FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: GPS recommendations....

[<rtejera@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thad,

I have the Sporttrak Map. Essentially the same model as the others. The =
differences are the Sportrak topo has a base topo map vs. a street level =
basemap. The color, well, I think you can figure that one out yourself. =
Whatever you decide, here are some features you don't want to omit, =
although most mid range model (which is where you are looking) have =
these as standard:

1) WAAS enabled; The WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) Will increase =
accuracy to within 3 feet at times, but typically will get you within 10 =
feet, vs. the Non WAAS 30 feet.

2)NMEA Compatibility. This is the National Marine Electronic assoc =
Standard for gps compatibility with other electronic devices. A NMEA =
supported unit will be able to talk with other applications, such as NGS =
back Road Explorer & Topo!, MS Streets & Trips and any other device you =
can feasibly hook a GPS unit to.

3) Built in basemap: While the base map on the models you're looking at =
shows only main highways and city centers, it's better than nothing. =
Additional l software can be had that will upgrade the base map to =
street level (or Topo, if you choose) mapping.=20

4) Date port: This will enable you to upload & Download waypoints into =
your unit. Again, this will work with any NMEA compliant software or =
device.=20

FWIW, I'm happy with my Magellan, it gets me consistently within 10 feet =
of where I want to be and has all the bells and whistles I really need. =
I also had a Garmin unit (probably similar in vintage to your current =
unit) and was happy with that as well. I think your choice will come =
down to availability & cost. It is easy to use and read. You may want to =
check the beginner forums on Geocaching dot com for discussions on which =
GPS  and features are available and how they are used. Sift through the =
" My Garmin is better than your Magellan" crap and you can find some =
good info.

If you any questions you know how to reach me.

My 0.179154 Moroccan Dirhams Worth.

Rick



-----Original Message-----
From: Thad Robosson [mailto:starstarcracker@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:22 AM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] GPS recommendations....


Hey Gang,=20
I'm getting ready to upgrade my old GPS unit because it's, well, old.

I'm looking at the Magellan SporTrac Topo and SporTrac Color.  Mostly
because they have good reviews in that they hold on to the signal well,=20
and the ability to upload maps into them is a feature that I definately=20
care to have.  ( I think Telrad has one of these but I forget which =
one...)

Anyone care to chime in and give some product reviews on the various
GPS units out there?  Other than astronomy, I'll be using it for outdoor
activities such as off roading, hiking, geocaching, and for travel.

TIA,=20
Thad


--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and =
please=20
send personal replies to the author, not the list.

--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.