New to GPS tech - advice sought

[ollster]

Anyone got any good advice or specific recommendations on GPS models? I'm starting by looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 62 series, as a couple of mates have older version of this and they seem quite happy with them.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Not getting many replies here mate....

I think it's all about durability personally.

At the end of the day, as long as it has trackback, and a good look to the maps, they all do the same thing really...

Thats why I like the 60CSX, it's waterproof, drop proof and basically idiot proof.

[ollster]

basically idiot proof.

Sounds perfect! I still hold out hope that someone will give me some dot points or something just to kick me along.

but obviously the 3 primary considerations are:
accuracy of the maps and antenna sensitivity
durability/reliability
battery life

Coming from a "geek" background, I tend to consider things like:

how is the interface - if the GUI is annoying, illogical or non-customizable I find this a major turnoff
how much storage does it have/is it expandable
does it come with maps
is there a hacking community
does it require proprietary software or cabling to make it work with a computer
...and stuff like that. Anything to add?

[michael_p]

Ollster,

Try the GPSAustralia forum:
http://www.gpsaustralia.net/forums/
Lots of info on just about any GPSr available.

Cheers,
Michael.

[tastrax]

Hi Ollster,

I have been a long term user of the previous model (60CSX) and they are great units. I would ensure that you get one with the SD card as you can then log tracks to the card which means it can run for days if necessary (only limited by card size and battery life). Be aware the base model of the 62 seems not to have this capability. Also be aware that these newer models offer the download of aerial imagery (by subscription). I have dabbled with that on a another model and overall was not that impressed. Maybe its got better but it would not be a real selling point for me.

Note that most of them don't come with contours etc - thats an add on.

Grab the manuals from the web and read up on the differences.

[ollster]

I would ensure that you get one with the SD card as you can then log tracks to the card which means it can run for days if necessary (only limited by card size and battery life). Be aware the base model of the 62 seems not to have this capability.

Ah cool, thanks for the advice. I did notice the bare bones 62 does not have microSD. It seems all the testimonials for these units are nothing but positive! And yes, I was aware that you have to pay, and pay, and pay for data/maps. My phone has cached google maps (Brutmap), and that will do for areal imagery, it's not that crucial for me.

Thanks to Michael_p for the link to GPS Aus, I'll have a dig around there too!

[photohiker]

how is the interface - if the GUI is annoying, illogical or non-customizable I find this a major turnoff

Be prepared for turnoff. GPSr interfaces are generally well behind other more consumer-friendly computing devices. Choosing a new model rather than an upgraded one helps - the Oregon and Dakota models etc have new interfaces while the GpsMap and Vista etc have the same old.

They get better the more you use them. Its not really that they get better, you just get used to their quirks...

[tastrax]

I cant stress enough to grab the manuals before you buy - its amazing the subtle differences - http://www8.garmin.com/support/userManual.jsp

The SD card functions are great - turn it on and it can save a track every time you turn it on - it even automatically creates a new gpx file for each day!

Here is some info on loading your own maps -
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/u ... custommaps
https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=204

Birds eye - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID ... rementsTab
Locked to 1 unit (like most of the extra data that you can buy
Imagery downloaded to your GPS device during the 1 year subscription does NOT expire so maybe you could work overtime in one year and get everything you need!

[ollster]

I cant stress enough to grab the manuals before you buy

Yup will do. I do usually make a habit of at least carefully reading reviews and the manufacturer's specs sheet, then the manual if I need extra info. Reckon the 62s is looking the stuff. Turns out my dad has a Garmin something or other handheld (non-mapping one) so I'll have a play with that, and have a better look at the older "60" models a few mates have.

[Azza]

By far the most annoying things I've found is the battery drain on the Garmins...
Basically a set of AA's wouldn't last much longer than a single trip and the next trip you'd be wanting to take a spare set just incase. Lithium batteries help, gettings more like a week now. But still Lithum Batteries aren't exactly cheap. The number crunching in the GPS chews through the power.
Still I think its stopped me from becoming completely reliant on the thing for navigation.

The only thing putting me off the model in question is that its a fair bit heavier than what I have already. eTrex Legend. But the reception is less than spectacular in the forest so... Just about all the outdoor units are water proof.

Still I don't thinks its going to help you find your way up Mt Nicholas is it?

[ollster]

What's the quoted battery life on yours? The 62 series claims ~20 hours with alkaline batteries.

its a fair bit heavier than what I have already. eTrex Legend.

LOL, you're in the wrong forum, you should be in weight watchers or whatever it's called. I'm going to ask for an extra heavy model.

Still I don't thinks its going to help you find your way up Mt Nicholas is it?

It was more the tapes and cairns all over the place that was the problem, coupled with patchy advice. I wasn't even going to go up there but the better half decided that we should do it cause it was close to the road.

[ILUVSWTAS]

It was more the tapes and cairns all over the place that was the problem, coupled with patchy advice.

Well sorry, but we found it so easy I didnt think you'd need step by step directions.....

[ollster]

Well sorry, but we found it so easy I didnt think you'd need step by step directions.....

More a combination... if I had've followed my gut rather than the tags ad junk everywhere I'd probably have followed that 4wd track as far as possible... meh. Next time.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Yeh Jolly ol St Nic isnt going anywhere....

Unlike me, bedtime. BIG day tomorrow......

[ollster]

Yeh Jolly ol St Nic isnt going anywhere....

Unlike me, bedtime. BIG day tomorrow......

Meh, I'm not rushing. Reckon it'll be easy.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Hehe ok you just signed up for first lead.

What are you doing at home still??

[ollster]

Hehe ok you just signed up for first lead.

What are you doing at home still??

Told you it'd be easy.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Indeed you did..