GPS systems who uses what and why?

**seqfisho** · 24th May 2005, 12:21 PM

Hey Guys,

Being able to read a map isn't an issue for me but the co-pilot read SWMBO has all sorts of trouble navigating the refidex let alone trying to work out where she is or going. I have always used a Eagle explorer handheld unit as a backup to topo maps and in the boat, but it is about 8yrs old now and only shows plot trails and lat long etc.

Of recent times I have started to see some neat setups with PDA's and nav software in cars allowing voice prompting and download upload to PC abillities, this I though may be a great idea for the boss as all she needs to do is enter the destination and follow the instructions, which will be fine by her as long as its not me giving them :roll: :roll:

So who is using this sort of system round town or even in the bush with topo overlays etc and how do you find them for accuracy etc

Given the price these are getting down too they seem to be a very attractive item. I saw a ACER pda with intergrated gps and copilot live nav s/ware for $745 at our IT wholsaler.

Glen.

nutgrass · 24th May 2005, 12:57 PM

You might find this useful???

http://www.ja-gps.com.au

might be worthwhile info on the systems your'e talking about.

I don't need one with my navigator, does nothing but tell me where to go.

it's not somewhere you can take a landy either.

**PCH** · 24th May 2005, 01:09 PM

I bought a new Magellan Meridian - Platinum model with the MapSend s/w that has tracks covering all over Australia loaded on a 256MB SD card. Also picked up the widscreen mount and 12VDC adaptor.

I bought it on ebay from a guy who is in Watsonia (Melbourne). Cost me about $800 all up.

The reason for going with the Magellan Meridian was that I knew it had all the tracks of each State and if I needed to upgrade to the latest version of MapSend which is now called Discover Aus I could. The latest Discover Aus will be released mid this year (Retails for $270). Its really easy to use but I'm sure the other brands like Garmin are as well.

Uploading from the PC to the GPS is really simple using the serial port. Marking way points and linking them together to form a route on the MapSend s/w is really easy. There is probably heaps more I could do but I haven't really needed to try it out. From a cold start it pick up satellites pretty quickly even when really overcast. Sometimes it looses track in heavy forests but as soon as it gets back to a clearing it tracks again.

The GPS unit has the 3D compass and barometer/weather forecast but isn't really that important for me but I still bought this model just in case I needed them (especially if camping). You could equally buy the Meridian Gold traveller pack which retails for under $1K and on ebay it would be even cheaper. You get everything for 4WD'ing (GPS, 256 Mb SD card, Discover Aus CD, GPS windscreen mount, 12V adaptor and PC cable).

The only downside I've found so far is that if you get a reflection on the screen it is really hard to see the route even with the back light on it's highest setting. The screen should have a anti reflective coating or finish like on in-car GPS's

Chris

**Redback** · 24th May 2005, 01:35 PM

Navman PiN works well, we load Oziexplorer 125,000 topos into it to get more detail couldn't be happier and as well the SmartSt street & track navigation voice command is great albeit something else telling me where to go 8O

Baz.

**incisor** · 24th May 2005, 01:52 PM

on the irc channel inchome some some gps manuals you can download from him. how to use type stuff... look pretty good...

Moses · 24th May 2005, 08:07 PM

I use a Garmin Geko 201. Not much chop for in car nav but works a treat in bushwalking situations, which is my primary use. I love it! Connects to the PC and can use the PC with Oziexplorer maps to create waypoints etc and send them to the GPS. I can recommend Johnny Appleseed GPS on Ipswich Rd. (Brisbane). Decent range, knowledgable people and keenest prices around.

**Bytemrk** · 24th May 2005, 10:36 PM

I use a Magellan Meridian Platinum.

Why.... cause it was cheap [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] I got it from ebay - was a US model - but with a little internet know how and a bit of spare time - the Aussie firmware and how to swap it was not that hard to find

No Aussie warranty - but then it cost me $350 when the Aussie model was over $900... I'll live without the warranty!

Oh.... and as well as being cheap it is a bloody good GPS with plenty of useful features.... :wink:

But seriously if you have major GPS questions you need our resident forum GPS expert.

RMP wrote the book....really... GPS Vehicle navigation - really good read I'd strongly recommend you get your hands on it if want to know more.

**sclarke** · 25th May 2005, 10:38 AM

I Use a Magella Meridian Colour.
256mb card and running Discover Aus.

I have on CD Discover Aus and Hema Desert Maps if anyone wants a Copy.

I'm looking for 50,000:1 natmaps also.

Steve

**kaistuff** · 25th May 2005, 11:25 AM

I am using Magella Meridian Siries with 256SD card and reradiater antenna. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

Good track detail and very acurate [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] and easy to use

sclarke wrote:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I have on CD Discover Aus and Hema Desert Maps if anyone wants a Copy.[/b][/quote]
Steve can i get a coppy of discover aus

thanks

Kai

**sclarke** · 25th May 2005, 11:54 AM

Kai,
I've PMed you.

I'll rip a copy for you.

Arrrrr Pirate Steve

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