+zodiac73 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Hi, I'm looking to buy my first GPSr but funds are tight. I'd like to have an electronic compass as not having one on the GPS60 I have been borrowing drives me nuts! Looking at specs etc on lower end models I am looking at an eTrax Vista. I have bids on a couple of the bare Vista but what about the Vista H? Does anyone use either of these that can comment please? Also, what should I be paying for either of them second hand in god working condition with no accessories? Cheers for any help, z. :-) Quote Link to comment
+NattyBooshka Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Vista H is good. The eTrex range is about to be replaced, so prices for new ones on eBay are dropping... Sub £60 for the last vista allegedly. Electronic compass not worth it though, a more accurate compass is available free on a keyring with a certain brand of walking shoes. Spend 20 to 300 quid on a real compass. Quote Link to comment
+drdick&vick Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Must agree with NB about the electric compass, I have mine switched off and carry a decent pocket compass in case I need to use one. Quote Link to comment
+MartyBartfast Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 the H means it's got the high sensitivity receiver (as opposed to the non-H), so should me a tad more reliable in poor reception. I would disagree about the compass, I find it useful for keeping the arrow pointing in the right direction; without it you have to be moving in order for the unit to be able to work out which direction the cache is in. Having said all that I never use it as a dedicated compass, and if I was walking the hills/moors where a compas was necessary I'd use a good old fashioned 'manual' one. Quote Link to comment
+zodiac73 Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 the H means it's got the high sensitivity receiver (as opposed to the non-H), so should me a tad more reliable in poor reception. I would disagree about the compass, I find it useful for keeping the arrow pointing in the right direction; without it you have to be moving in order for the unit to be able to work out which direction the cache is in. Having said all that I never use it as a dedicated compass, and if I was walking the hills/moors where a compas was necessary I'd use a good old fashioned 'manual' one. Yes this is why I want the electronic compass ... so that I can stand still and the unit knows which way it is facing. I rarely cache using a map so knowing where north is isn't much use to me, the GPSr knowing where it is means it can keep pointing me in the direction of the cache! Walking back and forth is getting on my nerves. Interesting info about the eTrex range being discontinued and I'd love to find a brand new one for £60 but that isn't now sadly and second hand ones are fetching that much still. I've got bids on a couple that are ending soon, but didn't know how much was too much to bid for a basic and a "H". Don't want to pay more than it's worth! z. Quote Link to comment
+Graculus Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Have a look at my resource site. The page on GPS explains the features of a GPS (including the various types of compass) and a comparison of what each one can do. Gives guide prices too. You can then see which units offer an electronic compass (2 axis - will work when stationary or 3 axis - will work held in any position). Information too about maps you can use and paperless caching. Chris Graculus Volunteer UK Reviewer for geocaching.com UK Geocaching Information & Resources website www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk Geocaching.com Knowledge Books Quote Link to comment
+agentmancuso Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Hi, I'm looking to buy my first GPSr but funds are tight. I'd like to have an electronic compass as not having one on the GPS60 I have been borrowing drives me nuts! Looking at specs etc on lower end models I am looking at an eTrax Vista. I have bids on a couple of the bare Vista but what about the Vista H? Does anyone use either of these that can comment please? Also, what should I be paying for either of them second hand in god working condition with no accessories? Cheers for any help, z. :-) I've used a Vista Cx for 4 & 1/2 years and rate it very highly; if you can get one at a decent price I'd say go for it, though it's obviously worth paying a bit extra for the HCx model. Quote Link to comment
+zodiac73 Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 I was hoping to pick up a Vista H but ended up grabbing a basic Vista for £60. I'll see soon enough if it's fun to use for caching or a pain in the ... Quote Link to comment
+eusty Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 A compass is very handy I'd get a 3 axis one though, my colorado has a 2 axis and you have to hold it level otherwise it doesn't update (although it tells you that). Quote Link to comment
+keehotee Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I would disagree about the compass, I find it useful for keeping the arrow pointing in the right direction; without it you have to be moving in order for the unit to be able to work out which direction the cache is in. Having said all that I never use it as a dedicated compass, and if I was walking the hills/moors where a compas was necessary I'd use a good old fashioned 'manual' one. I agree. The compass has nothing to do with knowing which way north is, and everything to do with knowing what way the cache is when I'm standing still Quote Link to comment
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