jeffkahn Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 I have been reading the forum and website for a few days and it looks like this activity is alot of fun. However, I do not have a GPS unit yet. I know there are alot of posts about which units are the best, etc...but I can't spend alot of money. Can you still do it without a cheaper model (for example, Amazone is selling the Garmin eTrex GPS for 100). What is the major advantages of spending more for the upgrade models? Thanks.... Jeff Kahn Quote Link to comment
+Markwell Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 Try looking at this link. The more features, the more you pay. For me personally, when I got my upper end model the background maps are really nice as is the finer resolution on the display. Better reception under tree cover would also be a reason to bump up the unit. Markwell Chicago Geocaching Quote Link to comment
+raouljan Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 Given a fairly clear view of the sky, the Yellow eTrex will do the job. You should have little trouble finding one on eBay for a lot less than retail. Also check the "For Sale" section on this board. Quote Link to comment
+Mr. Snazz Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 A coworker of mine doesn't have a GPS, but she and her family did several caches in this area using maps. If you're handy with a map (topographic are very useful), and don't mind looking longer, you can get away with that on some caches. Quote Link to comment
+barondriver Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 I am a Garmin cacher..had an Aviation 90..worked good but didn't hold signal as it only looked for 5 satellites and also ate batteries ..so I got a Legend ..love it, the maps, the signal, battery usage, display but the little toggle on top started acting up so it's in for warranty repair..no cost though ..so bought a $99 Yellow ..worked great, no maps but great for caching til I accidentally smashed it climbing a mountain ..ruined the display..that's not covered by warranty but they'll fix it for less than $60..bought another Yellow since we were on a geo-vacation when the other broke ($125 this time)..so when the other 2 get back..guess my kids will get to go geo-ing when they want too..anyway..you can by 2 of the yellows for less than a Legend if it's just geocaching .. Quote Link to comment
+barondriver Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 I am a Garmin cacher..had an Aviation 90..worked good but didn't hold signal as it only looked for 5 satellites and also ate batteries ..so I got a Legend ..love it, the maps, the signal, battery usage, display but the little toggle on top started acting up so it's in for warranty repair..no cost though ..so bought a $99 Yellow ..worked great, no maps but great for caching til I accidentally smashed it climbing a mountain ..ruined the display..that's not covered by warranty but they'll fix it for less than $60..bought another Yellow since we were on a geo-vacation when the other broke ($125 this time)..so when the other 2 get back..guess my kids will get to go geo-ing when they want too..anyway..you can by 2 of the yellows for less than a Legend if it's just geocaching .. Quote Link to comment
+jhwf44 Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 Just a plain Yellow Etrex (100 dollars) works for geocaching. You might want to spend more if you want better reception or maps. If you want one with good reception, but maps aren't required, I highly recomend the Garmin GPS 12. I like it alot better then the yellow etrex which I know some people that have one. The Garmin GPS 12 DEFINETLY gets better reception then the yellow etrex, so I definetly think it's worth the 20 more dollars. jhwf4 Quote Link to comment
Rubbertoe Posted August 16, 2002 Share Posted August 16, 2002 I guess most people wouldn't advise this, but you can use USA PhotoMaps to find many caches. Using the maps from this app, along with the descriptions on the cache page - there's probably a good chance you can claim a few caches before you make your GPS purchase. USA PhotoMaps - requires internet connection to download maps. Oh, this program is completely free. --==< http://home.columbus.rr.com/rubbertoe >==-- Quote Link to comment
jeffkahn Posted August 16, 2002 Author Share Posted August 16, 2002 Thanks for all the replies. I hope you don't mind some more dumb questions. How do you enter coordinates in on the etrex? Is it easier to enter when using the computer connection? Thanks.... Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted August 17, 2002 Share Posted August 17, 2002 The easiest way is to use EasyGPS, but you need a computer cable for this. "Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing" - Helen Keller Quote Link to comment
+Gliderguy Posted August 20, 2002 Share Posted August 20, 2002 Your post had me rolling. Jeremy should use that as his introduction to buying a GPS. For reference, I have a Garmin Quote Link to comment
+Gliderguy Posted August 20, 2002 Share Posted August 20, 2002 Your post had me rolling. Jeremy should use that as his introduction to buying a GPS. For reference, I have a Garmin Quote Link to comment
+Kite and Hawkeye Posted August 21, 2002 Share Posted August 21, 2002 quote: How do you enter coordinates in on the etrex? Is it easier to enter when using the computer connection? To enter coordinates on an etrex, you pretend you're marking your current location as a waypoint. While you're editing the waypoint name and symbol, you can also edit the coordinates. You have to use two buttons to scroll through a list of numbers, and edit each digit to the coordinates you want. It's a bit of a pain, and an easier way would be nice, but it's not given me carpal tunnel yet. Downloading with a cable is much, much easier, of course. The cable looks like it runs around $30; if a more expensive Garmin comes with it, it might well be worth the investment (and you'll get a slightly more featureful GPS to boot). Quote Link to comment
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