WTB - Mapping GPS

[farkewie]

Hi ,

I am after a mapping GPS, Needs to be able to follow a round and then let me back tack. not too concerned about other features. Would be nice if I can save routes on the pc then upload later to re-follow but that would just be a bonus.

It is not going to be used for walking, will be fore riding so as long as I can get handlebar mounts for it.

I will be looking to purchase after easter, so if anyone is thinking of upgrading let me know.

I have a Garmin E-trex H but it is a little too basic, it is really hard to follow. would prefer something that has some sort of topo on it.

[philm]

Hi

I have a Garmin HCX this is a light and water proof unit that can hold topo maps on an SD card. It is an older model now but very relaible, light and small with low power consumption. You can load free maps onto it from Shonky maps etc. A good option for bushwalking. No going to sell it but can recommend this unit as newer models are larger, heavier, power hungry. The unit has a colour screen only consideration is that the screen is relatively small probably same size as your current unit.

[phan_TOM]

Plenty to choose from if no-ones got an offer for you and you decide to buy new.

etrex 10.jpg (41.48 KiB) Viewed 3565 times

If budget is an issue ou could try one of the newish etrex models like the etrex 10 for about $100 which comes loaded with a basic worldmap and has many handy features. Nice, tough little unit, long battery life etc & it will plot an accurate route for you to backtrack and load onto your PC and/or into google earth which is good fun, I take mine on the MTB or walking, the MTB mount is only $15. I don't think the 10 can take extra maps though so you might want to try the 20 or 30 if you think you might change your mind down the track.

I've got the etrex 30 and its been heaps of fun so far & I haven't found any faults yet apart from how long it takes to display custom maps that I've loaded onto it (so slow that I've given up doing it, at first I thought it wasn't working but its just s l o w...). Great screen, small & tough, long battery life etc. I tried and ended up being a convert to shonky maps and contours Aus 5m which are free (contours aus might be like $10 for postage I can't quite remember?), its a winning combo IMO

[tastrax]

As noted above - just be aware that you cant load maps to the etrex 10 - only the 20 and 30 models allow maps to be added. If you are on a bike then the older etrex Vista and Summit models are also good but again just check as some do not have the map capability. I think the X designation means that it has an SD card so they are usually the models that allow maps. (H - High sensitivity, C = Colour, X = SD card capable).

http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin/garmin_e ... ompare.htm

RAM makes some very solid mounts but they are a bit dearer - also some of theirs dont fit all that close to the handlebars so they may wave around a bit as you bounce along.

http://www.ram-mount.com.au/

[farkewie]

Thanks for the input guys. I will monitor ebay for some of those models,

I have the Etrex H at the moment. One of my main problems is it keeps turning off. I am using it on a Dirtbike so it is getting a lot of movement, plus I have never really used it for mapping. IT doesn't seem all that great, though this could just be a lack of knowledge).

I have only ever used it to get a grid reference when hiking and cause see any landmarks.

[tastrax]

Is it actually turning off or just going into a sort of hibernation mode? Pressing any key will normally wake it up or there are also settings that allow it to "never hibernate". Most GPS's do this to save batteries. Re use on a dirtbike - if you only refer to it occasionally then I would wear the GPS rather than fix it to the bike - a lot less shock for the gps.

[GrumpySmurf]

I have a good condition eTrex Vista Cx. It uses 2 AA batteries with good battery life. Has a nice colour screen. Compass and barometric altimeter built in. Has full Australia Wide mapping already installed and included. Is capable of road routing with turn-by-turn. I should be able to find a handle bar mount for it also.

$200 posted



email me if interested: shaw@netplus.com.au

[Wollemi]

I have a good condition eTrex Vista Cx. It uses 2 AA batteries with good battery life. Has a nice colour screen. Compass and barometric altimeter built in. Has full Australia Wide mapping already installed and included. Is capable of road routing with turn-by-turn. I should be able to find a handle bar mount for it also. $200 posted

Thanks,GrumpySmurf - the unit arrived today from across the continent, in a condition as you described. I look forward to (unnecessarily) taking it rock-climbing tomorrow, and will use it in the annual 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic this Saturday night, as well as cycling Narrabri to Lithgow in a fortnight.

Cheers.