Handheld GPS

Red Fox · 28 October 2003, 21:12

Any advice on make and model and why gratefully received.

Keith Hart · 29 October 2003, 05:48

I'm happy with my Garmin12 hh gps. If I lost it (like I did my radio) I'd buy another one the same model.

Keith Hart

MeMe · 29 October 2003, 08:07

I recently bought a Garmin 76 GPS MAP. It's superb, it's like a mini plotter. I was really surprised at how many features it has and how much detail it shows. It's also waterproof and floats.

Previously I had a Garmin Etrex which, was also a nice small and low priced bit of kit however, the gpsmap is superb. It's a little like going from black and white t.v to colour. Once you've experienced the difference there's no going back.

Try the Garmin www. it's a great site. Further, look at www.loot.com where I'm sure you'll find something.

Charles · 29 October 2003, 08:07

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith Hart
I'm happy with my Garmin12 hh gps.
Keith Hart

Completely agree - have had mine for 6 years, got it wet, dropped it and still performs flawlessly.

Draki · 29 October 2003, 08:20

I also have the GPSMAP 76 from Garmin and am very happy with it indeed. The screen is reasonably easy to read considering it's a handheld, except in very bumpy conditions. If you've set a waypoint there is a little direction pointer that makes it very easy (even in bumpy conditions) to see your course - impressive

The charting software - Mapsource Bluechart - is pretty expensive but worth it. It is based on the admiralty charts and includes UKHO tide prediction algorithms.

You can connect the unit to a PC (via serial cable) and upload maps, routes and waypoints that you've created on your PC which is much easier than doing the same on the unit itself. You can also download your routes at the end of the day and review where you've been, etc, etc....

The PC link also allows you update the onboard software when updates are released from Garmin.

hope this helps
Max

thewavehumper · 29 October 2003, 08:59

I have a yellow Garmin Etrek and a Blue One (Legend)they both work very well only the blue one has more tricks.

I have also bought a few Garmin 176c which are nifty, they are extremely portable (twice the size of an etrek) and can also be stand mounted on the boat. and the fixing clip can stay connected on a fast Rib.

During a conversation with Pete7, he told me that Tupperware was a very good waterproof container for portable electronics. As I couldn't fault his argument, I started carrying around the 176 in a tupperware box, sadly no room for sandwiches, though.

I am also quite capable of dropping things as my hands have reduced sensitivity. Unfortunately whilst getting out of the boat yesterday I dropped the 176c into the water... it was in the tupperware box and the whole thing floated, I pulled it out of the drink opened it up and it was bone dry.

thanks Pete and no you can't have a salvage fee

Keith Hart · 29 October 2003, 10:24

Thanks to Charles's donation of a fixing bracket, my aforementioned Garmin12, withstood the dousing and battering of the Pentland Firth crossing.

Keith (hh in a bracket!) Hart

jwalker · 29 October 2003, 11:37

I've got 2 GPS12's for sale. If they're of interest PM me. About £80 each.

xr770a · 31 October 2003, 19:42

Hurry up and buy one, find the fish and I will follow you and remember where you went !!

MeMe · 09 December 2003, 16:07

Red, I've just come across a Garmin GPS 76 which, IMHO is a great bit of kit. It's going for £125 which may mean £100. If you want the tel-No of the seller, let me know. Graeme.