Anyone use a GPS? Questions.........

[aimn]

I think I am going to purchase a GPS. I have it narrowed down to a Garmin GPSMap 76s or an Emap or an Etrex Legend. I am wondering how much memory you actually need with these things. I want to download maps from the mapsource metro guide for most of central Minnesota. Anyone know how much memory this will take up? I will also have maybe 50 waypoints marked. Can you add memory to these things? Thanks for your help.

 

[Scarpozzi]

It's going to vary from model to model. Some of them require more memory depending on what data it actually records. It's more of a 'model to model' question. Go to an outfitter store and ask them to show you the features of each one and you'll probably get a better idea.

 

[Grasshopper27]

I use three GPS systems when flying. A Garmin 430 panel mount unit, a Garmin 295, and a Garmin GPS Pilot III. The Pilot III is clipped to my kneeboard and is used as a backup incase the other unit fails. The 430 is mounted in the 407 and the 295 is mounted on the console of the 206.

But since you proably are not looking for a GPS for aviation use...

Might I suggest this unit:

http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/index.html

This can be easily mounted to your dashboard, plugs into the car's power source, takes memory data cards, and works like a charm. Expensive, but you only have to buy it once.

Grasshopper

 

[Grasshopper27]

BTW, if you don't want to spend that much, or don't want something for the car, get the GPS V:

http://www.garmin.com/products/gps5/

Cheaper, just not as nice. A whole heck of a lot more portable however.

Grasshopper

 

[Mark R]

The garmin maps vary from version to version.

I used to have metroguide GB - the map segments were between 7 and 9 MBs each. Each segment represented the minimum piece of the map that could be uploaded. The less good R&R disc had 500 kB map segments. With an 8MB legend, it may have been impossible to upload any of the metroguide GB segements.

I've since change the GB version for Europe - this one has 1MB segments as well as a host of other improvements (a search facility for one!). London takes about 6 MB, if you want it all.

Only the older Garmin GPS units have upgradeable memory - and they use hideously expensive upgrade cards ($200 for 64 MB). The newer versions are not upgradeable.

All have memory for 500 waypoints (not upgradeable), and variable amounts of memory for track recording (about 3000 points for a legend or vista).

I've been thinking of a GPS V, but the etrex series are much more portable. Personally, I'd probably get a vista rather than a legend.

 

[crab]

Originally posted by: grasshopper26
I use three GPS systems when flying. A Garmin 430 panel mount unit, a Garmin 295, and a Garmin GPS Pilot III. The Pilot III is clipped to my kneeboard and is used as a backup incase the other unit fails. The 430 is mounted in the 407 and the 295 is mounted on the console of the 206.

But since you proably are not looking for a GPS for aviation use...

Might I suggest this unit:

http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/index.html

This can be easily mounted to your dashboard, plugs into the car's power source, takes memory data cards, and works like a charm. Expensive, but you only have to buy it once.

Grasshopper

Can vouch for the 295...have one in the Cardinal, and use it in the car when not flying. Helps me stay out of the Class B Other times, it is the panel mounted M3 Approach.

 

[aimn]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Grasshopper27]

Originally posted by: crab453

Can vouch for the 295...have one in the Cardinal, and use it in the car when not flying. Helps me stay out of the Class B Other times, it is the panel mounted M3 Approach.

Yep, it is just a bitch when the 737's coming in to land have to go around to avoid the Suburban on short final!

Sigh, haven't used the 295 in my truck, it stays in the helicopter, too lazy to pull it out. It is wired into the helicopter's power supply and mounted on the console, so it just sits there. Cheaper than a panel mount unit which I could never dream to get in that old 206.

Cardinal's are cool, me wanna fly!

Grasshopper

 

[0roo0roo]

i use a laptop, no maps to download