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Garmin ETrex Personal navigator ?
|
|
| The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV 2007-11-22, 10:33 pm |
| Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want simplicity
and don't require alot of features. All I really want it for is to mount on
my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if we get lost we can find
our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see it
has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to download
other features ?
Thanks,
Raz
| |
|
| "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in
news:fi4vnq$k2e$1@ne
ws.netins.net:
> Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want
> simplicity and don't require alot of features. All I really want it
> for is to mount on my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if
> we get lost we can find our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
> Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see
> it has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to
> download other features ?
> Thanks,
> Raz
>
If you get lost, make sure you have enough water with you until someone
finds you. I would suggest that you NOT rely on something battery powered.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
| |
| The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV 2007-11-22, 10:33 pm |
|
"Han" <nobody@nospam.not> wrote in message
news:Xns99F0B3D41B28
3ikkezelf@199.45.49.11...
> "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in
> news:fi4vnq$k2e$1@ne
ws.netins.net:
>
> If you get lost, make sure you have enough water with you until someone
> finds you. I would suggest that you NOT rely on something battery
> powered.
>
> --
> Best regards
> Han
> email address is invalid
Thought I would get the 12V adapter for it.
Thanks,
Raz
| |
| WhatsinAname ! 2007-11-22, 10:33 pm |
| On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:27:01 -0600, "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV"
<dswebber@netins.net> wrote:
>Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want simplicity
>and don't require alot of features. All I really want it for is to mount on
>my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if we get lost we can find
>our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
>Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see it
>has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to download
>other features ?
>Thanks,
>Raz
>
>
>
>
>---
>avast! Antivirus: Inbound message clean.
>Virus Database (VPS): 071122-0, 11/22/2007
>Tested on: 11/22/2007 8:13:48 PM
>avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2007 ALWIL Software.
>http://www.avast.com
>
>
That is perfect for wht you want.Yes You can load waypoints for saving
to your computer or load waypoints for looking for geocaches.etc
---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 071122-0, 11/22/2007
Tested on: 11/22/2007 8:15:54 PM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2007 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com
| |
| The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV 2007-11-23, 4:33 am |
| For waypints and communication between computer and GPS what software do I
have to purchase ?
Thanks,
Raz
"WhatsinAname !" < WhatsinAname@nowhere
.com> wrote in message
news:nchck3dror29sfj
2onf7rejkvt0a5s5ea9@
4ax.com...
> On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:27:01 -0600, "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV"
> <dswebber@netins.net> wrote:
>
> That is perfect for wht you want.Yes You can load waypoints for saving
> to your computer or load waypoints for looking for geocaches.etc
>
>
> ---
> avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
> Virus Database (VPS): 071122-0, 11/22/2007
> Tested on: 11/22/2007 8:15:54 PM
> avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2007 ALWIL Software.
> http://www.avast.com
>
>
>
| |
| Roger Tango 2007-11-23, 7:33 am |
| I'm not familiar with the Etrex series, however it looks like from Garmins
web site that it does not support downloading/uploading anything to the
device. The serial connector appears to be just for sending position data
from the device to a PC, using for example the free Nroute software from
Garmin to display your position.
You might consider an uupgrade to something like the GPS 60, which has a USB
connector in addition to the serial port, and comes with the Trip and
Waypoint Manager software. It also includes the USB cable, whereas with the
Etrex you would need to purchase that separately, so the price difference
between the Etrex and the GPS 60 is not so much.
"The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in message
news:fi61m6$3mi$1@ne
ws.netins.net...
> For waypints and communication between computer and GPS what software do I
> have to purchase ?
> Thanks,
> Raz
>
> "WhatsinAname !" < WhatsinAname@nowhere
.com> wrote in message
> news:nchck3dror29sfj
2onf7rejkvt0a5s5ea9@
4ax.com...
>
>
| |
|
| "Roger Tango" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote in
news:4kA1j.302$so3.258@newsfe18.lga:
> I'm not familiar with the Etrex series, however it looks like from
> Garmins web site that it does not support downloading/uploading
> anything to the device. The serial connector appears to be just for
> sending position data from the device to a PC, using for example the
> free Nroute software from Garmin to display your position.
>
> You might consider an uupgrade to something like the GPS 60, which has
> a USB connector in addition to the serial port, and comes with the
> Trip and Waypoint Manager software. It also includes the USB cable,
> whereas with the Etrex you would need to purchase that separately, so
> the price difference between the Etrex and the GPS 60 is not so much.
<snip>
I have (had - I think it broke) an Etrex Vista (a 4 years or more old
version), and it had maps, including base map, and could do all kinds of
up and down loading. It's antenna chip was mediocre compared to the new
60CSx (note the "x"). In woods especially with wet leaves reception was
poor (IMO).
YMMV
TANSTAAFL
<acronymfinder.com>
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
| |
| Roger Tango 2007-11-23, 10:33 am |
|
"Han" <nobody@nospam.not> wrote in message
news:Xns99F15AD5F474
1ikkezelf@199.45.49.11...
> "Roger Tango" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote in
> news:4kA1j.302$so3.258@newsfe18.lga:
>
> <snip>
>
> I have (had - I think it broke) an Etrex Vista (a 4 years or more old
> version), and it had maps, including base map, and could do all kinds of
> up and down loading. It's antenna chip was mediocre compared to the new
> 60CSx (note the "x"). In woods especially with wet leaves reception was
> poor (IMO).
>
> YMMV
> TANSTAAFL
> <acronymfinder.com>
>
> --
> Best regards
> Han
> email address is invalid
I should have qualified my statement, I was referring to the Etrex "Personal
Navigator", which the OP had referred to. Thats the real bare-bones unit, I
don't think it even has a base map.
| |
| dold@81.usenet.us.com 2007-11-23, 12:33 pm |
| Roger Tango <someone@microsoft.com> wrote:
> I'm not familiar with the Etrex series, however it looks like from Garmins
> web site that it does not support downloading/uploading anything to the
> device. The serial connector appears to be just for sending position data
> from the device to a PC, using for example the free Nroute software from
> Garmin to display your position.
"Anything" is too strong of a word to use there.
It is not a mapping unit, so you can't upload maps to it, but waypoints,
routes, and tracks can be uploaded and downloaded.
With no external cables or programs, you could mark various points as you
pass by, and your track is constantly being maintained. It would be
excellent for some orientation while snowmobiling.
If you add a cable to connect to the PC, you could use the free g7towin to
key in some points noted on a paper map for reference, and load those to
the eTrex for use in the field. Once out in the field, points could be
marked, and later edited with g7towin to be sensible names for future
reference points.
Moving up a bit, I used ExpertGPS with my eTrex yellow. If you are in the
US, ExpertGPS will fetch topo maps where you could plan out a trip, and
load routes and points to the eTrex.
After moving up to a mapping unit, I wouldn't want to go back, but the
eTrex is an excellent unit for finding your way back to places that you
have already been.
http://www.pfranc.com cheap cables.
http://www.gpsinformation.org/ronh/ free G7towin waypoint manager.
http://www.easygps.com free no-map GUI waypoint manager.
http://www.expertgps.com good US-based topo map software.
http://www.tvnav.com I would normally recommend the refurb units, but
there is only a $3 difference between refurb and the $95 new unit.
--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
| |
|
| On Nov 22, 2:27 pm, "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV"
<dsweb...@netins.net> wrote:
> Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want simplicity
> and don't require alot of features. All I really want it for is to mount on
> my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if we get lost we can find
> our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
> Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see it
> has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to download
> other features ?
> Thanks,
> Raz
I think you're on the right track, but may want to consider a higher
model. The basic (yellow) eTrex has been replaced by the eTrex H,
which has a high-sensitivity chipset for better reception under
canopy, etc. A highly recommended feature unless you live on flat
grasslands!
The basic eTrex H doesn't come with a cable, so you would need to pay
extra for that, allowing you to transfer waypoints, routes and tracks
between the GPS and your PC.
If you're willing to spend a little more, I recommend the Venture HC
which has a better interface, comes with a cable, sunlight-readable
color screen, and the ability to accept detailed maps.
Reviews:
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_...n-etrex-h-.html
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_...re-hc-revi.html
Rich Owings
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com
| |
| Roger Tango 2007-11-23, 3:33 pm |
|
<dold@81.usenet.us.com> wrote in message news:fi714m$cl4$1@bl
ue.rahul.net...
> Roger Tango <someone@microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> "Anything" is too strong of a word to use there.
> It is not a mapping unit, so you can't upload maps to it, but waypoints,
> routes, and tracks can be uploaded and downloaded.
>
> With no external cables or programs, you could mark various points as you
> pass by, and your track is constantly being maintained. It would be
> excellent for some orientation while snowmobiling.
>
> If you add a cable to connect to the PC, you could use the free g7towin to
> key in some points noted on a paper map for reference, and load those to
> the eTrex for use in the field. Once out in the field, points could be
> marked, and later edited with g7towin to be sensible names for future
> reference points.
>
> Moving up a bit, I used ExpertGPS with my eTrex yellow. If you are in the
> US, ExpertGPS will fetch topo maps where you could plan out a trip, and
> load routes and points to the eTrex.
>
> After moving up to a mapping unit, I wouldn't want to go back, but the
> eTrex is an excellent unit for finding your way back to places that you
> have already been.
>
> http://www.pfranc.com cheap cables.
> http://www.gpsinformation.org/ronh/ free G7towin waypoint manager.
> http://www.easygps.com free no-map GUI waypoint manager.
> http://www.expertgps.com good US-based topo map software.
> http://www.tvnav.com I would normally recommend the refurb units, but
> there is only a $3 difference between refurb and the $95 new unit.
>
> --
> Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
Thanks for the clarification, my best guess was that the
basic/yellow/Personal Navigator Etrex did not support upload/download
because, according to Garmin's website, the package does not include the
Trip & Waypoint SW.
Even so it would probably be a better deal to get the GPS 60 because the
cost is only about $50 more then the basic Etrex but it includes the USB
connection and the cable, so the delta cost over the Etrex is only about $20
or so. Also the GPS 60 has a better display and for what it's worth you get
the Trip & Waypoint SW in the box.
| |
|
| Also, until Dec 31 2007 (I think), Garmin says they will give a $50 rebate
on GPS 60 CS and GPS 60 CSx.
There is a $30 rebate on Topo 2008 if you have an older Topo.
Each seems to require an original packing slip (or whatever it is called).
While the PO box address is the same for each rebate, the rebate offer
number differs. Not sure exactly what Garmin will do with an original
packing slip in 1 rebate and a printout of the Amazon email invoice in the
other. Waiting for an email reply.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
| |
| dold@81.usenet.us.com 2007-11-23, 3:33 pm |
| Roger Tango <someone@microsoft.com> wrote:
> Even so it would probably be a better deal to get the GPS 60 because the
> cost is only about $50 more then the basic Etrex but it includes the USB
> connection and the cable, so the delta cost over the Etrex is only about
> $20 or so. Also the GPS 60 has a better display and for what it's worth
> you get the Trip & Waypoint SW in the box.
The pfranc cable is $14. Trip and Waypoint is something I never used,
since it didn't come with my eTrex ;-).
$109 verses $140. The screen on the GPSMap60c is better than the eTrex,
but I don't know about the monochrome 60. More pixels and a little larger.
That's still the old chipset and non-mapping, compared to a 60cx (way too
expensive for this conversation).
On the other hand, the eTrex H adds WAAS, and it's $5 cheaper than the
older eTrex at tvnav.com.
--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
| |
| dold@81.usenet.us.com 2007-11-23, 3:33 pm |
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Han <nobody@nospam.not> wrote:
> Also, until Dec 31 2007 (I think), Garmin says they will give a $50 rebate
> on GPS 60 CS and GPS 60 CSx.
That's the 60cx and csx, both quite a bit more expensive than $90, even
after rebate.
--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
| |
| dold@81.usenet.us.com 2007-11-23, 3:33 pm |
| Rich <richowings@gmail.com> wrote:
> If you're willing to spend a little more, I recommend the Venture HC
> which has a better interface, comes with a cable, sunlight-readable
> color screen, and the ability to accept detailed maps.
Now, that looks like a good deal, in the $150 price range. Better than a
60c. Still, it's a bump in price for our original poster, followed by
another bump in price to get onboard routing in the HCx. Those look like a
better deal than the 60 series. And better than my
discontinued-before-I-got-it 60cs ;-(
A phone call to tvnav might be a good thing.
--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
| |
| The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV 2007-11-24, 7:33 am |
|
"The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in message
news:fi4vnq$k2e$1@ne
ws.netins.net...
> Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want simplicity
> and don't require alot of features. All I really want it for is to mount
> on my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if we get lost we can
> find our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
> Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see it
> has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to download
> other features ?
> Thanks,
> Raz
>
Thanks you guys for all your time and effort for all the info. Here is the
deal. My father is bought the etrex I am talking about . He never did use it
and now wants the one you use in an auto which speaks to you and everything.
Well, he said he would sell the etrex to me for $30 . Putting that into
perspective. Is it worth $30 to strap onto the handlebar of an atv to
prevent my son and I from getting lost in the woods ?
Can I also get a set of rechargeable batteries and a cord to hook up to the
atv battery ?
Thanks Again for all the help,
Raz
| |
|
| "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in
news:fi96po$g0h$1@ne
ws.netins.net:
>
> "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in message
> news:fi4vnq$k2e$1@ne
ws.netins.net...
> Thanks you guys for all your time and effort for all the info. Here is
> the deal. My father is bought the etrex I am talking about . He never
> did use it and now wants the one you use in an auto which speaks to
> you and everything. Well, he said he would sell the etrex to me for
> $30 . Putting that into perspective. Is it worth $30 to strap onto the
> handlebar of an atv to prevent my son and I from getting lost in the
> woods ? Can I also get a set of rechargeable batteries and a cord to
> hook up to the atv battery ?
> Thanks Again for all the help,
> Raz
>
You should be able to put a "home" waypoint into the machine, so that you
can use the goto function to get a bearing to that home waypoint (where
you parked the car, or something). Then just try to get there. I have
no experience with orienteering, but you should try not to get lost
without a map, a real compass, and enough water and gas to get back.
BTW, I'm phylosophically not in favor of ATV's.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
| |
| Roger Tango 2007-11-24, 10:33 am |
|
"The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in message
news:fi96po$g0h$1@ne
ws.netins.net...
>
> "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dswebber@netins.net> wrote in message
> news:fi4vnq$k2e$1@ne
ws.netins.net...
> Thanks you guys for all your time and effort for all the info. Here is the
> deal. My father is bought the etrex I am talking about . He never did use
> it and now wants the one you use in an auto which speaks to you and
> everything. Well, he said he would sell the etrex to me for $30 . Putting
> that into perspective. Is it worth $30 to strap onto the handlebar of an
> atv to prevent my son and I from getting lost in the woods ?
> Can I also get a set of rechargeable batteries and a cord to hook up to
> the atv battery ?
> Thanks Again for all the help,
> Raz
>
You can get a cable to hook up to the atv battery using a cigarrete lighter:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=650
It will not recharge the batteries though. You can get the cable cheaper
from other places such as www.gpsnow.com.
| |
|
| On Nov 24, 5:02 am, Han <nob...@nospam.not> wrote:
> "The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV" <dsweb...@netins.net> wrote innews:fi96po$g0h$1@
news.netins.net:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> You should be able to put a "home" waypoint into the machine, so that you
> can use the goto function to get a bearing to that home waypoint (where
> you parked the car, or something). Then just try to get there. I have
> no experience with orienteering, but you should try not to get lost
> without a map, a real compass, and enough water and gas to get back.
>
> BTW, I'm phylosophically not in favor of ATV's.
>
> --
> Best regards
> Han
> email address is invalid
Or you can follow the track (bread crumb trail) back.
BTW, philosophically, I'm in favor of anything that gets people out in
nature. If public lands were just used by crunchy granola yuppie
mountain bikers like me, there'd be damned little support for public
lands.
Rich Owings
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com
| |
| Kristian M Zoerhoff 2007-11-24, 10:33 pm |
| On 2007-11-22, The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV <dswebber@netins.net> wrote:
> Just wondering if this is a good beginner GPS handheld ? I want simplicity
> and don't require alot of features. All I really want it for is to mount on
> my atv for when my son and I go trail riding so if we get lost we can find
> our way back. The speed feature is a bonus .
This is almost exactly what I use it for (but on a bicycle, not an ATV).
It's a fine unit for this purpose.
> Will this gps do what I want it to do without any problem ? I also see it
> has some kind of connection , is it to plug into the computer to download
> other features ?
It has a USB connection for uploading/downloading maps, waypoints, routes,
etc. Nice for recording tracks of where you were, and viewing them later on.
--
Kristian Zoerhoff
kristian.zoerhoff@gmail.com
| |
| Kristian M Zoerhoff 2007-11-24, 10:33 pm |
| On 2007-11-23, The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV <dswebber@netins.net> wrote:
> For waypints and communication between computer and GPS what software do I
> have to purchase ?
My eTrex unit came with some sort of Waypoint Manager with MapSource, but I
already had MapSource with CityNavigator v8, so I used that. Pretty much any
map software from Garmin will work.
--
Kristian Zoerhoff
kristian.zoerhoff@gmail.com
| |
| dold@81.usenet.us.com 2007-11-25, 3:33 pm |
| The Webbers Hilltop Cycle ATV <dswebber@netins.net> wrote:
> perspective. Is it worth $30 to strap onto the handlebar of an atv to
> prevent my son and I from getting lost in the woods ?
$30? Sure, it's worth that. Someone else pointed out that it won't
prevent you from getting lost, but I presume you've made in and out of the
woods a few times without one. A GPS just makes it easier. I also like to
review where I've been, looking at maps, and Google Earth.
> Can I also get a set of rechargeable batteries and a cord to hook up to the
> atv battery ?
For my eTrex yellow, I haven't used the car adapter since I started using
NiMH rechargeables. They last 14-15 hours.
--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
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