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talons05
Nov 11, 2001, 2:39 AM
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What's the best GPS unit out there?
AW
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fiend
Nov 11, 2001, 3:23 AM
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I don't know much about GPS but Garmin is supposedly one of the best. At least that's the most common name I've seen around.
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beta
Nov 11, 2001, 6:04 AM
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I get to play around a little with GPS units at work (we sell 'em) of course, having champagne taste and a beer budget, I go for the cool stuff.
The Garmin Vista is the most expensive one we stock, around $349.00, but it does have an electronic compass which is very cool, and even better, an altimiter, so you could get accurate readings of how high you climbed.
Well, I've been good this year, maybe Santa will bring me one. Gosh, I keep putting BD and Petzl catalogs on my wifes pillow but so far she hasn't taken the hint.
By the way, it's small, and waterproof which is always a good thing.(the GPS, not my wife ).
Keep climbing y'all,
Jeff
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talons05
Nov 11, 2001, 8:02 AM
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Haha, thanks for the info, Jeff, let's just not tell your wife... That waterproof one sounds pretty interesting...
AW
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mnutz
Nov 11, 2001, 5:06 PM
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I've been using a Garmin GPS 12 for a couple of years now and am very happy with it. Garmin's customer service is great and they regularly update the software.
I use Delorme TopoSource mapping software and upload my waypoints and tracklogs from my gps to my computer. Great for planning backpacking and climbing trips. It will give me an elevation profile of routes and also 3D images.
Here is a link to an excellent GPS info site.
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downshift
Nov 11, 2001, 5:29 PM
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I have a GPS and it a Lowrance Globalnav 12. Now it was a freebe so I didn't actually pruchase it, or have a choice what one to get. If I had a choice, and now that I know a little bit about GPS, I definity would have gone with a Garmin. They are nice compact units, with alot of decent features.
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talons05
Nov 11, 2001, 5:31 PM
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Mnutz -
3d images? Wow.
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mnutz
Nov 11, 2001, 7:19 PM
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talons - Yeah the 3D images are awesome. Just select an area of the map, hit the create 3D button, and it draws the image for you. Then you can adjust your viewpoint (all compass points, and angles from 15 degrees to 90 degrees). So you can, for instance, look at a possible new route from every possible direction.
You can also plot a route on the map then download it to your gps and have it guide you there. Say you find what looks like an interesting backcountry canyon on your topo, no trails near it. Draw your route on the map, label it, then connect your gps and download it. Simple, and lots of fun.
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talons05
Nov 11, 2001, 7:50 PM
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Does Garmin still make that model?
AW
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jaydoc
Nov 13, 2001, 1:34 AM
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Actually, Talon, he's talking about the software, not his GPS unit. There are some units that will accept uploads from your computer of 3D topos, but most don't. A really nice way to view them is to get a color PDA like the Handspring Prism or Palm m505, add the GPS module, and then upload the 3D topos. You get 3D COLOR topos on your handheld.
I'm not aware of any straight GPS units that allow you to do this.
Incidentally, I own a Garmin eTrex Summit, and several other members of my family also own various eTrex models. These are full-featured, inexpensive GPS units. Backpacker magazine rates them a best-buy. The nice thing about them is that you can use them one-handed while most other models require two.
If you are looking for a device which will give you altitude changes without all the complexity of a GPS unit then check out the Suunto wrist computers. I have a Suunto Vector that I use skiing and backpacking for tracking altitude changes. It's great, has a barometer, digital compass, altimeter, and all the other standard watch instruments.
Jim
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talons05
Nov 13, 2001, 4:04 AM
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I, too, have a Suunto altimeter/barometer/breakfast cook watch.
What I am really needing though, is a good GPS unit. As mnutz guessed, I will be using it mainly for climbing. The 3d feature of GPS appeals to me greatly. Which models allow the upload of this software?
AW
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mnutz
Nov 14, 2001, 3:20 AM
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talons - The 3D is not available on any GPS unit. You need to purchase separate mapping software for your home pc. Most GPS units allow for the transfer of info between the GPS and your pc, with the proper connecting cable. The 3D images you would only be able to view on your pc.
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talons05
Nov 14, 2001, 4:21 AM
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Oh ok. I get it. That's still freakin' awesome. So all of the new Garmin units should be able to upload maps/waypoints, etc, right?
AW
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jaydoc
Nov 15, 2001, 10:27 PM
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Yes, all the eTrex's can accept uploads of waypoints/routes, etc... (except the base eTrex. You CAN, however view the 3D maps generated by Topo USA in PDA's equipped with GPS modules (palm, handspring, etc). These units (some in color) are, of course, bulkier and not as rugged as dedicated GPS units.
Jim
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jaydoc
Nov 15, 2001, 10:29 PM
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By the way, you can dowload a demo of the Topo USA 3.0 software from the DeLorme website which shows most of its features, including the 3D rendering. Jim
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