GPS units
03 Aug 2010 12:33 #1549
by SeriousTribe2
Replied by SeriousTribe2 on topic GPS units
AND SO IS GETTING LOST MATE !!! 
Just think of all those poor OLD people who did the GT with a compass or a map or their noses.
Or all three if they were very lucky.
Keep heading South. If all else fails, turn LEFT.
Above all, keep it at the top of your priority list.
Just think of all those poor OLD people who did the GT with a compass or a map
Or all three if they were very lucky.
Keep heading South. If all else fails, turn LEFT.
Above all, keep it at the top of your priority list.
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15 Mar 2011 08:29 #2571
by Errol
I know that some would only consider using (at most)a magnetized needle resting on a leaf in a puddle of water to aid navigation. However, I'm looking for a little more than that. I posted GPS questions a while back, but never got around to getting one.
The GPSMAP 78 and 62 (not the s etc)are the units I've narrowed it down to. They seem to have what I "need".
What I would like to know is if anyone owns or has used either of these units?
Thanks in advance.
The GPSMAP 78 and 62 (not the s etc)are the units I've narrowed it down to. They seem to have what I "need".
What I would like to know is if anyone owns or has used either of these units?
Thanks in advance.
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16 Mar 2011 10:44 - 16 Mar 2011 13:43 #2578
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
There is a better way to using a needle on a leaf in the Berg these days: if you see smugglers, and they are carrying bags, then they are heading East. If empty bags, then they are heading West.
I don't know any of those GPS models. What matters to me in addition to the normal functions is being able to send and receive data to a computer, and being able to load IMG files / maps to the unit from a computer. If that is missing then the usefulness of your unit is more limited.
I don't know any of those GPS models. What matters to me in addition to the normal functions is being able to send and receive data to a computer, and being able to load IMG files / maps to the unit from a computer. If that is missing then the usefulness of your unit is more limited.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Last edit: 16 Mar 2011 13:43 by intrepid.
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18 Mar 2011 16:35 #2589
by Errol
and I imagine they could draw. You a pretty good map too!
To my understanding both have that functionality, the main difference between the two (that I can see) is that the 78 accepts microSD cards (1.7 built in), floats, has a patch antenna and the buttons are above the screen. The 62 only has the 1.7 gigs built in, sinks, has a quad helix antenna and buttons below the screen. I see the 78 as "better" as it takes microSD and floats. They are the same price (in the States).
and I imagine they could draw. You a pretty good map too!To my understanding both have that functionality, the main difference between the two (that I can see) is that the 78 accepts microSD cards (1.7 built in), floats, has a patch antenna and the buttons are above the screen. The 62 only has the 1.7 gigs built in, sinks, has a quad helix antenna and buttons below the screen. I see the 78 as "better" as it takes microSD and floats. They are the same price (in the States).
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16 May 2011 10:10 #2877
by hasamatt
Hi Guys,
I have questions regarding handheld GPS units. I am in the market to get a GPS, but I must admit that I don't have R5500 for a Garmin Oregon. It sure looks impressive on the Garmin & Cape Union Mart websites, but I think I could only afford something thats more basic, yet just as functional. What GPS's are you using? Do you necessarily need a unit with a huge colour lcd display that shows contour lines etc. Or is something like the eTrex just as suitable for accurately navigating your way through the valleys and gulleys of the drakensberg? Do the cheaper models allow you to record a 'bread crumb trail', and ultimately find your way to out of the way destinations?
I am just keen to know what you guys are using, how you use them, the things you do and don't like about them, and any other info on a good all-round model to choose when I go shopping.
Many thanks,
Matt
I have questions regarding handheld GPS units. I am in the market to get a GPS, but I must admit that I don't have R5500 for a Garmin Oregon. It sure looks impressive on the Garmin & Cape Union Mart websites, but I think I could only afford something thats more basic, yet just as functional. What GPS's are you using? Do you necessarily need a unit with a huge colour lcd display that shows contour lines etc. Or is something like the eTrex just as suitable for accurately navigating your way through the valleys and gulleys of the drakensberg? Do the cheaper models allow you to record a 'bread crumb trail', and ultimately find your way to out of the way destinations?
I am just keen to know what you guys are using, how you use them, the things you do and don't like about them, and any other info on a good all-round model to choose when I go shopping.
Many thanks,
Matt
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16 May 2011 11:01 #2880
by JonWells
Hi Matt
I bought an E-trex H a few years ago as my first GPS, and am still using it today. All in all, as a basic entry level gps is does the job pretty well. It is very accurate, with a highly sensitive receiver, and is quite durable, as well as being decently waterproof. As far as I remember it was designed to be able to last about 30 minutes comletely submerged in water.
On the con side, the unit doesnt come with a pc cable, and after seeing that the cable's price was around R500 I decided it wouldnt be worth it. This means I have to manually enter all the waypoints using the hard rubber buttons, which is quite a mission if you have a whole lot to enter at once. I have tried the unit with the cheap eveready batteries, and they simply do not survive in cold weather, after about an hour the units dead. However with the more expensive longer lasting batteries, Ive been quite impressed with the battery life.
I bought an E-trex H a few years ago as my first GPS, and am still using it today. All in all, as a basic entry level gps is does the job pretty well. It is very accurate, with a highly sensitive receiver, and is quite durable, as well as being decently waterproof. As far as I remember it was designed to be able to last about 30 minutes comletely submerged in water.
On the con side, the unit doesnt come with a pc cable, and after seeing that the cable's price was around R500 I decided it wouldnt be worth it. This means I have to manually enter all the waypoints using the hard rubber buttons, which is quite a mission if you have a whole lot to enter at once. I have tried the unit with the cheap eveready batteries, and they simply do not survive in cold weather, after about an hour the units dead. However with the more expensive longer lasting batteries, Ive been quite impressed with the battery life.
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16 May 2011 12:55 #2883
by JonWells
I've recently started playing around using my Samsung Galaxy S with an app called "My Tracks", its pretty good for recording tracks then viewing on google earth. Theres also an app called "Maverick' which seems pretty good for navigating towards waypoints etc. I'm still waiting for the Google Earth app to be made available to SA, that will be awesome!
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16 May 2011 17:12 #2890
by Errol
I recently got a 62s. I've only used it twice and still getting to grips with Base Camp, but seems to have all one would generally need, comes with USB cable and can transfer wirelessly with compatible units. I've loaded the cave and pass gpx data from VE on to it, and trying to sort out scans of my berg maps to be able to use them as the base map ("custom maps" Garmin call it- anyone done this?). Also, found prices on line (in South Africa) were way better than the stores, although wasn't impressed with the service from the store I brought it from.
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