Another GPS thread

[Dirty Harry]

I have heard many pros & cons over the years regarding GPS units. I understand they have gotten better since first introduced (as with most technology), yet I always resisted the urge to get one, citing the need for relying on basic map reading skills in case the thing ever dies, etc. This past weekend the GF and I took a long trip up north and I used hers. WOW! It sure was slick and made finding my way to (and home from) places SO MUCH easier.

On the way home I got to wondering how well they would work out in the wilds in my Max IV, which has a 12v power point in it. I feel it would get good-to-great reception on most ORV trails & routes around Michigan, but am curious if it would be practical in the woods. Her GPS is a Garmin Nuvi 260, if that makes a difference. I know NOTHING more about hers or GPS units in general, so please don't get too techy on me. LOL. Will these things show dirt roads and trails? If so I might invest in a waterproof case/mount and give it a try on my next AATV trip up to the Grayling / Gaylord area.

I've read all the threads on here that I could, but wonder if newer technology has made these little dohickeys more practical for us amphibbers. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[smog]

I'm NOT a apple fanboy but whenever I need a GPS, I use the iphone GPS; it work perfectly while plugged to 12v and go into battery saving but still functionnal when unplugged... and ya, you can do a phone call if you hold it correctly. it can do free wireless calls when you are at the hotel or in a wifi zone, can show google maps terrain or satellite imaging (if you pay for data (I'm a cheap bastard)) you can get water resistant shell and tons of related accessories as it is a popular phone. It will record video of your ATV friends stuck in mud and can even show the video on the large TV using a 3$ video-out cable. to me it's a do-it-all accessory; some kind of jack of all trades but master of none (but good enough)

if you hate Apple, most smartphones also have the GPS inside.

you can get a cheap Iphone 3G or 3GS with integrated GPS from a stupid apple follower that can't resist spending 600$ for the newest iphone4 just to be cool

(got a 6 month old 3gs for 200$)

[Roger S]

I hate Apple's proprietary nonsense, but my sister gave me a 5G Ipod, and girlfriend gave me her 3G iphone when she got her 4g. I've never owned a cell phone before, and I don't have service on this one yet. I did find the compass on the iphone, and the vid cam/camera is nice. Even the 5g ipod takes 640x480 video.. think I'll pin it on my cap. Smog, thanks for the tip on the tv out, I figured you had to spend bucks on an apple tv out cord. And is there a free iphone gps app?

Of course phone gps depends on having reception, while a stand alone gps reads satelites. Dense forest can limit reception I hear. There are a lot of gps sites on the 'net. I think there is free software to load onto a laptop and use google maps, etc along with a gps receiver for the laptop. That would give you a big screen. I would like to be able to make a complitated trail, then lead a group down it at a later time, night, etc.

[Dirty Harry]

I would like to be able to make a complitated trail, then lead a group down it at a later time, night, etc.

That's one of the features I'd like to utilize myself: mapping out a route on land belonging to a friend and then being able to retrace that route for other ATV buddies later on, or to store a fun ride I had on a trip up north and not have to rely on memory to find where the cut offs and runs were when I return a few months - or even several years later. It would also be great to be able to find your way back if you get hopelessly lost in unfamiliar territory (a "breadcrumb" feature, I think it's called?).

Anyhow... I have access to the GF's Garmin Nuvi so I think I'll try it out and just see what works and what doesn't. A few hours in the woods and surrounding farmlands near my property should give me an indication of whether it will do what I want.

[smog]

I hate Apple's proprietary nonsense, but my sister gave me a 5G Ipod, and girlfriend gave me her 3G iphone when she got her 4g. I've never owned a cell phone before, and I don't have service on this one yet. I did find the compass on the iphone, and the vid cam/camera is nice. Even the 5g ipod takes 640x480 video.. think I'll pin it on my cap. Smog, thanks for the tip on the tv out, I figured you had to spend bucks on an apple tv out cord. And is there a free iphone gps app?

Of course phone gps depends on having reception, while a stand alone gps reads satelites. Dense forest can limit reception I hear. There are a lot of gps sites on the 'net. I think there is free software to load onto a laptop and use google maps, etc along with a gps receiver for the laptop. That would give you a big screen. I would like to be able to make a complitated trail, then lead a group down it at a later time, night, etc.

hummm...

let's say I got tomtom with embedded maps (no reception or data plan needed) off a shady website as my iphone is jailbroken and unlocked.

All iphones (except the first 2g) get the GPS geo location from satellites exactly like a stand alone GPS; it got a real GPS chipset and antenna inside.

I really use the iphone as a GPS with altitude and coordinates. the TomTom app use maps saved on the iphone.

the video out cable came from dealextreme DealExtreme: $3.58 Premium USB Data Charging AV Cable for All iPod/iPhone/iPhone 3G (1.52M-Cable)

[timothy]

i have a app on my droid phone called speedometer. it will even record your path threw the woods. and it will over lay it on a real map. and it uses satellites to do all this.

[george_pimpdaddy]

Im interested in the topo maps that you can upload onto the gps units then go riding. my new play area is very big and last time after getting turned around a few times had trouble remembering which way was back to the truck. i already have the tomtom one and like it for on road driving but in the bush it just tells you how fast your going with no real map detail.

[Dirty Harry]

The phone stuff is of no use to me. I only have a small, low-tech TracPhone which is never on unless I'm actually making a call. I'm only interested in actual GPS units and what they can do off road, designated riding trails & routes, 2-tracks and just making your own trails through the deep woods.

[trebmaster]

I have a Lowrance H2Oc with a map chip of michigan, it shows me drive ways ,snow trails,orv trails,lake depth,and its water proof. love it

[Scottw]

I thought I would bring this thread up again since these things change all the time.

What are your current favorites for GPS. (not smart phone, I don't have one)

Thanks,
Scott

[awesomepossum66]

This GPS,,,> (Garmin Oregon 450t Touch-Screen Handheld GPS Receiver with US Topo Maps ) is the one that Garmin just replaced the one i have witch is a (Garmin Colorado 400t Hand Held GPS Navigator with US Topo Maps) < this GPS is awesome it has pick up when the rest of them don't. If you want to get around in the woods ,lake ,roads,parking lots,hikes,any thing it will do the job.I have had a lot of different GPS in my time but there is none close to this thing ..so i can only imagine what the new 450 is like.,,,GOOD LUCK

[flyer05]

My first post, so howdy all. I use a Rhino 120 for my hunting needs ( Roscommon area, MI) for running and biking I use a Garmin 310 XT and as back up I have Phone with Google maps on it. I will not go out riding, running, 4 wheeling or dirt bike riding without at least one on me. Been turned around too many times. I think I am just challenged. Good luck they all seem nice.

[FREQ42]

I use the Delorm PN-60WSe and there Topo 9.0
You can download USGS & DOQQ map's, satellite imagery and record your treks then overlay them on a map.
I use this to record all my new trails & to keep me from getting lost on old ones.
It works grate on the road to but will only beep to let you know when to turn.