Which GPS

[jules]

Ok

I know nothing about GPS and I mean nothing at all

Next year I am looking to go back into the challenge comp field

If say money was no object what is the best set up......

(Must be Garmin stuff)

Strong & Robust

Easy to use in adverse conditions

For trip meters I already have some Terra trips and a Brattze (however you spell them)

from old racers in the shed ready for use.

Which one is best

????

and Why

My attitude is that in the UK you don't need a GPS but as everyone has them and we have all forgotten how to read maps so I feel this is the way I need to go.

[Tangoman]

Jules look on devon 4x4 site garmin 2006c just under £1300 or I use a 128 less than £200 simple marine fish finder but i have never found any fish or punches come to think of it.

[jules]

Jules look on devon 4x4 site garmin 2006c just under £1300 or I use a 128 less than £200 simple marine fish finder but i have never found any fish or punches come to think of it.

[jules]

Jules look on devon 4x4 site garmin 2006c just under £1300 or I use a 128 less than £200 simple marine fish finder but i have never found any fish or punches come to think of it.

3006 & 2006 is there any diffrance or just price.

These look the nuts

No matter where your outdoor activities take you, the Rino 520 keeps you on track and in touch. This rugged, two-way radio with GPS packs a bold color display, 14-mile communication range, and turn-by-turn directions — giving you peace of mind in the great outdoors. Taking it a step further, the Rino 530 adds an electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and NOAA weather receiver, making it a favorite with hikers and climbers.

Exclusive position-reporting capability and a host of other unique features, make the 520 one of the best all-in-one two-way radio and GPS receivers around. As with other members of the Rino family, the 520’s patented location-reporting feature allows you to send and receive GPS positions with other Rino users in your group. One call to your partner's Rino, and your location shows up on the map page. You can even poll another Rino user's location in emergency situations.

Additional features unique to the 520 include:

Whopping 5 watts of transmit power (GMRS) means you can now call for help from 14 miles away (transmit power limited to 2 watts in Canada with a range up to 8 miles)

Bold color TFT display makes it easy to see and navigate to family or friends with Rinos at an amusement park, lake, or other outdoor group activity

Automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest (when combined with Garmin’s optional MapSource® City Select® software) navigate you safely to your next outdoor adventure

Mini USB and 56 megabytes of internal memory for rapid download and lots of map storage of Garmin’s entire line of outdoor cartography

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 16 hours of outdoor use

The Rino 520 comes with a built-in detailed basemap of North and South America. When combined with Garmin’s optional City Select software, it provides automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest. Customize map data for your adventures on land or sea with Garmin’s entire line of optional outdoor cartography including U.S. Topo 24K, U.S. Topo, Recreational Lakes with Fishing

[jules]

Found it

The GPSMAP 3006C and GPSMAP 3010C launch Garmin into the world of Marine networking, with plug-and-play systems that put GPS, weather, sonar, radar, and other important data at boaters’ fingertips.

Both units are waterproof and feature a sunlight readable, 256-color, 640 x 480-pixel VGA display. The screen size for the GPSMAP 3006C is 6.4" diagonal. These multifunction displays (MFDs) are powered by a high-speed processor and graphics controller for fast redraw of charts and weather graphics. They communicate with the Garmin Marine Network through a 100-megabit Garmin-proprietary ethernet-based network. The entire system is waterproof and completely plug-and-play—the MFDs automatically detect any and all peripherals once they’re connected. Boaters can connect a GPS antenna and one remote sensor directly to the MFD. Or, with the addition of the GMS™ 10 Network Port Expander, users can connect multiple MFDs and sensors to the same network. Each networked MFD can be configured independently.

A unique feature to the Garmin Marine Network is the addition of the GDL™ 30 weather data receiver. Through a partnership with XM WX Satellite Weather, mariners can—for the first time—access real-time graphical weather data for the United States directly on the GPSMAP 3010C or 3006C—without the need for a separate PC interface. For those wanting more than 120 channels of XM Satellite Radio along with weather data, Garmin also offers the GDL 30A—which provides a unique audio-channel interface on the 3010C and 3006C that allows for connection to an on-board stereo.

GPSMAP 3000 series products receive sonar data through the GSD 20, a proprietary "black box" sounder which offers 4,000 watts of peak-to-peak power (500 watts RMS) in a dual-frequency transducer. The Garmin Marine Network is also compatible with Garmin's new marine radar — the GMR 20 and GMR 40. Combining power, range and high-definition targeting with easy-to-use navigation features, these X-band digital color radars come with automated tuning and simple “plug-’n-play” installation.

The Garmin Marine Network also offers a unique network upgrade system. The user simply prompts the MFD to read the current software version of all components within the network, and writes them onto a Garmin data card. Then the user uploads this data via a PC to the Garmin website, where the newest software versions are downloaded to the data card. The entire system is automatically updated once the card is re-inserted into the MFD.

Expected Availability (U.S. version):

Now Shipping

Garmin part number: 010-00348-00

GPSMAP 3006C Suggested Retail Price:

$1885.70 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)

GPSMAP 3006C featuresWAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS sensor with 30 ft. cable length

High-speed RISC processor and graphics controller for fast screen redraw

Use individually or connect and control multiple displays and sensors with built-in high-speed network

View weather overlays with optional GDL 30/30A remote XM marine weather/audio satellite receiver

Add sonar with optional GSD 20 remote sounder

10.25" W x 6.5" H x 3.25" D unit dimensions

Dual card slots; accepts data cards programmed with Garmin’s BlueChart® cartography

6.4"-diagonal, color TFT, full VGA, sunlight-readable display

Weighs approximately 3.0 lbs.

Backlit display and keypad

Permanent user data storage; no memory battery required

Two composite video inputs for on-board cameras; 1 VGA PC monitor video output

Three data ports allow for NMEA 0183 and proprietary Garmin

Remote operation using optional Garmin infrared remote control

Water resistant; meets IEC 60529 IPX7 standards

Built-in worldwide basemap showing cities, interstates, coastline detail and U.S. tide stations

Compatible with Garmin’s BlueChart marine cartography and most MapSource products, including Fishing Hot Spots and MetroGuide®

4000 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 50 reversible routes with 300 waypoints/route

10,000 point automatic track log; 15 saved tracks let you retrace your path in both directions; 700 points/saved track

Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS; and user grid

Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, shallow water, deep water, proximity waypoint, clock, and battery

Large-numbers option for easy viewing

Course and speed filtering

Built-in celestial tables for sun and moon calculations

Multiple languages (future software update required)

[GBMUD]

My own preference is for a PDA running Memory Map or similar. It is not the best I am sure but very good. A ruggedised tablet PC like PaulW/JimM run is possibly best - needs a built-in or wireless GPS though IMHO - although I know Paul uses the GPS as well as the PC. I would also go for the touch screen rather than the pointing pen type.

Chris

[jules]

My own preference is for a PDA running Memory Map or similar. It is not the best I am sure but very good. A ruggedised tablet PC like PaulW/JimM run is possibly best - needs a built-in or wireless GPS though IMHO - although I know Paul uses the GPS as well as the PC. I would also go for the touch screen rather than the pointing pen type.

Chris

So with the small lap top and a seperate GPS

will the big GPS above not do that anyway.

are they needed for UK events ??

[freeagent]

if you are new to GPS, why not buy a Garmin GPS V delux from ebay, they can be found for around £120ish (with europe CD's) and are excellent gps units...

they are not as flash as the big ones, and the screen is a little small, but they do turn-by-turn routing for road use and will give you an OS grid reference.

once you get into it, and master using them, then it'll make a great 'back-up' model to the flash one with the colour sceen that i'm sure you'll want.

just my thoughts......

[Mark90]

So with the small lap top and a seperate GPS

will the big GPS above not do that anyway.

are they needed for UK events ??

The Garmin alone won't run OS maps such as memory Map like a PDA or PC and GPS setup would do. Although each setup will show waypoints and their relation to each other it's nice to see all this on an OS map (or arial photos) that is easy to relate to the ground around you, the Garmins have a more basic map.

I have found Memory Map on a PDA to be very useful on some challenges, especially if it's a big site or one you don't know so well.

Money no object, 3006 and ruggedised tablet PC with touch screen. More realistic option Garmin 128 and PDA. Both running Memory Map.

[TJ101]

Jules

Like Mark & Chris, I like/use Memory Map on a PDA, works well, via a bluetooth GPS unit,

How useful on challenge events, I do not know, but place like seven sisters etc, where everywhere looks the same !! position via MM and being able to see where you have been (track) certainly helps

But, I have this week gone down the tablet toughtbook PC route, for a number of reasons, mainly needed a helm position charterplotter on the boat, rather than fitting another dedicated marine plotter (Raymarine etc) gone toughtbook PC, so have loaded a charting system, also have memory map loaded so can be used for land use , as well as having mobile internet access,

Also, if you got the chartplotter route, you need to check who's charting system they use, to make sure they do a land mapping system as well, i see the garmin as below use they own ,,"Garmin’s BlueChart® cartography"

Chris, re touch screen, I thought that's what I wanted, but after trying one, went for the pointing digitizer pen type, more accurate, and you can rest you hand on the screen, without creating errors

Re tripmeters, on the rally cars, have always preferred the Brantz units, much easier to calibrate,

[GBMUD]

Chris, re touch screen, I thought that's what I wanted, but after trying one, went for the pointing digitizer pen type, more accurate

Having to find the pen all the time is a PITA I think - even if it is on a string. I prefer being able to use a finger/fingernail for general use and a pointer for precise pointing if needed. At least, that is how I use the PDA.

you can rest you hand on the screen, without creating errors

I rest my hand on the gearstick. I guess with an auto that might be different.

There is some middle ground too costwise: Buy a cheap laptop and a 7" touchscreen. Fit the laptop behind the seat and the screen on the dash. Bob's your uncle, less than £500 but lacks ready portability.

Chris

[dollythelw]

Go mad, buy a remote tablet Toughbook with touch screen and wireless link to the car, get out with the touch screen and wander about with it leaving the "brains" still in the car, plan your next route, order your shopping and surf for interesting porn all at the same time

uber bling

me - I run a CF27 with a Garmin GPS V as backup, tough as old boots and cheap as chips - still take a compass and learn to use it,

[MogLite]

Jules

I've got Toughbook with OS maps and a separate GPS "Mouse"

The GPS mouse was about £25 from eBay and plugs into the USB port

I bought the smaller/rarer toughbook the CF34 its got a 9" screen so its a lot easier to mount in a vehicle.

Again from eBay - about £200 ISTR

If you want to see it work/borrow it for a few days - let me know.

The fancy garmin stuff wont be any use on a challenge event, they don't have OS maps installed.

I've also had a bout 3 garmins bust on me over the years - they won't be getting any of my money.

[ltwt1981]

I use a toughbook CF71 and garmin GPS12, works atreat for me, would agree as above that a slightly smaller unit (Laptop) or a tablet would be a bit easier to install and use.

[SteveG]

If it's just for challenge use I'd question the need to go out and buy a ruggerised PC with Memory Map.

You can now get OS topographical maps for all of GB for the Garmin units for 135 pounds. A waterproof unit with lots of memory like the new 60CSx that also takes SD memory cards is a good choice.

It can be moved from vehicle to vehicle easily, or used as a handheld unit. It provides POI and road navigation too, but you have to pre-load routes and so is not really equivalent to a road navigation unit.

If you were using for lots of green laning then yes memory map will have an advantage of showing BOATS etc and your exact position in relation to them but for Challenges and general GPS work I can't see the advantages.

Cheers

Steve

[reads90]

3006 & 2006 is there any diffrance or just price.

Jules get one of these and then you can do this

River crossing Aus way

[MogLite]

but for Challenges and general GPS work I can't see the advantages.

My setup cost about 1/3rd of the Garmin + maps

I've done events where we've been given map references of the 40 or so punches. A PC keyboard for data entry is a real winner in that scenario.

[bishbosh]

Another vote here for the PDA setup.

Although if I had the cash it would be a tough book or large touch screen. PC / PDA based though - gives you so much flexability.

[D9OSV]

You can now get OS topographical maps for all of GB for the Garmin units for 135 pounds. A waterproof unit with lots of memory like the new 60CSx that also takes SD memory cards is a good choice.

It can be moved from vehicle to vehicle easily, or used as a handheld unit. It provides POI and road navigation too, but you have to pre-load routes and so is not really equivalent to a road navigation unit.

If you were using for lots of green laning then yes memory map will have an advantage of showing BOATS etc and your exact position in relation to them but for Challenges and general GPS work I can't see the advantages.

Cheers

Steve

Garmin Mappping is in a word, Disappointing to say the least, Cr*p is another that springs to mind

After waiting soooooo long for it, wished we hadn't

I personally use an Xplore tablet with memory map linked to a 176....

Quite excellent Why do you need Memory map for Challenge?? Ain't done much? no???????

The Aireal Photography is fantastic for finding routes across ground, you can see gate ways by looking for vehicle or animal tracks across fields, particluarly usefull in the Bulldog with Brian making you wonder across acres of peatbogs

The mapping is also very usefull for travelling from site to site, No mistakes lead to good scores, and that is something we pride ourselves on

Andy has also hit the nail on the head, Entering waypoints......

With a keyboard we can enter points sooo much quicker, that means we are rolling faster and have more time in the field.

we also use a utility package to allow VERY fast entry of waypoints, that we then export into memory map.

The other main reason for the tablet is the size of screen means you can read the map easily.

Awesome

However with the new vehicle we will run a tablet with sun see screen with heads-up monitor (9 inch) for the driver and a gps mouse (Superb bit of kit and cheap)

The better mouses are staggeringly impressive with our display model picking up 10 sats inside our shop!!!!!!

Now thats cool B)

We also supply Vasari on board computors which are cheaper and do everything your home pc does,but in your car........ACE B) these are amoured and have water resistive values.

Hope that helps a bit

Jim

[honitonhobbit]

The 60 CSX is the best way to go.

Flux compass, internal/external aerial, waterproof, topo card capability, 16 hours use on battery.

If you want a price let me know

The PDA/Laptop/tablet route is okay but unless you run events in Europe a lot (and can't use OziExplorer) it is a system that is fast becoming outdated and complex

I was on a Garmin course last week and was blown away by what is now available for small bucks...

[cols110]

If you want a Garmin, the 276c is also a very good GPS, its worth checking em out if you want a good vehicle mounted GPS in the 400 quid price range.

[Jason]

To add my tuppence worth I purchased a 182C from ebay for $450,brand new in a box, excellent bit of kit

Its a marine unit so its waterproof and you can add a memory card, nice size screen as well

[will_warne]

Jules, towards the end of this year (once the bank balance has recovered) I'll be doing GPS in readiness for events next year. Basically, you want something fast (both processing and entering waypoints), easy to read, easy to use. Also remember you're co driver often won't be in the vehicle so you need some way of being able to see what's going on too. I've thought about Garmin but I just don't think the detail's high enough on land. If you compare that to some of the latest PC based software which allows you to drape OS maps or arial photos over a 3D terrain model with all you're waypoints on there too. Very, very useful. At the moment I'm thinking about a Hughes Hill system BUT its not cheap. However, they're waterproof, shock proof, fast and have large touch screens.

My advice is go and have a play with some of the differant options. Paul (Wightman) and Jim both have nice tablet based systems.

[LR90]

Naive Q but no one has mentioned Tomtom. Are these not worth considering?

[darthdicky]

I wouldn't say so Trev, once you leave a road you just get a blank area of colour and you can't enter OS style grid references. It will give you your lat/long position, but not anything more useful than that.

It's a fantastic bit of kit/program for road navigation, but you want Memory Map or one of the many alternatives for off road stuff.

Richard