 Topic Name: BEST GPS
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on: April 14, 2009, 08:45:53 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« on: April 14, 2009, 08:45:53 AM » |
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I am wondering what the GPS tech saavy bikepackers are using.
I am looking for something that loads maps and can help you follow a route.
Currently have the EDGE 205 and although it says it can follow a course, its not true.
Any and all feedback appreciated.
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #1 on: April 14, 2009, 03:06:20 PM
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #2 on: April 14, 2009, 03:31:44 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2009, 03:31:44 PM » |
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Legend HCX is a good choice. Or a VistaHCX if you want the altimeter and compass.
Another option is a 60CSx -- larger screen, better buttons, but mounting is a little sketchier, and it weighs more. Tradeoffs.
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #3 on: April 14, 2009, 03:42:42 PM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2009, 03:42:42 PM » |
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anyone got opinions on the Oregon Series?
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #4 on: April 14, 2009, 03:48:37 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2009, 03:48:37 PM » |
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #5 on: April 14, 2009, 06:43:27 PM
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Moondoggy
Location: Illinois That`s Right, Illinois
Posts: 44
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« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2009, 06:43:27 PM » |
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I just got a Vista HCX. Still learning, but I like it
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #6 on: April 15, 2009, 05:09:11 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2009, 05:09:11 AM » |
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Legend HCX is a good choice. Or a VistaHCX if you want the altimeter and compass.
Another option is a 60CSx -- larger screen, better buttons, but mounting is a little sketchier, and it weighs more. Tradeoffs.
Legend HCX is a good choice. Or a VistaHCX if you want the altimeter and compass.
Another option is a 60CSx -- larger screen, better buttons, but mounting is a little sketchier, and it weighs more. Tradeoffs.
Thanks for the info Scott, How user friendly are the units you mentioned and out of those two which do you think is the best choice? |
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #7 on: April 15, 2009, 12:44:55 PM
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brian t
Posts: 19
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« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2009, 12:44:55 PM » |
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In my opinion, the HCX is better for Bikepacking. They both do about the same things but the mounting hardware for the 60CSX is not as good. The 60CSX is bigger as well.
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Not all those who wander are lost! -JRR Tolkien
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #8 on: April 15, 2009, 08:53:33 PM
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dave54
Location: Lassen County, CA
Posts: 79
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« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2009, 08:53:33 PM » |
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I have an older Garmin GPSMap 76S. Something of a forerunner to the 60 series. The barometer no longer works, but I never used it anyway.
I carry it in my handlebar bag with an external antenna mounted on the handlebars (external antenna gives me a consistent <3 meter accuracy even under timber canopy in a canyon bottom). Downside is an external antenna somewhat shortens battery life. I don't need to constantly look at it, but when I want to it is easily accessible in the bag.
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #9 on: April 16, 2009, 10:52:16 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #9 on: April 16, 2009, 10:52:16 AM » |
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i went with the HGX Vista. thanks.  |
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #10 on: April 16, 2009, 11:14:13 AM
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Stefan_G
Posts: 453
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« Reply #10 on: April 16, 2009, 11:14:13 AM » |
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The Vista HCX made following the AZT gps track a cinch. Plus, I got 45 hours out of 2 AA Lithium batteries on that unit!
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“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”
-- frequently (mis)attributed to Thomas Jefferson
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #11 on: April 16, 2009, 11:29:29 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #11 on: April 16, 2009, 11:29:29 AM » |
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Good info, thats what I am wanting a unit that can help me navigate the backcountry. How hard is it to get map info and topo maps and all that for it?
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #12 on: April 17, 2009, 07:04:21 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2009, 07:04:21 AM » |
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The Vista HCx is the best. Just make sure to tether the darn thing to your bars, they're too expensive to lose. DOH!
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #13 on: April 17, 2009, 07:07:38 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2009, 07:07:38 AM » |
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The Vista HCx is the best. Just make sure to tether the darn thing to your bars, they're too expensive to lose. DOH!
Supposed to be here today, starting a bike packing trip this eve, first one with the wife, Im wondering if I will be able to pull it out the box and get it going to take it on this trip with me. Thanks for the advice on securing it, I think I since I got my edge I will be carrying it in my pocket for this ride. |
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #14 on: April 17, 2009, 07:12:28 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2009, 07:12:28 AM » |
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It's pretty easy to get going with it right off the bat although it definitely gets easier to navigate after you set it up how you like it and learn the layout. If you download TopoFusion and use that to load and download tracks you'll learn to love the darn thing pretty quickly. I don't even use bike computers anymore, just mount that thing on my bars and use rechargeable AAs for daily use.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #15 on: April 17, 2009, 07:15:33 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #15 on: April 17, 2009, 07:15:33 AM » |
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It's pretty easy to get going with it right off the bat although it definitely gets easier to navigate after you set it up how you like it and learn the layout. If you download TopoFusion and use that to load and download tracks you'll learn to love the darn thing pretty quickly. I don't even use bike computers anymore, just mount that thing on my bars and use rechargeable AAs for daily use.
Got 8 rechargeables ready! I will see how quick it comes and how quick I can set it up! I have been reading the manual ahead of time, and I will look at that Topofusion thing you mentioned, thanks for the tip! |
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #16 on: April 18, 2009, 12:09:40 AM
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naked indian
Location: Deltona, FL
Posts: 178
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« Reply #16 on: April 18, 2009, 12:09:40 AM » |
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Anyone know of a free program to convert items from google earth way points or routes to gpx routes? KMZ to GPX or KML to GPX?
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #17 on: April 18, 2009, 08:19:38 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #17 on: April 18, 2009, 08:19:38 AM » |
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If TopoFusion doesn't do that, try GPSBabel.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #18 on: April 18, 2009, 09:14:24 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #18 on: April 18, 2009, 09:14:24 AM » |
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Yeah, TF can open most kml files (if KMZ you can simply rename it to a .zip file and then unzip the 'doc.kml' file that's inside). Then save out as .GPX. Otherwise GPSBabel is your best bet.
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Topic Name: BEST GPS
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Reply #19 on: April 21, 2009, 10:10:23 PM
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Marshal
Location: Colorado
Posts: 951
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« Reply #19 on: April 21, 2009, 10:10:23 PM » |
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The Vista HCx is the best. Just make sure to tether the darn thing to your bars, they're too expensive to lose. DOH!
Wrap the included std tether around and around/under the base of your HCx, each wrap should be pulled tight and go "between" the base and the release lever. If you do it just right the last wrap can be hooked over the lever securing the tether in place till you un-hook it. With the wraps pressed between the release lever and the base of the HCx the lever CAN NOT RELEASE, thus locking your firmly to the handlebar mount. Its quick, easy and WORKS 100%. I have been using this method (Thanks Jim) from day one IE: 2 AZT's, Colorado Trail, Grand Loop, Trans Utah every day riding etc etc, always works even in several crashes (one on the Colorado Trail which scratched/gouged the face of the HCx) |
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