 I am really ignorant about GPS, in fact regarded it with suspicion for a while eg what's wrong with good old-fashioned map-reading skills?
But after some advice here on hikes in Scotland, I would like to work up to walking the Cape Wrath trail sometime next year.
So in that situation I can see it might be handy to have some sort of backup system to let you know where you are for sure. All I'd want would be some device that could give me an OS grid reference, that's it. No need for electronic compass, pre-loaded maps etc. What would fit the bill?
|
 |
 "What would fit the bill?"
One of the Garmin Geko series probably. Currently going cheap on gpswarehouse.co.uk
Ah, no it isnae. I was thinking of this one www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk
|
| Edited: 05/09/06 11:12 |
Basic (yellow) eTrex is good for that. I think they are about the same price as the most basic Geko. They are bigger/heavier though, which may be a pro or a con depending which way you look at it. They take AA batteries though (Geko AAA) and I *think* the battery life is better for an eTrex. You don't get the cool Geko game on the eTrex though!
|
|
 Or you could go for the garmin gps 60, a little bit bigger than the 2 already mentioned but battery life is longer, its easier to read and comes with cables etc for connecting to your computer should you wish to do so.
availble for around £130
|
|
 Moggy's right. GPS60 is bigger and heavier but has far better battery life and slightly better reception than the others. As you seem to state it's for emergency situations I think you need to forget size and weight. Anyway the GPS60 isn't that big.
|
|
 If it's for "Emergency" situations only, why would you want anything bigger, heavier or with a better battery life than a Geko?
|
|
|
|
|
 I think Garmin have discontinued the Geko 101 which is probably why it is going cheap at present. It no longer appears on Garmin's site
|
|
Druidh wrote: "If it's for "Emergency" situations only, why would you want anything bigger, heavier or with a better battery life than a Geko?"
yup, the smaller and more basic the better.
Thanks for the link Zubald, £50 sounds just fine. Cheers everyone else for your recommendations, I would not have known where to look or what to get otherwise.
|
|
 I personally prefer as 201 as you can connect it to a PC. However has anyone found cheap mapping software?
|
|
Tracklogs is pretty cheap and i definatley prefer it over memory map (check out my review in the forum)
cheers
Andy
|
|
Spud, I have a Geko 201 and am really pleased with it. I'm probably more capable at reading a map than I imagine but I am lacking in confidence. A basic gps serves as a great back up and I'm getting more confident with the map now. I strongly recommend getting one that you can link to a computer like the 201. The 101 cannot link to a pc. You can then download software updates and use mapping software. I thought I wouldn't bother with mapping software but I got a free trial and couldn't believe how simple and quick it is to use. Inputting way points on it manually is a bit long winded.
I was initially resistant to the idea of gps but it just makes sense as its now so cheap. Map and compass first with gps as back up is a very wise choice in my humble opinion.
|
|
Jamie, I agree with all you said. I have found the addition of a GPS to be a good learning tool. Make your decision based on map and compass, and if any doubt, check with the GPS, before you go too far wrong.
|
|
 I picked up a cheap (ligit) version of Memory Map off eBay last year. Works well with the 201. As mentioned on previous threads, I think it's essential to practice with the system before relying on it. Also make sure you can switch the backlight on.
|
|
Guess you're right re' battery life as it won't be turned on much. Still I'd rather have the better reception.
|
|
sorry to hijack the thread ... Crezzer can you drop me an email please?
|
|
Jamie: thanks for your thoughts on this . . . will mull it over.
|
|
