Nolongeramember Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Im looking around for a GPS unit. I do have a boat but I will probably get a handheld unit so I can use it on my mates boats aswell. Are handheld good enough or are the boat mounted heaps better? Are they reliable? It will be used in the Harbour and Botany Bay mainly, but also offshore to locate reefs, fads etc and to save locations that I discover. I dont know whether its worth getting a mapped one or not. What do some of you guys think, going by what I will be using it for? I kind of like the Lowrance units are these alright? Thanks for any replys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtosea Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Roylo, the best and easiest ones i have found to use are the Garmin ones. They are extremely user friendly, work very well. Try looking at The Garmin GPS 72 or 76, the latter has maps. For around $300 they are tops. Kamil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
achjimmy Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Im looking around for a GPS unit. I do have a boat but I will probably get a handheld unit so I can use it on my mates boats aswell. Are handheld good enough or are the boat mounted heaps better? Are they reliable? It will be used in the Harbour and Botany Bay mainly, but also offshore to locate reefs, fads etc and to save locations that I discover. I dont know whether its worth getting a mapped one or not. What do some of you guys think, going by what I will be using it for? I kind of like the Lowrance units are these alright? Thanks for any replys. Roylo When i was looking at the Lowrance handheld at BIAS they highly suggested the Garmin as being heaps easier in the menu than the lowrance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poacher Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I have just installed a Humminbird with a colour sounder and map - and its fantastic. I love it. I have used Garmins in the past and they were very good too. I chose a Humminbird as the local distributor gives them a 2 year warranty. You can get them cheaper over the net (www.bonzerimports.com) but I didn't want to take the risk. I think having the map makes a HUGE difference. Once you've had one, you wont go back. The Poacher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share Posted July 31, 2007 I have just installed a Humminbird with a colour sounder and map - and its fantastic. I love it. I have used Garmins in the past and they were very good too. I chose a Humminbird as the local distributor gives them a 2 year warranty. You can get them cheaper over the net (www.bonzerimports.com) but I didn't want to take the risk. I think having the map makes a HUGE difference. Once you've had one, you wont go back. The Poacher Whats the advantage of the map? I dont know, never used one but I mean, if you want to get to 'a spot' the one without the map directs you the same doesnt it? Or does having a map make it easier to find spots? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warnie Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Roylo I guess having a map is not so much as helping you find the spot easier as you say........its also the features that come with it they can come in handy maybe you might need to come back in the dark or heavy rain and you will be able to orientate yourself quite easily were you are and with danger areas etc what ever choice you decide with brand of gps if the pennies allow to include the map i dont think you would look back............ Cheers Warnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domza Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 i have a gps 72 and its been nothing but problems, i personally think its worth putting in the extra $ and getting a mapped one, much more useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share Posted July 31, 2007 i have a gps 72 and its been nothing but problems, i personally think its worth putting in the extra $ and getting a mapped one, much more useful. Whats wrong with it? Is is it just the fact it has no map? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbielites Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Whats wrong with it? Is is it just the fact it has no map? Hi mate, I have the Garmin etrex hand held, it will do what you want. You do not need a map for the kind of stuff you want it to do, it will do tracks and way points and will get you where you want to be even at night time Trust me, I have very bad night vision and I have relied on this unit more than once to get me to the ramp at night in the rain. If you want to borrow it and give it a go let me know, I have a new combo unit and I don't use the Garmin any more. Cheers. Robbie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtosea Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 i have a gps 72 and its been nothing but problems, i personally think its worth putting in the extra $ and getting a mapped one, much more useful. Whats wrong with it Dom? Ive used so many Garmin units and have never had a problem with any of them! Maybe we can help? Kamil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 When looking at the different brands / models inquire about the time ( response) delay for the unit to display a reading in relation to your actual position. I have a hand held unit , not a brand mentioned above , works OK except for the response time. Example. Say I was heading for 32.45.100. When approaching , slow down & the GPS is reading 32.45.000. Still motering along & the next reading is 32.45.200. Do a U turn , go back to where I think I will be close to 32.45.100 & wait for the GPS to update. It can be rather annoying The GPS is about 7 years old & it has done this from day one. Any one else have this situation ?? Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
achjimmy Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 (edited) When looking at the different brands / models inquire about the time ( response) delay for the unit to display a reading in relation to your actual position. I have a hand held unit , not a brand mentioned above , works OK except for the response time. Example. Say I was heading for 32.45.100. When approaching , slow down & the GPS is reading 32.45.000. Still motering along & the next reading is 32.45.200. Do a U turn , go back to where I think I will be close to 32.45.100 & wait for the GPS to update. It can be rather annoying The GPS is about 7 years old & it has done this from day one. Any one else have this situation ?? Geoff Could be to do with "Selective Availability" which was enabled on GPS's until about 2000. read more here http://www.lowrance.com/support/Tips_Tutor...tutorial_01.asp Edited July 31, 2007 by achjimmy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Could be to do with "Selective Availability" which was enabled on GPS's until about 2000. read more here http://www.lowrance.com/support/Tips_Tutor...tutorial_01.asp Jim Tks for the information , read the artical & understand how the accuracy has been improved following the change in 2000 but not sure how this effects my unit & the response time. In other words , why or how would a change in Selective Availability effect the response time Is it possible there is a compatability issue between my unit & the data being transmitted since 2000 My knowledge of these things is next to zero so any assistance is appreicated Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted August 9, 2007 Author Share Posted August 9, 2007 Does anyone know if you can get a handheld GPS/ chartplotter for fishing that can be loaded with a street map and be used as a car guide aswell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtosea Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Roylo, the only thing i can think of now would be a hand held PDA unit, that you can load up both Co-Pilot Live and C-Map onto it? I'm pretty sure it would work. Kamil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishingrod Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 When looking at the different brands / models inquire about the time ( response) delay for the unit to display a reading in relation to your actual position. I have a hand held unit , not a brand mentioned above , works OK except for the response time. Example. Say I was heading for 32.45.100. When approaching , slow down & the GPS is reading 32.45.000. Still motering along & the next reading is 32.45.200. Do a U turn , go back to where I think I will be close to 32.45.100 & wait for the GPS to update. It can be rather annoying The GPS is about 7 years old & it has done this from day one. Any one else have this situation ?? Geoff Hi Geoff Some older GPS only work on 5-8 channels (satellites) and I think they call them serial receivers. Where they read each satellite one by one. Many newer GPS work on up to 12 channels with parallel receivers. Electronics got more powerful and they can read all the satellites at the same time, and thus give a more accurate and faster reading. Thats the way i interperate it. You might be able to google on my theory to understand it better. Typically you need a minimum of 3 satellites to get your position. You need 4-5 satellites to get alltitude and your accuracy (and i suppose response time) gets better the more satellites you have after that. I have a handheld 6-10 years old with the basic serial receiver and its not exactly fast, but acceptable. cheers Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris 55 Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 (edited) There is a new Magellan unit about $1500 I'm told but it is multiple use This is the blurb from the distributors (nextdestination) website Changing the way Australia navigates, the Magellan CrossoverGPS takes you over streets, over land and over water, allowing you to use the one sat nav unit for voice prompted street directions, GPS capabilities and topo mapping with 4WD trails, as well as outback tracks, and marine GPS features with marine charts. Marine Charts Cross over to the water for a portable, splash proof marine GPS with MapSend BlueNav XL3 Oceania marine charts. Based on Navionics Gold charts, MapSend BlueNav XL3 Oceania on SD card provides a wealth of information for navigation on the water, including: Depth contours Navaids Port services View your position in relation to Navaids Channels Moorings Underwater structures and wrecks Cables and pilings *MapSend BlueNav XL3 Oceania not included; cards for each region sold separately. Other Features of the Magellan CrossoverGPS Digital Music Player – Play your favourite music through the integrated speakers or on you own headphones (MP3 & WMA file formats) Picture Viewer – View all your travel shots while you are still away SD Card Compatible – Insert compatible topo and desert maps, marine charts, music and pictures. Magellan CrossoverGPS Specifications Screen Size 3.5” Display Colour touch screen Antenna Built in multidirectional patch Receiver 20 channels, SiRF Star III Acquisition Time Hot: 1 second, Cold: 40 seconds, Initial: 5 minutes Accuracy 3 to 5 meters - WAAS/EGNOS (not available in Australia), < 7 meters - GPS only Operating Range -10 to 60°C, charging temperature 0 to 45°C Weight 241g unit only, 266.5g with Sport Guard™ Height 8.6cm Width 2.8cm Depth 10.9cm Data Storage Unlimited via SD card memory expansion Waypoints/Track Logs Option to save to SD card for unlimited memory expansion Water Resistant IPX4 Battery Source Lithium-ion Battery Life Up to eight hours Case High impact plastic Warranty One year Ships With Quick release cradle, rubber protection boot, AC adaptor, 12V power charger, and instruction manual Chris Edited August 12, 2007 by Chris 55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 Hi Geoff Some older GPS only work on 5-8 channels (satellites) and I think they call them serial receivers. Where they read each satellite one by one. Many newer GPS work on up to 12 channels with parallel receivers. Electronics got more powerful and they can read all the satellites at the same time, and thus give a more accurate and faster reading. Thats the way i interperate it. You might be able to google on my theory to understand it better. Typically you need a minimum of 3 satellites to get your position. You need 4-5 satellites to get alltitude and your accuracy (and i suppose response time) gets better the more satellites you have after that. I have a handheld 6-10 years old with the basic serial receiver and its not exactly fast, but acceptable. cheers Rod Rod Tks for your comments. I think your pretty close to the money. The unit I have is a Magellan 300. I contacted the local agent & they advised it is in essence a technology issue for that style of unit that was released in the late 90's. The unit receives updates every 1 second but the screen only up dates every 10 sec or so. Went to the boat show & checked out the Garmin 72 & Magellan eXpolrist 100. Both were similar in featuers , price & functionality . Decided on the Magellan. Gave it a test run on Saturday. Very happy with the performance especially the screen updated which now , in essence , instantaneous. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishingrod Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 The unit I have is a Magellan 300. Yes, thats the exact same model I have !! Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 Is it worth getting a GPS with 16 channels over 12? What is the advantage of 16? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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