- Oct 28, 2001
- 4,704
- 0
Hey 2TrakR.... Based in part on your trail mapping project, I'm looking to get a GPS unit. Being a complete rookie in GPS technology, I thought I'd tap your brain and expertise to find out what you'd recommend for the Michigan dirt rider.
I first looked at a Magellan eXplorist 300 (http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1016), but it didn't appear to allow routes to be downloaded. It has 8 MB of built-in maps, and 8 MB of memory to save 5 track log files, 500 waypoints, 2000 trackpoints, 20 routes, and is WAAS enabled. 4-level grayscale, 14 hour battery life.
After some more research, I honed in on the Garmin eTrex Legend C (http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegendc/). WAAS, 256 color display, 24 MB memory, USB port for downloading map data, 500 waypoints, 20 routes (reversible), and 10,000 trackpoints.
As far as specs/capabilities, I don't know if the Magellan unit is fine for my needs, and the eTrex is overkill? Or should I just buy once and get the eTrex? Or is there another brand/model you'd recommend?
Here are some more of my newbie questions:
1) I'd like to be able to download/use maps that you and/or the CCC have developed, but understand that there's not an open mapping format, so choosing the "right" brand is important for compatibility. Are all your map files in the Garmin format? I believe that the Garmin unit comes with MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, and the Americas Recreational base map. Is this all I would need to use your maps?
2) How much memory is recommended to store routes?
3) How many log files will you typically want to save on the device? Could I store most of the main trail systems?
4) How many track points per log file are sufficient?
5) Is the electronic compass feature all that important? Even if you're stopped, can't a unit without the eCompass still derive/display North based on the past x number of data points logged and your route? I carry an magnetic compass anyway, so I'm really just trying to understand why a GPS can't inherently display direction while stopped. Or is this where the extra cost of the electronic compass comes in?
6) I've read that you've attached an external re-radiating antenna for your eTrex to get more consistent coverage. The eTrex Legend C I'm looking at is WAAS capable, and does not have the ability to attach an external antenna. Does your eTrex have WAAS capability, and if not, do you think that WAAS would preclude the need for an external antenna in the woods of Michigan?
Thanks for any and all advice!
I first looked at a Magellan eXplorist 300 (http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1016), but it didn't appear to allow routes to be downloaded. It has 8 MB of built-in maps, and 8 MB of memory to save 5 track log files, 500 waypoints, 2000 trackpoints, 20 routes, and is WAAS enabled. 4-level grayscale, 14 hour battery life.
After some more research, I honed in on the Garmin eTrex Legend C (http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegendc/). WAAS, 256 color display, 24 MB memory, USB port for downloading map data, 500 waypoints, 20 routes (reversible), and 10,000 trackpoints.
As far as specs/capabilities, I don't know if the Magellan unit is fine for my needs, and the eTrex is overkill? Or should I just buy once and get the eTrex? Or is there another brand/model you'd recommend?
Here are some more of my newbie questions:
1) I'd like to be able to download/use maps that you and/or the CCC have developed, but understand that there's not an open mapping format, so choosing the "right" brand is important for compatibility. Are all your map files in the Garmin format? I believe that the Garmin unit comes with MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, and the Americas Recreational base map. Is this all I would need to use your maps?
2) How much memory is recommended to store routes?
3) How many log files will you typically want to save on the device? Could I store most of the main trail systems?
4) How many track points per log file are sufficient?
5) Is the electronic compass feature all that important? Even if you're stopped, can't a unit without the eCompass still derive/display North based on the past x number of data points logged and your route? I carry an magnetic compass anyway, so I'm really just trying to understand why a GPS can't inherently display direction while stopped. Or is this where the extra cost of the electronic compass comes in?
6) I've read that you've attached an external re-radiating antenna for your eTrex to get more consistent coverage. The eTrex Legend C I'm looking at is WAAS capable, and does not have the ability to attach an external antenna. Does your eTrex have WAAS capability, and if not, do you think that WAAS would preclude the need for an external antenna in the woods of Michigan?
Thanks for any and all advice!
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