Gps Plotter

[gw77]

Hi All,

I am just wanting to find out some information on GPS Plotters ...what you would recommend and where would be the best place to buy one?

Thanks in advance

Edited September 7, 2005 by gw77

[Coach]

If its a handheld unit your after then I use a Garmin GPSMAP60CS (the 60C is basically the same,cheeper, but without elevation I think).

It's GOLD!!!!

The unit runs on two AA batteries for around 8-12 hours and comes with some basic, uncalibrated base maps..

The uncalibrated map is ok (or i used to turn it off) for plotting marks and going back them. However the maps are not a real accurate reference.

The unit itself is very accurate and easy to work/run (its the type of unit where you dont have to read in the instruction manual all the time to work it)

If you buy the mapping software (around $300ish extra depending on region etc etc) then you get a some pretty accurate data.

I usually run out to my normal reefs for a fish, then have an explore when its gets a bit quiet.. I have been able to pin point pinnicles at home and upload the waypoint to the GPS and then I find them easily with the unit when I am out on the water.

The screen is easy to see and putting in marks quickly on the fly is too easy.. When drifting, i hit the Mark button everytime i get a good hit.. its actually a bit scarey to see future hits happening on the rods not because of fish showing on the sounder, but becasue you are hitting a previous mark!!!

I also use the unit when hunting and driving, its good in valleys/plains etc etc, but can loose signal in thick scrub (not sure if this is the unit or a general GPS thing though)

Only thing to watch out for (and this is a general GPS thing) is the thing called "Datums".. Datums controll the accuracy and can be set defferently on different GPS's (if you have gone to a spot a mate has given you and what you are looking for is not there, chances are he is using a different datum)

I think the current Australian Datum is WGS-84 ( 0r something like that).. Ask the GPS guy and he can make sure your on the right on.

Only other advise I can give is to get a GPS and dont put it off if your working reefs that have no good reference points..... since I got mine, my catch rate has increased significantly!!!, One issue is that you can get dependant on them ( i would be lost without mine these days!!)

[gw77]

Thanks for your advise