GPS

[youngboater]

I am looking around for a GPS unit. On a tight budget so price is an issue. I will mainly use it for boating and hunting. I want it to be durable. How accucrat are they. If I punch in a spot I want to save (favorite fishing spot) will it take me back within 1 foot or 100 yards??? Suggest anything that you want. I know about nothing except for what they do. Tell me anything you want. ALL help is welcome (good or bad). I assume all of them are portable GPS only not with a fishfinder combo?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: GPS

Hi there YB. For a good all around handheld GPS, look at the Garmin e-trex series. Anywhere from 90 to $350 depending on options. They are accurate to whithin 20 feet or so. What lakes do you fish in the Phoenix area?

 

[youngboater]

Re: GPS

Do those ones tell you how fast you are going? And can you punch in spots to save as points (I think that is thr right word)???<br /><br />Drowned Rat<br />Lake Pleasant is only about 25 minutes away so I go there a bunch. In the White Mountains 9,000 feet I go to Big Lake for trout and use the kicker motor. Been to pretty much all the lakes around town or close. A few are Roosevelt Saguaro Bartlet and a few others I can't remember. Just got back from southern Utah. I was fishing for a week for trout there (Panguitch Lake). Ok back to the question?

 

[sloopy]

Re: GPS

All GPS will tell you how fast your going. Depending on the satellite reception it will bring you 20-900 feet near your waypoint.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: GPS

YB. Sloopy is right on. GPS's will generally have very good reception as long as you have a clear view of the sky. With the e-trex models, as with most GPS's, you can plug in waypoints and return to them later. Try a Google search to learn more. Too many bells and whistles to list here. Good luck.

 

[youngboater]

Re: GPS

I was looking at some reviews and somebody mentioned updating the system. In the e-Trex (around $100 yellow) what is there to update??? The cable costs around $20-30 I think. Is it really worth buying the cable. I was looking at the Camo e-Trex and the other cheapest one around $100. They are only about $10 in price difference.Any input on those models would be nice or maybe any personal experiences with those two. Thaanks a lot.

 

[MickLane]

Re: GPS

I have an Etrex Legend. Very nice unit. I use it in conjunction with a Humminbird Matrix 27 depthsounder/fishfinder. I did it this way, instead of buying the Humminbird GPS module for the same reason you describe. I use the etrex for hunting navigation. Accuracy depends on whether you use it with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). WAAS, as I understand it, is not available in all areas, but should be in the Phoenix area. With WAAS, accuracy is to within 3 meters. Without it, and with 4-5 satellites, it is within 18 feet.<br /><br />I enjoy this setup, and use it regularly. Can be a little frustrating but overall a great tool.<br /><br />Mick

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: GPS

YB, the computer interface cable allows you to download and upload maps, waypoints, routes, etc... directly to and from your computer. Nice to have, but not necessary. Some e-trex models come with maps built into the unit. On these models you can update the maps occasionally from the Garmin website. You would need the cable to do this. BTW, Mick is right about WAAS working in the Phoenix area. Check out the Garmin website and you will see all the different options you can get on the e-trex. Good luck.

 

[youngboater]

Re: GPS

I just bought the E-trex Camo. I've been playing around with it, it works perfect and I'm very pleased. Great unit for the price and very simple. Thanks for all the assistance.