GPS units
28 Jul 2010 18:09 #1523
by anthony
Plouw,
I have a garmin 60csx, it really is a bullet proof model unfortunately it does not come cheap, but it will be the last GPS you bye.
The things to look when buying a GPS for hiking.
-amount of way points that can be stored
-amount of proximity points that can be stored
-if it has a barometer
-the battery life
-how much active route can be stored
-how many routes can be loaded
-how robust the unit is
-how much internal memory or a removable SD card
Hope that helps a bit.
I have a garmin 60csx, it really is a bullet proof model unfortunately it does not come cheap, but it will be the last GPS you bye.
The things to look when buying a GPS for hiking.
-amount of way points that can be stored
-amount of proximity points that can be stored
-if it has a barometer
-the battery life
-how much active route can be stored
-how many routes can be loaded
-how robust the unit is
-how much internal memory or a removable SD card
Hope that helps a bit.
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29 Jul 2010 10:32 #1524
by gollum
I use my cellphone's (Nokia N79) built-in GPS and it works fine in the Drakensberg (it also joined my backpack on its spiritual journey down Leslie's Pass which you witnessed, so I guess it's pretty durable as well!
).
It has very nice software for tracking routes. Storing waypoints is a bit of a hassle but I don't mind. And it's only limited by the capacity of the SD card you choose to use.
But a dedicated GPS device is probably better.
It has very nice software for tracking routes. Storing waypoints is a bit of a hassle but I don't mind. And it's only limited by the capacity of the SD card you choose to use.
But a dedicated GPS device is probably better.
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30 Jul 2010 11:21 #1525
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
I think the basic purpose of a GPS is to navigate towards waypoints that you've either collected yourself, or which has been uploaded from a computer. The same goes for tracks. You can get very affordable models that do this just fine. All the fancier stuff is in addition. For more meaningful navigation add a topographic base map (one which you can load onto your computer too - this allows you to plan your route beforehand too, even if you don't have any real GPS data).
The newer models have some funky stuff, nice touch screens, 3D map capability (Berg maps have yet to catch up), topographic shading etc etc. But I've been using a Garmin Legend C for several years and will stick to it until it breaks, or until the fancier 3D maps become more meaningful and useful for the Berg and other places. I'm not sure if they still sell Garmin Vista HCx's but that one always had good marks in my books. But if you do go for a simpler model, I can't say for sure if you'll wish you had something better within a few years..I'm not sure how fast map technology is going to change. That's something you may want to run by a knowledgeable sales consultant.
The newer models have some funky stuff, nice touch screens, 3D map capability (Berg maps have yet to catch up), topographic shading etc etc. But I've been using a Garmin Legend C for several years and will stick to it until it breaks, or until the fancier 3D maps become more meaningful and useful for the Berg and other places. I'm not sure if they still sell Garmin Vista HCx's but that one always had good marks in my books. But if you do go for a simpler model, I can't say for sure if you'll wish you had something better within a few years..I'm not sure how fast map technology is going to change. That's something you may want to run by a knowledgeable sales consultant.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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02 Aug 2010 22:28 #1542
by SeriousTribe2
Replied by SeriousTribe2 on topic GPS units
@ Mr PLOUW
A degree in rocket science and a battery charger.
Or just stick with a Map, your nose and a sense of Humour.
Its cheaper, and makes for better stories for years to come.
Try night hiking if you haven't before, that sure hones your skills up fast.
As long as you know you'r in the berg, and which way is UP, your not really ever lost are you?
A degree in rocket science and a battery charger.
Or just stick with a Map, your nose and a sense of Humour.
Its cheaper, and makes for better stories for years to come.
Try night hiking if you haven't before, that sure hones your skills up fast.
As long as you know you'r in the berg, and which way is UP, your not really ever lost are you?
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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).
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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