Just wondering what everyone's using for GPS units? I'm still using my trusty Magellan Sportrak that I got many years ago, it still works as good as the day I got it and never really saw the need to upgrade. I tend to use topo maps and a compass more but it's nice to have on hand for marking locations and if I get turned around, which has been known to happen.
GPS Units
- Thread starter tecumseh
- Start date
Osprey78
Handloader
- Feb 27, 2014
- 260
- 1
I'm using an older Magellan ExPlorist 500. I got it about 8 years ago. It still works and is quite accurate. I got some topo software uploaded into it. It's not as fancy as the ones around nowadays, but it's good for what I need it for. If I had the cash I would probably upgrade to a Garmin, however I don't, so I won't.
Vince I believe the Rhino is a Garmin you can get them in a number of different models, my 110 is the cheapest model. The reason we liked the Rhino system is that it has a two way radio on it as well. But now I am using the Iphone as you can text and it is much quieter 
.
Blessings,
Dan
.Blessings,
Dan
HOGWILD338-378
Handloader
- Aug 22, 2012
- 1,219
- 0
What I am wondering is when will these guys put a find my GPS app on their GPS's , I have got a find my iPad app which allowed me to find my lost iPad that was locked but on :roll: Just wondering since I can't find my automotive GPS unit for about 6 moths now! :grin:
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
I have an old Garmin III.
Garmin, e-trex. When I leave the truck or trailhead, I turn it on, mark my location, turn it off and put it back into my pack. Works great, if I need it ( which is hardly ever), I turn it on and head back to my starting point. Nothing fancy, but it works for me.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,344
- 3,185
Garmin, e-trex
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,058
- 5,236
We run the Garmin rhinos, forget the model numbers but 550 comes to mind. Key features are radio, good topographic and the ability to track each other. When ever one of us keys up their unique icon pops up on your screen. The country we hunt is pretty rough, knowing exactly where your partner has an elk down and what the intervening country looks like, really has helped us getting elk out. We are all over 50 and in good to marathon running shape, but we're still old and stuff happens. With our minimum updating rule we would have a good idea where to start looking if someone went missing. We know the country well, having hunted it for 18 years without interruption and still find the GPS useful. As well as I know the country I also carry map and compass because if the GPS is going to quit it will do so just after a blue mountain blizzard hits or the fog rolls in.
Osprey78
Handloader
- Feb 27, 2014
- 260
- 1
sask boy":37ljcjlo said:
Just remember that you are then relying on the battery life of your phone which is WAY less than that of the GPS itself.
Yes that is true but we have generators at camp for recharging. I still have my Rhino 110 with a bag of batteries.
We also can charge off the quads and if all else fails still have a good compass that can get me back in time for supper :lol:!
Blessings,
Dan
We also can charge off the quads and if all else fails still have a good compass that can get me back in time for supper :lol:!
Blessings,
Dan
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,058
- 5,236
Do you need cell service for the GPS function to work?
HOGWILD338-378
Handloader
- Aug 22, 2012
- 1,219
- 0
Dan is rite ya gotta have a signal from a satellite which means on cloudy days it's possible that they will not work and they use a SD card for map data which I was looking at recently that are affordable if you use them for a certain area but buying for the whole US would be 4 or 5 cards at about 100.00 per card! Nice looking units 650 Rhino for sure! More reliable service than cell service and as mentioned always have a map and a back up compass as both are easy light pack items! I tell you squirrel hunting I used to get lost all the time walking around pent oak flats in the bottoms looking up all the time and shooting all the time but would always find my way out somehow! I might have to get me a Rhino in the future!
1100 Remington Man
Handloader
- May 1, 2007
- 1,168
- 334
I have a Garmin 62 and it works great. Just FYI clouds have no effect on GPS. Some cheaper GPS can have signal problems in heavy timber. My Garmin does not with a external antenna works great. I have never seen a GPS that give the big picture like a Map there screens are to small. When hunting Wilderness areas I carry a map Compass & pin on compass on my coat & at $ 6.00 it is what I use most. I only bought a GPS because when hunting I ran into a Man carrying a meat saw in heavy timber, I asked him did he get a ELk he said no his Brother in law did. I said good luck finding him & he pulled out a GPS & said his brother in law call him on cell phone & gave him Coordinates. This is why I carry a GPS. Just FYI a friend or ours bought a GPS for Deer hunting in MT & carried it every day & never figured out how to operate it & was worthless to him because he failed to learn it.
On the IPhone you can drop a pin & then my hunting partners can find me in that. Or just turn on my Rhino 110 & mark my position & send it to the guys! If that don't work then I walk back to my quad using marking tape & then hit camp. Once I am there the guys can meet back & we go together. Guys we have hunted the same area for almost 20 years there are not many places we haven't been too!!
Blessings,
Dan
! If that don't work then I walk back to my quad using marking tape & then hit camp. Once I am there the guys can meet back & we go together. Guys we have hunted the same area for almost 20 years there are not many places we haven't been too!!Blessings,
Dan
baltz526
Handloader
- Sep 25, 2005
- 1,074
- 8
I do use the GPS more than I thought I would. I started with a Magellan Blazer 12, Basic unit that I just used to mark Way points. Then I bought a Rhino 110. I found it not user friendly and ate batteries. Sold it for $75. Then I bought a Garmin 62ST. Very happy with its functions and ability. Map it came with is pretty good
I'm a big fan of the Garmin foretrex 401. It gives me all I need to know from a GPS, it also come in a light weight and small package. I always have a map and compass on me provided I can find a map for where I am. Back home in NC it is a little different the area is much smaller.
