I'm a GPS n00b -

The Modfather · Postby **The Modfather** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:47 am

I have decided that it's time for me to finally purchase a GPS. Unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about them. Can someone point me to a site that helps with the learning process? Also, what unit(s) do you guys recommend? Looking for something that's not going to be outdated in a year.

Thanks in advance.

d2photo · Postby **d2photo** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:17 am

I know Larry, Ken and Dusty all use a Magellan. I use a Garmin 60cs.

there is a section in here - you will find GPS names - Explorist XL and one further down labeled GPS....

Postby **Ken** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:18 am

I'm not aware of a GPS site...but I'm sure there's one out there.

As for GPS models. Most of us these days have the Magellan Explorist XL model. I have the Magellan Sport Trak Pro and have used it for the last 3 years. I recently upgraded to the XL.

Reasons?

Magellan Topo 3D software (I already owned it)
Color screen
Certified Water Resistent
SD Card memory (Unlimited maps/tracks/waypoints)
USB connection to computer

On the Trails page..you can see Topo maps and tracks put on Google Earth.

I know there's quite a few people that prefer Garmin...I have nothing against them. The reason I selected Magellan at the start, was Magellan has always used standard SD memory, where Garmin used more expensive proprietary memory. Though I've heard they switched to SD memory in their latest models.

The Modfather · Postby **The Modfather** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:43 am

Perfect. Thanks for the info guys. I found an Explorist XL for $299 shipped - the cheapest I can find. Might have to pick it up. I have a few more questions -

1. For those who have the XL, what kind of accessories are available for the GPS? CLA, external antenna, etc...? What would you suggest I pick up?
2. Software isn't an issue for me - but what application have you guys found to be the best for trail riding and such?

Thanks!

Keith Strong · Postby **Keith Strong** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:44 pm

Accessories are my challenge so far. I want a handle bar mount for mine and I can ony find it for the standard size Magellan.

scotte · Postby **scotte** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:29 pm

http://gpsinformation.net/ The only site you have to remember for GPS information... Covers about every thing you could possibly want to know...

Postby **Ken** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:43 pm

Keith Strong wrote:Accessories are my challenge so far. I want a handle bar mount for mine and I can ony find it for the standard size Magellan.

The search feature RULES!!!!

viewtopic.php?t=1016

Larry uses the ram mount. Not a lot of accessories for the XL.

One of the thing I dislike about the XL, is the cable to connect the 12V also has the USB! So I bought another one just for home and I'll cut the USB part off and zip strip it to my bars "permanently".

Postby **Ken** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:45 pm

The Modfather wrote:Perfect. Thanks for the info guys. I found an Explorist XL for $299 shipped - the cheapest I can find. Might have to pick it up. I have a few more questions -

1. For those who have the XL, what kind of accessories are available for the GPS? CLA, external antenna, etc...? What would you suggest I pick up?
2. Software isn't an issue for me - but what application have you guys found to be the best for trail riding and such?

Thanks!

I doubt you'll need an antenna...I'm not even sure you can connect one. One of the other reasons I chose the XL, was pretty awesome reception to the satellites. While my Sport Trak was mounted out...Larry had his XL inside a bag on his first ride...and it STILL got reception. NO WAY my Sport Trak gets a signal inside a bag.

The Modfather · Postby **The Modfather** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:58 pm

scotte wrote:http://gpsinformation.net/ The only site you have to remember for GPS information... Covers about every thing you could possibly want to know...

Thanks man!!!

Keith Strong · Postby **Keith Strong** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:10 am

Thanks....

oldtrucks · Postby **oldtrucks** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:24 am

The Modfather wrote:
scotte wrote:http://gpsinformation.net/ The only site you have to remember for GPS information... Covers about every thing you could possibly want to know...
Thanks man!!!

http://www.geocaching.com/ also has a bunch of information on using your GPS

WillRide · Postby **WillRide** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:39 pm

Might sound like a dumb question but I just have to ask. Would these GPS units be work well in a car? Like do they have city streets and freeways? It would be a lot easier for a cheepskate like me do dish out a $300 if I thought I could use it in my truck also.

Keith Strong · Postby **Keith Strong** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:04 am

Yes they do, however you have to buy the street maps software seperately

I have a Nuvi 350 from garmin in my car that I got for about 400 bucks. Had I known, I would have never bought that and just got all the car stuff for the XL.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=4241661

traildad · Postby **traildad** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:45 pm

Keith Strong wrote:Yes they do, however you have to buy the street maps software seperately

My topo map has good city streets so you can get just the one. If you want turn by turn directions you need the direct route maps.

hemingray · Postby **hemingray** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:39 pm

I love my Garmin 60CS. I bought both the detailed streets and topo maps to download to it, you can have both in it (tho only one can be selected at a time), subject just to memory limitations. I have had no problems having enough room for whatever I want to download to it. Does great turn-by-turn in the truck, and works great in the field in a handlebar mount.

I used to have a Magellan MAP 330, but I liked the Garmin interface a lot better when I had the chance to change.

I also have a Nuvi 350 - the better half likes the simplicity of the interface.

ATVOBSESSION

I'm a GPS n00b -

I'm a GPS n00b -

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