VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- GPS For Hiking? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5587)

Looks like the HnadyGPS won't do for hiking. I would just like to set a "origin" point, and wander until I got bored, and then be able to escort myself back from there. I can do this already with a compass, but I'm looking for a GPS partly for novelty.

The driving/mapping software would help immensely as well, but I really would like a hiker's GPS with it.

I don't have a HandyGPS (yet) but couldn't you just make your starting point as a waypoint, and then when you are ready to turn around, set the waypoint as your goal?

(I played with the HandyGPS software)

Granted the map won't work too well, since it is based on streets, but I assume as long as the area you are hiking in is on one of the maps you install, it would work.

I may be wrong.....anyone else?

Ryan

Yup. It'd work for that.

It's got a waypoint setting/tracking mode that'd be perfect for that.


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--Steven Lacher

Hi Ascender

quote:

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Originally posted by ascender:
Looks like the HnadyGPS won't do for hiking. I would just like to set a "origin" point, and wander until I got bored, and then be able to escort myself back from there. I can do this already with a compass, but I'm looking for a GPS partly for novelty.

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The Geode will be better for hikers when it's out since you'll be able to download topo maps to the Visor which will especially help those that don't want to just back-track on their return hike.

In most situations, the value of topos can not be overstated. However, no matter what, you will probably need to carry good old paper (or treated paper) topos. After all, what would you do if you break your Visor's screen, and can't access your electronic map? For this reason I'd suggest that the Geode is preferable, but the HandyGPS is still an OK investment for hiking.

However, the best is still a stand-alone weatherized GPS unit. You need GPS most when the clouds descend, and you can't make out landmarks. A device that tolerates rain, while remaining operable, is the ideal. This latter point is a problem with the Visor as there are no weatherproof carriers that accomodate oversize modules and allow you to operate the Visor at the same time.

quote:

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Originally posted by yucca:
However, the best is still a stand-alone weatherized GPS unit. You need GPS most when the clouds descend, and you can't make out landmarks. A device that tolerates rain, while remaining operable, is the ideal. This latter point is a problem with the Visor as there are no weatherproof carriers that accomodate oversize modules and allow you to operate the Visor at the same time.

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Hi Adam:

quote:

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Originally posted by adamde:
agree totally - I have the Garmin GPS III+ as well as the Nexian HandyGPS. The Nexian does not compare. I'll say that again - the Nexian does not compare. It is, however, one third the price (excluding Visor...). Intrigued by the Geode when that comes out...

Adam

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quote:

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Originally posted by yucca:
However, the best is still a stand-alone weatherized GPS unit. You need GPS most when the clouds descend, and you can't make out landmarks. A device that tolerates rain, while remaining operable, is the ideal. This latter point is a problem with the Visor as there are no weatherproof carriers that accomodate oversize modules and allow you to operate the Visor at the same time.

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or try the aquapac...

Ziploc bags are neither rugged nor sufficiently weatherproof. Sadly, this based on multiple instances of bag failure while in the field . . .

Aquapac doesn't look like it will contain a Visor with GPS module. But, if someone else wants to try it, and report back to us . . . Well. More power to 'em!

This doesn't mean that I won't be taking my Visor along. It just means that it will be safely ensconced in my backpack, inside a Rhinopack, and inside a ziplock bag. Location in pack? Top of main compartment, and up against my the back. That should protect it from getting banged around, and out of any potential in pack puddles.

how a bout this case?

[This message has been edited by ToolkiT (edited 08-10-2000).]

yucca, aquapacs come in several sizes. the ones made for palms/visors are obviously too small for a visor AND a module that sticks out, like the handygps, but the aquapacs for things like cameras are the perfect size.
http://www.aquapac.net/homeframe.html

and if you want ultimate protection, just get a large otterbox.

I guess I shoudl re-phrase my statements/question. I don't want a GPS that is primarily highway/road based navigation. I want something that has a good feel for a hiker, not an adaptation of the HandyGPS.

I don't want to cough up the change for the Garmin's, but I might if a nice Visor GPS doesn't come my way soon.

The only GPS Springboard module that looks like it will meet your needs is the Geode. However, I have to question if topos with a scale suitable for hiking will actually be available. If such topos are not available for the Geode, then any GPS Springboard that outputs appropriate coordiantes for use on a conventional paper topo will do.

BTW, some of the larger aquapacs do indeed look like they would get the job done (the medium size case for GPS units looks promising - http://www.aquapac.net/homeframe.html ). Has anyone actually tried one? How well does graffiti work through one of these? Is it similar to the Aquaman PP10? If so, then James' review of the PP10 answers the question re: graffiti . . .

[This message has been edited by yucca (edited 08-10-2000).]

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Originally posted by mavidal:
Hi Adam:

Care to give us a short synopsis on the differences? I am curious more than anything else.

Mike Vidal

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quote:

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Originally posted by adamde:
Of course, you've got to bear in mind that my total investment in Garmin to date is around $1000, compared to $150 for the handyGPS.

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Adam,
I have a question about your comparison of a standalone GPS (Garmin GPS III+) vs. the HandyGPS. I just received my HandyGPS a few days ago and have started to try it out. The very first try in fact was a trip to Wilmington, NC, from Chapel Hill this weekend. Besides some other problems related to battery power in the Visor, I experienced only a few minutes when I had satellite "lock" and could observe my position. Now I am a total GPS newbe so I was just holding the whole unit in my lap while my wife was driving, i.e. it was no where near the windshield and we have a metal topped vehicle. With your apparent experience is this the kind of signal I can expect from any GPS unit? If not, is the HandyGPS just not powerful enough (this does not really make sense to me because I thought that it was just receiving the satellite signals)? I guess the bottom line question is will I get better signal and route coverage with a separate GPS attached with a serial cable?

What I really want to do is take the unit on long mountain bike trips, so signal in a car is not crucial, but the lack of performance disturbed me. I.E. how will the signal be with trees around?

On a separate note, regarding the Geode discussion above, I am not sure how many of you are involved in their beta test, but after looking at their beta software and the HandyGPS software, I question when the Geode will actually be ready to ship. There are a lot of features that were missing (relative to what Nexian has - which I will also say is not THAT much) in the version I tested, and there are not that many more days before the "end of summer" release date. I figure even if it does make it out in the next 3 months don't hold your breath for topo maps. There seems to be a lot of fundamental functionality missing to be thinking about perks like topo maps.

Thanks for any light you can shed on these questions,
Ryan


[This message has been edited by rdanell (edited 08-14-2000).]

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Originally posted by rdanell:
I guess the bottom line question is will I get better signal and route coverage with a separate GPS attached with a serial cable?

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Thanks for the info Adam. I do appreciate your experienced opinion. I have done some more testing with the HandyGPS and I am going to contact Nexian today about getting a replacement. I can stand out in my parking lot, with a very clear view of the sky and the tracking will come in and out, just standing there! I also took it on a walk around the neighborhood and with the unit in my pocket it NEVER tracked my position (~ 3 mile walk). So based on the generally okay performance that others seem to be getting I am assuming that mine is one of the units affected by the faulty components (or whatever their problem was). If I find out this is status-quo operation for the HandyGPS than I am going to return it, and probably just wait for something better to show up.

Ryan