Which GPS unit is better, the Garmin Etrex or the Garmin Map12, the Map12 is only $30 more,im about to buy one soon so I would like to know which one would be the better buy, thanks.

99 Banshee

 

I too have been looking at these models. The 12 has a couple of more features and I think a little larger display ?Anyway I think I may go with the 12.The other has the buttons on the side instead of the front. I want to mount it on the quad,so I need quick access to the buttons.

 

I have had the GPS12 for about 1 1/2 years & it is an excellent unit. I basically use it for tracking the miles I've ridden from start & current speed, elev., and the route back to my camp or truck. It has a ton of other bells & whistles such as ability to download to a computer for mapping, etc., which I don't use as I ride mainly in the Prescott & Coconino Nat. Forests in areas I'm familiar with. I have two different mounts for my quads allowing me to operate it & read it while riding. I got mine at Popular Outfitters in Prescott.

 

Is the GPS12 waterproof also? I can't decide between the two either.

 

like2wheel,
According to the manual it meets emersion tests of 30 min. @1meter.
By the way, for the benefit of those who have had difficulty with their units shutting down in their mounts while riding hard, I have the solution to the problem.

 

hot_shoe_cv,
I have an Emap and it shuts down or the display will freeze while riding and it drives me nuts.
The only thing to get it started again is to pull the batteries.
What is the solution to resolve this?

Thanks!

 

Have you tried updating the software?? Check out this link and update. If you have already updated the software then I'm not sure what could be causing your problem. Maybe too much vibration?? Anyway here's the link:

http://www.garmin.com/support/download.html

 

jdenison,
If it occurs with the unit in a mount of any kind, It's because with any hard jolt the batteries lose contact with each other, thereby shutting the unit down.
The solution is to remove the batteries, place each pair in the position they would be in when installed, and wrap a short piece of Scotch tape around them where they meet each other. This will keep each pair in contact with each other and the springs will keep the pairs in contact.
I have ridden my Warrior at full throttle over some pretty rough terrain Including whoops, drop-offs, etc, with never a failure. Prior to this fix, I had tried placing springs between each pair of batts. with no success.

 

Thanks for the info hot_shoe, im probly going to end up going with the GPS12. See ya later.

99 Banshee

 

I had the same problem last year when trying out my new Magellan ColorTrac. I had the hills of Glamis programmed in and headed out with it mounted on my bars. The part that really sucks is when the batteries lost contact it lost the programming.

Tape your batteries and keep a hard copy of your coordinates in your pocket.

Whichever model you get make sure it’s waterproof. If it’s waterproof it will be dust, dirt, sand and mud proof. And after you get it all dirty just dip it in some clean water.