Why do you use GPS?

[blocker]

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I use the Garmin 276C. Water proof, rugged and large color screen. Connected direct to the battery of the bike, it keeps the on board battery charged. So when you stop at a restaurant and want to look at where you are going or set up another rout you can take it with you. In Africa we had our routs pre-loaded so when the track changed we were able to follow.In Baja the maps are poor and knowing where you saves a lot of back-tracking. On the way down in the truck, used if to find gas, food and Starbucks.

 

[Lucky]

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blocker wrote:

I use the Garmin 276C. Water proof, rugged and large color screen.

[align=left]
Diagonal: 9.7 cm (3.8 in.) [/align][align=left] TFT, 256-colour, 480 x 320 pixels, adjustable LED backlight[/align][align=left]
Good Display [/align]

 

[Lucky]

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Dan wrote

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX

Note to self: add 12volt outlet to the bike

Good advice (especially when GPSs are so hungry).

 

[Lucky]

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What is a "Base Map" that is selling with a GPS units?

How useful is it?

 

[Lucky]

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Comparison Chart http://www.mysatnav.ie/compare-gps

 

[snackdaddy]

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Lucky wrote:

What is a "Base Map" that is selling with a GPS units?

How useful is it?

Useless. It shows MAJOR roads only (AS in highway 1)

I only found it usefull when travelling the I 5 to oregon as the base map would tell me what services/distance to the next exit.

For Garmin at least some free alternatives exist or you could borrow from someone who has paid for the garmin maps.

 

[Lucky]

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snackdaddy wrote:

Useless. It shows MAJOR roads only (AS in highway 1)

I only found it usefull when travelling the I 5 to oregon as the base map would tell me what services/distance to the next exit.

I see

For Garmin at least some free alternatives exist or you could borrow from someone who has paid for the garmin maps.

So TopoMaps not locked to a unit. You can buy CD/DVD and share it. It's not so bad.

 

[North]

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Lucky wrote:

North wrote:

A have a Garmin 276C andlove it. It has a battery and it runs off and is charged by the bike as well. It is also water proof.

Mine can plot a route back to myhouse from where-everI am. Find the nearest gas tation or store. The Unit store routes, tells you your ETA, distance left to go,grid numbers, etc, etc... It also has a nice sized colour screen.

Do you ever lose reception in forest or canyon? How does it know about gas stations, and stores? Do you load that info yourself or does it come from certain sites?

Hi Lucky,

It does loose it's signal in the woods sometimes.I have heard that the more modern models are better.

And it knows were the stores and gas stations are.

 

[ToadRide]

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Definately a toy I got with the new bike. But now, as Iprepare to leave for the south, maybe not so much.

 

[2wheelHorseRider]

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I am using a Magellan Triton 400.
The unit does not like vibrations when mounted on a bike, it stalled a few times.

Once warmed up, reception is very good. There is no trouble riding through woods and so. I usually keep the unit in my pocket, pull it out when i need it. Going through a long tunnel cuts the signal.

The available download maps from Magellan show a great amount of logging roads. Some roads on the map are not up to date, but it is very helpful to give you an idea where about to ride.

I found the relationship between display size and the map detail is not that great.
It looks like if you are looking through a toilet paper roll onto a regular paper map.
It takes some time scrolling through the GPS map to look for a way out when lost.

When I am lost, I use my GPS to pin point my current location and find myself on a paper map. 'Backroad Mapbook' works good.

 

[Lucky]

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2wheelHorseRider wrote:

I am using a Magellan Triton 400.

The available download maps from Magellan show a great amount of logging roads. Some roads on the map are not up to date, but it is very helpful to give you an idea where about to ride.

I found the relationship between display size and the map detail is not that great.
It looks like if you are looking through a toilet paper roll onto a regular paper map

Does Magellan give you the maps for free?

I like your display size description! awesome!

 

[2wheelHorseRider]

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"Does Magellan give you the maps for free?"

(i wish there would do )

No, there about $50 for a region, check the link.
http://www.magellangps.com/products/map.asp?tab=0&PRODID=1759

the downloads will be registered to one GPS serial number.

:hb:

 

[Lucky]

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2wheelHorseRider wrote:

"Does Magellan give you the maps for free?"

(i wish there would do )

No, there about $50 for a region, check the link.
http://www.magellangps.com/products/map.asp?tab=0&PRODID=1759

the downloads will be registered to one GPS serial number.

:hb:

yep
sounds it's more expansive than garmin's topo maps.

 

[Ripple]

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I love my gps because I have seen so much more country since I can backtrack if need be...expensive roll of string. I do set up routes for places I want to see, usually lakes. The best is the answer to "when are we going to get there!" is on the dash. $200 package from Wal-mart included garmin etrex legend and every topo map for Canada on disk.

 

[Lucky]

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Quote from me contact to Garmin International:

Me: From my research, I found two models potentially suitable; eTrex Visa HCx and GPSMAP 60 CSx. The last of my criteria is sensitivity, which is not specified in your device specs. Where can I find some comparison charts for your products? I have already read many advertisements filled with colourful adjectives. Can you elaborate using technical data on how the different models are expected to perform in deep forest or canyon areas?

Also, how does the sensitivity differ between GPSMAP 60 CSx and Cx?

Thank you for contacting Garmin International. The 60 CSX and the Vista HCX both have high sensitivity receivers in them. They will pick up satellite signal under trees and have the ability to pick up signal when using indoors. The 60 CSX will do a better job picking up satellite reception under tree canopy due it having a external antenna. If
satellite reception is weak, the 60 CSX will pick up signal better than the Vista.

Would it be something you and I could notice? Maybe not.

I personally prefer the 60 CSX simply because I like having the buttons on the front to access different menus and options.

The 60 CX and CSX have the same high sensitivity receiver in them. The difference being the 60 CSX has a electronic compass and a barometric altimeter.

We don't have graphs the show the difference from one unit to the next in terms of technical stats. You can compare our products online, detailed data is not tested there. You can find a number of Garmin users publishing videos on youtube. These show the units being used in the field and tend to be fairly well done.

Senior Product Support Specialist
Outdoor/Fitness Team
Garmin International

 

[snackdaddy]

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I have the Garmin 76 csx (Same internals as the 60csx) I can say that it has never lost a signal when outside. I did have some problems with it turning off due to vibration but solved that with some copper shims. I have had my garming for 3 years and highly recomend Garmin and 76/60 series products.

 

[Lucky]

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snackdaddy wrote:

I have the Garmin 76 csx (Same internals as the 60csx) I can say that it has never lost a signal when outside. I did have some problems with it turning off due to vibration but solved that with some copper shims. I have had my garming for 3 years and highly recomend Garmin and 76/60 series products.

What kind of vibration are you talking about?

 

[vexorg]

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Lucky wrote:

What kind of vibration are you talking about?

Engine vibration, pavement, gravel etc. If it gets to the right frequency, it causes the batteries to momentarily lose contact, which shuts the GPS off. As snackdaddy mentioned, you can fix it with copper shims, or with small drops of silicone on the battery door to keep the batteries from moving around. Even if you are taking power off the bike to run the GPS, it can sometimes happen of the power connector moves too much.

 

[Lucky]

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vexorg wrote:

Lucky wrote:

What kind of vibration are you talking about?

Engine vibration, pavement, gravel etc. If it gets to the right frequency, it causes the batteries to momentarily lose contact, which shuts the GPS off. As snackdaddy mentioned, you can fix it with copper shims, or with small drops of silicone on the battery door to keep the batteries from moving around. Even if you are taking power off the bike to run the GPS, it can sometimes happen of the power connector moves too much.

I see. thanks.

 

[Phoenix]

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Informative thread, and thinking of buying soon. Just wondering on what other users rank in importance of features from a gps unit, figure #1 is waterproof......after that what are the experienced users looking for ???