Why do you use GPS?

[Lucky]

Hey - is this a stupid question!?

Maybe yes, and maybe not...

GPS - this is a very useful device by it's description.

but it requires batteries, some assembly (to mount, adaptor to feed it), computer and of course digital maps.

Let's say, to not get lost you need a piece of map (where you're riding), compass and watch.

so the question is What exactly have you found useful about it? is it like a toy that makes a digital map on which you can check your altitude and the temperature, and see your run as a google map?

Is it a toy or a tool for you?

Do you have stories to tell about how did it help you?

Throw me a bone here, people .... :f:

 

[Rib Eye]

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For me, it's a toy. No doubt about it.

On the pratical side, it might save my a-- someday if I get lost

 

[Lucky]

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Rib Eye wrote:

For me, it's a toy. No doubt about it.

On the pratical side, it might save my a-- someday if I get lost

I see. thanks for your honesty, I appreciate that and can relate.

what makes it a fun toy for you? and what model are you using?

 

[Rib Eye]

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I use a Garmin Etrex Vista Cx. Great unit, but it likes to eat batteries. I haven't taken the time to hard wire power for it. Also the unit has been getting cranky and has been crashing like window 98. The other day was the last straw. After it locked up & froze on a ride I took if off the handle bar mount stuffed it in my rear carrier rack. When I got home I found the GPS had found its way over the stainless water bottle - and stratch the crap out of the display. Pretty much garbage now.

Ordered a Magellan Crossover. Expect to see it mid next week.

What do you use?

 

[vexorg]

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I use my GPS to log places I've been so I can share the route with others (shameless plug for http://bike.stu.ph). I also use it for when I am exploring an area, so I don't have to worry quite so much about how to get back to a known area/road. Every once in a while, I use it to follow someone else's GPS tracks that I have downloaded.

On long trips, I like using it while riding so I can make sure we are still on pace if we have to be somewhere by a certain time (using ETA to destination display etc). Yes, you can do this in your head with simple math and the GPS cheats with it's calculations, but hey, I'm lazy. And of course, if you are in a strange town, the autorouting can help you find a store/gas/etc.

I use a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx

 

[Lucky]

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Rib Eye wrote:

I use a Garmin Etrex Vista Cx. Great unit, but....

Ordered a Magellan Crossover. Expect to see it mid next week.

What do you use?

Cranky, too bad. Too bad about the display.

What was great about it?
How is the reception?

I have nothing, yet. that's why I'm asking.

 

[Lucky]

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vexorg wrote:

I use my GPS to log places I've been so I can share the route with others (shameless plug for http://bike.stu.ph). I also use it for when I am exploring an area, so I don't have to worry quite so much about how to get back to a known area/road. Every once in a while, I use it to follow someone else's GPS tracks that I have downloaded.

On long trips, I like using it while riding so I can make sure we are still on pace if we have to be somewhere by a certain time (using ETA to destination display etc). Yes, you can do this in your head with simple math and the GPS cheats with it's calculations, but hey, I'm lazy. And of course, if you are in a strange town, the autorouting can help you find a store/gas/etc.

I use a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx

Sharing routes is good idea.
Finding gas station is good too. Do you need to program specifically for gas station locations etc.?

 

[Dorky]

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In my opinion, when riding in the bush, the two greatest features of a GPS are:

• It tells you where you are. You still need a map but now you know where your are on the map.
• It tells you where you have been. So the next time you or a buddy want to go back to that super cool spot you found, you have a track that shows you how to get there.

I thinka GPS is the number one accessory for off road riding. :tup: But in the bush a GPS takes a bit of practice (and a map) to help you get to your destination.
And a quick edit - you can still get lost with a GPS. If you haven't done it yet, you aren't trying hard enough. A GPS is not the solution to everything.

 

[Airride]

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I use the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx as it had the best reception of most units as of last year.
I use it on all my hikes and it is one of the few that find and keep a signal in the mountains here on the coast.
I use it on my bike to locate areas (lakes etc.) that I want to go to.
For me it has become like a Tach or Speedo - I don,t need them but they are nice.

 

[Lucky]

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Airride wrote:

I use the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx as it had the best reception of most units as of last year.
I use it on all my hikes and it is one of the few that find and keep a signal in the mountains here on the coast.
I use it on my bike to locate areas (lakes etc.) that I want to go to.
For me it has become like a Tach or Speedo - I don,t need them but they are nice.

Have you tested the reception in comparison to other units, or do you know by reading reviews?

 

[Dan]

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There is a hundred uses for the GPS that I have intention of using one day, but they're on the "haven't got around to it" list

The one and only reason I use it is because I have a lousy sense of direction and I was always lost before I owned it.

Its a breadcrumb trail for me, a regular map doesn't do me a damn bit of good when there are not any street signs for me to read, I get lost on the way back from the grocery store, I don't recognize landmarks at all.

Its saves me a lot of paper and computer time now when I need directions I just input the adress and off I go.

One day I'd like to take the time to learn all the features, and learn to interface it with the computer to save routes and tracks, create gpx files to share, print on google earth maps etc etc.

Anyone interested in running a GPS challenge? We do this in 4x4's, I have a book full of waypoints that I could modify into a dual sport route. You get a waypoint at the start, and you get the next waypoint when you reach the first waypoint, like geocaching, except twelve in a row, and if you get lost, you run out of gas.

 

[c337b]

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Also if someone gets hurt you can give the exactlocationso the resue crew can find you instead of guessing

 

[cactusreid]

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i haven't used my map 76 to it's full potential yet,but here are some things i like about gps units

-with a paper map that's set up with lat and longitude cordinates,you can pin point where you are on the map. i bought my gps for baja travels a few years ago,and when you have multi choices, and not to many land marks,and big distances to backtrack if you pick the wrong route, i was very happy that i bought the unit the first time i used it down there.

-you can set a "go to" location,and just follow the unit ( within reason as you may have to go around a mountain when the gps point you straight through it). it also calculates the distance left to go-handy for fuel and inspiration as well.

trip computor- you have hard evidence to use at your next bragging session,as to just how far,fast and long you travelled.

 

[tomcycle]

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I have the Garmin 60CSX

For those of you that have ridden the Dead Zone, and you wonder how the hell did they find this route? GPS

It has been and invaluable tool for route planing for some of the events that you have been on, but I also spend a lot of time going over tha old paper maps before any adventure I head out on. In short I use the GPS to assist in navigation and not to count on.

Google Earth has added a whole new dimension to the GSP as well, lots of fun to see where you have been

Like Reid I have found the maps in Baja are not exactly up to date and the GPS made sure we were not going in circles

If you ride off road, just buy one, it is worth every cent



Tom

 

[250ccforme]

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Most of the reasons have been stated. It's part toy, part tool. Really useful if you have to backtrack through numerous clearcuts and all the intersections and surroundings look like the last spot. Your tracks from the way in are gone cause you're riding in silt and there's been a truck or two go over them. There's a bit of a learning curve but that's good for excercising the stuff betwixt the ears. The elevation profile can be really interesting to look at, sometimes little stretches go straight up. :shock:Yup, shore was steep there, Jim-Bob.

 

[North]

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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.

For anyride longer than just going to the store, I feel like I am missing something if I don't have it. (I still bring mapsfor long or dualsport rides.)

For everyday riding you don't need one, but once you start usinga GSP. It sucks not to have it with you.

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.

 

[Lucky]

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Dan wrote:

....
The one and only reason I use it is because I have a lousy sense of direction and I was always lost before I owned it.
....

I can see that in this case, GPS is your friend.
Just don't forget to carry enough "food"
for him....

What model do you use?

 

[Lucky]

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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?

 

[Lucky]

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c337b wrote:

Also if someone gets hurt you can give the exactlocationso the resue crew can find you instead of guessing

This is a very practical use that was mentioned. If riding alone one should at least have the "SPOT".

 

[Dan]

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Lucky wrote:

Dan wrote:

....
The one and only reason I use it is because I have a lousy sense of direction and I was always lost before I owned it.
....

I can see that in this case, GPS is your friend.
Just don't forget to carry enough "food"
for him....

What model do you use?

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX

I use expensive batteries, although I've only gone through one set of batteries in the past two years since its almost always plugged into external power in one of my vehicles.

Note to self: add 12volt outlet to the bike