Thread: New at this GPS thing !!

There will be a mega review of 8 GPS receivers in a forthcoming edition of Outdoor magazine, although it'll be slanted towards bushwalkers, not 4WDers. Will include reception tests.

Best thing to do about reception is switch the unit on well before you get into a forest, and leave it on in view of the satellites. Difficult when walking though.

Robert do we know the author of said article - is it you ?

Either way - how 'bout conning one of the 4wd magazines into funding / publishing a mega-test of GPS's slanted toward four wheel drivers :?: [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Originally posted by VladTepes
Robert do we know the author of said article - is it you ?

Either way - how 'bout conning one of the 4wd magazines into funding / publishing a mega-test of GPS's slanted toward four wheel drivers :?:

Yes, it is me. The 4WD mags have talked about it, but so far not gone as far as organising the review units. Outdoor did, and it didn't take them long. I've not seen a big review, just listings of units in the 4WD mags. Personally I think it would be a popular article which I'd like to write, but I'm not too bothered about pushing it as I've got enough else to do.

Moses it confuses me why two Garmin products would be so different in performance. You say the Geko was great throughout and the e-trek not very good at all. Seems can't even pick by a "good" brand name....

What'd the geko set you back ?

Originally posted by VladTepes
Moses it confuses me why two Garmin products would be so different in performance. You say the Geko was great throughout and the e-trek not very good at all. Seems can't even pick by a "good" brand name....

What'd the geko set you back ?

Lots of reasons why GPSRs differ in performance, including those from the same brand, same model even.

Firstly both need to be treated in exactly the same manner. If both have a lock, then one switched off, then later the other one, then they are transported to the same place and both switched on, the one that has been on most recently (and closest to the new location) had an advantage.

Aerials differ. Cost, application etc.

How you hold it makes a difference too. Flat, or vertical.

Time of day. The "constellation" of satellites varies, so there may be say 5 satellites in view in one location one hour, and only three the next. Atmospheric conditions vary too.

So to truly compare a fairly scientific approach is needed.

However, over time, these factors average out and you get a feel for relative performance. My GPS V really needs an external aerial, whereas the FX324 is superb, picks up the signals anywhere.

http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_geko.htm#301

has prices for the Geko. Don't buy the 101, it has no PC/power connectivity. I think the 301 is overpriced. If you want one get the 201.

Originally posted by VladTepes
Moses it confuses me why two Garmin products would be so different in performance. You say the Geko was great throughout and the e-trek not very good at all. Seems can't even pick by a "good" brand name....

What'd the geko set you back ?

$249 for the GPS
$33 for the RS232 serial cable to connect GPS to the PC
$20 for an elastic belt clip, but I clip the GPS to my hat.

Johnny Appleseed GPS on Ipswich Rd at Annerley.

Originally posted by rmp+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rmp)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-VladTepes
Moses it confuses me why two Garmin products would be so different in performance. You say the Geko was great throughout and the e-trek not very good at all. Seems can't even pick by a "good" brand name....

What'd the geko set you back ?

Lots of reasons why GPSRs differ in performance, including those from the same brand, same model even.

Firstly both need to be treated in exactly the same manner. If both have a lock, then one switched off, then later the other one, then they are transported to the same place and both switched on, the one that has been on most recently (and closest to the new location) had an advantage.

Aerials differ. Cost, application etc.

How you hold it makes a difference too. Flat, or vertical.

Time of day. The "constellation" of satellites varies, so there may be say 5 satellites in view in one location one hour, and only three the next. Atmospheric conditions vary too.

So to truly compare a fairly scientific approach is needed.

However, over time, these factors average out and you get a feel for relative performance. My GPS V really needs an external aerial, whereas the FX324 is superb, picks up the signals anywhere.

http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_geko.htm#301

has prices for the Geko. Don't buy the 101, it has no PC/power connectivity. I think the 301 is overpriced. If you want one get the 201.[/b][/quote]

We left all units on throughout our trip, and for the most part they were carried in much the same fashion so they all had an even chance of getting sat fixes.

Obviously, with the type of terrain, you need both hands to climb etc, so the units went into breast pockets on such occassions.

Bear in mind that MY primary purpose for a GPS is bushwalking. If your primary purpose is 4WD navigation, then just about any unit on the market will perform pretty well. The more expensive units have larger colour displays to show maps etc which make them ideal for vehicle use but impractical from a bushwalking perspective.

Thanks for the help guys i didn't think it would this hard too chose a GPS. :?