Cost-effective GPS options...

[NordieBoy]

when I was thinking of "cost effective" gps solutions I wasnt thinking over a grands worth........

eTrex Legend classic.
Mapping, waterproof, handlebar mount, small, <$250.



Buy mine

[cowboyz]

I ended up buying a etrex legend. $220 Works fantastically. Then I got my hands on mapsource and some auto routing maps that I can plan trips with and send the routes to the gps. Even though the gps doesnt do autorouting on the unit it sticks to the road pretty good if you map the route out on an autorouting map on the pc first. I have done 2836km on the GPS so far.

[manwithav8]

I ended up buying a etrex legend. $220 Works fantastically. Then I got my hands on mapsource and some auto routing maps that I can plan trips with and send the routes to the gps. Even though the gps doesnt do autorouting on the unit it sticks to the road pretty good if you map the route out on an autorouting map on the pc first. I have done 2836km on the GPS so far.

Where did you pick the gps up from mate?

[pritch]

Cowboyz

Where did you buy yours?

I see they can be had from Amazon for less depending on the freight but I don't think I'm going to be in the USA anytime soon so their maps wouldn't be much help. Can the local data be downloaded here?

DSE sell a serial type cord for all but $100. Do you need one of those as well?

So many questions...

[cowboyz]

I got mine from trademe. "aquired" the mapsource program and got thefree autorouting maps from gps forums and then a beta commerical autorouting map from a kiwibiker. Got the system working good now.

Still have a couple of issues. The maps that are loaded on the GPS are quite old. I have tried updating them but gps doesnt like my maps. Have to do some more work on that. The upside is making a route on the pc then uploading it to the gps it works fine and follows the road and tells you where to make turns. But you cant ask the gps to take you somewhere on its own.

I got the serial cable with the unit. Couldnt do without it. The cables can be had on trademe for around $50

[ynot slow]

Had a look at dick smith site.dse.co.nz,have quite a few and seem priced ok,also has software as well,some garmin for about $250 ish,then extra for mapping software.

[cowboyz]

dont pay for mapping software. There are free downloads at garmin.com for trackmaker which is ok for recording purposes and I can give you an overlay NZ map for it or I can give you mapsource and NZ maps for nothing. (mostly legit)

[ynot slow]

Cheers for info,not sure if I'll grab one,next time in shop will look at them,a few on trademe and seem ok to.Don't relly need a gps as people seem to tell me where to go,mostly fuck off from my daughter,a few years ago lol.

Like the idea of averages etc,not so much for map capabilities,but thats ok when taking pics,have just put a fuji digi cam with 10x lens away for xmas or sooner,last of that model was $595 for $299,so can take good pics with film and digital cameras

[skidMark]

cost effective:

[pyrocam]

I just tested out some of my new equipment from work. It is data logging only. works pretty well I'd say
will be neat to look at the stuff after trackday. just have to make sure its not on on the way down

test in google earth:
http://www.pyrocam.com/files/images/routest.jpg

[Daffyd]

GPS?

real men navigate by the stars.

by day point the hour hand at the sun then north is at 12 o'clock...you do have an analogue watch?

You've got that wrong. I'd hate to be lost with you. You'd just get loster and loster!
Point the imaginary line from the 6 to the 12 at the sun... North is halfway between the 12 and the hour hand. (During daylight saving use the line from 7 to 1)

[Blue Thunder]

I am also interested in what is used on motorcycles. I have a Navman map based GPS that is fine in the car but can't be operated while riding. Also it doesn't record top speed, average speed, etc.
So what works best on a bike?

Think its a Navman ZUNO550 designed for bike use . aterproof and shockproof

[Viferpilot]

For the past 4yrs I've been using a GARMIN GPSmap76C for sports touring into never before hinterland of NZ. This is an all-round top-end handheld. Waterproof, floats, resilient, good for sailing, tramping, ... and motorcycling. Colour. OK sized screen. Sunlight display. Large number setting. Good battery life (2xAA about 20hrs). OK sized buttons ... so you can change settings wearing gloves. Enough memory to store detailed coloured maps - I prefer to use topographical maps. I mount it using a mountain bike cradle which fits to modified stem mount (I attached a 30mm stub; like a short handlebar) - the GPS rests nicely above the steering head, between top of tank and instrument panel. It can be easily slipped out of its cradle too ie to secure it. When I'm not navigating (using waypoints displayed on the map screen - to whatever map scale you desire) it is my preferred speedo (set on large number display), trip meter, ave. moving speed calculator, etc. This particular Garmin model is now superseded by a model with improved antennae (for improved reception under tree canopy, in canyons, etc ). It's also my alarm clock, tide predictor, etc ... ie a fully featured GPS like this offers much more than the more common 'car navigation' models.

[Swoop]

cost effective:

That is far too complex for Disco Dan.

[JimBob]

My 2 cents worth
I tried most of the Garmin models mentioned on this thread. They all work. I was in the states and one of the guys at work lent me his zumo. After a couple of days I bit the bullet and bought one.The zumo even showed me how to get to walmart.
On the bike it is great, big bright screen, big buttons, works with gloves etc
I originally thought the graphics were a little "cartoonish" and lacking in detail but they actually work really well. A quick glance and you have the relevant information, ie street name, which way the road is going or whatever. With my other GPS I used quite often have to stop to have a good look at the screen.
Like anything you get what you pay for.
cheers