New GPS

Magicman · November 19, 2012, 04:38:11 PM

We have been using older Garmin Etrex units, but the newer units are really exciting. The newer maps are eye popping, plus Birds Eye View is now available. REI has a special deal on the Etrex 30 Bundle, so I have one on the way. Also available for Colorado is the 24K TOPO maps that show NF and private land boundaries.

Plus, I need one to find sawjob locations..... That's my story and I'm sticking with it. ;D

doctorb · November 19, 2012, 05:27:50 PM

I presume you use a hand-held model for hunting. Is the screen large enough to use in the car as well?

Magicman · November 19, 2012, 05:54:25 PM

That unit is popular with bicyclist, but I would not want one for an auto because they are set up differently for marking waypoints, tracking, and backtracking. The auto unit would not be suitable for field use.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · November 19, 2012, 06:36:16 PM

I use the Apple 4s for Phone and GPS. When I have a forest fire, I just ask the phone how to get there and a voice tells me turn by turn how to get to my fire.

If I'm in the deer stand and I have many.....my wife can look on my Apple computer and see if I have left the stand, if I'm later than usual getting home.

Marking way points are really easy too.

Shotgun · November 19, 2012, 07:01:56 PM

How does your phone know where the fire is? Come on. :D

doctorb · November 19, 2012, 07:05:17 PM

How does your wife track your iPhone? I am sure that you just leave it up in the stand, sneak off, and do other stuff without her becoming aware. I just know it. ;) :D

Seriously, what app do you have that allows her to track the phone?

Does anybody have a strong recommendation for a new auto GPS unit. I need a new one.

beenthere · November 19, 2012, 07:09:51 PM

Quote from: Shotgun on November 19, 2012, 07:01:56 PM
How does your phone know where the fire is? Come on. :D

Just click location before lighting the match. ;D

If the phone GPS is turned on, and photos are taken then the GPS location is tacked on to the photo info.
Guess there are those who find pics emailed around, like on facebook, and can go to that location for devilish deeds.

Also, Ipads and Iphones have been located using the Apps for such things.

doctorb
I've been happy with our Garmin that is 5 yrs old, but there are better ones out today that have lifetime map upgrades.

doctorb · November 19, 2012, 07:12:46 PM

:D :D :D

POSTON WIDEHEAD · November 19, 2012, 08:19:43 PM

Oh ya'll just sharpen than a tac tonight. :D

On an Apple device, You can use i cloud. Once your i cloud is set up on all devices, if I lose my phone or my phone is stolen, it will post a beacon on the satellite map on my computer. i can carry my computer with me as I track it and if someone has stolen it, I can walk right up to them and click on a button on my laptop and an alarm goes off on my phone. GOTCHA!
Same as computer.....if it's stolen, I can track it.

:D :D :D Oh ShotGun.....I have to tell the phone the address or the Lat. and Long. first and then it tells me how to get there.

Bros. Been......good one about the matches. :D

Doc....I'd rather shoot a Buck than to be in rut. :D

Magicman · November 20, 2012, 08:41:04 AM

doctorb, I bought probably the cheapest Garmin that I found from Amazon that has the LM (lifetime maps). I think that it was $107. I have no need for the bluetooth, MP3, etc. that is available on the pricier units. My new unit is very satisfactory for my use, and the screen size is perfect.

BTW David, I looked at the file info on your deer picture and now know exactly where you were hunting. ;D

POSTON WIDEHEAD · November 20, 2012, 02:19:37 PM

Quote from: Magicman on November 20, 2012, 08:41:04 AM

BTW David, I looked at the file info on your deer picture and now know exactly where you were hunting. ;D

:D You are welcome to sit that stand anytime, Magic.

Texas Ranger · November 20, 2012, 03:38:05 PM

Just updated the maps on my GPS. Found out the new maps, 2 year old device, use twice the memory of the old maps, and had to add memory.

Magicman · November 20, 2012, 07:40:58 PM

The very detailed 24K TOPO maps seem to be a gotcha deal. They come on a micro-SD card and cost $100. You can get a download version for a bit more, but you are on your own with that option. You can then upload it into two units. They have secured their technology very well because you have to enter the S/N of the upload unit and after two, it locks up.

SwampDonkey · November 20, 2012, 07:50:30 PM

That's kinda odd business. Most of the maps in there unit probably was paid for by the government. They just converted the data to another format. I have a pricier unit, but my maps are also free as well as an aerial photo layer. My base corrections are free to, for any areas I measure. Mine doesn't do real time corrections, but the next level up does. The real time in the Garmin is WASS and even Garmin's site says within 25 feet. Need within 3 for my use. I've measured 1000's of acres and miles of roads and strips, so it's been paid for a long time ago. Just how I justify it. :D

Magicman · November 20, 2012, 09:57:45 PM

The new Garmins and probably others are also using the Russian GLONASS system in addition to our GPS. These additional satellites are said to increase the unit's accuracy.

thecfarm · November 20, 2012, 10:26:27 PM

I just have a Tom Tom that came off the Mayflower.

Okrafarmer · November 20, 2012, 11:21:20 PM

Quote from: Magicman on November 20, 2012, 09:57:45 PM
The new Garmins and probably others are also using the Russian GLONASS system in addition to our GPS. These additional satellites are said to increase the unit's accuracy.

Ooooo-- so we are relying on their tender mercies for our technology to work.

SwampDonkey · November 21, 2012, 05:13:01 AM

Actually, it was once reported back in 2009 that the US GPS satellites are reaching the end of their service, so there could be gaps in coverage as they fail. Has there been any new GPS satellite launches lately?

Magicman · November 21, 2012, 08:10:58 AM

Since GPS technology is used worldwide by everyone, it is only right that more countries add to this service. My new unit is the first Garmin to capture and use GLONASS.

Okrafarmer · November 21, 2012, 12:43:57 PM

I was mostly just kidding. I just have to look at every aspect of everything. ;D

Larry · November 21, 2012, 01:57:14 PM

I see in the Cabelas sales flyer they have them for $250.

Got a good deal on the Garmin Nuvi 40 too, but one has to get up before the crack of dawn Friday to get in on that. I'll pass and stay in bed.

Magicman · November 21, 2012, 02:06:36 PM

Yup, I was looking that the Cabela's sale price. The Cabela's store in Gonzales, La. has an "in store" deal for the "bundled TOPO package" for the same price. I will be in Gonzales next Friday and the sale ends Thursday, so I put Google to work and found the same deal at REI with free shipping. Mine has shipped and should be here Monday.

Magicman · November 23, 2012, 06:39:40 PM

It came today and so far I am not happy. So many features on the older Etrex Legend that I like are either not here are hiding. Either way, I do not like it. Maybe I should have gotten the Oregon ??

It did find more satellites, locked in very quickly, and was accurate within just a few feet.

I'll fiddle with it for a while and give it a fighting chance. :-\

Okrafarmer · November 23, 2012, 10:29:29 PM

About the car GPS, my parents are furious with their Magellans. They hate them these days. Too hard to update, bad customer service, and they don't work well. Sometimes it tries to take them around the wrong side of the mountain, a trip of 5 or 6 extra miles and ten or more minutes longer!