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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 19 Nov 2008
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Thanks James,

I'm looking at the 276C - as you suggest it seems suitable - though the cost seems a little high for a cheapskate like myself ;-) I guess you are paying for the marine features a little as well.

When you say Garmin cards, are these normal flash type cards that have to be formatted a certain Garmin way, or is there whole design different from anything else? What is a rough cost for the cards on ebay etc?

The smelly biker project is at Smellybiker's Wanderlust Worldmap • Index page though I'm not sure how current it all is, but then towns don't often change gps coordinates ;-)

Just so I'm clear, if I buy this I can only load Garmin maps onto it? I can't buy third party software and maps and load them up in anyway?

Cheers, Darrin
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  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2008
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Garmin 276C

Hi Darrin,

The Garmin Data Cards for the 276C are unfortunately a unique Garmin design.
You can't use any other cards and they are expensive.
Years ago I bought a 512Mb version for approx £100 off eBay, which believe it or not was a very good deal..!
Just checked - not much on eBay just now, but Amazon are selling a 128Mb version for a whopping £55..!
Alternative suppliers on Nextag are here (make sure you don't look at the SD ones):
Garmin 128MB Data Card: Compare Prices, View Price History and Read Reviews at NexTag
There is a guy who modified cheaper memory cards in to Garmin Data Card format here:
DIY Garmin Datacard
This makes the otherwise excellent 276C seem a bit expensive if many memory cards are needed for a big trip.
Maybe you could just do with one proper Garmin Data Card and dowload maps from a PC as you go..?
My 512Mb card holds UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and Spain - bear in mind that is an awful lot of road detail, so I would assume SmellyBiker would be less memory hungry.

If you didn't need the big screen of a 276C, you could go for the excellent Garmin 60CSx, which takes much cheaper SD (I think) memory cards, and is great for hiking.
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  #3  
Old 24 Nov 2008
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Thanks again James,

That is a bummer - the 276 or 278 seem to be about what I'm after, but with their high price and 'old tech' over priced cards it's hard to think it's the perfect solution. I could manage the high price if the cards were cheap, but there is usually a compromise to be made ;-)

As the newer models are using SD cards, here's hoping they update the 276/278 with a more modern version soon...

The maps you mention have to also be official Garmin maps? Or can I use other types of maps?
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  #4  
Old 26 Nov 2008
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Garmin 276C

Hi Darrin,

Yes I agree - a nice updated 276C or similar which takes sensibly priced SD or similar memory cards would be ideal - maybe one day, but will no doubt have a suitably expensive initial price tag.

Garmin used to have a link on their website for 3rd party 'approved' compatible maps.
Just checked and could not find it.
Did a Google search and the link below is indeed off the offical Garmin website and references 3rd party compatible maps - but is well hidden using the standard site navigation menus:
www8.garmin.com/cartography/mpc/
No doubt the above are pricey as well.
Smelly biker also works.
Also worth checking Tracks4Africa layer on Google Earth - maybe that is also compatible..?

The below link claims to be an impressive list of Garmin compatible maps for personal use for free download - worth checking out:
Welcome to MapCenter

Looks like there could be other free sources - try Googling 'Garmin compatible maps'.
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  #5  
Old 2 Mar 2009
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Went for a 278

Thanks again for all suggestions.

After much procrastination I have gone for a Garmin 278 - £429 (or £373 with no VAT) seems like a good price (from Welcome to Navcity. The Home of GPS Navigation. Trading Since 2001. Navcity - The UK Home of GPS Navigation.) and I wanted the voice prompts which the 276c doesn't seem to have.

Hopefully it is a better choice than the 276c?

Just need some data cards and an external arial and I'm away (soon, to warm places ;-)

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=416#specsTab
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  #6  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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James, how did you get the Garmin mounts to stick to your landy dash?
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  #7  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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Garmin dash mount and 12v DC plug...

Hi Darrin,

I have never really trusted the self adhesive option of putting the mount on the dash - can only think vibration and heat will cause it to come adrift, which would be a real pain - and potentially damage the unit as it falls.
On my last 110 and current 130 I drilled down through the vinyl dash pad through the metal layer below and used self tappers screwed in to glue.
I find the Garmin mounts a bit of a pain to remove and re-attach the 276C on a regular basis - I might consider a RAM mount as they have a good reputation - but would need to see one first.

Concerning the 12v DC lead which I placed behind trim and wired with fuse to aux battery. The moulded plug at the GPS end design is dodgy !
The bottom half of the plug can pull out from the main body of the plug - if you lose it or cannot get it back on being careful not to bend or snap the delicate metal contacts which need to be slid in to the female bit you could be well stuffed in the middle of nowhere.
I ran a seam of glue around the plug join - hopefully that will prevent problems, as pulling the plug out takes quite a jerk - or maybe it's just me !

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  #8  
Old 7 Apr 2009
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PDA or GPS?

I’m struggling with this decision also.

I already have an Asus PDA with a built in GPS antenna. With TomTom and Memory Map this has proved very reliable. Never loosing it’s satellites etc.

A couple of questions though. Would I be able to download the free maps from GPS Vector Map Morocco

If not where else would I be able to get Morocco maps.

How about getting GPX data in to it?

I’m also a little concerned about the reliability if its exposed to costant vibration and dust. Thoughts?

If I decide to go for a bespoke GPS such as a handheld Garmin can I get mapping in to them or do you just navigate by waypoint and paper map? I.E. do I need to spend more on something like a Garmin 152 to get mapping?

Lots of questions

Thanks,
Russ
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  #9  
Old 20 Apr 2009
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Hey Russ,

With the PDA, how do you actually use the GPS - do you have it in front of you somewhere so you can see it?

I was hoping there'd be an option to just listen to it, with the PDA in your top pocket or something - is that possible or do PDA's purely do visuals?

thanks,

Alex
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