route. Another big feature is the ability to download the actual map onto the GPS. Some can't download the map but you download the waypoints from a map. It's hard to say what is a luxury and what is a necessity. It all depends on how and what you are using it for. To me to download the map was a luxury and the necessity was the ability to download the waypoint.

 

Try this site for GPS information. Very good site.

http://joe.mehaffey.com/

Barry

 

IceCat:

I don't have much to add, but I did find the numbers for the IPX7 standards: submersible to 1 meter for 30 seconds

I am also in the looking stages for buying a unit. Most of my experience with GPS receivers is with those used for land surveying, which do not have much in common with the handheld units. A feature you may want to look for is the capability to receive the WAAS signal. It improves accuracy to around 3-5 meters, or is at least what is claimed. Good luck with your search [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I have garmin etrex vista and it it very nice. It has 24mb of memory and that comes in handy for all of our map data and waypoints. I got the etrex series because it doesn't have an external antenna so I don't have to worry about it breaking off or snagging. Display is a bit small but the unit itself is small. How's your eyesight? It is easy to read and very detailed. The altimiter is a luxury I didn't need but it is fun to play with. Navigation and digital compase are a nice feture. The WAAS is very accurate when you can pick up a WAAS satilite or two it become accurate to 9 feet. The WAAS does use more battery power so I tend to leave it off and get a good accuracy to 12-15 feet usually. It has worked flawlessy in the rain but I can't say I've sunk it to a meter yet. Don't loose the little and I mean little rubber gasket on the battery cover if you are worried about water proofness. Garmin also updated the operating system regulary on their website for their products and it is a quick and easy download and install onto the unit. try GPSNOW.com for some info and comparisons brand to brand and model to model.

Dakota R/T

 

I have the Garmin eTrex Vista too. Dakotart is right on with his description. The WAAS mode eats batteries, but if you buy the cigarette lighter adapter, you can use it in your 12V accessory plug on your ATV.

The most useful features for me are the ability to backtrack your route, and upload/download maps, waypoints, routes, tracks to/from the Garmin MapSource software and/or the Delorme software. Delorme has 3D software that gives you a look at the elevations (3D) that you're planning to travel or have traveled. Neat.

I would buy a good GPS holder. The RAM mount seemed the best to me. Check it out at www.cycoactive.com/gps. I've used it a few times now and have never had a problem. Before that, the unit fell out of my pack twice at about 30 mph. After those two impacts, the left 1/8 of the screen wouldn't update. I took it back and they replaced it. I then bought a good holder and am much more careful with the unit.

Mark

 

I have a Lowrance Globalmap 100. I tested several units before I made my purchase. The Globalmap 100 has built in mapping, trail saving, waypoint saving, and much more. I use many of the features. It also has a unique "cookie cutting" map saving feature which helps you manage the units memory much more effecently.

Most of all this thing in 100% weatherproof, shock proof, sub-zero usage is no problem, mud is no problem.

This unit is a MUST to concider. Cost is $200.00

hope it helps