What GPS?

[SteveC]

Maybe this isn't the correct forum, but I'm hoping for maximum exposure and I really couldn't find GPS units in any other forum.

Anyway, I'm looking to purchase a handheld GPS for diving. Anybody have any input on what I want? I'm thinking I want a Garmin etrex and either models Venture CX, Vista, or Legend Cx. I'm absolutely new to this GPS thing, but thinkin' it will help locating dive locations in the midwest.

Any input and/or recommendations would be great.

S. Nagel

 

[Charlie59]

How about the new Imagonnafindit 3000g, works underwater and about to be applied to headsup display on Atomic mask.

 

[Cacia]

Garmin are great.

the Marines use them in Iraq.

They make a great bike GPS/HR monitor that has all kinds of programs.

We just bought two from this site, best prices. oops, lost it. gearman.com? something like that.

 

[Teamcasa]

I'm sure you realize no GPS will work underwater. However, for topside use, I have the garmin legend and the Rino 130. Both are verty good units.

Dave

 

[Teamcasa]

Sorry "will NOT" work underwater.

 

[Charlie59]

GPS in Hawaii? Is it that hard to find your way around?

 

[Charlie59]

Team you had it right the first time, no gps works underwater.
I have Garmin and it works well. I have a TomTom that makes my PDA a GPS (alphabet soup).

 

[Digger54]

I don't know much about GPS units in general, but I do like my Garmin eTrex Vista. I've never used it for locating scuba sites but I have used it plenty doing backpacking and day-hiking along with some urban navigation. A plus with this unit is that it is weatherproof and can stand some dunking without being ruined. I don't fear using it in a downpour, nor would I worry if it got wet by having scuba gear drip on it or if it got dropped in a puddle on a dive boat.

It is a bit of a battery hog. If you can use it where you could use an alternate power source such as a 12 volt auto or boat receptacle that would be great. Otherwise consider spare batteries an absolute must.

If you accidently place it in your BC pocket and dive with it or drop it in water where it goes to any depth it will be toast, I'm afraid.

 

[Jon C]

What kind of money are we talking about here? Are they cheaper if I just need it to tell me how to get to Hawaii?

Also, do they have degrees of accuracy? Within 100 feet, 50 feet, inches?

I am assuming a woman invented it (the ones I've seen advertised have female voices)to give to their men who don't listen to directions...

Catherine, your latest avatar...new type of wetsuit? Must have dropped into the 70's in Hawaii....

Jon

 

[Lucy's Diver]

A non WAAS system will get you within maybe 30-40 feet. With WAAS maybe 10 feet on a good day.
WAAS is a system of ground based transmitters in North America that correct slight errors in the satalite signals. You need to be in a WAAS area with a WAAS enabled GPS for it to work. Europe has a similar system, EGNOS or something like that.