Buying a GPS

[headspace]

I'm about to go for my R license and it looks like I'll need a GPS. They can download maps onto your smartphone but if you lose the signal, you're buggered. I only want a basic GPS that qualifies and I've heard some good things about the Garmen extrex 10. It's only has the basics, but do you really need any more than that?
JD

[RoginaJack]

For your R Licence the GPS must be capable of downloading and installing hunting and exclusion zone maps from the website and be working(?), as you state. Can use a smart phone but out in the back blocks, mountain terrain etc.signal can be a bit iffy.
Where I've been lately, haven't been getting a signal at all, so ,didn't bother to turn off phone while sitting calling and the bloody thing rang! The mate reckons I can through clear as crystal. Lesson there, I think.
I have a Magellan Explorist 510, came with the Australian and N.Z. maps and a case included (all no charge). Does the job but I don't know why the screen isn't bigger, unit thinner and price lower but other than that is OK.
Cheers

[headspace]

That's another one to look at, thanks mate.

[brett1868]

For your R Licence the GPS must be capable of downloading and installing hunting and exclusion zone maps from the website and be working(?), as you state. Can use a smart phone but out in the back blocks, mountain terrain etc.signal can be a bit iffy.
Where I've been lately, haven't been getting a signal at all, so ,didn't bother to turn off phone while sitting calling and the bloody thing rang! The mate reckons I can through clear as crystal. Lesson there, I think.
I have a Magellan Explorist 510, came with the Australian and N.Z. maps and a case included (all no charge). Does the job but I don't know why the screen isn't bigger, unit thinner and price lower but other than that is OK.
Cheers

I have the eXplorist 610 not sure what the difference is to the 510, maybe some functions I assume. I can plug it into the computer over USB and open the tracks and Waypoints on Google Earth to see where I've been. I can also create waypoints in Google Earth then export them to the unit and there's a GEO fence option but I haven't played with that yet. Think I paid a bit over $300 for it as it was in the "Specials" bin at Harvey Norman. Has the bonus of a camera with geo tagging, compass, altimeter, area calculator and a heap of other functions I haven't the need for yet, all round a good unit.

[Bosbefok]

From memory the Etrex 10 does not allow you to import custom maps. I think the minimum is the Etrex 20. I have the Garmin Astro For tracking my dog too which is a requirement of you want to take your dog off lead.. It cost $700 second hand. I had the Garmin 62s before which was good but cost over $300.

[headspace]

Thanks for the input crew, I won't have any dogs, just a need to see where I am and not going outside the boundaries of the hunting area. The less bells and whistles the better for me. I don't need a camera or a compass, already have both. Just the ability to leave a trail of breadcrumbs to get me back and to keep me out of where I shouldn't be. I don't know if I even need anything other than a mono screen.

JD

[brett1868]

Just had a quick look at the specs of the Magellan eXplorist 610 and they mention the following...

NSW State Forest Maps are now available to download onto the eXplorist 610 from the Department of Primary Industries for the use of Hunting.

http://www.magellangps.com.au/Products/Outdoor/eXplorist_Series/eXplorist_610

Here's a link to NSW Dept. of Primary Industries where you can download the maps along with instructions for other devices.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting/education-and-training-for-hunters/gps-download-guides

[North East]

eTrex 20 will do me but I live in Victoria. They are certainly making it difficult for those in NSW.

[KWhorenet]

Thanks for thrashing this topic out and I'm glad you all seem to have different taste or decisions on GPS bought. I want one too. I looked at the Garmin 62S and later models. NO WAY am I paying another $220 for topo maps on top of purchase. If I can get free maps my budget is about the $300 mark also. If I can get something goochy second hand all the better.

Found a reasonable comparison of the Magellan 510 , 610 , 710 models http://backcountryskiingcanada.com/inde ... 0610%20GPS

Cant see a 610 for anywhere near $300 currently. Coming up to EOFY should help me a bit.

[RoginaJack]

Some prices quoted here are very interesting. I picked my 510 up from Dick Smith, including Aust & N.Z. maps for $199. That's dear enough!

[Member-Deleted]

I picked up a brand new garmin dakota 20 for around 160 highly recommend this unit it's sturdy easy to use and has real good reception. Got it off catch of the day for that price not sure how much it goes for usually. ..

[Usurper]

Anything by Garmin IMO.

[Bosbefok]

Thanks for thrashing this topic out and I'm glad you all seem to have different taste or decisions on GPS bought. I want one too. I looked at the Garmin 62S and later models. NO WAY am I paying another $220 for topo maps on top of purchase. If I can get free maps my budget is about the $300 mark also. If I can get something goochy second hand all the better.

Found a reasonable comparison of the Magellan 510 , 610 , 710 models http://backcountryskiingcanada.com/inde ... 0610%20GPS

Cant see a 610 for anywhere near $300 currently. Coming up to EOFY should help me a bit.

You can buy dodgy topo maps if you want them for greater detail (not necessary for R licence) on eBay for under $30. Or download them for free off shonky maps?

[lole]

I picked up a brand new garmin dakota 20 for around 160 highly recommend this unit it's sturdy easy to use and has real good reception. Got it off catch of the day for that price not sure how much it goes for usually. ..

And mapping data is detailed enough?

[Member-Deleted]

I picked up a brand new garmin dakota 20 for around 160 highly recommend this unit it's sturdy easy to use and has real good reception. Got it off catch of the day for that price not sure how much it goes for usually. ..

And mapping data is detailed enough?

the map it comes with is rubbish and i didnt want to pay 100-200 dollars to download the official garmin maps so i downloaded shonkymaps (free) and loaded it onto my unit using basecamp.. mapping data is very detailed and definitely does the job..good piece of equipment for 160

[Supporter]

the map it comes with is rubbish and i didnt want to pay 100-200 dollars to download the official garmin maps so i downloaded shonkymaps (free) and loaded it onto my unit using basecamp.. mapping data is very detailed and definitely does the job..good piece of equipment for 160

A name that inspires confidence

[Member-Deleted]

the map it comes with is rubbish and i didnt want to pay 100-200 dollars to download the official garmin maps so i downloaded shonkymaps (free) and loaded it onto my unit using basecamp.. mapping data is very detailed and definitely does the job..good piece of equipment for 160

A name that inspires confidence

I know right!.. I thought the same thing but after doing research I'm glad I used it.

[Seconds]

Probably just suggesting a bit with the name that it's one guys effort, not "professional" maps I guess.

As long as it's accurate though...

[headspace]

Decision has been made, after a bit of trolling through various sites I settled on the Garmin Etrex 20. I got it from Camera Sky for $218 plus postage and handling which added another $27. I looked at the higher end models and this one does all I need and got some great reviews. Plus I didn't want a touch screen for bush work, just a little bit the Luddite showing through, but I'm not Inspector Gadget.
JD

[North East]

Decision has been made, after a bit of trolling through various sites I settled on the Garmin Etrex 20. I got it from Camera Sky for $218 plus postage and handling which added another $27. I looked at the higher end models and this one does all I need and got some great reviews. Plus I didn't want a touch screen for bush work, just a little bit the Luddite showing through, but I'm not Inspector Gadget.
JD

The Garmin Etrex 20 are just fine. I've used one for years and no problems with it.

[headspace]

Thanks NE, we have to down load maps from the DPI in NSW to book a hunt in a State Forest. The Etrex 20 is one of the units that are compatible apparently. How's the snow coming along down there mate.?

[North East]

Thanks NE, we have to down load maps from the DPI in NSW to book a hunt in a State Forest. The Etrex 20 is one of the units that are compatible apparently. How's the snow coming along down there mate.?

Still cold but the snow is melting quickly....El-Nino is back.

[headspace]

Pretty sure the snow will be back too mate, it came a bit early this year.

[Norton]

Still cold but the snow is melting quickly....El-Nino is back.

It's been a while since I've heard the phrase 'El Nino'.

Remember years ago it was the buzzword and you couldn't go 30 seconds without hearing it on the radio.

[rsj223]

Spotted this today very cheap GPS http://www.dicksmith.com.au/handheld-na ... Au668P8HAQ
One day only

[headspace]

Thanks mate, I went to my local DS store and they had bugger all. I ended up getting mine on line for a pretty reasonable price.
JD

[RoginaJack]

Spotted this today very cheap GPS http://www.dicksmith.com.au/handheld-na ... Au668P8HAQ
One day only

WHAT the?

But that's $10 bucks cheaper than I got mine for!

[rsj223]

Bugger they dropped the price agian

[headspace]

Bugger they dropped the price agian

I think Dick Smith are trying to get out of that market, the bloke I spoke to said it's all clearance stock. I guess you have to be in the right place at the right time.

[KWhorenet]

cant believe it but hardly normal has that for $246 vs Dicks at currently $299 ?
Johnny Appleseeed $249


Harvey Norman pick up in store
Your Order
Product Details: Price
1 x Magellan eXplorist 510 Handheld GPS -
$246
Total Paid $246
(Incl. GST $22.36)