basic gps questions
 

Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing to go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I should know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien

basic gps questions
 

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Get a Garmin 76 with a built in map for under 300 bucks. It's well featured
with a good sized screen. It's also a nice size. The smaller series is easy to
drop. The 76 mapping features are also quite useful. It also floats, which
could be a plus in some situations.

RB

basic gps questions
 

I've got the Garmin III-Plus and I'm very happy with it; been using it for a
few years now with no problems (primarily for sailing and motorcycling;
special adapter for handlebars). It's rugged, waterproof, easy to use, and
uploads/downloads maps and routes quickly to and from my laptop.
Scout


Brien Alkire" wrote
Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of
time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing to
go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I should
know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien

basic gps questions
 

Get a low-end Garmin. You don't need map functions, just the basics.
I still have my 12xl. It's great. Does everything you need to do. You
don't need the 76 at this point, unless you're sure you want to drop
$300 or so.

"Brien Alkire" wrote in message
...
Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of
time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing to
go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I should
know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien

basic gps questions
 

Ditto.

Cheers

OzOne wrote:

I have a Magellan 315, it's not mapping but does everything else.
An excellent, fast and reliable basic unit.


On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 11:46:59 -0800, "Brien Alkire"
scribbled thusly:


Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing to go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I should know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien





Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

basic gps questions
 

My old 300 is very basic, but it works.

Scotty

OzOne wrote in message ...

I have a Magellan 315, it's not mapping but does everything else.
An excellent, fast and reliable basic unit.

basic gps questions
 

Do you have any idea how stupid you sound with this post?

Except for the difference in cost, COST, peabrain.

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 12:53:02 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Get a low-end Garmin. You don't need map functions, just the basics.
I still have my 12xl. It's great. Does everything you need to do. You
don't need the 76 at this point, unless you're sure you want to drop
$300 or so.


The mapping units weigh the same as the non-mapping units, so there is no
performance penalty for the greatly enhanced units. If Ganzy could use
foodstamps to buy a GPS, he'd think mapping was indispensable.

BB



"Brien Alkire" wrote in message
...
Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of
time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing
to
go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own
any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I should
know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before
purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien

basic gps questions
 

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

This guy definitely was asleep during business 101.

wrote in message
...
On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 10:00:03 +1100, OzOne wrote:

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 22:53:36 GMT,
scribbled thusly:

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 12:53:02 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Get a low-end Garmin. You don't need map functions, just the basics.
I still have my 12xl. It's great. Does everything you need to do. You
don't need the 76 at this point, unless you're sure you want to drop
$300 or so.


The mapping units weigh the same as the non-mapping units, so there is
no
performance penalty for the greatly enhanced units. If Ganzy could use
foodstamps to buy a GPS, he'd think mapping was indispensable.

BB

But there's a price penalty.
Never seen the need for a mapping GPS when charts have so much more
detail.


The price penalty isn't really much to quible about, and the added ability
more
than makes up for it. A mapping GPS is not a sub for charts, but a nice
addition. Especially since the electronic charts can be kept up to date
and
accurate much easier and cheaper. I carry one ashore with me as well when
I
land.

BB


Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

basic gps questions
 

"Brien Alkire" wrote in message
...
Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them, and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot of
time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am willing to
go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own any
yet).

I've a Garmin MAP175.

The mapping feature works well, but it really cannot display enough
information to be useful.

In fact, the only thing that I really find the map useful for, is inputting
routes.

Before you purchase any unit, find out if it comes with a cable to connect
to your laptop. Six years ago, these cables were very expensive.



Regards


Donal
--

basic gps questions
 

OzOne wrote:

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 10:47:02 +1300, MC scribbled
thusly:


Ditto.

Cheers

OzOne wrote:


I have a Magellan 315, it's not mapping but does everything else.
An excellent, fast and reliable basic unit.


Hey, I bought it on your advice :-)

and excellent advice it was!



I'm glad to hear you enjoy it. I also mounted a socket near a cradle
next to the keyboards to power if the main GPS unit goes down. It works
really well with the navigator being able to dismouint it to load the
waypoint at the chart table then returning it to the cradle. The highway
display is easily visible from the wheel.


As an aside, I need help getting some inventions (useful little boat
electronic things) to market. Any ideas?

Cheers

basic gps questions
 

wrote:


The price penalty isn't really much to quible about, and the added ability more
than makes up for it. A mapping GPS is not a sub for charts, but a nice
addition. Especially since the electronic charts can be kept up to date and
accurate much easier and cheaper.

The electronic updates seem expensive for the NT charts. Paper chart
updates are free and current!

Cheers

basic gps questions
 

What class were you on top of? Three times $250 is not $350, dumbass.

SV


wrote

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

This guy definitely was asleep during business 101.


Being top of the class is why I don't have to even think about spending
$350 for
a better, more useful tool, versus $250 for a bare bones, less useful
tool. If
you had even attended business 101, you would know that you can't save
your way
to prosperity.

BB.

basic gps questions
 

"MC" wrote in message
...



As an aside, I need help getting some inventions (useful little boat
electronic things) to market. Any ideas?

Get them patented, if you can.



Regards



Donal
--

basic gps questions
 

That's expensive -but I know a good idea. The best device idea really
needs protection! I've also invented an electric winch that does not
protrude below decks and is not much bigger than a conventional winch!
It's got a 1000 lb max pull.

Cheers

Donal wrote:

"MC" wrote in message
...



As an aside, I need help getting some inventions (useful little boat
electronic things) to market. Any ideas?


Get them patented, if you can.



Regards



Donal
--

basic gps questions
 

OzOne wrote:

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:49:31 +1300, MC scribbled
thusly:

As an aside, I need help getting some inventions (useful little boat
electronic things) to market. Any ideas?

Cheers


Why just boat stuff?

Well some of the devices need not be used on a boat but that was their
original purpose. I like making things and I like the boat so...


Cheers

basic gps questions
 

OzOne wrote:

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 14:59:54 +1300, MC scribbled
thusly:


That's expensive -but I know a good idea. The best device idea really
needs protection! I've also invented an electric winch that does not
protrude below decks and is not much bigger than a conventional winch!
It's got a 1000 lb max pull.

Cheers


There's a new type of patent now, sort of like "intellectual property"
designed to protect ideas from being poached even if a patent hasn't
been granted. Look into it.


Is that the one that lasts only 1 year?

Cheers

basic gps questions
 

$250?? How about $100? That way, according to the business classes I had
you can get... wait for it... 3 GPS for the price of one.

I know that's a tough thing to imagine....

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:01:38 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

This guy definitely was asleep during business 101.


Being top of the class is why I don't have to even think about spending
$350 for
a better, more useful tool, versus $250 for a bare bones, less useful
tool. If
you had even attended business 101, you would know that you can't save
your way
to prosperity.

BB.


wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 10:00:03 +1100, OzOne wrote:

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 22:53:36 GMT,
scribbled thusly:

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 12:53:02 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Get a low-end Garmin. You don't need map functions, just the basics.
I still have my 12xl. It's great. Does everything you need to do.
You
don't need the 76 at this point, unless you're sure you want to drop
$300 or so.


The mapping units weigh the same as the non-mapping units, so there
is
no
performance penalty for the greatly enhanced units. If Ganzy could
use
foodstamps to buy a GPS, he'd think mapping was indispensable.

BB

But there's a price penalty.
Never seen the need for a mapping GPS when charts have so much more
detail.


The price penalty isn't really much to quible about, and the added
ability
more
than makes up for it. A mapping GPS is not a sub for charts, but a nice
addition. Especially since the electronic charts can be kept up to date
and
accurate much easier and cheaper. I carry one ashore with me as well
when
I
land.

BB


Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

basic gps questions
 

Shhhhh.....

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
What class were you on top of? Three times $250 is not $350, dumbass.

SV


wrote

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

This guy definitely was asleep during business 101.


Being top of the class is why I don't have to even think about spending
$350 for
a better, more useful tool, versus $250 for a bare bones, less useful
tool. If
you had even attended business 101, you would know that you can't save
your way
to prosperity.

BB.

basic gps questions
 

Hey, I like top ramen...

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:00:37 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Do you have any idea how stupid you sound with this post?

Except for the difference in cost, COST, peabrain.


Poor, destitute, underachieving, always eating Ramen Noodles, Ganzy.

BB

wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 12:53:02 -0800, "Jonathan Ganz"

wrote:

Get a low-end Garmin. You don't need map functions, just the basics.
I still have my 12xl. It's great. Does everything you need to do. You
don't need the 76 at this point, unless you're sure you want to drop
$300 or so.


The mapping units weigh the same as the non-mapping units, so there is
no
performance penalty for the greatly enhanced units. If Ganzy could use
foodstamps to buy a GPS, he'd think mapping was indispensable.

BB



"Brien Alkire" wrote in message
...
Can anyone make suggestions on what I should consider when
purchasing a
hand-held GPS?

I am fairly new to sailing and don't own a boat. I charter them,
and
frequently the boats either don't have GPS or I have to spend a lot
of
time
figuring out how to use them. I sail in So Cal and the local
Channel
Islands.

I want a hand-held I can bring with me on charter boats. I am
willing
to
go
with monochrome to save $. I am versed on coastal nav, but would
particularly like a GPS when navigating in fog. I'd like to be able
to
interface with my laptop and overlay on charting software (don't own
any
yet).

I started looking at some manuals for Garmin hand-helds.

Any pointers on what I should consider?

Any good articles on the basics, either on web or in a magazine?

Any special considerations of chart/map software and standards I
should
know
about?

Any new technologies on the horizon I should consider before
purchasing?

Any "wish I would have known about this before I bought mine" kind
of
stories?

Thanks,

Brien

basic gps questions
 

Hmm whatever floats your boat.
I prefer to use a non mapping unit and connect it to a laptop with Ozi
Explorer running if I desire.

I have to agree with Bill on this one. The handheld mapping unit is really
nice. Your laptop is far better, but you can have the 76 at the wheel, in your
pocket and so on. Ganzy is one of those guys who has nothing nice and would
prefer it if no one else did either, so ignore his advice. The price penalty is
TINY. We just bought a little green gecko as a backup off Yahoo auctions for 66
bucks. Works great.
The GPS 76 also floats, has a good sized screen and easily accessed charts.
Nice.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Don't say that. YOU HAVE TO WIN!!!

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Hmm whatever floats your boat.
I prefer to use a non mapping unit and connect it to a laptop with Ozi
Explorer running if I desire.

I have to agree with Bill on this one. The handheld mapping unit is really
nice. Your laptop is far better, but you can have the 76 at the wheel, in
your
pocket and so on. Ganzy is one of those guys who has nothing nice and
would
prefer it if no one else did either, so ignore his advice. The price
penalty is
TINY. We just bought a little green gecko as a backup off Yahoo auctions
for 66
bucks. Works great.
The GPS 76 also floats, has a good sized screen and easily accessed
charts.
Nice.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Except for the difference in cost, COST, peabrain.


BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! A GPS 76 is 300 bucks!!! Not exactly a lot of money. Why would
anyone want a unit with a smaller screen or non floating unit with less
features...just to save 100 bucks or so? 200???
Man, Ganzy. You're either poor or cheap...my guess is BOTH!

RB

basic gps questions
 

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

I think built in navaids is a good feature. Which 99 dollar GPS has them?
In any case, 200 bucks is a penalty when it's a speeding ticket. For a better
GPS with a usable map, it's a gift.
You just don't get it because you only daysail a baby boat.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Three times the cost of a non-map GPS isn't a price penalty?

This guy definitely was asleep during business 101.


No wonder I can't afford that Swan 47!!! I spent a bit too much on the GPS for
the C&C 32!
Rats!

RB

basic gps questions
 

Being top of the class is why I don't have to even think about spending $350
for
a better, more useful tool, versus $250 for a bare bones, less useful tool.

When it comes to sailing gear, it doesn't pay not to pay. The losses in
functionality and durability will usually catch up with you.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Except that the map function is useless to anyone but an ill equipped
daysailor or powerboater.


Ozzy, I'm afraid you're wrong on that one. The small maps are very useful for a
quick reference and quite accurate. Mine shows all navaids, which is a real
help, especially to add another level of comfirmation when tracking a course.
For Suzanne it's been a huge help as she learns to use the charts. Finally the
map feature is just plain fun to use....along with the charts, compass, radar
and our eyes...it's one more level for navigating. I can give coordinates to
Suzanne and she checks our position on the charts, which I then can reaffirm on
the little Garmin's map.
I don't cheap out on such things...or I wouldn't own a boat to begin with.
Beyond that, the GPS 76 mapping was rated as a top pick overall anyway.

RB

basic gps questions
 

$250?? How about $100? That way, according to the business classes I had
you can get... wait for it... 3 GPS for the price of one.


Wow! I wonder what Ganzy will spend his saved money on....
Did Cal build a 21 footer???

Bwahahahahaha!

RB

basic gps questions
 

My old 300 is very basic, but it works.


That poor thing is less accurate than better units...not that it matters since
Scotty daysails.

RB

basic gps questions
 

True, but I can usually see it from the wheel with little effort and
it gives a much bigger picture.
Plus the data saving is excellent.

Like I said...I agree the laptop is better. But I haven't setup my Laptop yet
and the mapping GPS has proved useful. Paper charts are a must. Mapping GPS
isn't...but it's a nicety. With paper charts and your laptop you're more than
covered.
But Ganzy is just cheap.

RB

basic gps questions
 

In fact, the only thing that I really find the map useful for, is inputting
routes.

Yup. That works well with the mapping units. More proof that Ganzy is wrong
again.
What info is missing from your unit that makes it less than useful. I can
display miles of water with all navaids clearly labeled....great when I want to
pass a harbor entrance six or seven times before entering!

RB

basic gps questions
 

Except that with a GPS the map function is near useless.

Ozzy, YOU find it useless because you essentially have a BIG COLOR mapping GPS
on your boat already. With only charts aboard, the mapping GPS handheld is
nice...another level of info. It's comforting to see that the Mapping GPS
agrees with what we "think" we're seeing along with what's on the chart. As
Bill pointed out, redundancy.
I'm sure when I set up the laptop, I won't use the map feature often.

RB

basic gps questions
 

And I thought your new handle was
"dip****" - now you are signing off as dumbass?

I think it's a full name....

Mr. Dip**** Scotty Dumbass, Jr.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Wow, what a cast!


"Bobsprit" wrote ...
Except that the map function is useless to anyone but an ill equipped
daysailor or powerboater.


Ozzy, I'm afraid you're wrong on that one. The small maps are very useful
for a
quick reference and quite accurate. Mine shows all navaids, which is a
real
help, especially to add another level of comfirmation when tracking a
course.
For Suzanne it's been a huge help as she learns to use the charts. Finally
the
map feature is just plain fun to use....along with the charts, compass,
radar
and our eyes...it's one more level for navigating. I can give coordinates
to
Suzanne and she checks our position on the charts, which I then can
reaffirm on
the little Garmin's map.
I don't cheap out on such things...or I wouldn't own a boat to begin with.
Beyond that, the GPS 76 mapping was rated as a top pick overall anyway.

RB

basic gps questions
 

and you waste money on crappy home entertainment junk, you eat too much, and
you're lazy.


No wonder I can't afford that Swan 47!!! I spent a bit too much on the GPS


RB

basic gps questions
 

I don't recall ever going out for less than 3 days last season.

SV

''Bob****'' the world class 3 day voyager wrote....

That poor thing is less accurate than better units...not that it matters
since
Scotty daysails.

RB

basic gps questions
 

I don't recall ever going out for less than 3 days last season.


That's a shame. We did more than 40 day sails and quite a few night sails and
dinner cruises with friends.
Maybe you'll have more free time to sail this season.

RB

basic gps questions
 

and you waste money on crappy home entertainment junk, you eat too much, and
you're lazy.

I'm in better shape than you and like movies? Yup.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Do you understand the phrase,''less than''. Ask Jax to splain it to you,
daysailor.

SV


"Bobsprit" wrote ...
I don't recall ever going out for less than 3 days last season.

That's a shame. We did more than 40 day sails and quite a few night sails
and
dinner cruises with friends.
Maybe you'll have more free time to sail this season.

RB

basic gps questions
 

Do you understand the phrase,''less than''. Ask Jax to splain it to you,
daysailor.

Scotty, if you only went on 3 day trips or more, and worked, then you didn't
sail much, especially since you posted here all summer, even when I was away! I
also posted pics of my sails...more than fifty in fact. You posted only a few
and told us "stories."

BUSTED!

RB

basic gps questions
 

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Except that the map function is useless to anyone but an ill equipped
daysailor or powerboater.


Ozzy, I'm afraid you're wrong on that one. The small maps are very useful
for a
quick reference and quite accurate. Mine shows all navaids,

What a pity that it doesn't also show rocks!!!


Regards


Donal
--