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14 Jul 2009
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Garmin GPS - Quick Advice
Hi,
I'm off across north africa, the middle east, pakistan, india and nepal in a 4wd in september and have a four day window in which to buy a garmin gps at trade price (it's a work thing). I've been trying to work out which one would be best suited for the trip as in an ideal world I'd like to have turn-by-turn as much as possible but also have the option to save waypoints for when the mapping runs out. I've read through most of the other posts on this forum but can't seem to find a definitive answer as to which unit would be best suited. Now I don't have an unlimited budget but the trade price should knock about 40% off so I'm fairly flexible. If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
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14 Jul 2009
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I have the 2610, 2620 and GPS60csx.
The 26 series are great, very easy to use and have a decent size screen. the 2620 has a hard drive so forget that for biking. Not sure if you can still buy a 2xxx series anymore?
The 60csx is a much more rugged affair, and has a built in battery so can be used off bike. Smaller screen which makes it harder to read, and no voice directions. Very good piece of kit though.
Can't help with any of the newer stuff, I don't have any!
Dave.
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14 Jul 2009
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I used a Quest 1 for my trips. Its a great little unit. I found Garmins Worldmap fine for pretty much all of my trip but remember if you buy a European unit, it will only be routable in Europe but didn't bother me as I never needed the routing.
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14 Jul 2009
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IMHO the problem to think about is to download the tracks & waypoints while on the trip, since all systems only offer limited memory capacity. Meaning you will need some kind of external storage.
The Garmin systems offer a world base map showing the major roads in most countries. They are even routable on newer models like the Zumo, but this doesn't make sense because of missing road details.
For motorcycling the latest model on the market is the ZUMO 660 with a nice large display and lighter than my old ZUMO 550.
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14 Jul 2009
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I've always find you invariably bump into other travellers with laptops and gps. I've been able to swap waypoints/maps with others this way quite easily. waypoints can also be downloaded before you go (Peter 'Beddhist' has loads on his website, I'm sure there are plenty others out there if you really need them).
Even if you don't have a laptop, I've exchanged waypoints with others by inputting the waypoint manually. Worldmap is free and used in conjunction with paper maps, found it more than adequate to get pretty much anywhere. I did try the Wonderlust map and found I prefered Worldmap though everyone has different preferences.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi
IMHO the problem to think about is to download the tracks & waypoints while on the trip, since all systems only offer limited memory capacity. Meaning you will need some kind of external storage.
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14 Jul 2009
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I'd suggest Garmin 60 csX
Make sure it is the 'X' version ( I use one as well as the 278C)
Why the 60CSX?
Because that unit can take Micro SD cards (2 GB for personal upload but can READ the pre-formatted ones up to 4GB proivided you do the latest firmware update.
( I upload my maps to the microSD's beforehand- they weigh next to nothing and are cheap) - Solid unit
- Waterproof to IPX7
- Runs on 2 AA batteries but can also be wired in to car/bike 12volt supply ( you can also use rechargeable batteries and configure gps as it has option to use those Nimh ones)
- slightly small screen as hand held unit
- It will give you turn by turn (but no voice) and screens are user customisable as is the sequence of display
- Importantly, it has the fast Sirf star III chip - very sensitive
- You can store waypoints on the move - up to 1000
It also has the benefit of (an option) to save tracks directly to the MicroSD card hence you have huge storage facility.
POI's are not a problem
The unit can store up to 1000 in its memory but, using POI Loader software (free from Garmin website) I have uploaded over 300 thousand of them in various classifications (a project I am still working on)
These get stored in the unit's CUSTOM POI memory which is not the same as the ordinary POI memory thereby leaving the 1000 unit memory available for points taken on the move.
email me if you need help!
Garmin Worldmap is pretty basic but comes free with unit
Wanderlust V2r03 (latest versions) worldmaps now broken into different downloads - I am a bit confused at MikeS's comment - there is way more data on Wanderlust - he may have an older version- don't know-
There also some maps available for free for South America etc
Last edited by Bertrand; 15 Jul 2009 at 14:48.
Reason: UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION 4 NOW AVAILABLE
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16 Jul 2009
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Can you input postcodes onto the 60csx for use in the UK?
Cheers
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20 Sep 2009
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Hello,
I am in the market to buy too. Have used an old Emap unit very successfully for past RTW travel but I want to update now.
You don't mention the Garmin 76Csx.
Why is that? It looks like the best unit?
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=351&ra=true
bill
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20 Sep 2009
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The Cx is the same but without a compass, so you will have to be moving for it to know where its pointing. A cheap button compass glued somewhere will do the same thing as paying garmin more and not constantly drain your batteries!
Two things; make sure it has a high sensitivity receiver which makes an enourmous difference (the 76 does), and how it will receive its vehicle power, not through a mini usb like a Colorado.
Last edited by grizzly7; 20 Sep 2009 at 15:14.
Reason: i sooo stoopid!
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