GPS set up for $1K ?

[RR5L]

Given a budget of around $1000. I want to try and put together a GPS set up. I dont want turn by turn city stuff although nice in cities I dont know, what I want is when im out in the bush in the RR , topo maps and gear like great desert tracks etc which can be loaded in. Being a complete novice I would appreciate some pointers on what I should look at, Im leaning towards a PDA with GPS is this a flexible option or are dedicate GPS units better?

[one_iota]

My personal preference is a dedicated GPS with native maps built in such as Magellan or Garmin.

The Magellan Destinations and Streets (DAST) addon is impressively detailed when it comes to 4wd Tracks.

Have a look here:

www.gpsoz.com.au (http://www.gpsoz.com.au)

and here:

http://www.gpsaustralia.net

[dobbo]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

[RR5L]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

Ive always used maps too, the deal is im leaving work, and a little bird whispered in my ear asking what do you want when you leave? How could I pass an opportunity up like this?

[one_iota]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

Yes I've heard the map and compass argument.

The GPS is a great tool as I often travel alone and without a "nagivator".

I also travel with maps and a compass but they have their limitations too.

I haven't resorted to a sextant and a chronometer (my watch is battery powered);)

[Slunnie]

Keep in mind when selecting, that maps that get uploaded to the GPS generally need to be proprietry maps, not the normal Hema, Auslig etc maps. The Hema etc maps require a laptop and some software (eg OziExplorer) to drive them.

This said, I have a garmin with the Tracks4Australia mapping on it, and that was sensational while up at Cape York recently. Actually a little too good at times when some mark tracks were in reality non existant.

[ladas]

I have been reading maps for over 30 years. I spent 20 years orientering.

I now have a GPS - makes life easy, and it plugs into the cig socket on the LR D2, and has a backup battery that last for 20 hours.

Agree with the comment that you may want toppo type maps rather than the city direction, but even in the 'weirdest' areas it always gets me home.

For a grand you should be able to get quite a nice set up.

Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and NavMan offer great deals - with PC software, maps etc., included, you just might want to add the type of map to suit your sort of travelling habits.

Might need to do a bit of homework though finding what's best for you.

[Phoenix]

I'm with slunnie, i've got a carmin GPSmap60 with tracks 4 australia loaded on it. Fantastic out of the city, every 4wd track that i've done since having it has been on it, as well as all roads. You can also get a countours overlay as well. Both are free. there is a commercial version available as well which is a little better, at about $150.

However my GPS was only about $500, and is not colour, if you stepped up to the colour version (which is a better choice if you can afford it) you will start to be getting close to that price point.

Yes, I'm a garmin fan :lol2:

[RR5L]

I'm with slunnie, i've got a carmin GPSmap60 with tracks 4 australia loaded on it. Fantastic out of the city, every 4wd track that i've done since having it has been on it, as well as all roads. You can also get a countours overlay as well. Both are free. there is a commercial version available as well which is a little better, at about $150.

However my GPS was only about $500, and is not colour, if you stepped up to the colour version (which is a better choice if you can afford it) you will start to be getting close to that price point.

Yes, I'm a garmin fan :lol2:

As a matter of interest on yours and slunnies units are these moving maps or how do the show on the unit? Also I am assuming that via the serial interface you can then couple them to a PDA or a laptop later if so desired?

[sclarke]

I have a Magellan Meridian Colour with discover aus Maps.
I Used to only use that plus paper maps.

But now i have a Laptop with Oziexplorer and topo and rooftops and cfa and DSE and more maps than i can handle

Ohh and Destinator with Map Monkey......

What more could i want..........

A laptop stand for the Dash.... or a CARPUTER

[Phoenix]

As a matter of interest on yours and slunnies units are these moving maps or how do the show on the unit? Also I am assuming that via the serial interface you can then couple them to a PDA or a laptop later if so desired?
I don't know what slunnies setup is, but mine is pretty basic. I have the gps in a RAM mount attached to the windscreen. The map displays on the screen. This is a picture of mine

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2006/08/65.jpg
info here (and prices http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_60.htm#60map )

given the choice I would have gotten the colour version as it is easier to read, but I didn't have the cash.

you can see the colour versions here, which now have a micro SD card.
http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_60_x.htm#60cx

the top of the line GPSmap60CSx is only $839. It actually uses a USB cable to connect to a PDA or laptop (which comes with the GPS) and you can also connect them to an external antenna.

oh, and sclarke, have a look at the RAM mounts laptop car mount, very nice!!!

[Slunnie]

As a matter of interest on yours and slunnies units are these moving maps or how do the show on the unit? Also I am assuming that via the serial interface you can then couple them to a PDA or a laptop later if so desired?
I run the Garmin GPSMAP276C. The unit has a screen on it which has a moving map. You can zoom in or out as far as you want with whatever detail you feel is appropriate. The unit does have a computer cord that comes with it so that it can be connected into a computer, though I'm pretty sure it doesn't have bluetooth for PDA's. It can be connected for real time display on the computer or later for up/down loading information.
http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/gallery/pt-GPSMAP276CLarge01.jpg

[matbor]

I have two GPS units that i use, one up on the dash (don't really use this one anymore) and the other a old PDA that runs, TomTom or Destinator and OziExplorer


http://disco.bordignons.net/images/gekobkt1.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[lokka]

lap top with good map soft ware like aissie explorer and a external gps reciver pod which mag attaches to your truck cheep laptop $500 gps unit $100 software can be sourced 4 next to nuthing craps on my mates $500 garmin and has so many other features not available to gps units will source more info off my brother he has this setup and i will be back cheers n beers 4 now

[matbor]

There is a few problems using laptops in the car :
* Dust
* Bulk/Size
* can be stolen easily
* has moving parts, i.e HDD and Fan

I'm sure there is more...

I do agree that Laptop screen is easier to read then a PDA screen though, but i guess it depends how often u need to look at the screen. Actually I think u can get a adapter for some PDA's that let u plug in a bigger screen, might be a idea.

Matt.

[dobbo]

There is a few problems using laptops in the car :
* Dust
* Bulk/Size
* can be stolen easily
* has moving parts, i.e HDD and Fan

I'm sure there is more...

I do agree that Laptop screen is easier to read then a PDA screen though, but i guess it depends how often u need to look at the screen. Actually I think u can get a adapter for some PDA's that let u plug in a bigger screen, might be a idea.

Matt.

Surely nowadays you could hook a PDA into a DIN sized fold out LCD screen

[RR5L]

Well, after all the great input from various people I have now a magellan explorist XL. The thing that drove me to it was the nice large clear screen and the key pad is large enough for my clumsy fingers. Its not as small as other units which means it may be a bit too big to just throw into your pocket and the weight when you add the four AA batteries adds up. But I always have a back pack with me anyway.

I found it easy to navigate the system and the detail in the DiscoverAus streets and tracks topo maps. I must say however I would of thought the documentation is a little on the thin side. But then again who reads all the documentation first anyway.:eek:

All I have to do is get out there now and learn how to use it! :D

[loanrangie]

Hey Matbor, got enough gizmo's in your disco :p i wouldnt know which to grab first if one rings !

[one_iota]

Good choice Rob.

[dude]

Depends on what you realy want to do, but most maps/books these days come with GPS co-ordinates, and trying to find that camping spot among the dunes etc is a real brease with a GPS..

After looking at all the fancy ( read costly maping GPS's and the lack of maps for where I wanted to go unless you wanted to pay $500+), I opted for a realy simple and cheep Geko Garmin GPS, fits anywhere.. Runs for ever on a couple of batteries, combine with a cable ( which has a cigerette plug power ) for ~$49 and some free GPS software I dont get inbuilt maps, but get to do most things, and can upload/download all the stuff I need for a trip..

Hope this does not confuse the issues...