LR Max

So I was looking on the Gilsson website and their antennas. The Marine antenna is only slightly better than the low profile one according to their rating. Since I am going to mount this antenna on a truck, I don't mind getting the big marine unit if there is a significant difference between the two. Is there? Thanks.

OK, so I used to run a standard Garmin "mouse"-type external antenna on my Garmin 176c GPS. The setup lives in my truck and while off roading, a random tree reached out and grabbed it (along with a lot of paint). Thus, R.I.P. external antenna . So I need a new one. The windshield of my truck is sloped such that the standard antenna barely works and I really need an external antenna. The old Garmin antenna worked fairly well most of the time, but sometimes I lost reception (very annoying considering it is supposed to be a great antenna) even though it was in a good location. So I've been looking around and I think those marine-grade antennas are the way to go. Garmin has a 37 dB antenna that looks pretty good. Now for the stupid questions: anyone ever mounted one of these things? Is it pretty easy to mount? Also, can I paint it? I gotta admit, it would look REALLY stupid considering the rest of the truck is dark blue. Remember, this setup is on board a vehicle and the GPS is hard-wired to the vehicle so power is of no concern (electric system is built up, etc). Any suggestions/recommendations? I am in the southeast with a lot of heavy tree cover and I want to make sure I get through all of that. Thanks.

Yes. I took all my electronics with me as carry on. My laptop, camera, other camera, GPS crap, etc. No problems. My airline was US Air.

I cannot comment on the high quality of Garmin tech support. I called them about my Garmin GPS II+ and the "Low memory battery" warning. The guy on the other line said to ship it in to get repaired and that all repairs would be covered under warranty. Mind you, this unit is 4~5 years old and has a lot of use. Fortunately, at that time I spoke up and told him that part of the screen had died. The guy on the other line said that he would have the screen also replaced under warranty. I shipped it off and about a week and a half later it came back all cleaned up and working like clockwork. All I had to do was pay for the shipping to get it out there which is very small in comparison the probable cost of getting everything fixed and definately small price if I would have had to buy a new GPSr. If that ain't customer service than I don't know what is. Max T.

NFA, I think if you get him a Etrex, also get him a neoprene case. I think these are mighty fine. Also, I just looked at some GPSs at Bass Pro today. The Garmin 72 is also a good unit to look into. Its about 160 bucks and it offers a good interface and a large screen (I know for some peoples the large screen is VERY important). It might be worth the 60 extra bucks to upgrade. I looked at the Geko and it is dead simple. I mean, UBER simple. While the display is small, all of the letters are pretty big so that is good. Max T.

I have the same problem with my Dad. He wanted a GPS so he could go out and mark places of interest to him and then go back to them. Sometimes he likes to mark places and then hands the data over to me so I can put it on a map for him. He likes the Garmin GPS II+. First off, its non-mapping, non-built in compass or any other stuff on it to confuse him. It has a button on the front, in plain view that says "MARK" and he can just press that and be done with it. Also it is pretty difficult to tinker with the settings so he can't mess those up. The II+ "chassis" is extremely durable and I know he can't hurt it. Now since the memory battery has been replaced, it does not eat batteries anymore and is capable of getting a signal lock with relative efficiency. I would avoid the Etrex line of GPS. I looked at them and the interface is kind of difficult to understand (even for me!). The Geko might be good, and getting the 101 would probably be best since it doesn't have those "games" on there (for him, it can be confusing) and you don't need computer interface (once again, more confusing stuff). All of the buttons are on the front and reasonably marked (less confusing). I think this will be a good unit for him. It doesn't have a "backlit" screen (confusing stuff) and it seems to be small and lightweight so it can be carried with ease. I have no experience in Magellan units so I cannot say anything about them. Do you have a "Bass Pro Shop" or a "Cabelas" or any other such store near you? You can go to them and handle the units to see if that is what you need to buy. In fact, I think I'll knock off a little early and go check out some GPS units . Hope this helps. Max T. P.S. In review, need bare bones, small, light, durable GPS!

Hahahahahahaha I was down at Clemson this past weekend and I was just about to go out there and get that yellow Jeep. I would have been very dissapointed! Interestingly enough, there are no YJTB in the Charlotte area . Too bad they are all sold and I can't start one. Oh well. Glad you had fun! I like the "GPS in mouth" idea. Max T.

I'll get second in line for it. Good thing you have a paypal account! It will make the transfer easier. Feel free to E-mail me at max682@earthlink.net and we can begin talking. Max T. P.S. Uber-interested

Well, since this is kind of an open question, I will tell you what I think: Mapsource Topo! - Crappy detail but it is easy to upload/download to my Garmin GPS (I sure hope it would!). It is easy to work with. If I want to edit a track (sometimes I stop for a while, or something) then I can do so quickly and easily with this program. In general, I edit data with this program first. Delorme Topo 5.0 - Uber-good detail. 3-D is cool as well and allows me to see the terrain. The interface is pretty difficult to work with. You cannot easily edit anything you see on the screen. Overall, when I make a map I use Delorme for my final product since it lends itself easily to make data. USA Photomap - Best program for the dollar . The maps take a long time to download, even with a 100 Mbps connection. Its incredibly slow with a 56k connection. You have to pre-plan and download your maps before you venture out into the wild (of course I sometimes take my laptop out into the field so I have to make sure of this). Aerial maps are cool and help with familiarizing yourself with the area. But a lot of times the aerial maps are not up to date so watch out. You can easily download data from the GPS to the map but it won't look pretty. It uses USGS quad topo maps which are identical to their paper counterparts. This can be every convenient at times. Overall, since it is free, I say go for it. It will be a good program to have. Max T.

Thanks for the reply. I has *sensed* that a 64MB data card was nessecary but I just wanted to check. I did a Froogle search and found them for under 60 bucks so that is probably the way to go. Max T.

Hi all, I need to get myself a memory card for my Garmin 176c. From what I understand, the memory cards that Garmin make do fit many other Garmin models. Therefore, one size fits all . I am trying to figure out how much memory I need. Right now I am looking at only putting mapsource Topo! maps for North Carolina and South Carolina on there. In general, I just hang out in these two states so I don't see a reason as to why I should require anymore. And if I do need to venture out of the realm of the Carolinas, then I can just download the needed map. About how big of a memory card do I need? Also, I've seen on offroute.com (the fine peoples who support geocaching.com) offer a scandisk aftermarket memory card for the Garmin unit. While the website does say it offers the memory card, the picture of the item doesn't look like the right thing. Does anyone know if Scandisk offers a memory card for the Garmin unit? I personally think very highly of Scandisk. I have a 256MB memory stick in my Sony Cybershot camera and it is mighty fine . So I am not afraid to buy their product again. Lastly, any other leads on memory card resources? Thanks! Max T.

Pecka, I have the Garmin version of that bag and it is great for storing the GPS while in the truck or in the house but not while walking in the woods. I suspect I'll go raid the Wal-Mart tomorrow and see what I can find. I guess I was over thinking it . I was hoping that I could get a neoprene cover from Gilsson for the 176 but they don't make it. tirediron, Cute . The only problem is that rig is a little bit too big. You ever ride in one of those things? You and the next 10 guys get hit by some pretty big branches! (Helmets are good) Besides, I already gots a vehicle: Here is my ye olde Land Rover. Its the longer wheel base model which sometimes makes getting through the tight sections a little tricky but it makes up for it in significant increase in utility. It can hold its own, and if not the 12,000 lb winch can . Max T.

My multi-purpose GPS that I run is a Garmin 176C. I use it for everything from in the car to hiking, geocaching, backpacking, etc. It is a rather large unit (almost twice the size of a Garmin 76) but it does sport a 3"x3" color screen. On some of the screens, I can increase the size of the text/numbers. I also fiddle with the backlighting and contrast to optimum viewing. While this does suck up a lot of electricity, I have a hard-wire tapped into my trucks wiring harness to provide its energy so I don't mind using the backlighting. I say check out this unit first. Also some other marine-grade GPS units have big displays. For the most part, the 176 is big enough to see the screen but small enough to use for hiking (but just barely). Max T.

I thought about maybe getting the vista or the GPS V, but the problem that then comes up is that these units have too many features and begin to get complicated. I want to keep things as simple as possible to avoid confusion. Just a thought, those of you out there with the built-in compass, how do you like it? I just assumed it was a good feature that would make things a lot easier. Any thoughts? Thanks for the input thus far. Max T.

I've decided that I should get my dad a new GPS for fathers day. He has been using a Garmin GPS II+ that just recently crapped out. I *think* I have narrowed it down to two units: either a Geko 301 or a eTrex Summit. I narrowed it down to these two units because they both have the built in compass in the unit (which would help him out a lot). Both units are WAAS capable but WAAS is not much of a factor since there aren't any nearby stations. In general, he uses it for bombing around the property as well as a little bit for work. He likes to use it to take waypoints at important places and then passes the data along to me. The unit definately needs to have some sort of computer interface as well as be small and light. I want to stick to Garmin because I already have a bunch of Garmin junk (mapsource programs and mounts, etc). Here are my thoughts on the units: Geko 301- Uber-small and lightweight. Only requires two batteries and seems to go a long way on it. Seems to have a fairly easy interface (which is important) and it is not too terribly expensive. Some things I wish it had was a backlit screen for night operations. Also I wish there was a neoprene case (at gpsgeek.com) for it since I think those are really cool. Lastly, looks like it will be 50 bucks cheaper. eTrex Summit - Seems to be a well proven unit. Still a very compact unit. From what I can tell, it looks like it might be a little difficult to operate (might not). I sense that this unit might be a little bit better than the Geko but I don't know. Its not WAAS capable, but I don't even get WAAS in the area with my 176C w/external antenna. What does everyone think? Basically, I want to get him a simple GPS. I'd prefer to have the built in compass and the downloadable map but then I start getting into the big $$$$. I figure I'll spend something in the 200~300 dollar range for the unit. Any feedback on these units? Any other unit I am overlooking? Thanks! Max T.

Thanks for all of the replies. Yep, looks like I am off to Wal-Mart. Stunod, yea, thats the one I got. I can probably find another use for it. Max T.

Good morning all, I have been using a Garmin 176C (yea, I know, its a big, heavy unit but its all I gots) for all of my GPS needs. As of late, it has been travelling with me when I am out of the truck and into the woods. I've been carrying it in my pocket but that is a lot of weight and it makes things more difficult. I was over at Bass Pro and for 10 bucks I bought this thing called the "Ultimate GPS carrying case". Its a nice setup, but its still too small since my GPS just BARELY fits in it. Its a bear to try and get it out. Therefore, I am searching for a new pouch for my Garmin. I did a Froogle search and didn't come up with anything so I thought I would post here to see what everyone thinks. The unit is 3.4"H x 6.18"W x 2.25D (found on Garmin website) so I would like something with a little more room since I use the little dust cover a lot. I'd prefer it to be camo but black or green will work too. Needs to be able to keep rain and dirt out of it (within reason) and durable. I will be carrying it on my belt for the most part and a large belt loop would also be good. Anyone out there have any reccomendations? Thanks Max T.

That GPS Utility is the thing I need. Too bad I have to pay big $$$ to get the decent version (my money has run out). But at least I can make pushpins and then put them onto the GPS. I just wish I could use S&T directly with my GPS. That would make everything a lot easier. Thanks for all of the help! Max T.

Hmmmm, Well, I *think* I am using GPSbabel correctly. I have a file that is in S&T, which I select in GPSbabel, also below it I choose S&T as its format. Then I create a new file, but in easyGPS format. I convert it. The new file is only like 1KB big and won't work in easyGPS or any other format for that matter. It kinda pisses me off that it doesn't work. I'll try some sort of other form, or something different. I still can't get it right though... Max T.

I concour with the external-antenna addition. A couple of days ago I was out wandering the woods finding property corners with my Garmin 176c (yea, its a big unit, but its all I gots!). I was in thick cover and it was cloudy with light rain. My stock antenna lost reception immediately but I had thrown in my mouse antenna in my bag and so I began using that. From that point on, I never lost 3d nav w/WAAS. I was able to find my points as well as keep an accurate track. While the external antenna is a pain, I usually take it and wrap it around my brim hat. It stays up out of my way and also puts the antenna at the highest point (even though its only 5' 6" up, hehehehehe). I haven't really noticed *too* much battery drainage even though I know its there. I just deal with it since the advantages greatly outweigh the expense in the extra energy. I recommend the external antenna. I also use my external antenna extensively in my automobiles and it makes a difference as well. Max T.

Good Evening all, I just purchased MS Streets&Trips 2004 for my auto needs. I was dissapointed to find out that I could not export the routes created in S&T to my GPS (Garmin 176c). Any Idea on how to do this? I've tried GPSbabel but I can never get that program to work . Any other ideas? Max T.

Thanks everyone for the help. I defragged my hard drive. Interestingly enough, I defraged about three weeks ago and now it is a total mess! I predict I will probably have to reformat before the end of the summer since a lot of my files just won't defragment. Anyway, this fixed the problem. The program loads extremely slow, I wonder is this is because of my hard drive or because of the scratched disk. All in all everything *works*. I accidently loaded up my hard drive because (with my infinite wisdom) loaded the new Delorme Topo 5.0 onto my hard drive. I am sure that was not a good thing to do. I'll probably have to just bite the bullet and use the disk since it is too much info to have on my hard drive. Anyway, thanks again for the help! I'll try the CD doctor and see if it doesn't help. Hope I don't destroy the disk! Max T.

Thanks everyone. Yea, I probably did something to upset my computer. I am sorry I did not inform everyone here, but I am runnin windows XP on a IBM T40 laptop (uber-navigation box ). I will run some disc cleanup, defrag, error checking, etc and then try it. I noticed my main Mapsource CD had some scratches on it, and I thought that is what did it in. I was over at Best Buy and saw this thing call "CD Doc" which says it can correct CD scratches and other wear and tear problems that come with the territory. Has anyone here ever used one of these? If it works, then it would be pretty cool to fix it up. Thanks everyone! Max T.

Evening everyone, My Mapsource Topo just died. Whenever I attempt to open it, it begins to open then freezes. I uninstalled and then re-installed but no dice. I tried putting another disc in and it kept asking for my east-coast CD (the one I normally use). Has anyone had this happen to them? Any fixes out there? I would really like to have my mapsource since it is so easy to edit tracks and store raw data from my GPS. Thanks. Max T.

I used to do a lot of orienteering and go to orienteering meets with my Boy Scout troop on a regular basis. When we went out, there would be guys out there who would run the course. Me and my buddies would walk at a decent pace and do the entire course even though it would take us about 5 times as long to do it . I've picked up Geocaching I guess to kinda make up for that. I am wanting to pick up NG topo so I can make maps for when I go out onto the trail. Now I am in Army ROTC (yep, another officer around here ) and figuring out where you are going in the woods is pretty important. I am glad I did a lot map and compass work earlier since it seems to be very helpful at not getting yelled at for getting lost! I've been trying to use my GPS more when I am out in the field but my Garmin 176c is a pretty big unit to be using out there in the mud (but its great for my truck!). I'll probably be looking for a smaller, lighter, cheaper setup for the future. I think the GPS is one of be best additions to my equipment list yet. Right up there with my pocket knife and food. I've never been lost, ever! I've taken a wrong turn, but never lost . Max T.