Handheld G.P.S.

[Dunaruna]

Finally ready to purchase a handheld GPS but the choices are numerous and confusing. Entry level mapping with upgrade capabilities minimum requirement. Not interested in land maps. Any & all suggestions/remarks greatly appriciated. Thanks. Aldo<br />(accidentally posted on inboard/sterndrives)

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

None better in my opinin:<br /><br /> web page<br /><br />Through I-boats:<br /><br /> web page

 

[Boatist]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

I checked them all 2 years ago and liked the GPSMAP 76. I have been very happy with it. I use it as a backup on the boat. Also use it hiking and while driving. If you download the latest software it has 1000 waypoints.<br /><br />Comes standard with base map and aids to navigation, (light and buoys) and road maps.<br /><br />GPSMAP 76S same unit with an altimeter and electronic compass that will give you a compass reading without moving. Only thing I did not like on this unit was battery life 10 hours and the GPSMAP 76 battery is good for 16 hours. On the 76 you need 4 satellites to get elevation, no problem out in the open but if in a deep mountain cayon can be a problem.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Thanks for the input, was looking at the 76S & the Meridian Marine on the weekend, the Meridian is on sale at the moment but I am leaning towards the Garmin. Thanks again. Aldo

 

[Boatist]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

I do not know about today units But when the Magellan units first came out they had a problem with radio interferrence. I know of 3 party boat Captains who returned there units for something else as they would loose all signals in the harbor. This was in California San Francisco Bay area. Where have lots of radars military and civlian and tons of all frequency of radio transmitters. They have probably fix all those problems by now as several party boat captains told how bad they were as boat show talks they were giving.<br /><br />If there is anything I do not like about the GPSMAP 76 it is that in some light hard to see. Last Medridian I saw I think had a white background and might be eaiser to see under the cab in dim light. Please let us know what you pick and and how you like it.<br /><br />One question do you have the WAAS signal down there? To my Knoledge only two birds up so far one over the Pacific and one over the Atlantic and of course over the equator.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

All GPS are susceptible to radio interference. It’s the prevailing argument to maintain the LORAN system. San Diego harbor had it worse than SF bay.<br /><br />Magellan is one of the original GPS companies. When their units first came out there was nothing to replace them with. I think all the GPS companies had their ups and downs. I remember Garmin was perceived as dysfunctional crap when it first entered the market.<br /><br />Today, all GPS is pretty good. I guess its possible one unit might be a little more finicky about interference than another. You would have to try them all in your area with its interference to know which works or doesn’t for you.<br /><br />My handhled GPS is a MicroLogic, probably pre-dates Garmin. It’s slightly smaller than a shoe box, weights a couple of lbs, takes 6 AA bats, text – no maps, can only see 5 sats…and won’t quit working. Dual function: part GPS, part backup boat anchor.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

18Rabbit<br />The cheaper Loran C units had lot of problems also. I know my Furuno LC-90 Loran C Has a band pass filter built in to help suppress unwanted signals and also has 8 autotune filters and one manual tune filter. all to help tune out strong interfereing signals and they make a big difference in places like San Francisco bay. Makes a big difference with both Desense and Intermod problems. On the Furuno LC90 you can turn off each filter or you can check it frequency. You can also adjust all nine to same frequency if you want. LC-90C does such a good job I only messed with them one time and then set back to auto. <br /><br />I sure all the GPS units have some filters but Have not really checked on. Since today most units have 12 channels to track 12 satellites.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

I have the Garmin gpsmap 76S I am going to tell you something...This, in my opinion is the best unit on the market for the money. The only problem I have with the unit is, The battery life. If you use the backlight alot, The battery is gone in no time. As for the performance of the unit, It has it all. I really like the moon position, and best times to fish feature.<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Boatist, I've been told that we have about 15 sats in the southern hemisphere. The big plus is the lack of interference compared to north (one little country in the middle of the ocean) a mate who I fish with gets 4 sat locks regularly. The good wife suggested that a handheld screen might be to small for my aging eyes, its not a silly comment so i'm now looking at panel mounted units (5 or 6 inch) screen. Yes we do have WAAS. Thanks for your comments. Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Sorry, misread the question, 15 sats in total. Dont know how many are WAAS. Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Boatist, an update of my search for a G.P.S. Visited the 5 largest marine stores in my town, all said absolutely no WAAS in southern hemisphere. 3 out of the 5 recomended Navman 5100 map with external antenna (my boat has a hardtop). Made in NZ so exchange rate is excellent with Australia ( unlike U.S / Japan / Europe). 5" screen. Fuel flow kit. C-MAP NT readily available and cheap. 2 year full warranty with extra 3 years limited warranty. All 5 stores stocked all brands/sizes etc. so I was able to do a detailed comparison. Sorry about the incorrect WAAS info. Aldo

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

I like my magellan sport track map. It has land and marine mode. Completely water proof, lots of nice features. It was a bit more accurate than my friends Garmin when we went geocaching. Only drawback is the mapping software available for the magellan is outdated, Magellan claims to be working on new mapping software at the present time.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Dunaruna<br />Navman units are good. Garmin very popular in the US. There are actually 28 GPS birds up but as I recall only 24 active at a time. all 24 cover the entire earth. Out in the open like the ocean can recieve as many 8 to 10 birds plus the 2 WAAS satellites. <br />There are at least 3 WAAS satelites up now and more to follow. The WAAS satellites are Geostationary meaning they stay at the same location above earth and must be above the Equator about 22,000 miles high. There are 2 WAAS birds that cover portions of the US. There is also a "IOR" (indian ocean region) WAAS bird (GARMIN #44) on the equator at 64 degrees East longitude. IOR like all WAAS birds cover Nothern and southern hemispheres. IOR Coverage looks like it covers western Australia. Perth is covered, Melbourne is right on the edge of coverage and Sydney is not covered. Info I have is several months old but it says IOR is up and running but currently listed as do not use. <br />It takes 3 satellites to get a postion and a fourth for elevation. <br />Enjoy your new unit.

 

[RainMan302v8]

Re: Handheld G.P.S.

Garmin is the best in my opinion, they have the best support system and the largest retail network. If you check the prices on Iboats Mega Mall you will find that their prices are the best as well. You get the most for your money.