Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: silverfox on March 01, 2011, 01:29:58 PM
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Ok so after some research I have determined that I cannot update my on board GPS in my JK to accommodate many of the things that I would like it too do, backroads maps, tracking, 3D topo etc. So it appears as thought I am going to be getting a GPS which is not a huge deal as I had wanted one that would accommodate a few other things as well such as on water navigation, geocaching, hiking, biking etc.
With this in mind I have pretty much decided that I will be going with the Garmin 450t I think it provides the best overall range for what I want that being it is
portable (will work in jeep, boat, bike, backpack)
reliable
many downloadable maps track sharing capability
3D topo maps
Waterproof
So before going ahead I am sure many of you have used multiple handheld GPS units over the years but my experience has been limited to onbaord road GPS units.
What other things should I be thinking of and maybe a couple of comparable units that you all have experience with.
I searched GPS but it seems that most of the topics are from 2 or 3 years ago making the technology recommendations somewhat out of date.
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Garmin 60 cs/csx series are popular with us.
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Go with a tablet and then you can down load unlimited amounts of maps and have a larger screen as well.
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The Garmin 60 series was a very popular series, but they are a bit dated now in the GPS world. The Oregon models are the newest bunch and from what I can see have everything the 60's had and then some.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=63350&compareProduct=310 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=63350&compareProduct=310)
I haven't used either of them personally so I can't speak from experience. I just do product comparisons all the time for work and the Oregon models are something had I had to look at recently. The two biggest features I would think that would be a benefit are the preloaded topo maps (so you don't have to go buy them) and the custom map compatibility http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthetrail/custommaps#fragment-1 (http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthetrail/custommaps#fragment-1).
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The Garmin 60 series was a very popular series, but they are a bit dated now in the GPS world. The Oregon models are the newest bunch and from what I can see have everything the 60's had and then some.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=63350&compareProduct=310 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=63350&compareProduct=310)
I haven't used either of them personally so I can't speak from experience. I just do product comparisons all the time for work and the Oregon models are something had I had to look at recently. The two biggest features I would think that would be a benefit are the preloaded topo maps (so you don't have to go buy them) and the custom map compatibility http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthetrail/custommaps#fragment-1 (http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthetrail/custommaps#fragment-1).
Sweet, could overlay the PDF file for Waiperous and MacLean and create the map from there.
Another plus for the 450T
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Garmin 60 cs/csx series are popular with us.
this is what all the dirtbike riders use. i like mine.
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this is what all the dirtbike riders use. i like mine.
So in comparing the 60 csx to the 450t there are a few notable differences mostly due to the 450t being newer but also a little more spendy.
The 450 has a slightly larger screen with a higher resolution.
The 450 has 850mb internal memory and micro sd card slot whereas the 60 csx only goes micro sd ( mind you a 64mb card is included)
The 60csx has no preloaded maps whereas the 450 has preloaded topo maps
Tilt axis 3d compass vs straight 2d comes in the 60
Generally more storage capacity (tracks and routes)
Customizable maps and full textured 3d topo.
It is about $100 more than the 60 but if you factor in the topo map as standard vs having to buy for the 60 the difference is closer to 50.
The 60 was a perfect reference point as I was initially comparing to road GPS units as that was all I knew.
Still thinking of going with the 450t I do like a few of the extra bells and whistles as well it has a little more online connectivity plus a ton of mountain biking stuff as well.
Now to find a reasonable price for one :)
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i am not GPS savvy but i know that the guys that are do download to their laptops onto topo maps.
i bought the sd versions of backroads maps. i would think that dirtbikers would have way more info stored for any given area due to speed and distance traveled as well as more trails open to them. They all love it and i know SRD works everything off that unit.
You do get a North america map for driving and the USA topo map is very good that comes with it. (ie Moab)
But for $100, if it does the same and more, i would go for it as well. Again, i am not GPS savvy and just make sure it aligns with SRD.
GPScity and GPScentral are the cheapest places to buy in North America and they both happen to be in Calgary. i did buy mine from Costco on line because it was on special.
Tk
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http://www.gpscity.ca/ (http://www.gpscity.ca/)
http://www.gpscentral.ca/ (http://www.gpscentral.ca/)
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It also looks like the 45-t is $460 +tax
the 60CS is $230+tax
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Costco online has it for $200. That is a smokin deal!
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10342867&search=GPS&Mo=14&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=GPS&Ntt=GPS&No=3&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1 (http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10342867&search=GPS&Mo=14&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=GPS&Ntt=GPS&No=3&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1)
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I love my Garmin 60CSX, very rugged, multi-purpose with attatchments available to mount on anything.
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Costco online has it for $200. That is a smokin deal!
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10342867&search=GPS&Mo=14&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=GPS&Ntt=GPS&No=3&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1 (http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10342867&search=GPS&Mo=14&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=GPS&Ntt=GPS&No=3&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1)
Ash iwas only looking at gamins MSRP on there site, now that is a bigger difference. Hmmmmm
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Yes, the Oregon 450 or 450t makes sense and is probably the best choice for a handheld atm the moment. I would suggest the 450 and use the free topo maps. The free (Ibycus) maps are better than the Garmin ones.
I would suggest though getting a widescreen Nuvi for the Jeep as well... They only cost $100 and the extra size makes a big differene. Plus you can use it day to day. It will take trail and topo maps without problem.
A 60csx is horrible in comparison. The little screen and old software are not that great. If you like buttons, then get the newer 62 series. You mention Geocaching, so you want a modern unit that works properly with it as well.
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Trail maps: http://www.calgarycachers.net/trailmaps/maps.htm
Topo Maps: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5629539/Ibycus_Canada_Topo_Maps_3.2
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i will just say that my 60CSX is mainly used for Geocahing and we love it. ;)
And for $200, is the 450 worth $260 +$100(screen) more?
For some it would be, but for me the 60csx does all i ask.
Street map. Offroad map and fantastic at Geocaching.
Definitely a smaller screen.
And i believe those free maps can be used as well. Others on here can better answer that but i still thing the backroad maps are the best bang for the buck.
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Well I think I am going with they 450T
More bucks for sure but a little more versatile, more memory newer firmware broader range of use for me anyway.
The whole create a map thing is pretty damn cool, overlaying to google earth with the FLUZ maps will be a neat feature from my perspective (ok maybe not much more than a toy but after all isn't it all toys :) )
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Well I think I am going with they 450T
More bucks for sure but a little more versatile, more memory newer firmware broader range of use for me anyway.
The whole create a map thing is pretty damn cool, overlaying to google earth with the FLUZ maps will be a neat feature from my perspective (ok maybe not much more than a toy but after all isn't it all toys :) )
Awesome. At the end of the day it has to suit your 'wants'.
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i will just say that my 60CSX is mainly used for Geocahing and we love it. ;)
Just guessing here, but I suspect my level and experience in Geoaching is a bit larger than yours, 7 years, 2600 caches found. I'm also a GPS enthusiast and run the trail mapping project so am very versed in all the models, their features and performance. I owned a 60csx for around 3 years. The newer models with paperless caches make those older style models seem like dinosaurs.
If not doing caching, the selling points for the higher price is not that great. There are some important points, but they may not be needed by everyone.
- No track storage or display limits. This is important if you like using saved tracks in the future.
- No restriction on map sizes and a much higher limit on number of maps.
- Shaded terrain and 3D views (not a fan of these myself).
- Satellite image underlay (this is only useful around here in the city as the resolution out of the city is too low)
I'm not sure I understood your price comparison? The Oregon 450 is $340 so $140 more than the 60csx Costco deal.
Oh and for the OP, if you plan on using it in the car, then get a power cord. The backlight level when plugged in is much higher than on batteries and make a huge difference for driving use.
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The 450 is $460 + you said $100 more for a big screen attatchment. If you found the 450 for 340 thaN ADD THE 100 YOU MENTIONED SO WE HAVE 440 VS 200.
nO, I AM NOT AS GEOCACHING SAVVY AS YOU BUT IT HAS NEVER STOPPED MY WIFE AND I FROM FINDING CACHES IN THE CITY AND WHEN WE GO TO OFF ROAD AREAS AND SPEND 1/2 A DAY RIDING A DIRTBIKE TO 5 OR 6 CACHES.
mY GPS SAVES TRACKS. nOT SURE WHY YOUR DIDN'T?
aNYWAYS, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS THGREAD PROVIDES INFO FOR THOSE THAT WANT A GOOD ENOUGH gps FOR OFFROAD AND THOSE THAT WANT THE DELUXE MODEL.
$200 IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.
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argghhh, sorry for cap locks by accident.
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The $100 was for a Nuvi, which I would suggest for anyone using one in the car over any handheld. It was not an attachment for the Oregon.
The Oregon itself is quite a bit better in a car than the 60CSX due to the larger and brighter (when plugged in) screen but still not as nice as a Nuvi.
On the tracks. The 60csx and all older Garmins have a limit of 20 saved tracks with 500 points each maximum. This is fairly limiting if you want a lot of old tracks on the device at once. Not everyone uses the feature, so it only matters to some people. The new units allow 10000 points per track with no "known" limit on the number of tracks.
For the Geocaching features, it just makes it nicer and easier. All of the cache page information is there to read while you navigate, uploading finds to the site is easier. It just makes things easier. It is not a need, just nicer.
I'm certainly not suggesting to anyone that spending $340 makes sense over $200. I was stating the differences and individuals can decide if those features mean anything to themselves.
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Its good to have information. :)
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All thoughts and opinions are warranted and appreciated as it gives a point of reference that perhaps another has not thought of and can apply to their application.
I have the built in for the Rubi so the Nuvi would be somewhat reduntant..............I am a little confused as to why Jeep would put a trail rated rig together with a non trail capable GPS, but considering 90%+ of Jeeps never see so much as a gravel road never mind an offroad trail I guess it isn't much of a surprise.
Thanks to all for input.
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I believe that the 450 is destined to replace to 60 series. I think that Garmin will probably have the 450 compatible sat maps of Canada available eventually...they just don't have them now. That's not really a big issue in the interim because you can run the Garmin topos overlayed with tracks from GPX files to show the specific trails if you want.
I've got a 60CSX and it has done great service. The nice thing about the micro SD card slot is that LOTS of places offer topos for Garmins on micro SD's. When I was in Moab, I decided that I wanted local topos. $90 later at a camera store, I had the Utah and Colorado topos on an SD card. Slide it in, and you're good. When I got back north of the border, I slid my old SD card back in, and I'm good to go with the Western Canada topos again.
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I believe that the 450 is destined to replace to 60 series.
The 60 series was already replaced with the 62 series.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=143&fKeys=FILTER_SERIES_62
I think that Garmin will probably have the 450 compatible sat maps of Canada available eventually...they just don't have them now.
Satellite (aerial) images have been available for a year and half. They are called Birdseye.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=70144