Gps

[janiece]

Yes, you definitely need one ... and so do I!

[cjoej]

I have one that I use when on outings in vehicle or walking and it is a great help. It has helped me get out of bad situations with less effort when any help was very important. It has led me out of a canyon, in Colorado's high country, that a prospecting partner and I were snowed in over night (six inches) and all traces of trail were hidden. It got us back to our markers (which I saved as way points) and was an esential tool during the four hour hike out to the truck carrying heavy packs in 30 degree weather.

My partner had gotten lost in the same area the year before and his (ex-)partner had both a GPS and FRS radio but didn't know how to operate either one and didn't have spare batteries. They managed to make contact using the FRS with batteries from his flash light and get rescued. Now that he has partnered with me we both have spare batteries and know how to use the FRS and GPS and carry along a signaling whistle to help locate each other (we can hear each other fine on the FRS but can't tell where it is comming from, thats where the whistle comes in).

Some things to look for:
memory capacity for storing maps and way points (how many)
ability to up/down load maps and way points
available formats of maps and cost (types of connection - serial, USB etc.)
available accessories
external power connection for car
external antenna(s) (for vehicle)
mounting devices for car/bike/hiking/snowmobile/trail vehicle etc.
battery life, standard batteries easily replacable in field (good) or special packs like many cameras (not so good)
accuracy (does it have the WAAS feature that will be accurate to 3 meters)

Learn to Use your GPS features BEFORE you go out in the wild with it. Geochaching is a good way to start.

Check for a class on using the GPS and topo maps. USGS offers these in their regional offices and have produced a video training tape for this (about $20.00 for video)

Hope this is helpful,
SWC
Joe

[STONEWALL]

Thank you all for the great advice........ Could anyone else recommend specific models? ..................90% walking ,searching......10% vehicle. ......Thanks again........

[mlamp20412]

May want to check this model out. I have no experience with it, but Garmin is a good company. If your primary interest is hiking, this looks like a good compromise for something that will be useful in the car as well. Not the cheapest, but may suite dual purpose well.

Garmin Quest 2 Reviews. Car GPS (Navigation) Reviews by CNET.

Best bang for your buck is the basic bright yellow Garmin Etrex. For about a hundred bucks this thing will land you within 3 feet of any coordinates you give it. No road maps, voices, bells or whistles but its all good. I also Geo cache and find its accuracy uncanny.

And it is also an attractive color coordinated accessory for the Ace 250 for those concerned with detecting fashion statements.....

HH all
HJ

[Bill W.]

I'm new to here... but not detecting... :D To track down older sites I use a handheld GPS unit (Garmin Legend) and OziExplorer. You can use older USGS maps by calibrating them to known locations on the map. If you're on the east coast you can go to Maptech: Topo Maps Charts Navigation Software GPS and FREE Online Mapserver and look in the historical section. They have USGS maps from the early 1900's. I just grab my laptop, GPS, and OziExplorer and go for a ride in my truck. You can also upload points of interest (waypoints) to the GPS unit. Then all you have to do is tell it to find that waypoint. Using a laptop is easier, but I used just the GPS/OziExplorer combo with good success. OziExplorer can be found at The Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, Eagle, MLR Receivers ... OziExplorer can be used with any maps too... they don't have to be USGS. If you have any questions on specifics please feel free to ask.

-Bill

[STONEWALL]

Thanks for all the good replies.... ..still open for suggestions.......

[creekrat]

i use a gps unit ,it helps on finding a site like a old school etc,easy to find the x where the building was and if it has been dozed over and wasting your time hunting ground where all is covered up 3 ft deep.i use a magellan hand held...creek

[LeoinPA]

Hi Stonewall

The manufacturers do a good job of trying to convince everyone to get a GPS. As a result they put out free "how to" information that is good explaining how they work, tutorials on how to get the most of their product, and help with the learning curve. They are how to, not sales brochures.

Here are two manuals from Garmin that are pretty good explaining. They are in PDF format:
Garmin: GPS for Beginners Manual

Here is one from Trimble. It's an online tutorial:
Trimble - GPS Tutorial

The technology changes quickly. As a result I would not suggest an older used one to save money. They are relatively inexpensive with some built in features that make them useful. Especially the newer ones.

Hope this helps
Thanks
Leo

[fishin-fool]

Garmin makes some great handhelds these days. The GPSMAP 60 csx is one of there best IMHO. It has a bigger screen then the older ones and is color which makes it easier to see.The new antenas are much better, I can set mine on the seat beside me in the truck and never lose satalite lock.It also has ports to plug in an external antena and power source,either 12 volt or 110. You can plug it into your computer and download waypoints and maps. It also takes sd cards that you can load with maps and waypoints and routes.It also gives you turn by turn directions.I have been using gps for years for navigation as a commercial fisherman and they just keep getting better and easier to use. One warning on the geocaching, don't try it unless you are ready for another addiction LOL