Pros and COns of hand held GPS

[Smelly]

Hi Team!

Anyone offer their thoughts on Pros and COns of hand held GPS within the boat on the bay?

Which is better - mounted or hand held?

[Zeeke]

Handheld can be mounted...

Only super duper diff is the screen size.. mapping is possible on both

Tim

[Smelly]

Thanks Tim.

I have never used a GPS before but keen to learn..and to select which is best for PPB.

What do I need to know to select an accurate and relaible GPS?

Smelly

[impulse492f]

This site was the best i'd come across when choos'en my GPS (Garmin MAP60C).

http://gpsinformation.net/

These were my reasons.

1. Portable so i could use in my boat and car
2. Colour (my miss'es wanted colour (happy wife=happy life)
3. Maps (I wanted to see and use maps on the PC and handheld)
4. price ($679 from BIAS Boating only because they matched Whitworths price)
5. Waterproof (but the 60C does not float, the 76 series does)
6. Compatability (NMEA) with my fish finder, Furuno 4100.
7. Memory within the unit for maps (I have filled my 56Mb allready)

Hope this helps

[finga64]

Cons for the hand held for me
(1) can't see the screen bouncing around the ocean
(2) can't find the right buttons bouncing around the ocean :-[
so I got a bigger screen and bigger buttons but they could only come with a fixed unit otherwise I would still have a handheld

[redspeckle]

Go the hand held GPS I have the GPS 72 3 yrs old take it any where I have it mounted in the boat when fishing take it out when not in use
can put in new way points before go fish out out there and take it camping and so on
The next GPS I be getting be a hand held but can be loaded up with maps
Mitch

[Smelly]

Thanks Guys.

Finga - why can't you mount your unit on the boat to stop bouncing?

Impulse - Is yours top of range and can it be mounted onto boat as well - where is BIAS boating and what makes this unit differnt to the other hand held units?

Smelly

[finga64]

to stop my handheld screen from bouncing you'll have to stop my boat from bouncing :-/

[impulse492f]

Thanks Guys.

Impulse - Is yours top of range and can it be mounted onto boat as well - where is BIAS boating and what makes this unit differnt to the other hand held units?

Smelly



Bias http://www.biasboating.com.au/
Showrooms http://www.biasboating.com.au/showrooms.html
Bias GPS http://www.biasboating.com.au/gps_hand.html

Garmin USA http://www.garmin.com/marine/compare.jsp
Garmin Comparison Chart http://www.garmin.com/marine/compare.jsp

Garmin Australia http://www.gme.net.au
Garmin Aust 60C Spec http://www.gme.net.au/garmin/gpsmap60cs.php

Garmin 60C is up there but i doubt its top of the range its more of a "All Purpose" GPS, there is a new model released in the US that also has a SD card for additional memery/maps. http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60cx/

I think the 76 series are more the top of the line for marine handheld GPS (correct me if im wrong) and they float but i couldn't justify the additional cost.

You can also check here for better pricing http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_listitems.asp?cat=114&Cat2=270&Cat2Descr=GPS%2FFishfinders+%26+Accessories&Cat3=318&Cat3Descr=GPS+Navigation%2FChartplotters&Cat4=306&Cat4Descr=Garmin+Handheld

And yes you can mount the 60C and other Garmin with this mount (which i have but haven't installed yet) http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10455%2D00

There is a Car mount that use the same bracket on the GPS so you can remove and replace into the car/boat without the need to stuff around with brackets etc.

As for the differences, that a hard one, it took me for ever to pick one and i'm sure people will have their views on whats best.

For me it was a balance of price/built in memory/Map Feature/PC interface.

PS for some reason the Garmin Australia site is down........and make sure if you buy a Garmin GPS to update the GPS firmware and PC software.

[Smelly]

Thanks muchly!

Who uses non-hand held GPS units (permanant mounted) - please advise on pros and cons of these units...

[Smelly]

Impulse and Redspeckle,

Below is an extract from http://www.biasboating.com.au/gps_hand.html

Garmin Mapping GPSMAP 60C Cat. 6604X BIAS $699.00
Use with MapSource City Navigator (Cat. 6603X - optional extra)
Select MapSource MetroGuide (Cat. 6602X - optional extra)
Marine Chart Plotting with Garmin BlueChart CD (Cat. 6608X - optional extra).
56MB internal memory for map storage.
Size 61 x 155 x 33mm (W x H x D).

Cat. 6603X MapSource City Navigator CD* BIAS Price $349.00
Cat. 6602X MapSource MetroGuide CD* BIAS Price $179.00
Cat. 6608X BlueChart CD* BIAS Price $295.00


Does this list imply that if I wish to use the GPSMAP 60C for Car and boat, I have to purchase these additional add-ons (Cat. 6603X, Cat. 6602X and Cat. 6608X) on top of the unit itself (Cat. 6604X)?

Also, how well do you handle the relatively smaller screen size (Size 61 x 155 x 33mm) and smaller buttons (compared to a dedicated mounted one) when on water bouncing around?

And, the internal memory (56MB) - how do you add in more memory if needed?

Smelly

[impulse492f]

Impulse and Redspeckle,

Below is an extract from http://www.biasboating.com.au/gps_hand.html

Garmin Mapping GPSMAP 60C Cat. 6604X BIAS $699.00
Use with MapSource City Navigator (Cat. 6603X - optional extra)
Select MapSource MetroGuide (Cat. 6602X - optional extra)
Marine Chart Plotting with Garmin BlueChart CD (Cat. 6608X - optional extra).
56MB internal memory for map storage.
Size 61 x 155 x 33mm (W x H x D).

Cat. 6603X MapSource City Navigator CD* BIAS Price $349.00
Cat. 6602X MapSource MetroGuide CD* BIAS Price $179.00
Cat. 6608X BlueChart CD* BIAS Price $295.00


Does this list imply that if I wish to use the GPSMAP 60C for Car and boat, I have to purchase these additional add-ons (Cat. 6603X, Cat. 6602X and Cat. 6608X) on top of the unit itself (Cat. 6604X)?

Also, how well do you handle the relatively smaller screen size (Size 61 x 155 x 33mm) and smaller buttons (compared to a dedicated mounted one) when on water bouncing around?

And, the internal memory (56MB) - how do you add in more memory if needed?

Smelly



Well yes depending on your requirements you may want them all,

City Navigator 6 (I bought) has detailed maps of Australia (with most cities) and will give you navigational guidance i.e. Beep with detailed info "Turn right into ??? in 500m" etc

Metro Guide is like your UDB street directory and details cities as well if not more of the smaller places (so the write-up states) in OZ but will not give you automated guidance.

BlueChart is for "off shore" marine navigation and does not detail inland waterways that well, so if like me, you spend most of your time inland then its a waste of money (when i get a few more hours under the belt i venture into the unknown.

As for the small screen, I used it today connected to my Furuno LS4100 (NMEA) and it went well. I marked a few points for further investigation with a quick 2 key button press (on the fly) and i had no problems at all. My thoughts are that if you need to play with menus you’re probably coming up to a fishing spot and would be slowing down, I can't see you needing to operate the units in detail while under going flat out.

Memory, you can’t unless you buy the newer Map60Cx which has an additional SD card slot. I found that you can almost fit all of NSW (city navigator 6) into the unit. If you need to travel around all of OZ you would need a PC to plot and upload your trip.

PS. I forgot to mention that the base unit comes with broad mappping of OZ but only major hwy etc and also some waterway markers but is next to useless. You can still use the GPS for simple point identification for fishing spots etc.

[Smelly]

Thanks BUd.

[Smelly]

Impulse

For the Hand held unit -

Why do want to use maps on the PC?
And, what sort of compatability (NMEA) with your fish finder are you referring to?

Smelly

[impulse492f]

Impulse

For the Hand held unit -

Why do want to use maps on the PC?
And, what sort of compatability (NMEA) with your fish finder are you referring to?

Smelly


Maps on the pc are great you can upload your tracks and waypoints (fishing spots and other things you have marked with your GPS) and review where you have been or where you want to go. You can plan your trip in advance and download back onto your GPS.

The other thing is you can upload from your PC all your routes, waypoints, tracks straight into Google Earth so you get a real view.

NMEA, I'm still learning my around with this, I installed the mount and cable on friday and have only used it once on the water. You can then mark your fishing spots via the fishfinder view the speed coordinants ect. Below is the interfaces for the 4100

[impulse492f]

part 2

[Smelly]

Thnkas Impulse.

You have a good grip on things regarding the hand held GPS..

I knwo you stated the reasons for going hand held earlier - but cost wise - it wouldn't ahve been much different - am I correct?

Smelly

[impulse492f]

Smelly,

I not sure what you mean, "much different to what"?

[Smelly]

Sorry - differetn to a fixed mountd one..

[impulse492f]

Probably not, but i have used it more in the car then the boat at the moment.
I just uploaded some fixed speed camera info which gives you an alarm when you approach them.

If nothing else they are a great "toy" (I'm into gadgets)

[Smelly]

WOW!!! Speed Camera detection - definitely worth the money now!! 8-) 8-)

How far back (in m) is one detected before you approach it?

How do u find the screen viewing area?

[Smelly]

Impulse,

Can you tell me what site you use to to upload fixed speed camera locations?

I'll be more specific re: viewing area - how do u find viewing area on your HH GPS when bouncing in boat travelling?

Smelly

[Rod_Bender]

I have a Garmin 12 little hand held unit. I use it together with a program called Ozi Explorer. Its great! Purchase the map software CD, install and link your unit to your PC. Software is great for when someone gives you a Waypoint to see its position with respect to an island. Like my handheld for portability from my boat to another person's boat. Can be easily taken anywhere. Only annoying thing I have found is that you have to hold it during rough seas otherwise it will bounce around. I could fix this by purchasing a bracket, but I'd rather spend $50 on something else. Roddy

[Smelly]

Thanks Rod.

How do u find the smallness of the screen?

If the G12 a GPS or GPS with charts?

Smelly

[impulse492f]

Impulse,

Can you tell me what site you use to to upload fixed speed camera locations?

I'll be more specific re: viewing area - how do u find viewing area on your HH GPS when bouncing in boat travelling?

Smelly

These are the 2 site for the speed camera waypoints

http://www.gpsoz.com.au/speed_cameras/
http://www.gme.net.au/garmin/sample_POI_download.php (its the "CustomPOI" file

All they are is a collection of waypoints someone has collected, and the alarm is a "Proximity" alarm set on each point, ie 500m from the GPS point.

As for the screen, no problems at all, with street navigation it pops up large text and I find while on the boat, the mount works well. I believe i can control the water side of things via the fishfinder interface but im still work that out.

[Rod_Bender]

Smelly

Yeah my older Garmin 12 is just a plain simple GPS. No charts. the model out now is 76 i think from memory. I have seen it selling for like $280. Great unit, takes me to my waypoint, shoal or reef etc. Awesome for the dollars spent
Roddy

[impulse492f]

Smelly,

Here are a couple of screen grabs from my Garmin Map60C.

First Pic, NSC13 is a fixed speed camera and you can see the dotted red circle at the bottom which is the proximity alarm. So when you hit that circle the GPS beeps madly.

Second Pic, was a trip out on the Parramatta River, the red line is a track i recorded as we went.

[impulse492f]

Second Pic

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

hand helds are very handy for finding beach gutters at night - they do chew batteries though if you don't have the adaptors / mounting units.

in a boat I want simple quick weigh-point input (one or at the most 2 pushes of a button) & concise trailing (which comes down to pixel count & the density of the "marks" the GPS uses to plot a trail & the size of the memory. Decent screen size allows better interperpreation of your approach to trails when adjusting to a changing tide/wind.

the more bells & whistles you get the less fishing you do. You try to justify your investment & stop looking at the water, reading the current, swell & wind & spending time with your lines & on bait presentation.

Always make sure you have a compass on board too.

If you wish to avoid speed cameras because you deliberately speed & wish to endanger the lives of my friends & family & the mental health of the those in the emergency services who scrape the sorry remains of your victims from the roads - THEN YOU ARE AN IDIOT. Our world needs men of substance not idiots.

[impulse492f]

If you wish to avoid speed cameras because you deliberately speed & wish to endanger the lives of my friends & family & the mental health of the those in the emergency services who scrape the sorry remains of your victims from the roads - THEN YOU ARE AN IDIOT. Our world needs men of substance not idiots.



Gee thats a bit deep, gory and depressing, I might drive my boat into the rocks now :-/ ........

[john_m]

There is a Australian forum i visit now and then which is very informative
and heaps of free download bits and pieces

www.gpsaustralia.net/forums

[Smelly]

Thanks Guys,

Chris, you either work in Emergency Services and/or have had a loved one involved in a serious car accident. One of my mates was incinerated to death in his gas fueled car becasue someone was speeding and smacked into his behind.....

I hope you are not implying that I am reckless on the road..

I feel the same as you when it comes to speeding. The last time Iwas booked for speeding was 9 years ago doing 5kms over the speed limit..

We all know that we all go over the speed limit by a few kms and get fined big bucks for doing it!

Why not be aware of speed camera locations so we can save ourselves big bucks just by slowing down that few kms...?

Smelly

[onerabbit]

Have to agree with rod_bender, for value for money you cant go past garmin hand helds, the mount & power cable are expensive extras, (i've even got a second unit put away, already loaded with marks, just in case)but when it comes down to it ,they still use the same satellites as the big expensive models. As for screen size, not a problem, you can zoom in or out more than you need, goto functions are simple, great for $300, mount & power cable about $140 for both. Muzz

[BladeRunner]

Hey Smelly
If its any consolation I use a GARMIN GPS 12, .All I need when I am out on the water.
nothing flash we take it also when we are four wheel driving .
Comes with a base and charging unit if you require it, reasonable price .

Quickly on transducers aluminium through the hull fibreglass as in your big boat pics I eventually found, may be off the stern some where, your choice. There where a lot of good answers to your questions on this

Happy boating
BladeRunner

[Smelly]

Thanks guys.

I guess the major difference between fixed and hand held (from what I read) is that Hand helds do not have chartplotting capabilities..(I may be wrong though.?)

Cheers! 8-)

[onerabbit]

Hey rod_bender, I have a mount & a power cord for a garmin 12 ( mine long dead )which you are welcome to if you'd like it??? If so , just PM me an address I can send it to & it's yours, Muzz.