GPS systems?

jacksprat Nov 23, 2006 13:54:53

Does anyone have a handheld GPS thing that they'd recommend? Can you buy one that reads OS coordinates? Does one exist? I don't want one for the car, I want one I can go walking with. I don't seem to be able to find anything on t'internet. I need to tell Monsuier Claus what to get me for Christmas so he can invoice me in time for month end.

As I do not possess any dowsing powers, and drove past Windmill Tump about 300 times on Saturday before finding it, I need all the help I can get.

Cheers
JS

CianMcLiam Nov 23, 2006 14:03:15

Replying to jacksprat

There's plenty out there, depending on how much you want to spend! I have a fairly basic one with maps but anything outside Dublin is non-existent. Your area may be better. Mine is a Magellan Explorist 210 I think, its very well made, waterproof and can take a few bumps. Its designed for handheld use while hiking etc.

I usually use it alongside the OS maps and it is programmed to use the OS grid refs so its easy to find stuff thats marked on the map, once its marked correctly. Basic models only have a little line on the screen showing your movements and the most direct route to your target. This can be a nightmare with no maps as you can end up at an impassable gorge or river! As the crow flies navigation is certainly interesting though if you've plenty of time to spare :)

If you already have OS maps for the areas your interested in then you could possibly do with the basic Garmin or Magellan ones, the ones with colour mapping are very nice but expensive and I'm not sure how detailed they would be as far as prehistoric remains. You could end up shelling out a fortune only to have to shell out another fortune for the maps anyway.

rockartuk Nov 23, 2006 14:18:55

Replying to jacksprat

Hi JS,
I'm in a selection process myself and I found the following website quite informative:
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/handheldcomparison.php
When you go to the 'Read Review' link under the models, most of your questions -e.g. reading of OS gridrefs- are answered.
Wishing you a good hunt and we hope for more personal experiences of users in the field.
Cheers,
Jan

FourWinds Nov 23, 2006 18:26:39

Replying to jacksprat

I use a Garmin eTrex. Very simple - it just gives you a pointer to the location you're navigating too. I've resisted getting a more fancy one with maps, because, as Cian says, map support on GPSs for Ireland is terrible.

wolfnighthunter Nov 23, 2006 19:43:17

Replying to jacksprat

Hi JS,

I used to have a Etrex Venture which i used for about a year with excellent results, but i have for the past 3 months been using my new toy, the GPSMAP 60C which is now discontinued but you can pick it up for around 130 quid, rather than the 350 quid price of the new GPSMAP 60CX, basically the same machine.

wolfy

Chris Collyer Nov 23, 2006 20:18:59

Replying to jacksprat

An alternative more costly option is to use a Bluetooth enabled PDA with mapping software like Memory Map and a bluetooth gps. Luckily for me a mate at work has loaned me a PDA, I already had the software and I bought the gps which is about the size of a zippo lighter for about 40 quid. Apart from the limited PDA battery life it works fantastically plus you can also tweak maps from Magic, import them and load up the data points and pdf’s to the pda too. I’d recommend it to anybody who can afford/justify it for finding difficult spots but get an in-car charger or spare battery and take papery maps with you just in case.

-Chris

The Eternal Nov 23, 2006 21:58:17

Replying to jacksprat

JS,

I don't have a G.P.S., but I've been out on mountains with people who have. In my experience, navigation with map and compass is far more accurate. One friend had his G.P.S. putting us about 150 feet higher than the peak we were on, and on the way down the map clearly showed that the G.P.S. was a quarter of a mile out in accuracy.
I have also met others people on the hills who have relied on G.P.S., and haven't carried map and compass, who have been completely lost, and have had to ask me for help with directions. Their G.P.S. also lied to them.
Add to thet the fact that G.P.S. relies on batteries, and it's a recipe for disaster in certain circumstances.
So, I don't reckon much to it. You probably won't come to too much harm trying to find the majority of sites on T.M.A., but in remote areas, especially high up, take a map and compass as well.
I'm only speaking from my first hand experience of others I've come across. I've never used G.P.S. myself.
Regards,
TE.

bawn79 Nov 24, 2006 12:28:12

Replying to jacksprat

I have a Magellan explorist 300, its very good, has the built in compass that the lads are on about the doesnt get confused(note to bring a standard compass in case of problems with GPS)
I use the irish OS maps and just input the point, it seems reasonably accurate in getting u to a tomb but like they say for rock art etc not great. I used the 10 digit GPS reading to get me to Boleycarrigan stone circle and it took me with about 5m which is pretty good.
It durable and tough and i reckon you would get one new in and around the €150 euro mark.