Buyer’s Guide  (Part One)

GPS Receivers

Computer & Mapping Software in part two

GPS Accessories in part three

GPS by auto manufactures in part four

Check out the options before you buy

First the good news, a GPS receiver will most likely be the most useful and practical electronic gadget purchase you’ll make.  The bad news is that like any other form of electronics, there are many options and prices.  Buying the wrong equipment will be a disappointing endeavor of wasted time and money. 

The most common GSP related question is, “Which one is the best to use?”  This question is usually followed with the statement, “Should I get one of the neat hand held units or just buy software for my laptop?”  Our scientific response is, “Well it depends.”  The question must be followed with a question, “What are you going to use it for?”  It’s difficult to read a small hand-held screen while racing down a bumpy dirt road, as it is to take a laptop computer on a hiking trip. 

You’ll need to know the basics before knowing exactly what equipment to buy.  First we will introduce the basic features available to help determine what features will be important for your application.  Then provide a list of major brand manufacturers.  We group GPS receivers into three different categories.  Each category will include the benefits, applications, and brand name models available.  Read on to help determine what equipment best fits your application and price range.

Typical features of any modern GPS receiver

Accuracy:  Reports of accuracy vary greatly.  With Selective Availability (the US Government’s scramble mode) shut off, the average accuracy anywhere in the world should be within approximately 5 to 15 meters.  Accuracy seems to be consistent in most receivers, (assuming the antenna has a clear view of the sky), regardless of the style or cost.

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

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 will be used.  Receivers with built in antennas are more durable for hiking, but are somewhat 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 source of power.  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 timing features include date, time traveled and estimated time of arrival.

Compass Data:  Receivers provide a compass bearing if traveling over 10 MPH, as well as a compass bearing to next waypoint.  They adjust the compass reading to account for magnetic declination.  They also provide a pointer to help maintain a correct bearing.  Some of the most recent units include a electronic compass which will provide direction while the receiver is stationary.

Computer Interface:  Input capable allows the unit to receive (upload) information from a computer.  Output capable allows the unit to send data (download) to a computer.  Most of the latest receivers allow data to be uploaded and downloaded.

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

Cursor Dialog Box:  Receivers with a rocker pad can scroll a cursor arrow on the map page.  Data displayed in the dialog box includes the coordinates of the cursor’s location, as well as the distance from the current location.

Directional or DGPS Ready:  These receivers are capable of accepting radio signals which increases accuracy.  This requires an additional radio beacon, and can provide accuracy to a few centimeters.  Primarily used in marine applications.

Route Tracking:  A series of waypoints are organized in the form of a Route.  Routes typically contain up to 30 waypoints, designed to guide to a destination.  They can also be reversed to track back from the destination to the starting point.  Unless otherwise stated, all of the receivers in this guide offer at least 20 routes.

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

Track Log:  Plots a bread-crumb trail, a series of dots showing the area 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 zip lock bag anyway.

Waypoints:  Specifically recorded locations stored within the receiver’s memory.  Saved waypoints allow the return to exact locations.  We recommend the ability to store a minimum of 200.  Unless otherwise stated, all of the receivers in this guide offer the ability to store at least 500

Optional Features

Electronic Base Map:  More advanced receivers include a basemap stored within their memory.  Basemaps include general information on cities, roadways and waterways.  The maps are not highly detailed, but impressive considering they typically include such large geographical areas like North America or Europe.

Warning:  Using a receiver without mapping emphasizes the requirement to read map coordinates.  These mapless receivers provide map coordinates in typically latitude/longitude or UTM, Universal Transverse Mercator.  These coordinates are useless to the user without the ability to understand how they correspond to a map.

Memory:  Most receivers have a capacity to store additional point of interest and mapping information.  Basic units without mapping have the ability to store waypoints and routes.  Mapping units can accept additional mapping detail including topographical maps.  Some models also have the capability of receiving memory cards for greater detail of cites, waterways, and other specific areas.

Required Feature

12 Parallel Channels:  Make sure the unit includes 12 Parallel Channels.  New units are equipped with this feature, however the first GPS receivers available were single channel.  Some of these older units have similar model numbers with marketing stating they can scan 12 satellites.  The older single channel equipment processes information much slower from each satellite through a single channel, one at a time.  This is not the same as a 12 Parallel unit that can process information from 12 satellites through 12 channels all at the same time.  Recently manufactured receivers including all of the units in this guide all feature 12 parallel channels.

The Brunton Co.                                                          http://www.brunton.com

620 E. Monroe, Roverton, WY  82501                    800 443-4871

This 104 year old company from Riverton, Wyoming merged with one of the original modern compass manufactures, S.P.A.B. of Sweden.  They are well known for their Nexus compass product line.  They manufacture a number of innovative products ranging from a pen scope that doubles as a telescope and microscope, to a hand held atmospheric weather data center.  They created an innovative, mixed feature hand held receiver.

Garmin International                                                         http://www.garmin.com

1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS  66062                          800 800-1020

One of the largest worldwide manufactures with headquarters in United States, England, and Taiwan. The company was founded in 1989, and the company name comes from the combination of the founder’s first names of Gary and Min.  They offer over 50 models of consumer and commercial receivers.

Lowrance Electronics, Inc.                                  http://www.lowrance.com

12000 E. Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK  74128                  800 324-1354

A long time boat sonar manufacture since 1957, Lowrance began selling GPS receivers in 1991.  They also own and market products under the Eagle brand name.  Lowrance merged with Magellan Corporation in 1999.  They have recently been purchased by Cobra Electronics.

Magellan Corporation                                           http://www.megellangps.com

960 Overland Court, San Dimas, CA  91773        909 394-5000

The Magellan group of companies is one of the largest satellite navigation and communication product manufactures.  They offered the first hand held receiver in 1989.  Their product line includes satellite phones and email messaging units.

Navtrak Co-Pilot                                                     http://www.gps2000.com

1502 W. 7th Ave., Eugene, OR  97401                  541 344-6414

A unique German military spec GPS receiver made by Bosch.

1.                  Hand Held without Mapping

The basic receivers are about the size of a TV remote control.  They include many of the features of more expensive units, but do not include a basemap. 

PRICE: Retail $99 to $399

PRO: Low cost, small and light weight, lots of features

CON:Small screen, no map, must be used in conjunction with a paper map.  Runs on batteries.

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.

COMMON UNITS AVAILABLE:

Casio

Pathfinder NAVI wristwatch        Average retail $399

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 $399

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 $119

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 $174

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 $249

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 $150

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 base electronic map.

PRICE: Retail $190 to $400

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 with an external power source.

CON: Small screen, should still be used in conjunction with a paper map, but not as critical based on application.  Runs on batteries.

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.

COMMON UNITS AVAILABLE:

Garmin International

eMap              Average retail $190 (without memory card)

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 $250

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 $350

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

GPS 3 Plus                           Average retail $345

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.

NavTalk                     Average retail $390

Much of the same features of the above GPS 3 Plus.  It includes the same basemap and storage capacity.  Great idea to combo GPS with a waterproof cell phone.  Available in analog only, a digital option would be a nice upgrade.

Lowrance Electronics, Inc.

Global Map 100                   Average retail $200

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 $325

Lowrance’s latest model that 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.  Available May 2001.

Magellan Corporation

330 Map Camp                    Average retail $250

Large 8 MB basemap with an additional 8 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.

330 Map Marine                   Average retail $270

Large 9 MB basemap with an additional 7 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.

Map 410                    Average retail $300

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 designed to be hard wired into a vehicle.  The term vehicle is universal for practically anything: ATV’s, cars, trucks, race cars, boats, planes, tanks, 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 $350 to $3,500

PRO: Electronic base map provides a useful reference.  Lots of features with memory available to store additional mapping information.  Durable, moisture and vibration resistant.  No batteries. 

CON:  Must be used in conjunction with a vehicle.

APPLICATION: Ideal for all mobile applications where the equipment is not required to be used outside of the vehicle.

COMMON UNITS AVAILABLE:

Alpine Electronics

Alpine CVA-1005 GPS CD                        Average retail $1699

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

Street Pilot (Color)             Average retail $700 (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 $1,000

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 $350 (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 $400 (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 $575

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 $600

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 $850

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 $1,700

The same receiver that made it in over 50,000 Hertz rental cars.  It has detailed digital mapping that is stored on its own hard drive.  One coverage area is included, and additional areas can be purchased for $99 each.  Easy to use, sharp looking color screen and the capacity to store 100 waypoints.  Once a destination is entered, the device will provide turn-by-turn instruction to get there.  If a turn is missed, it will automatically calculate new directions.  Voice commands are available in seven languages.  It can even compete with your spouse by providing directions in either a male or female voice.

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.

Navtrak Co-Pilot

Co-Pilot                     Average retail $3,500

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