Hello I've been away from the list for a while, and am now renewing my paddling activities. I didn't see anything very recent in the archives on this subject, so I thought I would bring it up. I'm looking for a reasonably priced GPS unit that would be suitable for use on a boat (canoe or kayak), and was wondering what's the latest consensus on the units that are available today. As a basis for discussion, I'm kinda leaning towards the Garmin 12 or 12XL. I would like to know if the extra cost of the 12XL is worth the money. Of course, any comment on other units are welcome. Thanx Don Herring dherring_at_yoda.fdt.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The 12 and 12XL are great units, but are about to be made obsolete by the introduction of the GPS 76 (and GPSMAP 76 for those who want a mapping unit). The GPS76 looks a bit like the 12, but it weighs less (7.5 oz.), it has a bigger screen, its screen can display lat/lon lines (a very useful feature), it has an updateable database (including marine navigation aids), it has built-in tide tables (with cool graphical displays) for over 3,000 tide stations, it floats, it has built-in differential corrections using WAAS data (WAAS satellites retransmit differential correction data to the GPS receiver, reducing the RMS error to about 3 meters--no additional receiver is needed), and many other useful improvements (too many to list). The street price should be around $200. (The street price for the GPSMAP 76, which accepts downloadable maps, is about $310.) These are supposed to be available this month. Download the manuals (in PDF format) from the Garmin website for more information on the capabilities of these new receivers. There are also some new e-Trex models out with improved navigation capabilities, but they are not as well suited to marine use, have much smaller screens, no external antenna jack (nice to have for use in heavy forest), and have buttons that are harder to operate with gloves (or when in a case). Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net> On Mon, 09 Apr 2001 13:33:05 -0400 Don Herring <dherring_at_yoda.fdt.net> wrote: > ... > As a basis for discussion, I'm kinda leaning towards the Garmin 12 or > 12XL. I would like to know if the extra cost of the 12XL is worth the money. > > Of course, any comment on other units are welcome. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 01:33 PM 4/9/2001 -0400, Don Herring wrote: >I'm kinda leaning towards the Garmin 12 or 12XL Don: About six months ago I had a problem with my Magellan ColorTrak. Well, Magellan had problems with the customer service and/or quaility. After writing a lengthy letter to the CEO of Magellan outlining all the difficulties with dealing with their service/support folks and my dissatisfaction with their quality much has changed. He sent me a Map330. I have seen a new Marine Map330 on their web site, but have not had the chance to use one. The Map330 is small, waterproof (I carry it in on my skirt and it gets plenty wet.) and it floats (be sure and tether). Garmin makes a great product from what I have seen and used, but have no experience with 12XL. Fred Thomas *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I think you may be better of with the later generation of Garmins, smaller and easier to use with the same level of water resistance as the 12XL. I have the 12 MAP which I download the topo CD to and find the mapping features invaluable, not only for kayaking, but also for driving and cycling. The topos show water depth, are highly detailed and accurate to 10 to 20 feet. I fin't the lack of an antenna port (for airline use) a problem on the Legends, etc but there's a new generation about to be launched which has the best of all worlds. I think it's the S3 series but I could be mistaken. cu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Mon, 9 Apr 2001 14:24:33 -0400, Bob Denton wrote: >I think you may be better of with the later generation of Garmins, smaller >and easier to use with the same level of water resistance as the 12XL. I >have the 12 MAP which I download the topo CD to and find the mapping >features invaluable, not only for kayaking, but also for driving and >cycling. > >The topos show water depth, are highly detailed and accurate to 10 to 20 >feet. I was wondering to what degree you let the electronic maps replace regular maps(topographics or seacharts)? I'm frequently asked by fellow seakayakers and hikers which GPS I recommend. My standard answer is, that there's no reason to buy the larger models with mapping capability. A paper map doesn't run low on battery and it's much easier to get a good overview of the area by looking at a large map as opposed to a map on a small screen. That said, I love electronic maps at home on my computer. best regards Peter *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The Garmin 12Map is $280; but is only water resistent & should be kept in a case. Niels *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
If you check the specs, which I did the other day, they all meet the same water resistance specification as published in their dealer cheat sheet. cu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Also, I have used one since the day it was released by Garmin. I usually use it in a floating neoprene case open at the top but sometimes I just have it sitting on the deck in the net section of a converted Fanny pack deck bag (not water proof). The only problem I encountered was the eventual corrosion of the antenna jack. Garman replaced the unit, no questions asked. I now make sure I rinse salt water from the jack as well as the rest of the unit when I'm finished. BTW the battery compartment on the 12s is NOT water proof, and it's always a good idea to remove the batteries at the end of the day and remove any salt water (usually a few drops) that may have accumulated. If there's more than a few drops, I rinnse the battery compartment with fresh water and leave it open to dry. I am not suggesting it isn't a good idea to keep it in a water proof case, just that I don't bother. YMMV! In reviewing various sources of Garmin produced information, I noticed that they are not consustant with their water proof ratings nor their memeory capacities. cu > The Garmin 12Map is $280; but is only water resistent & should be kept in a > case. > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Don, Half a year ago, I sold my GPS 12XL and bought an Etrex to replace it. The difference between the 12 and 12XL is ONLY the connection for external antenna. If you use it on the water, you won't need that so the 12XL is a waste of money. Advantages of Etrex over 12XL: - Display with 4 shades, instead of just black and white. Apart from menus with shades, this makes the map much clearer, because there is a clear distinction between travelled route/programmed route/track; - Clearer menu structure: Etrex has a windows-like menu structure now. Big difference with Windows: Etrex does not crash; - Better way of storing tracks: On the older units, a track is stored as a long list of waypoints, stored with your own waypoints. The Etrex stores them in a seperate part of memory, out of your way; - Smaller/lighter unit. - Slightly lower battery consumption: My 12XL worked 20 hours on 4 penlites, the Etrex works 12 hours on 2 penlites. Advantages of 12XL over Etrex: - External power supply with a broad range, so you can plug it into practically anything that gives power. The Etrex must have 3 volts; - Etrex has no audible signal for battery low or loss of satellite fix; - You have to take Etrex into your hand to operate the buttons. The 12XL you can operate while lying on your deck. Apart from that, all units have the same reliability and accuracy. All have 12 satellite receivers. For me, the Etrex is a big improvement for a lower price. On the site of Garmin (www.garmin.com) you'll find descriptions of all Garmin units, with a list of their features. The site also contains downloads of all user manuals, which is usually my way of selecting electronics. Niels. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I still say Voyageur's cellphone case is ideal. It floats & I NEVER had a problem with leaks, even a dunking. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Denton" <gulfstream_at_flinet.com> To: "Niels Kistrup" <nielskistrup_at_home.com>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Monday, 9-Apr-2001 23:50 Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Latest thoughts on GPS Units > > Also, I have used one since the day it was released by Garmin. I usually use > it in a floating neoprene case open at the top but sometimes I just have it > sitting on the deck in the net section of a converted Fanny pack deck bag > (not water proof). The only problem I encountered was the eventual corrosion > of the antenna jack. Garman replaced the unit, no questions asked. I now > make sure I rinse salt water from the jack as well as the rest of the unit > when I'm finished. > > BTW the battery compartment on the 12s is NOT water proof, and it's always a > good idea to remove the batteries at the end of the day and remove any salt > water (usually a few drops) that may have accumulated. If there's more than > a few drops, I rinnse the battery compartment with fresh water and leave it > open to dry. > > I am not suggesting it isn't a good idea to keep it in a water proof case, > just that I don't bother. YMMV! > > In reviewing various sources of Garmin produced information, I noticed that > they are not consustant with their water proof ratings nor their memeory > capacities. > > cu > > The Garmin 12Map is $280; but is only water resistent & should be kept in > a > > case. > > > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
But you have to open the case to see the GPS????? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Don, I use the GPS 12 in the swivel mount for kayaking. My normal paddle is an out and back on the ocean. The main problem with the GPS 12 is the battery compartment is not waterproof at all. Garmin expects you to replace the batteries everytime you drop it in the water or when it gets wet. Using a waterproof bag means the GPS won't fit in the mount and glare on the screen becomes a major problem. The only way to seal the battery compartment is with a silicone based sealant. If you want to know the details let me know. Otherwise it is a good unit. Vincent >From: Don Herring <dherring_at_yoda.fdt.net> >To: PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net >Subject: [Paddlewise] Latest thoughts on GPS Units >Date: Mon, 09 Apr 2001 13:33:05 -0400 > >Hello > >I've been away from the list for a while, and am now renewing my paddling >activities. > >I didn't see anything very recent in the archives on this subject, so I >thought I would bring it up. > >I'm looking for a reasonably priced GPS unit that would be suitable for use >on a boat (canoe or kayak), and was wondering what's the latest consensus >on the units that are available today. > >As a basis for discussion, I'm kinda leaning towards the Garmin 12 or >12XL. I would like to know if the extra cost of the 12XL is worth the >money. > >Of course, any comment on other units are welcome. > >Thanx > >Don Herring >dherring_at_yoda.fdt.net > >*************************************************************************** >PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed >here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire >responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. >Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net >Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net >Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ >*************************************************************************** _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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