GPS ?? ( Someone please explain to a dunce)

[daj]

Hello,

First things first I have a terrible sense of direction, Like need a Tomtom to get off the drive!!

And sadly this reflects in my map reading when out on the trails ... For example I rode the same trail three times within 6 days trying to follow a route I got from the net .... Didnt manage it right once!! :twisted:

So these GPS things ..... Would they allow a simpleton like me to find a route they quote fancy ... Map it up .... Attach to bike ... Follow route like a marked trail ?? :?

Also bearing in mind, I dont want to have to get myself a Garmin`s master degree to program and use it?

Look forward to some input

Cheers

daj

 

[OrangeRetro]

Once you get a route downloaded onto them they are dead easy to follow.. getting a route onto them is the most difficult thing. I'm lauching a website in the new year to make things easy... very easy.. watch this space!

 

[Neil]

Just one thing to add, many of the entry level car GPS may not allow you to download (or upload for that matter) routes.

So if that's the sort of thing you want, make sure the model you're after supports route downloads and uploads. I would imagine those that are "lifestyle" GPS rather than aimed at car usage should be fine, but best to check before you splurge.

 

[OrangeRetro]

Any Garmin Edge is up to the job! You don't need the most expensive one.. although it is nice!

PM me if you want more info..

 

[stewlewis]

Don't confuse SatNav with GPS too. SatNav the software that works with the GPS, it 'knows' roads and the like and plans routes for your car.

My Garmin Edge 305 does very basic routing, it can do routes with waypoints and point you in the direction of the next waypoint. Digital compass like. It has gotten me out of some forests without a planned route as you just head in the direction of the start marker. It does not have a mapping display.

The Garmin Edge 605/706 or the SatMap or new Adventurer 2800 have mapping, expensive though. Again they can't tell you routes, just point you in the right direction and show you where you are.

My car SatNAv, an HP Ipaq 314, has Windows CE installed so I have gotten MemoryMap to run on it, and OziCE. With a hell of a lot of work to make it happen. I got it cheap. Otherwise...

I would have bought a RoadAngel Navigator 7000, you can install Memory Map to it, making it a Road Angel Adventurer. Its splashproof too. Probably the cheapest routing with maps option. Battery life is, I think, around 4 hours.

Unless of course you have a fancy phone that will do the same.

 

[gibbleking]

i have google earth on my phone using gps and setting your own way points is easy plus you can see the route update as you go.....or you canfork outfor a cycle gps unit at near 3oo quid that doesthe same thing.my bro has one with a special hub that charges using a usb cble anything with a usb plug so power is never a issue.

 

[stewlewis]

Google Earth is something I haven't toyed around with on the move as I don't have a decent online phone. It is possible to download and cache the GE 'tiles' for use with OziCE. One day I'll spend some time and give it a go.

For GE users if you didn't know already the Gavins Unofficial OS overlay is brilliant.

http://www.brock-family.org/gavin/google-earth/osmaps.kml

 

[MynameisCasper]

It took me a while to figure it out

Don't expect guidance and instructions like a TomTom for instance. I have bought a Garmin Etrex Legend HCx recently because I have the same feeling of direction as you have.

I had a struggle with installing Mapsource. I bought my device second hand and propably the former owner had registered his copy of Mapsource. I had some trouble with the installing the right maps as well. I still haven't figured out which map is needed for what!

Two weeks ago I downloaded this track:
http://www.gps-tour.info/de/touren/detail.20631.html

I configured my Garmin so that I could see an aroow of which direction I had to go and time to the next trackpoint. I also have the map on my display in stead of the big compass. This way I can see if I'm off course and which way I have to turn.

I use this configuration because in the standard config the device showed the right direction when I was on a junction in stead of a couple of metres in front if the junction.

I am really happy with it and it was worth the struggle! It allowed me to discover tracks that are only ridden by locals.

You should definately buy one!