Do I need a new GPS?

[+Cub Pack 197]

I got a Garmin NUVI (car navigation unit) for my birthday before I ever knew about geocaching. This unit is the enter address / tell me how to get there type.

 

The unit also allows a lat / long entry which I have used for geocaching for the first time this past weekend. My gripe with this unit is that it does not know the direction I am facing unless I am actually moving. As a result, I find myself wandering in circles trying to zero in on the location.

 

Is there a relatively inexpensive unit that knows which way it is facing and can't give me the bearing (direction) to my objective?? If so, suggest a relatively inexpensive model I could buy to use for geocaching.

 

Thanks,

 

pack197@gmail.com

[+Pat in Louisiana]

The basic Garmin e Trex H is under $100 and would be much better that what you have now.

I have used e Trex Legends for years. We started out with an Eagle Explorer in 2000.

First Garmin Legend in 2002, Legend Cx in 2007, Legend HCx early this year and the wife just ordered herself a Colorado 400t

Unfortunately we never have a used unt to sell. The kids get them.

(kids, Ha, 26 & 28)

 

Cache on!

[sanramonhunter]

Unless the unit has a built in electonic compass it won't know which way you are facing. All the handheld units will have a compass screen, but you will be required to be moving to get a heading if it doesn't have a built in electonic compass. That being said if you should borrow somebodies handheld without an electronic compass and see how you like it. You can always bring a real compass and orientate the unit that way.

Edited April 29, 2008 by sanramonhunter

[+KC2ZGU]

oh dear, people have already been using GPS for so long that they've forgotten how to tell directions

 

Most of the GPS units designed for driving use (which is basically anything you see in mainstream stores these days) can only give you heading information when moving, so if you need direction information for caching you can either get a good handheld unit or a separate magnetic compass, or estimate directions from the sun, nearby roads, etc.

[+qlenfg]

Either learn to keep track of what direction you are facing or carry a real compass. The electronic compasses included on some Garmin models are pretty useless for caching as they have to be calibrated frequently and take a long time to realize you have turned around. They work fine for hiking, because you generally just stop and take a reading, rather than walking back and forth in circles.

 

What I did before a got a better GPS was to write down the cache coordinates and set the GPS to display the current coordinates. By knowing which way was N/S/E/W I could walk until the numbers matched and the cache was always nearby.

[+Cub Pack 197]

Thanks for the help.

 

I do know what way is north (more or less) without the aid of a compass however mu unit rotates the map to direction of travel is "map north". My unit also does not allow a tight zoom. Maybe this is typical for most.

 

Thanks to the person who suggested a specific unit or two to buy.

 

If I am willing to spend about 300 bucks what would you all suggest? I am also interested in the ability to connect to a pc and upload / download info to / from the unit.

[+joeturse]

Thanks for the help.

 

I do know what way is north (more or less) without the aid of a compass however mu unit rotates the map to direction of travel is "map north". My unit also does not allow a tight zoom. Maybe this is typical for most.

 

Thanks to the person who suggested a specific unit or two to buy.

 

If I am willing to spend about 300 bucks what would you all suggest? I am also interested in the ability to connect to a pc and upload / download info to / from the unit.

www.walmart.com

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Handheld GPS $298.84

 

List Price: $482.13

You Save: $183.29 (38%)

[+Walts Hunting]

I agree with the 60CSX. I havd an older 76CS but for some time now the best product for the money has been that one.

[+JSWilson64]

I'd agree 60CSx, too -- that's what I've got, along with an older Etrex Legend. It really depends on what you like. The Etrex models use the click-stick for menu navigation, and I hate it, especially when using it on my bicycle. It's hard to "click" without moving it sideways while I'm riding. Anyway, that's a personal preference. The Vista HCx is pretty well liked around here, it's an Etrex form factor. The 60CSx and 76CSx are pretty much the same inside, only one has the buttons below the screen and sinks in water, and the other has the buttons above the screen and floats in water.

 

I'd say go to REI, Wal-Mart, Best Buy (?) or somewhere else that carries GPS units and try some before buying one.

 

If you don't want or need the altimeter/barometer/compass, you can save some $$$ buying the "Cx" version instead of the "CSx".

Edited April 29, 2008 by JSWilson64

[+Red90]

Etrex Legend Hcx.

 

You do not need anything more than that.

[+XopherN71]

Technically you don't 'need' anything more than any base GPS. I've had good luck with the little Garmin Geko, and like it so much I now have 2 of them (looking for a 3rd).