Good Portable GPS - Page 2

Sailmc · #11 01-16-2003

Color is nice if you can afford it. Most features are easier to discern. The drawback is that color is more difficult to see in bright direct sunlight.

bdkorth · #12 01-23-2003

Thanks to all. I ordered the Garmin 176c. We will see what the color looks like in the sun, and if it isn''t good, back it goes. Thanks again for all of the input.

Brad

popye · #13 01-31-2003

Brad,

I too am wanting to purchase the 176 before we charter in May. I am assuming you have yours by now. What do you think? Is it portable enough for me to take along on our Moorings charters? To use as a handheld, pulling it out of the duffle when needed and transferring it from boat to boat. I like the idea of a bigger color screen. It will either be this one or the Map 76.

RookieHunter · #14 02-02-2003

The Garmin 76 has barometric pressure? What page/selection is it found under?

GordMay · #15 02-02-2003

As "Sailmc" indicated, GPS positioning can be more accurate than the charts (paper or electronic), and are highly repeatable.
Remember to annotate your charts with on-site readings, so that you have an actual "been there" record of GPS Waypoints. This record will enable you to electronically pilot to within GPS accuracy limits, excepting avoidance of "movable" features (sand bores etc).

bdkorth · #16 02-04-2003

Popye,

Yes, I have my 176c now. The color is nice to have, however, I wonder if the gray scale would be alot easier to read. I do enjoy having the ability to see different color nav. aids on the screen that will theoretically match with what my eyes see. I haven''t been able to use it sailing yet, as in Idaho all the lakes are solid chunks of ice now. I got mine in time to learn how to use it before going to get bareboat certified in San Diego the week of March 1st. I have dinked around with it in my truck, and it is quite accurate and picks up the satellite signals and gets warmed up quickly. I bought the 64MB Memory card for it and downloaded the maps from Central California to the Southern tip of Mexico. I believe it only used up approximately 8 MB of the card. The 176c uses batteries up fairly quickly, as you need the backlight on most of the time. It definitely is nice and portable, larger than many of the handhelds, but that is what you get for the larger screen. I am going to get the cover for it, as well as the carrying case. I will also get the ac adaptor and the dc adaptor, to save some AA batteries. It takes 4 of them. It is very easy to use the gps, the menues are self explanatory.

If you have any other questions, please let me know. My only hesitation about the 176c is that the screen is a little difficult to see, as you need the backlight, and the screen is reflective.

Brad

timl · #17 02-10-2003

If you are thinking of one day growing into cruising, I would advise that you consider purchasing a portable GPS with a removable antenna to which a remote-mount antenna can be attached. This pretty much restricts you to a vendor and sticking with them (Garmin for example). In this way, you can purchase your portable GPS now, then, if/when you go cruising, you may consider purchasing a fixed GPS with a remotely mounted antenna. If the fixed-mount ever gives up then you have a perfectly functional backup, by plugging the portable into the remote antenna.

Good Luck

bdkorth · #18 02-11-2003

timl,

Cruising is exactly what I am looking at doing, hopefully within 6 1/2 years. I noticed that on the 176c that I can get the external antenna, both for automotive or marine. Thanks for the tip.

Brad