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Cookster Member
Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 96 Location: Perth
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:20 pm Post subject: GPS |
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A friend wants to get into caching (idiot I say!). Anyhoo they are looking at either a garmin gko or an e-trex. I use a magellan so I don't know much about garmins. Can anyone tell me which of the two would be best?
Thanks. |
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Scotsbob Founder member
Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 594 Location: Hamilton, Scotland
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:10 am Post subject: |
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Depends what they can afford, would go with the etrex (or higher spec version) every time, I think the geko is pretty basic although it would do the trick.
The higher spec versions can load maps, connect via usb to the computer for downloading waypoints etc.
IMHO _________________ "It's not whether you get knocked down.
It's whether you get up again." |
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Scottiedogz Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 69
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:18 am Post subject: |
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Scotsbob wrote: | Depends what they can afford, would go with the etrex (or higher spec version) every time, I think the geko is pretty basic although it would do the trick.
The higher spec versions can load maps, connect via usb to the computer for downloading waypoints etc.
IMHO |
I agree
Big advantage being able to download from computer straight to Etrex & it can take more maps as well.
Haven't any experience of geko tho'
I could bring my Etrex into Perth one day if that helps |
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Haggis Hunter Founder member
Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 2487 Location: The building site formally known as Edinburgh!
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:06 am Post subject: |
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If you are talking just the normal yellow Etrex then I would say go with the Geko 201 (certainly not the 101). I've been using a Geko 201 for over 5 years and I can tell you it's a great wee GPS especially for beginners.
It also has all of the specs (including downloading from the computer) that a yellow Etrex has, but smaller. _________________ Let me know if I say anything that offends you
I might want to offend you again later |
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Cookster Member
Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 96 Location: Perth
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Big advantage being able to download from computer straight to Etrex & it can take more maps as well.
Haven't any experience of geko tho'
I could bring my Etrex into Perth one day if that helps
Yes that would be good scottiez.
I have never used an etrex so it would be helpful to see it's capabilities. |
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Acronema Member
Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 68 Location: Edinburgh
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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Mapping facility is to be highly recommended, and although the Garmin topo maps are not as detailed as the OS maps, they are a good compromise for the processing power of the GPSr. The colour screen eTrexs are also very nice an bright and easy to see.
If they are getting a second hand model then definitely make sure it is one of the high sensitivity models (not just plain 12 channel), and also some of the older models only have a serial connector requiring an adaptor for USB.
I always recommend the Garmin Vista HCx (a bit under £160 now), but if you dont need a barometric altimeter then you can go down a few models and get something a bit cheaper.
BTW Google Earth v5 is now directly linkable to your Garmin GPSr so you can upload/download data without needing any intermediary software....nice. _________________ How hard can it be? |
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Scottiedogz Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 69
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Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: |
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Cookster wrote: | Big advantage being able to download from computer straight to Etrex & it can take more maps as well.
Haven't any experience of geko tho'
I could bring my Etrex into Perth one day if that helps
Yes that would be good scottiez.
I have never used an etrex so it would be helpful to see it's capabilities. |
Will get in touch next time I,m gonna be in perth, which is quite a lot at the moment. |
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greenygianty Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 67 Location: Beside my GPS
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Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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If I was to replace my Geko 201, I'd replace it with a GPS that runs on AA batteries as I find AAAs don't last too long, even worse in cold weather. |
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Acronema Member
Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 68 Location: Edinburgh
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Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: | If I was to replace my Geko 201, I'd replace it with a GPS that runs on AA batteries as I find AAAs don't last too long, even worse in cold weather. |
Agreed, and I would add a couple of things:
1) check out the quoted battery life when deciding between GPSrs, the newer models are battery efficient these days.
2) if you use rechargable batteries then pick the high capacity ones. Also, if you can, you should set the battery type in your setup menu so your GPSr can draw power more efficiently and so help prolong the battery life.
3) in cold weather you can sometimes coax some extra life out of a failing battery by warming it up for a few minutes....an armpit or other 'warm spot' ...cue another lunchbox comment from JA?
Acronema _________________ How hard can it be? |
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