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Recommended GPS Receivers?
vergere asks: "Christmas has come and gone and I've got the go-ahead from the SO to make one of those big once-a-year electronic purchases. I've decided to get a handheld GPS receiver, so I'd like to draw on the collective knowledge of Slashdot and ask for recommendations. I'd like a good set of features (nothing too basic) and mapping capability - the more bells and whistles I can get for my budget of $350 the better. I'm currently looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 76S - any user experiences with this particular model would be welcomed."
including the most important - the ability to download data. I would see the floating part demonstrated as well as the waterproof before I trusted it however.
As for accuracy, any GPS can be affected by how fast you walk vs how fast it updates, so it takes a little practice.
why not just hack an OnStar?
I've not checked every possible nook and cranny on the 'net, but GPSNow.com has the cheapest price I've managed to find anywhere.
--jc
I also have the US topo map CDs and have used them for hiking as well. These are accurate as they are provided by the USGS and not their other map vendor (Navtech).
The 4.01 North America City Select fixed a lot of the accuracy issues, but be prepared to pay $120 every year or so for updated maps if you are going to want them.
I've had a GPS receiver with mapping and one with out. My current GPS, the Garmin eTrex Summit has all the basic GPS features plus fine-grain elevation-related information.
I've found that I don't miss the mapping capabilities because now I simply plug the GPS via a serial cable into the available nine pin com port on my laptop. I use Streets and Trips from MS and USA PhotoMaps for down to 1 meter photo views. I plug the GPS in when I'm stumbling for wireless AP's, too.
I occasionally use the GPS while Geocaching and while snowshoe hiking. Again, both hobbies don't really need/make use of the maps. I simply set a waypoint for the car before I leave and, if necessary, I can use the backtrack function to find my way back. Otherwise, you just walk towards the waypoint you made.
MS's S&T is about $30, USAPhotoMaps is either free or there is a small donation requested. A Garmin eTrex Summit GPS is $180-190 (via froogle.google.com). Streets and Trips will outstrip the maps on the GPS by FAR, assuming you already have a laptop and won't have to suffer that additional expense.
Otherwise, the eTrex Legend has mapping capabilities and is $160 at Wal-Mart and has mapping capabilities. No need to spend the full $350! The eTrex line is nice, IMO. A friend of mine has the basic yellow eTrex and we've used it (and my Summit) on the water, in the cold (snow), heat, etc. They've both been banged around a bit and haven't suffered at all from our adventures.
Exocet Industries - Taking over the world, one computer at a
YMMV, but those are my observations. My father got an ETrex for Christmas from someone this year, and I told him not to even open the package, return it and get the Meridian. The Etrex's patch antennae works for sh*t in my experience.
Also be sure to check the forums over on Geocaching.com -- this subject has been talked to death there.
Trolls lurk everywhere. Mod them down.
How well does it work indoors (if it works indoors it works under wet trees with cloud cover)
Waterproof
if you fish then floating might be neat
Does it give you a bearing if you are standing still? This could be soved with a simple compass but still, it's nice to have embedded in the device. Maps are nice, does it have pluggable modules?
Also, if you are going to be in the woods, like say geocaching with buddies, it's nice to have one with the built-in two way radio.
/* oops I accidentally made a comment, sorry */
check the forums, but just FYI...
in my experience the Magellan v. Garmin is a low key religious war... Not unlike the choice between certain operating systems. They do things differently, but they both will get the job done. Personally I find that the Garmin interface is a bit more natural to me, but it is religion not science. Play with the particular model you want... interface is everything.
I have a Garmin GPS Map 76S. I've used it to navigate cross from Biscayne Bay FL to Bimini Bahamas and surrounds. A GPS with WAAS is dead nuts accurate. I took marks on my way out and navigated my way back too them on the way back. In every instance, the 76S was spot on. All my marks were verifiable by simple ded reckoning.
:)
I've also used in the colorado mountains and in Puget Sound. Accurate in all cases. By accurate I mean that all marks and the electronic maps matched up with paper maps using simple ded reckoning or orienteering techniques.
Other notes:
The 76S will run about 8 hours reliable on a set of AA batteries - be sure to keep one new set of batteries in reserve for emergencies. It will run only 4 to 6 hours on rechargable batteries.
The unit does float
The on-screen mapping function is usefull, but you must scroll frequently. Be sure to take paper charts/maps with you.
The UI is easy and relativly intuitive to use. I found no mamor problems.
The tide table feature is really usefull! It always matched the navigation softare I use on my laptop.
The unit works well with the various laptop based navigation and mapping software I've used including The Captain and Microsoft Mappoint.
The Garmin downloadable maps work well and are worth the cost, but don't expect a lot of detail for the Marine (Blue Chart) maps - the do a good job of augmenting good paper charts, but never rely on them by them selves.
Note that with the 76S you are paying for three tings: 1) more flash memor 2) a barometic altimiter, 3) a magnetic compas. Here are some notes regarding each:
The flash memory holds a LOT of map information, way points and tracks. You probably really don't need the ammount of memory in the 76S.
I've never used the barometric altimeter - it must be calibrated and this is a pain. Do you really need it?
The magnetic compas is the relativly usefull and seemed to always be accurate enough. However, it is no substitute for a god hand held compas or a ships compass.
All in all, I've been very happy with my Garmin.
Jibe!
Another contender is the Silva Navigator.
This unit features GPS, barometer and electronic compass. Check the description and tech spec at
http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod171.html
Battery life with the suggested strategy is perfectly adequate for 2 weeks from to AA cells.
Note the low minimum operating temperatute.
Built in maps sound like a nice idea but some units have functions specific to certain areas only(North America) which you pay for. Some places you might visit may not be that well served by maps.
Personally I'd either go for this or one of the Magellan GPS receivers.
Good luck.
My hyperlinks aren't worth the paper they're printed on.
I've been issued a Rino 120 at work, and I've been really happy with it's features. It has built-in mapping (not especially detailed, but it does have almost all cities, interstate, and primary highways. It is also gaining support from the freeware GPS software writers.
It includes WAAS support for ~10ft accuracy (or so it says), and even if you don't need the FRS radio now, you'll come up with uses for it.
Garmin's information page for it is here It also comes with an RS-232 cable, and can stream data in both Garmin's format, as well as NEMA, so that it's easy to interface with just about any off-the-shelf GPS enabled hardware. I've hooked mine up to an iPaq running ArcPad, and it worked like a champ. It also states that it can recieve Garmin DGPS corrector vectors for ~10cm accuracy, but I've never tried that.
OK...
I can do this. I am, after all,
a superhero!
- not
the sort of place where you want to be alone with a dodgy navigation system. It may have been a one-off fault or confined to that coordinate system, but I'm not inclined to forgive a fault in a safety-critical system.BTW, the readout of current coordinates was not affected and was within the expected margin of error.
[tengwar]
If you will be using the GPS in urban enviroments or on interstates, I would suggest the Garmin eMap and a set of Mapsource maps. The eMap has expandable memory capability, whereas many other GPS units have non-expandable memory built into the GPS.
http://www.rayming.com/products/tripnav_tn200.htm.
It works great with Street Atlas, is weatherproof, and has a magnetic back. No display, no internal maps, in fact nothing but a USB cord and one blinkenlight. But if you're just going to hook it up to a laptop, this is what you want.
Garmin and Trimble make similar ones - look under their OEM/sensor sections. Some are larger and more accurate.
What is the memory format in the eMap? I've got one, and they have the single most expensive memory format I've ever seen. I'd love to hack a replacement.
Also, is there a good howto on getting NEMA maps into these devices? I'd rather not spend a hundred bucks on their software, but will if I must.
Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.
The 76S has been in my hot little hand for a while now, and I did a fairly indepth write up on it here. As others have said, the eTrex is alright but far too basic for you. I recommend the 76S, it's a great receiver if slightly lacking in battery life. HTH.(and the opportunity for self-pimpage is welcomed :))
The Garmin 60CS has the same features as the 76S, but also has:
It looks like a sweet little unit. If I hadn't bought a GPS V 6 months ago, I'd seriously consider getting one myself.
-- Mitch
How about a CompactFlash GPS module (about $100+ from places like http://www.semsons.com) and a PDA (which you might already have). This and one of several available mapping applications will make for an excellent GPS unit, in-car navigation system and of course, it'll still serve as a PDA.
CF GPS unit may even work in a laptop with a PCMCIA->CF adapter.
It took a bit to get used to the interface, after owning a garmin etrex (the yellow one) I'm REALLY impressed by the performace of the meridian platinum. It works inside my duplex, which no other unit has done. The antenna in it is a superb design. The lame part is that there is no external antenna port. The built in maps can be helpful for road trips, but they're mostly useless. I've got the software for it, but I've yet to pick up a sd card to upload stuff to. The etrex fits your hand nicely, but mine lost signal in trees, while the magellan kept full lock.
Magellan has some new "Traveler" kits out recently. They bundle various meridians with a memory card, mount, routing software, etc.
Amazon had the color traveler kit for about 450$ when i looked a couple weeks ago. Theres also a gold traveler kit (non-color lcd) thats cheaper.
That would be the route i would go if you want to do any vehicle navigation.
The big question is, do you want turn by turn directions? If so look at the Garmin GPS V. I have that one and it's great. You can take it out of the car and carry it with you or leave it mounted. If you don't need that then the 76S is very good and was my choice had I not needed turn-by-turn.
First of all, you should buy a GSPr with built-in mapping. Even for simple A->B uses (like geocaching), having a built-in map is invaluable. For example, a non-mapping GPSr will tell you that point B is 1.5 miles straight ahead. A mapping GPSr will show you that there is a stream and steep canyon straight ahead, and going a less direct route will be much easier. The only downside is cost - a mapping GPSr will cost about $100 more than a non-mapping model, and if you want detailed maps, you'll need additional software (~$100).
For a mapping GPSr, I highly recommend Magellen's SporTrak Pro. It is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and has been reported to be one of the most accurate GPS receivers available. It uses 2 AA batteries and has about a 16 hour battery life (using NiMH batteries). It also has 23MB of non-removable memory, which is enough for all of Southern California + the SF Bay area, for example. Some other receivers have more memory or removable memory cards (e.g. Magellen Meridian), but 23MB is plenty unless you will be travelling long distances with no access to a computer to upload new maps. The unit comes with some maps built in, but to get street level and topo maps, you'll need to buy the $100 MapSend Topo CD-ROM.
The SporTrak Pro also doesn't have a lot of the more gimmicky features, like a color screen, electronic compass, and barometers. All of those are more or less useless and just drain the batteries faster.
The less expensive alternative is a non-mapping GPSr. Look for a used Garmin GPS12 on eBay, or consider its new replacement, the GPS72 for around $150.
Finally, be sure to go to GPSInformation.net. It is an excellent source of information and reviews, and even an article which recommends various GPSr based on price and your needs.
I have one of these and am very pleased with it. I use mine for everything from mapping to geocaching. I has plenty of memory to store MapSource data (Garmin's maps), is very accurate (down to 2yds at times), and is completely water proof. It also has the added bonus of a barometer and magnetic compass. However, it is most definantly a power hog. Cheap batteries won't even power it with all the features turned on and some of the fonts are a little small. But for the money it is a great buy.
Since Selective Availability has come to an end. Does differentially corrected GPS (differential GPS or simply DGPS) provide any more of an accurate position then just plain GPS? In the area I live in I have access to two U.S. Navy DGPS signals. What kind of accuracy can one expect from GPS and DGPS now days? Do the nicer units provided more accuracy possibly due to better timers/clock generators? Where should I look for a highly accurate display-less unit for connection to a laptop/embedded system? Are there specific units out there that are maybe "survey grade"?
Having never seen this term in print before I decided to look it up. Straightdope.com reckons it's probably dead.
i got a magellan 315 of $150 and it has yet to not do anything i've wanted ti to so far. and if there is something it cant do i just hook it to my laptop (you know you wanna do this geek boy) and with the right software, can do anything. if you want advanced mapping features you need to go to something else for that, the handheld units just arn't that great for it. while i havent used all the units out there, the ones i have just dont have the map detail for doing anything off road, like hiking for off road driving.
you didnt get too specific about your wants/needs so i cant make too many guesses about what you'll need but i say get somethign cheaper (like a magellen 315 or so, it does float! hows that for rugged?) and then use the extra cash left over to get a datacable and some nice software to go with it, you'll be far better off for any GPSable task you might want to do. whats the fun of geocaching if the map shows you right where to go? i'd rather have it give me the arrow of the direction of where to go and set off on my own.
but thats just me.
No sig for you!!
This is in the same generation (I think)
...where this question is more than
as Garmin 12XL, but has a triangular form,
viewed from the end, so - in a vehicle -
it sits nicely on a dashboard (preferably
on top of a layer of 'blue-tack' as a shock-
absorbing stabilizer)
Screen ROTATES 90 deg's at the push of a
button, so you can view it when standing
on an end or when setting on the dash.
But... hey! Why aren't we just
sending people off to the USENET newsgroup:
sci.geo.satellite.navigation
adequately answered, even as models
change...?
I have a Garmin GPS12 and it suits me fine. You can pick them up in the UK for under 100 (~$250).
This, like most handheld GPS units, has a serial port that you can use to interface the unit to a PDA (I have personally connected mine to a Handspring Visor, again, a very cheap option) or a laptop. There is some excellent freeware out there that will let you do all kinds of stuff that the device doesn't natively support e.g. tracking altitude.
I use my GPS for dicking around with when out hiking but I mainly keep it just for safety's sake and it lives at the bottom of my rucksack until I really need it (like the fog rolls in or I need to call the mountain rescue team).
All things in moderation; including moderation
The Garmin unit (at least the Venture and those below it) has a sort-of compass that only works if you have satellite coverage and are moving.
Trolls lurk everywhere. Mod them down.
BTW, do any eTrex owners know if the mag compass funciton does automatic drift correction (or whatever it's called -- the magnetic bearing offset that's provided on topo maps)?
Method of processing duck feet
BTW, do any eTrex owners know if the mag compass funciton does automatic drift correction (or whatever it's called -- the magnetic bearing offset that's provided on topo maps)?
You are talking about magnetic variation. In Garmin units you can set the display to read True Heading or Magnetic Heading. The variation is computed by the unit based on your lat/long and its magnetic model. I think you can override its computed setting and set your own however.
Your topo maps have another north line on them. That is sometimes refered to grid north. This is the north you use to calculate bearings on the map and convert it to true or mag north. This can not be calculated by the gps because it depends on the map you are using. If you don't see a grid north, then chances are it will be the same as true, because magnetic variation changes every year.
BTW, I have an Etrex Legend and I love its design, capabilities and layout. However, I have had problems with the display. A couple of months after I bought it the display stopped working. I had it replaced under warrenty and now the second display is intermittent. Your results may vary.
You have 5 Moderator Points! Use 'em or lose 'em! They will expire before any good stories are posted.
I upgraded from the basic Garmin eTrex (aka "Old Yeller") to the Vista model 6 months ago, and it's 100 times better than I expected. I started using my GPS receivers for geocaching and expected the Vista to be an improvement, which it was. However, I use it more frequently when I drive to a new place. With the Mapsource software (about $90 online) I can pretty quickly set up a route from point A to B and it's completely accurate on the road. In fact, it's so accurate that I rarely need to consult a copy of written directions until I get down to a few last minute rapid street turns. The Vista seems comparable in functionality to the GPSMAP 76S.
With that said, however, there's one thing that I would still look for in a new model: autorouting. If you're going to seriously use it for driving, autorouting is a huge help. Without it, you can't easily plan a route away from your computer. Also, once you've downloaded a route into the non-routing GPS, the route displays over the road in a straight line, rather than following the road itself, resulting in a slightly shorter route and a hard to read map. Unfortunately, it looks like only the more expensive models contain autorouting.
Oh, and the Vista has a thumbstick control. That thing rocks. With that in mind, see if you can find a store or someone that will let you hold and try out the GPS before you buy it. The Vista feels very natural to me.
No-one seems to have mentioned them yet, but its well worth looking at the Garmin iQue 3600 PDA which has inbuilt GPS and which also supports Differential GPS.
The iQue comes with street level detailed maps of the US (or Europe depending on where you buy), voice-prompt navigation and routing, and you get the bonus of an MP3 player and a PalmOS PDA built in - handy if you need to justify your purchase to the other half<g>
They are a little outside of your budget if you only want to buy brand new (a quick price-search turns up quite a few places doing unit+ramcard for $450), but if you don't mine a used one then you should be able to pick up a Garmin iQue + MMC card for not too much more than $350.
You will need to budget for an MMC card though, the iQue's internal 32MB is sufficient to hold the full world basemap but for the street-level detailed maps a 256MB (or more) MMC card is a must.
I use the eTrex Legend and I'm quite happy with it. The mapping software that is available is top notch, but expensive (around $100 per CD) The one real drawback that I have with it, is it won't work indoors, or under moderate tree cover. It's quite easy to use, and is chock-full of good features. Combined with a laptop, it's extremely poerful and useful on long trips. If you want to use it for hiking, make sure you are not going to be too heavily covered by foliage. The range circle is a nice feature as well. If you are going to be using it indoors, or under coverage, one of Magellan's models may suit you better. They have an external antenna, and are larger, but give good results under brush, and even some usefullness indoors.
Liberalism...the next best thing to thinking.