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What Gps Are You Using?

treebark

By treebark
in GPS technology and devices

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graveyard mom

+graveyard mom

Posted
Posted

I got the only one I could afford, the Geko101. I know you have to add everything in by hand, but I don't care. I also use it to search for local cemeteries(which is what I bought it for in the first place) and those don't come with coords that are downloadable. It finds me the caches just fine so far. I like that it is small and fits in my pocket and is pretty simple to use.

 

Yes, perhaps someday I will upgrade, maybe when I hit the lotto or get the cars paid off, but I will still have to add the coords of cemeteries by hand. So for now, I love my Geko101!! :)

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Wrench&Wench

+Wrench&Wench

Posted
Posted

Garmin GPSMap60CS with CitySelect v6.8. I'm so new to this my body sqeaks when I make a turn. But so far i really like the 60cs. I've had several questions that were answered in this forum but for the most part I figured it out in it's basic mode that gets me to the cache with no problems. If I belive there should be a menu for a certain screen, it's usually there. I have allot more to learn but love this gpsr.

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Miragee

+Miragee

Posted
Posted

I had the Garmin eTrex Vista and recently upgraded to the Vista C with City Select and the auto navigation kit.

 

WOW!! Is that wonderful! I don't know my way around the suburbs or the nearby big city, so it is great to let the unit tell me which way to go. Sometimes I have to argue with it a little bit, but other times it finds routes I would not have guessed existed.

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Spoo

+Spoo

Posted
Posted

I am in my Third Generation Magellan unit having been with them for about 12 years now.

 

I currently use the SporTrak Topo model. In my area, EVERYTHING is in the mountains and I find the Topo features to be invaluable. (and highly accurate) I have not had any trouble with it tracking me in the valleys and trees and think the WAAS is a real benefit.

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briansnat

+briansnat

Posted
Posted

I have the Garmin 60CS, and eTrex Vista and a Geko 201. If I were to buy another it would be either a Legend C, or a Lowrance iFinder H20. Both have better reception than the 60CS. I like the size of the Legend C and the memory expansion capabilities of the H2O.

 

If Garmin made the Legend C with 1 gig of internal memory, it would be the ultimate GPS in my eyes.

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apersson850

+apersson850

Posted
Posted

The Quest 2 is not too far from a Legend C with 1 GB of memory. Well, it has 2 GB, but...

 

I used to use the iQue 3600 for car navigation. Have now changed to a 3600a for that.

Going into the cache I use the eTrex Vista. If I need special cache information, I also bring the other 3600a (removes the hazzle of having to unplug the one and same from the car all the time). They easily exchange information regarding waypoints via IR.

 

The next GPS is going to be a Forerunner 301, which will be more appropriate for running than carrying the Vista, as I do now.

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Indotguy

+Indotguy

Posted
Posted (edited)

I've been finding caches for over a year using a Meridian Gold with Mapsend Topo. I am very satisfied, it is a dependable unit and does great in the woods although the so called "boomrang" effect did get a bit annoying at times. This weekend I took my brand new Lowrance H20 out for its first trial runs. Even without the Topo map software (which is on its way) I am impressed. It locked onto sats fast and seemed to do everything it's suppose to. I don't want to judge it prematurely but from what I've seen so far I expect it will become my full time Geocaching unit.

 

*Although off topic, I too cache paperless with a Dell X30 (in a sturdy Rhino-skin case) running GPXsonar, Pocket Streets and Outdoor Navigator. :rolleyes:

Edited by Indotguy
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Thrak

+Thrak

Posted
Posted (edited)

Garmin GPSMAP 76CS. I like it!

 

I was thinking of the 60CS but decided that I wanted the extra memory in the 76CS and I got it new from eBay for a very nice price. I'm waiting for my CitySelect v6 to arrive so I can do the free upgrade to v7 which just came out. Much cheaper to buy v6 from eBay or somewhere else and get the free upgrade than to buy v7 from Garmin.

 

Only been out caching twice on brief trips but have logged 12 caches so far. :rolleyes:

 

[Edit]

Also using my old Palm Vx for paperless caching. I'm using Plucker rather than Cachemate but mainly because I got it first and didn't have to register it. Cachemate only let's you have 10 entries if it isn't registered. I know it's cheap as heck to register Cachemate and it is nice to be able to load those files from GSAK but I like the way Plucker works so I'll just stick with it for now. The Palm has the hard clamshell case and I can stuff it in my back pocket with no worries at all.

Edited by thrak
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GrandpaKim

+GrandpaKim

Posted
Posted
Garmin GPSMAP 76CS. I like it!

 

I was thinking of the 60CS but decided that I wanted the extra memory in the 76CS and I got it new from eBay for a very nice price. I'm waiting for my CitySelect v6 to arrive so I can do the free upgrade to v7 which just came out. Much cheaper to buy v6 from eBay or somewhere else and get the free upgrade than to buy v7 from Garmin.

 

Only been out caching twice on brief trips but have logged 12 caches so far. :rolleyes:

 

[Edit]

Also using my old Palm Vx for paperless caching. I'm using Plucker rather than Cachemate but mainly because I got it first and didn't have to register it. Cachemate only let's you have 10 entries if it isn't registered. I know it's cheap as heck to register Cachemate and it is nice to be able to load those files from GSAK but I like the way Plucker works so I'll just stick with it for now. The Palm has the hard clamshell case and I can stuff it in my back pocket with no worries at all.

One thing you might want to think about is that with CacheMate, you can actually write your log entry right while you're at the cache site. Then mark the cache as found. When you get done caching, go to your found category and export all of the logs to your memo pad. Then, when you sync your Sony Clié, the logs will be uploaded to your PC. Then you can either cut and paste them into the log entries on GC.com when you log your finds, or you can run CM2GPX (from the CacheMate site) and then update your entries within GSAK. I haven't done this part, so I'm not exactly sure how it works. I just do the cut and paste right now.

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Major Catastrophe

Major Catastrophe

Posted
Posted

Magellan SporTrak Map.

 

I use both MapSend Topo for uploading detail maps to the GPS, plus I have a cable to connect the SporTrak directly to my PDA so I can use GPS-aware apps there.

 

The biggest drawback (perhaps the only real one) to the SporTrak is its lack of support for SD cards, which will be a must-have if I replace. In the meantime, I get around some of that by having G7toCE on my PDA, which lets me upload and download waypoints to the GPS. So I can get around the 500 waypoint limit while in the field, although I have no portable way to upload more detail maps.

 

I'm completely convinced that all GPSRs are, under the skin, the same.

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scottjl

+scottjl

Posted
Posted

my first GPS was purchased about 10 years ago. a lowarance eagle pro. sold it 5 years ago or so and was replaced with a garmin vista. which was sold a month ago and replaced with a garmin 60cs.

 

i'm loving the garmin 60cs very much, gpsr's have come a long way..

 

here's my comparison between my ex-vista and 60cs

 

likes:

  • color - far more useful than i thought it would be
    memory - more than my vista had
    options - so many options and functions. very good all-purpose unit
    form factor - good sized unit for my hand. lightweight.
    usb - much faster than serial
    games - nice idea, haven't tried any yet
    auto-routing - very nicely implemented, i love it!

dislikes:

  • color - can't change the color of things like the ground (i'd make it white/clear vs yellow)
    form factor - harder to use one-handed than my vista (buttons on the bottom/front vs. the sides)
    memory - low amount and not expandable. get with the program garmin. 1G pen drive costs $50. give us a decent amount or a slot for SD cards
    rubber buttons - i've read many threads about the writing wearing off and i can see that happening easily
    speaker - too low, no volume adjust. easy to miss hearing the turn beeps
    on-screen keyboard - PLEASE give us a QWERTY layout!
    accuracy - best i've seen is about 20' or so. my vista would get down to 9' easily

all in all. i can definately recommend the 60cs unit. and shop around. there are many places on the internet far cheaper than the MRSP.

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1mech

+1mech

Posted
Posted

I've been using a Lowrance i-Finder for about 2 years now and it works quite well. I like the large memory capacity, the large screen and it fits my hand. I can enter coordinates on the go just using my thumb, and it uses AA batteries, rechargable of course! If I were to replace it, it would probably be with the i-Finder H2O, which is more waterproof than my current model.

Mike S. (1Mech)

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Bear Paughs

+Bear Paughs

Posted
Posted

Garmin eTrex Legend C and Gecko 201.

 

Got the Legend C earlier this week and it is amazing! I've already found it to keep a lock under heavy tree cover way better than the Gecko. The first caches we've found with it we walked right to the hiding spot. I love the custom icons, the color screen, the user menus, everything about it. I also like the mapsource software that came with it -- only because it helps me plan a route with a series of caches at a glance, rather than inputting waypoints into Lost Outdoors or other applications (very time consuming.) Otherwise I don't have much use for it because of GSAK. I haven't gotten the auto-routing map software yet, but I look forward to and trying that out. I plan at some point to get the Topo mapping software for it, too. If there was one thing I'd change about it, it would be the addition of expandable memory.

 

If I were to get another GPSr my choice would be the Lowrance iFinder H20. I'm also very curious about the PhDs that are supposed to be available soon. I'd also go with another Garmin model (although none have impressed me as much as the Lowrance) simply because they have the best customer service I've ever experienced.

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Jhwk

+Jhwk

Posted
Posted

Magellan meriplat (for routing/getting to the cache site) and a new eXplorist 600 for the actual on-the-ground hunt. I love both of them, mainly for the expansion capability through the SD card slot. Yes there are known bugs with the 600, but nothing that stops me from huntin' the cache! Would I buy again? Probably, but I would like to try a Garmin 60 or 76 to see what the main player is like.

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Pinon

Pinon

Posted
Posted

I bought a Magellan Gold back in the spring. It is a fantastic unit. I will be putting it to the real test this October. I am going backpacking for 10 days in Arizona. With a good map..a good compass and my trusty Merigold, I should be OK. Time will tell.... :anitongue:

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Neo_Geo

Neo_Geo

Posted
Posted (edited)

I LOVE MY 60C!

 

I jumped on this baby when they first came out! Autorouting, 56MB map memory, and color. Had I known they would come out with the 76C soon afterward, I would've waited for the additional memory. Still, as it is with 56MB, it has served me well. I haven't felt terribly squeezed by the 56MB limitation of the 60, although Washington, DC to New York City does cut it pretty close!

 

The autorouting feature is a gas! I would feel like I was living in the stone age if I didn't have it now! I will say that the color screen wasn't a make-or-break issue. I would've bought the unit if it had only come in a B&W display. But now that I've had color, I'll never go back! It is just soooooooo much easier to see everything!

 

The calculator, alarm clock and games are all just icing on the cake. I've used them all on numerous occasions, but wouldn't feel lost if these features were somehow taken away. Still it's nice to know that they're there.

 

I originally started with a Legend. Then I bought MetroGuide 5 maps and found the 8MB of memory to be terribly limiting. So then I bought an eMap and a 128MB data card for map memory. I traded display resolution and trip computer options (on the Legend) for the ability to upgrade the memory. I didn't use the Legend much after I got the eMap, but I always felt like something was missing when using the eMap.

Edited by Neo_Geo
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flir67

flir67

Posted
Posted

orginally had sportrack color and loved it , upgraded to a explorist 600 and enjoying it even with the bugs in it, now I want to wait and try the rhino 530 to see how it competes with the other handheld color units.

 

drop 500.00 on a new gps unit

get soaked by rain

covered in mud,

chased by bees,

bitten by bugs,

covered in posion ivey,

meeting fellow cachers in these conditions in the middle of nowhere looking for a tupperware box.

 

priceless, geocaching its everywhere u want to be :unsure:

 

flir67--------------------

 

:anitongue:

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rooster97

rooster97

Posted
Posted

I bought my first GPS a month ago. I bought a Garmin VistaC. My original purpose was to aid in a trip to China next year. Now I'm learning new tricks with it for hunting and this crazy geocaching thing-a-ma-bob.

 

I think the compass feature is worth the extra ching over the Legend. I still think in paper maps. I like to be able to fix my position and orientaion while STANDING STILL! What a concept!

 

As a rookie, I've found the VistaC is a decent compromise for most features. The color is great. It is very readable mounted on my truck dash. I wouldn't consider B&W for road navigation at this screen size. On the timber trail, it is small, accurate and functional.

 

I am a little upset that I don't have an external antenna port or upgradable memory. If price was no object, I'm thinking the 60CS is a lot of money for the memory, but how else do you get it from Garmin?

 

Best regards,

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Team DEMP

+Team DEMP

Posted
Posted

Garmin GPSMap 76CS and I love it. Battery life is excellent, track capacity is excleent, plenty of memory, excellent color screen, etc.

 

Would be neat for future versions to have expandable memory (SD, CF, miniSD, etc) as well as BlueTooth.

 

Of course, if I could get the same features and same screen size in a smaller unit, that would always be a nice bonus.

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omegabane

+omegabane

Posted
Posted

I am currently using the eXplorist 200 which I bought about a month and a half ago when I started Geocaching. Got a great deal on it and it has served me well so far, but I am getting tired of all the manual waypoint input and the fact that I can't add detail maps. I am strongly considering upgrading to a Garmin GPSMap 60CS, but haven't decided to commit yet.

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Wishbone86

+Wishbone86

Posted
Posted

I bought an eTrex Legend about four weeks ago when I first started caching. It works like a charm and had no intentions on replacing it. But, just this last Saturday I found a Ique 3600 that was on clearance for $109 and couldn't pass it up. The legend I'll use for the long treks into the forest and the 3600 for those stop and grabs.

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gps_dr

gps_dr

Posted
Posted (edited)

Garmin GPS 76

This was a replacement for the Garmin 12XL (Early version) that was due for memory battery replacement. The 76 Series is hard to beat for ease of use, sharp display & external antenna connection. I've been using it to map bicycle trails of the Denver Area.

 

Brunton Atlas MNS

I've only had this unit a few weeks. I wanted to try a mapping unit with 50' contour topo, electronic compas etc.

Still learning it's idiosynchracies. Have Colorado & Wyoining data loaded on SD memory card (~240MB) It has better forest road coverage than Garmin or Magellan TOPO as far as I can tell. Also Game management units.

Allows 100 tracks in memory, provides track name if cursor positioned over it. Magellan & Garmin units I've tried do not do this.

 

National Geographic Backroads explorer & Colorado

The backroads explorer covers the US, works with state product to allow updated road overlays. (New expansion pack for state products adds this, map updates, 3D views) Would like this one more if allowed uploading of tracks to GPS like DeLorme.

 

DeLorme TopoUSA 5, Xmap4.5 & Sat10 Colorado

This is the main mapping program I use, bettter zooming, uploading of tracks, split screen views of different data. Can create a tracklog by drawing on screen & upload to GPS to follow afield. Still not a program to backup GPS data.

 

GPS Track Maker

Great free tool to backup GPS data.

 

ESRI ArgGIS

Professional GIS software. Use it to create my GPS enabled bicycle trail system maps.

Edited by gps_dr
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