GPS units

Custom maps: I was battling to stretch my map scan to fit properly over the google earth map(?), so I started trawling the net for suitable (cheap) software. Found "mapc2mapc" (google it), downloaded it (along with "7-zip"-free), paid R116 for the mapc2mapc key (from the developer), and loaded my scan. You then calibrate it (the scanned map) using one of four methods, then write a garmin custom map. And you're done, just drag the .kmz file you created in to the custom map folder on a compatible GPS.

Have been using a Garmin eTrex Legend Cx for about 4 years now for both hiking and mountain-biking and never had a hassle with it. It connects via a standard USB cable to Mapsource to upload and download waypoints and tracks. One of the best "features" that I enjoy is the great battery life - I get about 40 hours continuous use on 2 AA lithium batteries.
You could probably pick one up second hand - saw an eTrex Vista Cx a few months ago at a Cash Converters for R1500.

I bought my Oregon 450 for R3600 on a South African site. I like the touchscreen and the ability to use it as a hiking GPS and in the car as a normal GPS for navigating.

The big choice is between the 62S and the Oregon, whether you prefer touchscreen or buttons. Some guys say the Oregon's screen is difficult to read in sunlight, but for me it's totally fine.

I have recently done a custom map of the Bell Traverse from one of the official Drakensberg maps and will soon be testing it out ...

My requirements are simple - small and lightweight (100g), black and white, no maps, long lasting batteries, 3m (waas) accuracy, waypoints only. I only wish to go there, or record where I was.

Oregon 200g 850Mb memory 2000 waypoints for 3x the price. But I have at least 20,000 waypoints. Whoopee, a little plug in memory module for more money! What, I need TEN? Sorry garmin, shove it.

For what it's worth, I'm mad as hell. In 1999 I bought garmin etrex summit. 500 waypoints, with fishing symbols. I used the 500 waypoints in 3 months, from then on had to write my data points in a book. (I don't carry a computer on my travels.) In 2008 it packed up, there is an internal battery that is used for startup, 10 year lifespan, designed obsolescence. I tried to repair it, failed. In 2009 researched buying another. In 10 years Garmin has improved their units NOT AT ALL.

Ended up buying a Geko, a little lighter, a lot cheaper, but 500 waypoints and fishing symbols (and still the old Serial interface - not even USB!)!!! Clearly people are still buying their substandard now antiquated crapola, so they keep producing it.

I have emailed garmin many times. For instance, I don't use tracks or routes. Yet I can't access that blank memory. Worse, memory is cheap. 500 data points at 4 bytes per is 2 KILObytes. I can buy a chip for $10 that has 200 MEGAbyte, that is, they could give me 50 MILLION data points for $10. I just bought a Fuji camera that has 20Meg memory and 5 million GPS data points BUILT IN for less than a GPS.


Would love to abandon garmin forever, but they seem to have the lock on what I need. I am hoping Fuji will soon clean their clock.

I also carry a small GPS and a small cellphone. Why 2? Make them one!

I'm considering getting a Garmin eTrex H, is this GPS worth getting for berg use?

@JonWells: thanks, so you say it is a good entry level GPS. The reason I ask is that Kalahari.net is selling them for R1000 (data cables are R75) and I have a R50 Kalahari.net voucher expiring at the end of the month, so I'm thinking now is a good time for me to buy 1...

@ghaznavid: Check the cable that is offered carefully first. As far as I can remember the eTrex H had a serial interface and the cable listed uses a USB interface. Maybe someone who has one can correct me if I am wrong.