GPS

[Wildfisher]

What would  you recommend to someone thinking of buying a hand held GPS receiver?  I'm looking  for:

not too expensive
good maps / ability to load good maps
accurate
ability to plan routes
ability to record routes / route stats as they are happening for use later
decent battery  life
no need for  a 4 year degree course on how to operate it

[Fishtales]

I have the older Garmin eTrex Legend which does all I need it to do. This is the upgraded version which I think borderbob bought.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8701&ra=true

[Wildfisher]

is this the same one Sandy?

http://catalog.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-eTrex-Legend-HCx-GPS-Receiver-/79607445?_pcatid=121&_refkw=eTrex+Legend&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A3133&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Fishtales]

Looks like it. If you are thinking New Zealand then you will need to download the maps.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=83071&pvID=83501&ra=true

[garryh]

please forgive my ignorance on the subject,but is a gps an adequate replacement for a map and compass or are they just a back up.

Garry

[Part-time]

Garry,
You can use a GPS with OS maps downloaded into it as your main method of navigation but you should always have a map and compass with you as back up and, as they always say, the knowledge to use it. I have never had a GPS malfunction but have come close to having the batteries run out when I forgot the spare batteries. Also some places you won't get a satellite signal such as under thick woodland canopy or in narrow gullies.

John

[Wildfisher]

Do these gismos work in conjunction with programs like Memory Map to any extent?

[Fishtales]

I use both the GPS and map, the compass is in the rucksack too but I haven't used it in years The map I use to plan the next loch/direction to go in and I also upload tracks from Anquet Maps to follow if needed. When I get home I transfer the tracks to Anquet to see where I went and how far travelled. You can also mark various spots like fish caught, better camping spots or viewpoints etc. to make them easier to find the next time you are in the area. I also geo-tag any pictures, add them to the track and save as a .kml file for use in Google Earth. That should be easier from now on as the pictures will be auto tagged with the new GPS attachment I have for the camera that fits on the hot shoe or strap Not everyone will agree but it extends my enjoyment of a trip in the hills to remote lochs.

[Wildfisher]

Not everyone will agree but it extends my enjoyment of a trip in the hills to remote lochs.

It does not matter a jot if anyone agrees or not Sandy. If it extends you enjoyment that's all that matters. Same as using quality tackle, you might not catch any more fish, but if you enjoy the experience more so what?

[Wildfisher]

I use mine with Memory Map, the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx is the one I use and I can't fault it.

I really want this for UK use. How detailed are the maps it comes with Davy? Would I have to spend a lot of extra cash  to get OS quality maps?   

I'm, not thinking about using it in NZ - Alex already  has GPS with the maps for there, so no point in doubling up on that.