GPS Reviews-Deals

montezumawell · Post by **montezumawell** » Mar 15 2002 7:30 am

The world of GPS is always changing but prices have always seemed high and UNchanging. However, perhaps that, too, is starting to change. The Fry's (electronics) Friday ad (3/15/02) features a decent 'bottom end' Magellan for $77 on Page F3. Based on the ad's description, we believe this is a Magellan Model 315, one we have owned since June 1999. We paid $155 back then and the price (at least at Wal-Mart) pretty much stayed in that range even since. We were very confused (what else is new?) when buying a GPS back in '99 and perhaps posts to this topic can help newcomers to GPS make relatively informed decisions. Personally, we would rather take the advice of HAZ members than just about any other source.
If you spot a deal such as the one above and/or have time to review your own personal unit, this might be useful to other HAZ members.

OK, here's our review of the Magellan 315:

It's good as far as it goes. Its battery consumption is higher than advertised, especially when cold. It supposedly has a 'super sensitive' antenna but it sure has a hard time locating its satellites when it's in a forest or ANYWHERE near a rock ledge or in even a south facing canyon.
It seems like it takes forever to boot up and even longer to get an elevation fix. It's GOTO function is somewhat confusing, especially because it defaults to the 'MOB' feature, which is suppoed to help boaters find their 'Man Over Board.' You have to mess around with the unit for quite awhile to learn how to change its various defaults. We never have been able to get it to 'undefault' that MOB function. Clearing the GOTO is a tad cumbersome, too. Mostly just annoying. It gets its best signal when the unit is held vertically so we've had to rig a special container on the back of our pack to keep it in the position it prefers. Even then, it routinely loses its 'lock' and we never trust the mileage it produces while walking a route. Likewise, it uses so much battery juice we've decided to use it only for various important waypoints. Speaking of waypoints, if we are hiking in a forest (even a pre-settlement condition ponderosa forest), we need to find a REALLY BIG clearing to be able to get more than 3-4 satellites. This is not always possible in a forest and sometimes we find ourselves wandering around looking for 'GPS habitat,' i.e. somewhere the dang thing will find suitable for locating satellites. Yes, you can put custom lettering/titles on your waypoints/landmarks but it is time consuming and, once again, annoying. There are numerous other annoying features about this unit, too, that are a bit too trivial to recount here. That said, we actually LIKE the little bugger. We have settled into a 'relationship' with it that apparently suits us both. We only use it occasionally and rely more on the tried and true (pre-GPS) route finding techniques. It comes in real handy for collecting personal 'benchmarks' in any given area so that we know all of our major nearby landmarks even if we can't see them. Its biggest drawback is its worthlessness in a dense forest. There's no 'workaround' for that one. (Except avoiding dense forests, of course.) At the time we bought it, we felt it was worth $155 and so we'd have to say it's well worth $77 now. The old adage of 'you get what you pay for' seems to apply well to GPS units. High end Garmins, in particular, seem not to have the problems of this Magellan. But, then again, they cost a lot more. So, it's a trade off and, as always, know your needs BEFORE you buy one of these buggers. We hope some of the other HAZ members take time to post reviews of their equipment. Maybe ck1 will even do one of his fine articles. Also, we suppose there was once a topic on GPS on the pre-February HAZ website. However, it's likely that topic is 'history,' as Joe likes to say.

Well, hope this helps.

J&S in RR

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Mar 16 2002 12:10 pm

I have been using a Garmin etrex (base model) since last December and I am very pleased with its performance, though I have not used it yet in the woods. I am planning to use it to locate caves some time during the next couple of months. I have used most of the gps units since they have been out mostly showing freinds how to use their unit in conjunction with a topo map.
The only drawback to the etrex is the font size of the display screen, which some people have a problem reading (3 or an

. I received the etrex as a gift and I have noted it on sale for $ 89.00. I use the unit in conjunction with a compass or sometimes by itself, I like to incorporate navigation exercise's with my outdoor excursions.

Sande J · Post by **Sande J** » Mar 17 2002 10:28 pm

Just an FYI for anyone that is new to GPS, Jim at Wide World of Maps in Mesa teaches a class how how to use GPS properly. It is only like $15 and he is an experienced rockhound and has done quite a bit of spelunking. I know they also carry most all GPS systems, so would be a good info source for what works best and what you should be paying for one.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Mar 18 2002 8:43 am

A very informative book is GPS Made Easy (third edition) by Lawrence Letham, $ 14.95 available at Popular Outdoor Outfitters, Wide World of Maps and REI.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Mar 18 2002 9:05 am

[quote='Nighthiker']A very informative book is GPS Made Easy (third edition) by Lawrence Letham, $ 14.95 available at Popular Outdoor Outfitters, Wide World of Maps and REI.[/quote]

I have the store copy from Scottsdale/Thomas. It's a good book that is 'Made Easy', must be, I can follow it!

It's published by 'The Mountaineers' so you know it's good. If nothing else it's a good library gaze.

Then again I may be over excited cause he uses 'Reavis' and the Pinyon topo grid for reference...

Which reminds me. I know you can get this from the internet too... but... The atomic clocks on the Satellites make setting your watch from a GPS unit a good reference.

lobo41 · Post by **lobo41** » Mar 18 2002 2:51 pm

Excellent timing on this post. For the past two weeks, I have been looking semi-seriously into the purchase of a GPS. I have about decided on the Garman Etrex, a Lowrance iFinder, or a Magellan Meridian.

Have heard from Nighthiker on the Garman. Does anyone have any info/experience with the last two?

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Mar 18 2002 3:03 pm

[quote='lobo41']Garman Etrex, a Lowrance iFinder, or a Magellan Meridian.

Have heard from Nighthiker on the Garman. Does anyone have any info/experience with the last two?[/quote]

I'd go with the Garmin
Better aftermarket accessories. Better customer service. Better resale value.

montezumawell · Post by **montezumawell** » Mar 18 2002 5:38 pm

lobo41 asked about the makes of GPS receivers. Joe mentioned Garmin for several reasons, including resale value. Got us to thinking and we went over to Ebay. Just type in 'gps' and you will get 1,800 GPS receivers for sale (plus or minus). You can get a pretty good idea of how the resale values are stacking up between the bewildering array of makes and models. Lately, prices on Ebay have been very close to local retail so so buyer beware on that score. You can also click on 'completed items' and you will see what people actually paid for hundreds more GPS units.
We hadn't checked that Ebay category in awhile and, as usual, it was very informative, educational and just plain fun to 'window shop' all those units.

J&S in RR

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Mar 19 2002 8:48 am

Well, being a Techno-addict

I just ordered a Garmin GPS III Plus from Amazon for $249. which seemed to be a good price considering someone was selling a used one for $302. Also ordered the GPS Made Easy book.

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Mar 19 2002 10:54 am

[quote='Sande J']Jim at Wide World of Maps in Mesa teaches a class how how to use GPS properly. It is only like $15 and he is an experienced rockhound and has done quite a bit of spelunking. [/quote]

I second this recommendation...he's the guy that spent the time to help me understand the different Topo software out on the market. Really nice guy. I recommend WWofMaps for your map needs...I even passed on the REI dividend to buy the software from WWofMaps.

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Mar 19 2002 3:56 pm

I'll check that Wide World of Maps class out once I get the GPS and have figured out how to turn it on.

Thanks!

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Mar 20 2002 12:16 am

Hoolie,

Come and do Reavis Ranch with us on Thur. and I'll show you how slick and easy these new GPS models work. Heck, I'll bet my bottom dollar even an old trail hound like yourself could have it down in a jiffy!

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Mar 20 2002 7:34 am

Hmmmmm, Let's see.....how badly do I want your bottom dollar? I can really do a great job of faking srupidity! (OK, OK, so sometime's I'm not faking

)
OK, you're on for Thurs. When and where do I meet you?

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Mar 20 2002 9:35 am

Get with GTG, he's meeting me at my place at 600AM. My friend Bruce and Ranger lou are slated to go too. Look for a PM in your box.

Brems · Post by **Brems** » Mar 22 2002 11:57 pm

I bought a Magellan 2000XL several years ago, and back then it seemed to work ok. I have been living out-of-state for the last 2 years, and now that I am 'home', I cant get the dang thing to work. It poweres up fine and all, but when it comes to 'locking' on to any sats, well- i think I could have an easier time trying to determine my location by looking at the stars (too bad i'd need to wait until dark!). Oh well, maybe that's it's way of telling me to upgrade.

Donald · Post by **Donald** » Apr 16 2002 11:05 am

There are reviews of some navigational aids here:

http://www.jungletraining.com/navigati.htm

This generally might be use different than hiking in Arizona, but you might still benefit from the reviews. You might even want to throw in your own comments on the forum there, .... BoyNhisDog does!

As I recall, to view the forums, as opposed to the link I posted, you need to register. If that is not clear I'll restate it. You can view the link I posted WITHOUT registering.

By the way, the Forums are not quite as genteel as the HAZ members usually keep it, but I don't think anyone would be shocked. Nevertheless, re the forums there, you have been warned. :roll:

Yes, I did mean characterized by good manners, so I came back changed it. Thanks for proofreading evenstarx3. I wouldn't want anyone to be offended for the wrong reasons. ;) Now if this was the Outdoor Forums, I would conclude that Evenstarx3 is claiming, by his assertion

I've never been considered genteel though I am gentile

to fit into the third definition, that is, 'A pagan or heathen.'

but since this is HAZ, I won't say that! :P

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Apr 16 2002 11:50 am

By the way, the Forums are not quite as gentile as the HAZ members usually keep it, but I don't think anyone would be shocked.

Think he probably means 'Genteel' but what do I know...I've never been considered genteel though I am gentile

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Apr 28 2002 4:03 pm

Bought the Garmin eTrex Summit instead for hiking. I'll use the GPS III Plus in the motorhome. Just after I bought the GPS thing I received an e-mail from someone, not sure who, asking me to pass on my experience with it after I got it. I replied that I didn't even know how to turn it on and whomever e-mailed me said once I did I'd know 10 times as much as he.

Unfortunately, I deleted my old e-mails and don't recall who it was.

OK, I now know 10 times as much. Here's one interesting tdibit from a complete novice: When we did the Roger's Canyon hike, we came to a signpost that had one sign pointing to Reavis Ranch. There had been another sign on the post, but it was missing. Was the missing sign to have pointed to Roger's Canyon? I had carried my eTrex on my belt and had turned it on at the trail head. It said we had traveled 1.61 miles. :idea: GTG had a printout of the TrailDex Roger's Canyon description and it said the junction was about 1.6 miles into the hike :!:
So even in the hands of a complete GPS ignoramous (I let GTG hold it

) it solved a problem :!:

Also bought the book GPS Made Easy (third edition) by Lawrence Letham that Nighthiker recommended. Really informative and think I'm getting a pretty good handle on the GPS stuff. Thanks, Nighthiker

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Apr 28 2002 6:37 pm

I think the location of the sign was at the junction of 109 (Which goes to Reavis Ranch) and 110 (which goes by the Cliff Dwellings and on to Angel Basin). I think the missing sign may have indicated Reavis Grave, who is buried along the trail.

dnaelting · Post by **dnaelting** » Nov 04 2002 12:27 pm

I have been using the Garmin Etrex Venture. The unit is easy to use. The battery consumption is good, (to get the long battery life read the book, you have to turn off the WAAS, and change the route marking). I would recomend this unit. It can store loads of waypoints, and several routes. I have not tried to download from the computer to the unit, but from what I have been told, it isn't too hard to do.

GPS Reviews-Deals

GPS Reviews-Deals

Handy, dandy "comp" values