Compare Handheld Receiver Chips?

[segler999]

Between the GPSMAP60/76C(S)x family, the Delorme PN-20, the Magellan color models, and the Lowrance H20c, has anybody done much of a comparison of receiver chips?

 

The SirfIII chips in the Garmin MAPCx group are really sensitive. My 60Cx works well in dense tree cover and under the dash in the van.

 

I understand the receiver chip in the PN-20 is very sensitive. How does it compare to the SirfIII?

 

Then, what receiver chips are used in the Magellan colors and Lowrance H2Oc?

 

I am interested in knowing whether any of the others can match the sensitivity of the SirfIII.

 

If you can, please comment or provide links. Thanks.

[+ICHTHYS]

The Lowrance H2Oc uses the Sirf III chip

[+embra]

The only data-driven comparison I have seen is Robert's Garmin-Magellan showdown. To my knowledge no one has done anything bringing Lowrance or DeLorme into the pit.

 

Anecdotally, I can attest that my PN-20 seems to do a bit better with numbers of satellites and accuracy estimate than my Explorist 500 when at my desk. I'm eager to see how it fares under foliage.

[segler999]

I can't find anything about Sirf III on the H2Oc webpage, nor in the H2Oc manual. Where is the Sirf III listed for the H2Oc?

 

I certainly hope you're right, but I can't find it anywhere.

 

The Lowrance H2Oc uses the Sirf III chip

[CO-Zman]

I'm eager to see how it fares under foliage.

 

Are you referring to that bad-hair day in your avatar?

 

Z

[+ICHTHYS]

I can't find anything about Sirf III on the H2Oc webpage, nor in the H2Oc manual. Where is the Sirf III listed for the H2Oc?

 

I certainly hope you're right, but I can't find it anywhere.

 

The Lowrance H2Oc uses the Sirf III chip

 

I got this info from the Yahoo Lowrance iFinder GPS User Group.

Edited February 27, 2007 by ICHTHYS

[segler999]

Strong features of the H2Oc are

 

1. Dual processor

2. QVGA (320x240) screen

3. Very competitive price

 

Now, if it turns out to have the Sirf III receiver as well, now then....

 

So, now to the maps.

 

Can anybody comment on the quality of the TOPO maps between the H2Oc and the PN-20? (I omit the Garmin from this question because Garmin TOPO maps are not even in the same league as the Delorme. I like my 60Cx a lot, but I don't like the TOPO maps very much.)

[ertyu]

My hand-wavey comparison gives the performance in order from best as: Sirf III, Magellan, Other.