GPS receivers are specifically manufactured for various applications, including consumer, commercial, aviation and marine.  This guide primarily focuses on consumer gear.  A GPS receiver will likely be the most useful and practical electronic purchase you’ll make.  Like any other form of electronics, there are many options and prices.  Buying the wrong equipment is a disappointing waste of money.

We frequently get asked which GPS is the best to use.  The question is often followed by, “Should I get one of latest neat handheld units or just buy software for my laptop?”  The type of equipment needed all depends on its intended use.  It is as difficult to read a small handheld screen while driving down a bumpy dirt road as it is to take a laptop computer on a hiking trip.

Fortunately, modern receivers share many of the same features, regardless of price.  Understanding the features available will allow a more informed purchase and provide the opportunity to use the equipment to its full potential.  First we will introduce the basic features available to help determine what will be important for your application.  We group GPS receivers into three different categories.  Each category will include applications, pros/cons and price range.  Read on to help determine what equipment best fits your application and price range.

Like most modern electrons, GPS receivers are packed with features and options, more than many us will ever use.  Understanding the features available will allow a more informed purchase, as well as provide the opportunity to use the equipment to its fullest potential.  Fortunately the modern receivers share many of the same features, and are consistent in accuracy, regardless of price.  The following is a list of the typical, optional, and required features.  Review this checklist before you buy.

Accuracy:     Accuracy is consistent in most receivers, (assuming the antenna has a clear view of the sky).  Regardless of the style or cost, accuracy averages within 15 meters anywhere in the world.  Accuracy can be improved within three meters with WAAS.

Address Finder:     Allows an exact address to be located within a basemap database.

Alarms:         An alarm notifies the user of an approaching waypoint.  Text Alarms flash a message on the screen, audible alarms sound a tone.

Altimeter:      A 3-D, four-satellite fix provides elevation information, although, satellite based altimeters are not known for being highly accurate.  Some units provide a built in barometric altimeter for accurate elevation readings independent of a satellite connection.

Antenna:       The options available are built-in, detachable or external.  The antenna option is important because it is a determining factor on how the equipment can be used.  Receivers with built-in antennas are more durable for hiking, but are restricted in their use.  Detachable antennas are ideal for receivers used in and out of vehicles.  External is for vehicle applications where equipment is mounted with no clear view of the sky.

Battery Duration:   Battery life is important for extended hikes with no other power source available.  Receivers are rated for battery life duration for both continuous use and power saver modes.

Clock & Timer:        Receivers provide precise atomic time in either a 12 or 24 hour display.  Various timer features include date, time traveled and estimated time of arrival.

Compass Data:       Receivers provide a compass direction if the unit is moving approximately ten MPH.  Stationary, they will provide a compass bearing from a current location to any other location.  A receiver can be programmed to display compass data in either true or magnetic north.  A pointer is also provided to help a traveler maintain the correct bearing.  Some of the most recent units include a built-in digital compass to provide direction while the receiver is stationary.

Computer Interface:          Data in/out capability allows the unit to receive, (upload), data from a computer, or send, (download), data to a computer.  This information includes digital maps, track logs, waypoints and routes.

Coordinates Displayed:   Most receivers provide the option to display mapping coordinates in multiple international formats.  The primary two are latitude/longitude and UTM, Universal Transverse Mercator.

Cursor Arrow Data Field:             Receivers with a rocker keypad can scroll a cursor arrow on a map page.  Data displayed in a Data Field includes the coordinates of the cursor arrow’s position, as well as the distance from the current location.

DGPS or WAAS Ready:    These receivers are capable of accepting radio signals that can increase accuracy to within three meters.  These accuracy-improving systems are primarily used in aviation and marine applications.

Routes:         A series of waypoints listed in sequence from start to finish.  Routes typically contain up to 30 waypoints.  Designed to guide to a destination, they can also be inverted or reversed, to track back from the destination to the starting point.

Satellite Status Page:        Information includes the number of satellites being locked onto with a signal strength bar for each.  This page may also provide a battery level indicator.

Sun Position:          Provides sun and moon positions including sunrise and sunset.

Track Log:   Plots an electronic breadcrumb trail as a sequence of dots or trackpoints, showing a path traveled.

Travel Data:             Includes distance and time to next waypoint, current speed, average speed and trip odometer.

Water Resistance:             Receivers are rated for their resistance to water.  Water-resistant usually means the equipment can be splashed or briefly dunked.  Waterproof means the equipment can be submerged for a specific amount of time before damage occurs.  Regardless of rating, use a watertight box or bag if used around water.  Saltwater can kill electronics instantly.

Waypoints:              Specifically recorded locations stored within a receiver’s memory.  Saved waypoints allow the return to exact locations.  Most modern receivers have the ability to store at least 300 waypoints.

Optional Features

Auto Routing:         Provides turn-by-turn directions to a waypoint.  Directions may be in the form of arrows and/or automated voice commands.

Electronic Basemap:        Most recent model receivers include a map database stored within their memory.  Basemaps include general information on cities, roadways and waterways.  The maps are not always highly detailed, but are still impressive, considering they typically include such large geographic areas like North America or Europe.

Warning:         Using a receiver without a basemap database requires the ability to read and plot map coordinates.  Coordinates alone are virtually useless without the ability to transfer their actual location to a map.

Memory:       For receivers with a basemap, memory is used to store additional mapping data.  GPS manufacturers provide greater detailed maps on CD-ROM exclusively for their brand.  Mapping detail, especially topo contour lines use a great deal of memory.  Two megabytes will allow the storage of a few small areas.  Eight megabytes may allow the storage of the primary areas of a home state.  Ideally, a receiver will have a minimum of eight megabytes of memory.  Some models use memory cards allowing virtually unlimited storage with high capacity cards, or by storing multiple maps on more than one card.

Required Feature

12 Parallel Channels:        Make sure your receiver is capable of 12 Parallel Channels.

Most units sold after 1997 are equipped with this feature, however, the first receivers available were all single channel.  Some of these older units have similar model numbers with marketing stating they can scan 12 satellites.  This is not the same as a 12 Parallel unit that can process data from 12 satellites through 12 channels all at the same time.  The older single channel equipment processes information much slower from each individual satellite, one at a time through a single channel.

1.                Hand Held without Mapping

The basic receivers are about the size of a TV remote control that includes a built in antenna and an approximate two-inch view screen.  They include many of the features of more expensive units, but without a basemap database.

Price:                         Retail $89 to $299

Pro:                            Low cost, small and light weight, lots of features, easy to learn.

Con:                           Small screen.  No maps, points of interest only.  Requires the ability to read and plot map coordinates.  Battery dependent without an external power source.

Application:             Ideal for hiking and biking where size and weight are important.  Can be mounted on a ATV, or in a vehicle as long as the antenna has a clear view of the sky.

Current receivers available:

Casio

Pathfinder NAVI wristwatch        Average retail $299

This is a unique 12 parallel channel receiver wristwatch, complete with computer
software to manage data.  Capable of storing 200 landmarks and 400 track points.

 Also water proof to 50 meters.

The Brunton Co.

MNS, Multi-Navigator        Average retail $299

Combines GPS with a barometer that displays weather information.  Magnetic compass provides direction while stationary.  The altimeter is stated to be accurate to 3 feet.

Garmin International

eTrex                         Average retail $99

Simple, easy to use with only five buttons.  Small sized, weighing only 5.3 ounces.

500 waypoints, 1 route with 50 waypoints, 2000 track points. 
Some users complain about the bright yellow finish,
not to worry, it’s now available in camo.

eTrex Venture         Average retail $149

Same as the eTrex with expanded features.  Capable of 20 routes and includes a

built-in city database with an additional 1MB of memory. 
Points of interest can be downloaded from Garmin’s MapSource CD ROM’s.

eTrex Summit          Average retail $219

Similar to the basic eTrax, but has a barometric altimeter to provide accurate elevation data.  Also includes an electronic compass which displays direction while stationary

Magellan Corporation

GPS 310                    Average retail $99

Durable, low cost unit with PC interface capabilities. 
Data saved in the unit can be transferred to a mapping program. 
Capable of story 100 waypoints and one reversible route with 10 waypoints. 
Stated to run 20 hours on two AA batteries.  Only seven ounces and it floats.

GPS 315                    Average retail $139

Next model up includes a 15,000 point worldwide city data base. 
It does not included mapping, but location markers. 
It can also accept additional points of interest and
nautical aids from Magellan’s DataSend CD ROM. 
Capable of storing 500 waypoints and 20 reversible routes. 

2.                  Hand Held with Mapping

Same as the above with the addition of a basemap.

Price:                         Retail $190 to $500

Pro:                            Electronic basemap provides a useful reference.  Small and light weight, lots of features.  Some models have a detachable antenna allowing the unit to be vehicle mounted.  Accepts manufacturer’s maps on CD-ROM.

Con:                           Small screen, should still be used in conjunction with a paper map, but not as critical based on application.  Battery dependent without an external power source.

Application:             Ideal for hiking and biking where size and weight are important.  Can be mounted on an ATV or in a vehicle as long as the antenna has a clear view of the sky.

Current receivers available:

Garmin International

GPSMAP 76S                                   Average retail $449

More advanced unit that includes electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
Most unique feature is its huge 24 MB’s of storage for Garmin’s line
of CD-ROM’s including Metroguide and Mapsource.  WAAS compatible.

eMap                          Average retail $179

Includes all of the standard features including storage for 50 routes and 500 waypoints.  Accepts 8 or 16 MB memory cards to accept additional mapping
detail from Garmin’s line of MapSource CD ROM’s. 
Two AA batteries provide a stated 14 hours of use.

eTrex Legend                      Average retail $219

All of the standard Garmin features.  A little smaller in size, but big on storage. 
It will accept 8 MB’s of mapping from Garmin’s MapSource CD ROM’s. 
Two AA batteries provide a stated 18 hours of use.

eTrex Vista                           Average retail $349

More advanced unit that includes electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
Most unique feature is its huge 24 MB’s of storage.

Garmin GPS V Deluxe                   Average retail $499

Includes new auto routing feature capable of providing turn-by-turn directions throughout
North America.  Large capacity 19 MB’s of storage for Garmin’s line of
CD-ROM’s including Metroguide and Mapsource.  WAAS compatible.

Garmin Rino 110/120                     Average retail $169/$249

These receivers combine GPS with FRS and GMRS radio.  Besides a GPS receiver and transmitting voice communications, these units provide Peer-to-Peer Positioning.  They transmit digital coordinate information allowing receivers within range to appear on each other’s screen.  Model 110 (yellow) does not include a basemap or memory.  Model 120 (olive) includes a North and South America basemap and eight MB’s of storage for Garmin’s line of CD-ROM’s including Metroguide and Mapsource.  WAAS compatible.

GPS 3 Plus                           Average retail $270

Great all around unit with good basemap included.  Detachable antenna allows the unit to go from vehicle mount to handheld in seconds.  Screen can be switch to vertical or horizontal.  Data can be uploaded and downloaded, but only 1.44 MB of memory.  Will accept mapping from all of Garmin’s MapSource CD’s except the Metroguide.  Four AA batteries provide a stated 36 hours of usage.  Chunkier that the new generation, but very versatile and durable.

Lowrance Electronics, Inc.

Global Map 100                   Average retail $199

Extensive mapping database of the U.S. with worldwide coverage. 
Two MB’s of storage for additional data from Lowrance’s MapCreate CD ROM. 
Capable of storing 750 waypoints and 99 routes.  Optional remote antenna and waterproof. 
Four AA batteries provide a stated 20 hours of use.

i Finder                      Average retail $199

Includes a basemap ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico, plus Hawaii and the Bahamas.  Includes all of the standard features including memory to store additional data from Lowrance’s MapCreate CD ROM.  This stylish unit has the option to replace the pop-off faceplate with replacement “FaceOffs” available in five colors including camouflage. 
Also comes with a nifty waterproof-floating pouch.

Magellan Corporation

Meridian Gold                      Average retail $299

Large 16 MB U.S. basemap with the ability to accept memory cards
from 8 to 64 MB’s of storage for Magellan’s MapSend CD-ROM’s. 
Standard capacity for 500 waypoints and 20 routes. 
Two AA batteries provide a stated 14 hours of use.

330 Map Marine                   Average retail $240

Nine MB basemap with an additional seven MB’s or storage. 
Basemap includes good U.S. detail and worldwide political boundaries. 
This marine unit provides additional  U.S. nautical aids including buoys,
channel markers, lighthouses, hazards and wrecks. 
Standard capacity for 500 waypoints and 20 routes. 
Two AA batteries provide a stated 10 hours of use.  Like other Magellan models, it floats.

330 Map Camp                    Average retail $230

Eight MB basemap with an additional eight MB’s
or storage for data from Magellan’s MapSend CD’s.. 
Basemap includes good U.S. detail and worldwide political boundaries. 
Standard capacity for 500 waypoints and 20 routes. 
Two AA batteries provide a stated 10 hours of use.

Map 410                    Average retail $250

Next model up with the important feature of a detachable antenna. 
Standard Magellan features with an added electric compass, altimeter and thermometer.  Four AA batteries provide a stated 12 hours of use.

3.                  Vehicle Mount

The next size up are vehicle based receivers.  The term vehicle is universal for practically anything: ATV’s, cars, trucks, race cars, boats, planes, whatever.  The units are the size of a fish-finder, with a much easier to read four-inch plus sized screen.  Batteries are replaced by 12-volt wiring and antennas are mounted externally.

Price:                         Retail $500 to $1,500

Pro:                            Electronic basemap provides a useful reference.  Lots of features with memory available to store manufacturer’s maps on CD-ROM.

                                    Twelve-volt power supply eliminates the need for batteries.

Con:                           Most must be used only in conjunction with a vehicle.

Application:             Ideal for vehicle based use.

Current receivers available:

Alpine Electronics

Alpine CVA-1005 GPS CD                        Average retail $1499

A cool way to combine navigation, audio and video.  AM/FM Stereo controls a multi CD shuttle.  GPS features include shortest distance route planning and voice guided directions.  Large color screen automatically folds into base when not in use. 
A DVD player option is also available.  Not recommended for off-road use.

Garmin International

GPS Map 176C (Color)                  Average retail $599 (without memory card)

Idea vehicle based receiver.  Features include a larger LCD color display with 320 x 240 resolution.  Also include a worldwide basemap. Accepts memory cards ranging from 8 to 124 MB’s to accept Garmin’s line of CD ROM’s including Metroguide and Mapsource.

It can be used anywhere with its own antenna and under battery power,
although the size is a little large for a hiking trip. 
Screen is also somewhat difficult to see under bright sunlight.  WAAS compatible.

Street Pilot (Color)             Average retail $500 (with 8 MB card)

Dash top receiver accepts Metroguide memory
cartridge for greater roadway detail and points of interest. 
Memory cartridges can be customized for any location,
with storage available ranging from 8 to 124 MB’s. 
It does not provide automatic route calculations and directions,
although it will indicate the desired destination and provide
directions if the route is pre-planned.  The four inch,
16 color screen is a big upgrade over the typical gray-scale monochrome.

Street Pilot III                       Average retail $750

Same as the original Street Pilot with the addition of
an automatic route feature and voice prompts. 
The unit calculates a route and provides turn-by-turn voice prompt directions
to a selected destination.  A 32 MB datacard is included for a selected area. 
Additional city and rural areas are purchased separately.

Garmin GPS 152                 Average retail $315 (with remote ant.)

The marine use receiver includes a database of American cities as well as
nautical navigation aids.  It includes the standard Garmin features, including the
capacity for 20 routes and 500 waypoints.  One MB of memory to accept
additional information from Garmin’s MapSource Points of interest CD. 
Its biggest feature is the built in differential feature known as
Wide Area Augmentation System, WAAS. 
This technology, where available, improves accuracy to three meters.

GPSMAP 162                       Average retail $369 (with remote ant.)

Designed as a marine chartplotter, this unit has great potential in any
vehicle with its 4.2 inch diagonal screen and three MB of memory. 
Standard waypoint and route features contained in a waterproof case.  Differential ready.

GPSMAP 180                       Average retail $475

More advanced marine receiver with a larger 5.5 inch diagonal screen. 
No memory, but designed to accept Garmin’s Mirco G-chart cartridges for
greater nautical and worldwide detail. Differential ready.

Lowrance Electronics, Inc.

GlobalMap 1600                  Average retail $550

World basemap with greater detail for North America. 
Two MB’s of storage available to enhance the basemap with Lowrance mapping CD ROM’s.  Standard Lowrance features including the ability to store 750 waypoints and 99 routes.  Receiver includes IMS MapSelect CD ROM, AC & data cable, and an external antenna.  One of the top choices for off-road racers.

GlobalMap 3000                  Average retail $800

Larger, higher resolution 6.5” screen.  Comes complete with all of the standard features and accessories as the above 1600, including the IMS MapSelect CD ROM, AC & data cable, and an external antenna.  The basemap is enhanced for greater detail of North American waterways including shorelines, lakes, rivers and coastal waterways.  This unit solves the memory problem by accepting digital memory cards holding up to 64 MB’s.

Magellan Corporation

750 Nav “Neverlost”                      Average retail $1,500

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A docking station can be purchased to transfer the equipment to different vehicles for $200.  The receiver can also go portable with a carrying case and battery pack for $450.

4.                  GPS Receiver kits for PDA and Laptop computers

Handheld computers can be converted into GPS receivers through a combination of operating software and an antenna.  Handheld personal digital assistants “PDA’s,” use an adapter sleeve with an antenna that plugs into an expansion slot.  Laptops use a dash mounted remote antenna.  One of the benefits of doing so is that computers can accept aftermarket mapping software.  It is also a good way of utilizing computer equipment already in service.

Price:                         Retail $150 to $350   (software and antenna)

Pro:                            Great way to utilize computer equipment and save money by using electronics already owned.  PC’s accept high quality mapping software.  Larger screen size with a greater memory capability at a lower cost.

Con:                           Not as durable or weather resistant as regular GPS receivers.  Most likely has to be used in conjunction with a vehicle due to size and power requirements.  Can be cumbersome to use.

Application:             Computers are an excellent companion to traditional GPS gear.  They are great for trip planning and managing waypoints and routes.  Ideal for vehicle based use.  Perfect for road travelers who already use mobile computer equipment.

Current receivers available:

Garmin GPS17-N WAAS GPS Sensor               Average retail $195

Primarily designed for Marine use, although can be used in a variety of PC or PDA applications.  Includes 30 feet of eight conductor cable and wiring instructions. 
WAAS compatible.

Magellan Companion                    Average retail $200

Sleek, lightweight antenna plugs into top of the PDA.  For use with the Palm m500,
m505 and m515 series organizers.  Includes Rand McNally’s Streetfinder Deluxe software. 
Through online access this software will allow the export of routes, maps and turn-by-turn directions.  Map coverage included the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii. 
Operates for 12 hours on two AAA batteries.

Maptech’s Pocket Navigator                   Average retail $349

For use with Compaq IPAQ or Pocket PC PDA. 
Includes Maptech’s Terrain Navigator topographic software.

Radio Shack Digi Traveler           Average retail $99

Compatible with Palm 500, IPAQ, Pocket PC PDA’s and laptop computers.  Includes Delorme’s Street Atlas USA software.  Provides turn-by-turn voice directions.

Travel Route Co-Pilot 2003                      Average retail $349

Ideal for mobile laptops. 
Latest edition features over four million new addresses,
10,000 new streets and 250,000 new points of interest. 
Voice activated and provides voice turn-by-turn directions. 
Software can be integrated with Microsoft Outlook. 
Can also provide RV friendly routes considering height and weight restrictions. 
Compatible with Pentium II and Windows 98 or later PC.

Our Recommendations

We have seen recommendations that receivers should be small and simple, we disagree.  Even for hikers that count every ounce of weight, in most cases, more is better.  Regardless of brand, size or style of receiver, we recommend these features:

·        Screen size:      For visual ease of operation, use a receiver with the largest screen that can be realistically carried.

·        Basemap:      This is highly recommended.  The additional cost is marginal and the increase in the equipment’s usefulness is substantial.

·        Rocker Keypad:      Using a receiver without a rocker keypad is like using a computer without a mouse.

·        Memory:      This is used to load detailed topographic or street-level digital maps into the receiver.  Topo maps especially use up a great deal of memory.  Capacity should be at least eight megabytes or with the ability to accept a memory card for as much memory as needed.

·        External antenna jack:      This allows the equipment to be mounted inside a vehicle.  It is not always possible to obtain good satellite coverage through a front windshield.  Even backpackers will benefit from the ability to safely store the receiver inside a pack with an antenna attached to backpack shoulder straps.

·        Interface:       If using the receiver with a computer, be sure that it includes both data in and data out ports, as well as being NMEA compatible.

·        Power Source:      Use a cigar lighter power cable whenever possible.  If using batteries only, carry spares and use a solar charger for extended field use.

Copyright 2002, 2003          Jack W. Peters

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