I just bought a Garmin eTrex and was wondering if anybody could give me any feedback on this model. This is my first experience with a gps and I wonder if I should have bought a more expensive one. The only time I will be using it is in the woods on my quad. Is it necessary to buy the pc adapters. What's the best way to mount it on the quad? Thanks for any help you can give.

96 Scrambler 400 4x4

 

Cant help you with the E-trax. Should be a good unit though as Garmins quality is generally top notch. I use an Emap, although some say its not good for ATV's since it's not waterproof. That is what ziplock bags are for. Try this link for a good mounting system. I love mine, it absorbs most of the shock and locks in place better than any other mount you can find. Hope this helps.

Ken

http://www.ram-mount.com/atvmotor.htm

 

Thanks Ken, The link showed a mount for the eTrex and it looks really good. Where did you buy yours and what did it cost? Do you use your gps a lot or is it one of those toys you just have to have until you get one? Are they difficult to follow a trail with in the woods?

Carl

96 Scrambler 400 4x4

 

All Garmin GPS units are great! you must understand how they work,it takes practice. look at howstuffworks.com

 

This is a good place to buy RAM mounts and accesories.
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/default.htm

Also for info on e-trex.
http://joe.mehaffey.com/
Or do a search on google.com {e-trex}


weetoots

 

Before I bought my GPS I thought it was just another expensive electronic "toy". Was I ever wrong! For the kind of exploring we do with our group it is invaluable. I previously relied on my instincts and a compass when necessary to find my way home or to that favorite trail. Sometimes traveling a long way out of our way to get somewhere. Now with the use of the GPS we are able to go farther (because we know the way home) We can mark places we want to revisit and we will know when riding in an unfamiliar area if we are approaching trails we have already been on. If you carry a map with latitude and longitude you will find that you can navigate from point A to point B quite easily with a GPS once you become familiar with its operation.
Since I got it (back in 1995) I have grown to rely on it heavily. I never ride without it anymore.

 

I have an eTrex and bought the handlebar mount. I had to take off the rubber bumper over the handlebar mount to put it on but it works great. You can download waypoints and tracks with software available from several companies but I have not done so.

I use it mainly to mark favorite sites on my rides and to help gat back to camp with the "go to" feature. It's rugged and small and fills all my needs. Plus it doubles as a speedometer too!

Also check out Garmin site for upgrades to make sure you have the latest version. This is when the interface cable comes in handy (and the only time I used it).

 

I have an etrex, got it for x-mas. I use the garmin handlebar mount, it seems kind of cheap but it is holding up well so far. As far as the PC cable, they only have vesion 2.10 available so far and it wasn't much different from 2.03. Downloads are easy to do right off of garmins site, but I don't think they are really necessary. You will definitely want to get a cig lighter adapter as these things really eat batteries if you are not on battery saver mode. It works real good, the more I use it the more I learn about it. It is one of those electronic toys that are really practical when you are riding in the unfamiliar. I am pretty sure you will be happy with your purchase. Good luck.

Exer

 

Carl

Looks like the other guys have pretty much answered your questions already. I bought my mount at the link below for around $30. The owner is really helpful and knowledgeable about GPS's and accessories. Like the other guy's in here, the GPS is basically not necessary, but is a really nice tool if you like to ride into the "unknown". There are many places I would like to ride into but without the GPS would not even consider. With the Garmin track back feature, you will always find your way home. Hope you enjoy yours as much as we all do!! If you have any other questions, dont hesitate to ask. Oh, and by the way, invest in the pc cable. The upgrades are worth the price of the cable. Garmin is good to offer many fixes for their units, may as well take advantage of them. Later!!

http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/gps.htm


Ken

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I took it to work with me today and used it on a couple of road tests I took and I was amazed at how well it worked with the goto mode. The speedo is pretty accurate too. I can't wait to get into the woods with this weekend. Mine already has the 2.10 version software loaded. Can you download maps from the internet that would show roadways and streets or is this model not capable to save maps? If the batteries go dead do you lose the routes that are already saved?

Carl

96 Scrambler 400 4x4