Can take several minutes for a cold fix
Product Description
The Garmin eTrex Legend GPS receiver is modeled on Garmin's popular entry level eTrex, but adds the same base map found in Garmin's III+ and eMap models, along with 8 MB of memory, making it a solid midlevel offering in the eTrex line just behind the eTrex Summit. Housed in a translucent blue case, this powerful, 12-parallel-channel, global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver weighs only 5.3 ounces and measures 4.4 by 2 inches. It literally fits in the palm of your hand. The Legend boasts the ability to hold up to 8 MB of amazingly detailed information that you upload for the area you plan to navigate. In addition to all that detailed information at your fingertips, the Legend actually gives you a higher-resolution screen than the slightly better equipped eTrex Summit. The massive 10,000 track log points of the Legend compare well to the 3,000 track log points the Summit model offers and the 2,048 that the Venture offers.
The eTrex Legend's 8 MB memory enables you to download points of interest and map data from optional Garmin MapSource CD-ROMs to make your GPS unit more useful. The built-in base map of the Americas displays city and interstate highway information for North, South, and Central America, as well as U.S. highway exits. Address and business listings are displayed with data downloads. It also provides points of interest along lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
The Legend has a front-panel rocker switch that allows for quick and accurate map panning. View maps on a liquid crystal display with a resolution of 288 x 160 pixels. The unit is waterproof to an IPX7 standard, so it can withstand a dunk.
The Legend maintains a tight satellite lock, even in a forest. The unit can store up to 1,000 user waypoints with graphical icons, and it boasts Garmin's own TracBack feature, which reverses your track log and helps you navigate your way back home. The eTrex Legend also uses animated graphics that will help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily.
Garmin makes some of the accessories to help you integrate your GPS with your life and your priorities. Keep your GPS at the ready while protecting it from knocks and bumps with the carrying case. If you'll be on the road, you'll want to have access to the most detailed topographical maps of the United States available: The Garmin MapSource CD-ROM (USA TOPO). And don't let the product's many abilities overwhelm you--train yourself in all the eTrex's ins and outs with a handy instructional video.
The Garmin eTrex Legend comes with a PC interface cable, a manual, and a quick-reference card, and it's covered by a one-year warranty.
Customer Reviews:
Garmin Etrex Legend.......2007-09-17
If you are a person who know how to work things its great but I had a difficult time understanding the directions and had to call someone for help and I still am unsure of how to use it
Great GPS Unit.......2007-09-14
I have had this GPS for almost 3 years, and it is still working great. I mainly use it with Microsoft Streets & Trips on my laptop when traveling to get directions while on the road. However, I also use it when hiking or camping. This unit has been dropped, splashed with water, sat on, but it still works. I have had no trouble getting a signal lock. Only place I have ever had trouble was in the Redwood Forests of California, but that pretty much explains itself. Overall great unit.
Excellent, rugged GPS.......2007-09-02
I have had this unit for many years and it has been wonderful. I use it for rough-in surveying in my work, and also put it on the handlebars of my quad when I go trail riding. It has taken many hours of rough abuse, and yet it still works perfectly. It is even tolerant of getting wet... I usually just rinse it off with the hose after a long day of trail riding.
It's not good for in-car navigation.. the map is very hard to read on the small screen. But for trail riding, hiking, biking, etc... you can't go wrong. It also has a serial port which allows you to download tracks to Google Maps and Streets & Trips, and import maps from the Garmin MapSource software.
Our office has about 8 of these units, and I don't think a single one has failed yet.
I definitely recommend this unit.
A Legend in its own mind.......2007-08-29
Needs better factory installed base maps. Before buying, beware the computer interface cable is NOT a usb cable and may not be compatible with most laptops. You will be required to purchase an expensive adapter cable to upgrade or add maps to this unit. It seems to be atv friendly,(you should purchase an optional topo map,at an additional cost, that is still not the best) the tracking while offroad is good, I have even been able to place the unit in a shirt pocket and get acceptable results. Battery life is around 8-16 hours depending on conditions. Before purchasing visit a quality sporting goods/ outdoor store and ask to see the demo units, and find out what accessories are available as well as the prices, maps, cds, cables, and mounts are all great to have and very hard to find for many units.
Big value in a small package.......2007-08-26
The eTrex has performed flawlessly for us. Especially useful for geocaching, the ability to upload detailed topology has helped greatly. The layout of the buttons and mini-joystick make using the eTrex easy. Zooming in to 20 feet is a great help, and the large on-screen navigation compass makes it easy to find the target.
Product Description
All the power of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver in a palm-sized package / Waterproof / Stores up to 500 waypoints All five buttons are placed on the sides, for simple, one-handed operation that doesn't obstruct your view of the display Bright yellow case makes it easy to locate in the boat or backpack And the eTrex is waterproof, so a splash or dunk is not a watery grave for the eTrex The high-performance, GPS receiver runs 18 hours on two AA batteries Even under canopy forest conditons, the eTrex maintains a tight satellite lock Stores up to 500 waypoints with graphic icons Exclusive TracBack feature provides a reverse course home
Amazon.com Review
A few years ago, when personal GPSs first became available, every geek from here to Poughkeepsie was enthralled about the possibility of always knowing exactly where on the planet he or she was. While the Garmin eTrex isn't the most feature-rich GPS out there, it will definitely come in handy if you don't want your next camping trip to end up like a scene from The Blair Witch Project.
The eTrex allows you to pack more detail into your adventure with added color, expandable memory, and automatic routing capabilities.
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The eTrex is sort of a dumbed-down, rugged version of the company's more advanced eMap. Designed specifically for hiking, biking, and camping, the eTrex is one of the easiest-to-use GPS units available. It offers the ability to track up to 12 satellites so you never lose contact with one. The eTrex won't work inside--however, we don't anticipate that you'll get lost inside a building very often.
Among the eTrex's notable features is its ability to calculate your current and average speed. We used the eTrex to determine the distance from work to home, and to calculate how fast we were walking. This helped us gauge the average time it should take to get to work. This feature should really come in handy on extended hiking, camping, or cycling trips where planning your average speed and tracking the distance traveled is critical.
Sticking with its theme of simplicity, the eTrex has only five buttons, making it easy to use with just one hand (It's specifically designed for the left hand.) Weighing only 5.3 ounces with the batteries installed, the eTrex is also ultralight, making it an easy addition to a daypack. The eTrex is also waterproof, so a little water shouldn't damage the unit.
Turn-by-turn directions make long trips a snap. |
Check your speed, ETA, and distance. |
Great for calculating distance and directions for camping trips. |
Get predictions for when it's best to hunt and fish. |
The eTrex can hold up to 500 user-created waypoints. And using Garmin's TracBack feature, it's easy to plot a course with up to 10 waypoints and follow it in both directions. --Julian Strate
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Light
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Batteries only last about 20 hours
Amazon.com Review
A few years ago, when personal GPSs first became available, every geek from here to Poughkeepsie was enthralled about the possibility of always knowing exactly where on the planet he or she was. While the Garmin eTrex isn't the most feature-rich GPS out there, it will definitely come in handy if you don't want your next camping trip to end up like a scene from The Blair Witch Project.
The eTrex is sort of a dumbed-down, rugged version of the company's more advanced eMap. Designed specifically for hiking, biking, and camping, the eTrex is one of the easiest-to-use GPS units available. It offers the ability to track up to 12 satellites so you never lose contact with one. The eTrex won't work inside--however, we don't anticipate that you'll get lost inside a building very often.
Among the eTrex's notable features is its ability to calculate your current and average speed. We used the eTrex to determine the distance from work to home, and to calculate how fast we were walking. This helped us gauge the average time it should take to get to work. This feature should really come in handy on extended hiking, camping, or cycling trips where planning your average speed and tracking the distance traveled is critical.
Sticking with its theme of simplicity, the eTrex has only five buttons, making it easy to use with just one hand (It's specifically designed for the left hand.) Weighing only 5.3 ounces with the batteries installed, the eTrex is also ultralight, making it an easy addition to a daypack. The eTrex is also waterproof, so a little water shouldn't damage the unit.
The eTrex can hold up to 500 user-created waypoints. And using Garmin's TracBack feature, it's easy to plot a course with up to 10 waypoints and follow it in both directions. --Julian Strate
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Light
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Batteries only last about 20 hours
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin eTrex GPS is a remarkable GPS in a small, compact package. The eTrext takes the best features of a 12-paralle channel GPS receiver and puts them into a six-ounce, handheld device that is only four inches high and a mere two inches wide. The result is a powerful machine in the palm of your hand.
Map page.
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Mark waypoint. View larger. |
The Garmin eTrex is a simple, compact GPS device. View larger.
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Besides its small size, boaters and outdoorsmen will be happy with the eTrex's unique button layout design. All the buttons are located on either side of the unit. The benefits of this design are two-fold. First, the eTrex is a breeze to operate with just one hand and, second, with the buttons on both sides of the unit the bulk of the front of the device is dedicated to the large, LCD display with backlight. The eTrex is so simple it only sports five buttons -- Page, Power, Up, Down, and Enter. Thanks to the its bright yellow case, the eTrex is easy to spot and hard to misplace in a boat, backpack, or trunk. Garmin also designed this tiny GPS to be completely waterproof so it can handle an accidental splash or dunk and continue to perform.
Locked away behind the waterproof protection, you will find the proven performance of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver that will run for up to 22 hours on just two AA batteries. The antenna is also internal and the external power and data connector are protected as well. In addition to determining your location, the eTrex creates, names, and saves a location as an electronic waypoint in its memory -- up to 500 individual waypoints. This allows you to navigate back to this point any time you want, from any location or, with Garmin's TracBack feature, you can reverse your track log and navigate your way back home. And once you start moving, the GPS provides other data, like speed, direction of movement, time and distance to destination, and more.
In addition to these basic features, the eTrex provides one more critical benefit; peace of mind, because with GPS you know where you are, where you've been, and where you are going. And since you always know your way back home, you can concentrate on enjoy yourself outdoors, on the water, or wherever your travels may take you.
What's in the Box
eTrex GPS receiver, wrist strap, user's guide, and quick reference guide.
Customer Reviews:
Simple and good.......2007-09-24
I used an old model of this unit during a weeklong kayaking trip along the Maine coast, and I recommend it highly for anyone going point-to-point over water. A kayak's a terrible place to navigate from -- no place to set out a chart, water everywhere -- so being able to simply point the boat at a waypoint is a comforting luxury. Put your waypoints in the night before you leave and enjoy the trip. Also, my unit was routinely wet but kept on ticking.
Great value for a great price!.......2007-09-20
This little hand held GPS unit is a solid value for the price. User friendly and does the job. No problems.
value for money.......2007-09-17
If you need a basic GPS receiver, this is it. No complication, no headache. This is very similar to etrext legend, but no stick, no map and no area calculation. But you have a map page where you can view your waypoints and your active track log. Also notice that the box does not contain the PC interface cable. If you need to transfer data to PC, then order it separately, or buy etrex legend (its box contains this cable).
garmin navigator.......2007-09-10
i-we- find this the best easiestbest priced gps out there.. about idiot proof.. we have hunters that get lost goin to the truck for beer.. not any more.....
As is . . . .......2007-08-11
This unit works as they say. I only need it for location coordinates and it works great. I tried setting markers and waypoints to find my way back to a starting point, but the unit seemed to want me to return in a straighter line vs the one I walked. Many other features I have yet to use and may not need as I only need a location point. For the money, I got what I paid for.
Product Description
You won't miss a thing when you take this rugged, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld out hiking, biking, boating or even geocaching. Pack more detail into your adventure with the eTrex Vista Cx. The eTrex Vista Cx is loaded with the same popular features found in the eTrex Vista C, including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, sunlight-readable color and advanced GPS routing capabilities - all in a waterproof design. In addition, it comes with a blank 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Download maps directly to the card or purchase microSD cards preloaded with MapSourceTopo and inland lake maps, BlueChart marine cartography, and City Navigator street maps. Support for English, Spanish, Portugese, and French languages. Automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest (when combined with Garmin's optional MapSource CDs) navigate you safely to your destination Longer battery life for more hours of outdoor enjoyment Mini-USB port for fast, convenient download of map data from Garmin's entire library of optional MapSource CDs using a PC Geocache Ready - Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache BlueChart compatible - MapSource BlueChart serves up the best offshore cartography around and works in seamless integration with a wide range of Garmin products WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled - WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Assures accurate readings
Amazon.com Product Description
With the Vista Cx, Garmin has updated a much-loved device with expandable memory on microSD card so you can load optional map data for your hiking, hunting and other outdoor excursions. Add to that a bright, full-color TFT display, automatic routing, and long, 20-hour battery life, and you've got a great companion for your next outdoor or boating adventure. Plus, the Vista CX adds a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass.
The main menu feature icons. View larger. |
Crisp, color display for easy map viewing. View larger. |
Altimeter display provides elevation information. View larger. |
The Vista Cx features a bright color display, electronic compass and a barometric altimeter and much more.
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You can use the Vista Cx's memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you're driving and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more.
The Vista Cx's barometric altimeter system features automatic pressure trend recording while providing current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, and average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Meanwhile, the unit's electronic compass allows you to get accurate headings while standing still.
Like on all eTrex units, the primary controls are located on the side of the unit, so you can operate it with one hand. An innovative rocker switch on its face makes inputting data easy, and with it you can scroll through menus or pan the map page. Fast USB connectivity makes loading charts and maps quick and easy, while navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port. Additionally, the case is water-resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes).
Another key feature of the Vista Cx is the 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions. Meanwhile, there's a large numbers option for easy viewing, as well as a dual position display mode. Lastly, the unit includes built-in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations.
If you like the features of the Vista Cx, but don't need an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, check out the Garmin eTrex Legend Cx.
What's in the Box
Vista Cx unit, 32 MB microSD card, USB interface cable, bike mount clip, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD, lanyard, owner's manual, and quick-start guide.
Customer Reviews:
Garmin ETrex Vista Cx.......2007-08-23
The unit arrived from Amazon in a timely fashion. The documentation included with it is rather cryptic but once you figure it out the Vista Cx is fun to use. Note - it has limited functionality unless you purchase the City Navigator map set and/or the Topo map set. (It will not calculate driving routes unless you have the City Navigator map set installed.) It does do a good job of tracking where you have been and allowing you to enter waypoints. I felt much more comfortable hiking with it as I felt I could always get back to my starting point with it!
The unit worked fine for three weeks and then it "died." It would not power up - even if connected to power via the supplied USB cable. I contacted Garmin and arranged for the unit to be returned to them for replacement. One of their tech support reps was very helpful - the other was not. I explained to them that I wanted to expedite the replacement shipment as I had a camping/hiking trip scheduled in a week and wanted to have the Vista along with me. I provide them with a credit card number so that they could ship out a replacement in a timely fashion. It took 12 days to get the replacement! When asked, Garmin said - "didn't anyone tell you that the unit was on back order?" Evidently not ...
I am pleased with the Garmin product and hope that this is an isolated incident with this particular model. Note that the Vista HCx will probably be replacing the Cx (same features but includes a newer, more responsive chip set).
A great, handable and complete puckett GPS.......2007-08-23
For a road motorcycle driver, or anyone who must use it in his puckett, it's size is as great as it's reception, even with it's small screen you can always see and follow what you're looking for. I would recomend about the base for bicycles, not to use this for motorcycles cause it's vibrations turn it damaged as happened to my GPS before, a real good Legend, the blue one. I'd sugest to Garmin, if they didn't do it yet, to designe as I did for my bike, a paded stand for it in order that it absorves the motor's vibrations and keep the GPS working right, and in the fotos they show from customers, not to show the one with the GPS attached to a motorcycle's handle bar, it is only for bicycles use, without vibrations.
2. Very good.......2007-08-23
Battery Life excellent:
I personally purchased 2700mha rechargeable battery,
with a set of 4, you good for a while... like Days and Days!!
Satellite acquisition very good - outdoor only!!
Not good in the Car, or in a Building, but it's for Outdoor activities!!
Relatively easy to use after a few minutes of playing around.
The unit with the software and appropriate Maps provides
a very efficient system.
I personally use it for Enduro & Trail Riding in the woods.
Either to get or find my way or even track back new discovered Trails...
Overall very good unit, strong and easy to use.
However, the Maps or a little expensive.
And one last great thing, the SD Card makes possible the download of the whole North America and more if you get the 2 GB Card of course!! (20 Bucks!!)
Not so great experience.......2007-08-05
While this is a pretty useful device for hiking, running, sailing etc...it has several issues. One is, that the preinstalled map only shows high and freeways. If one wants more detail, Garmin will ask you to plunck down another ~$90 for US coverage. If you want Europe, it costs you again. Japan is not available at all, only a third party supplier in Japan offers a compatible map-another $90...are you reminded of razors and razor blades?? I am! Anyway, after loading maps with the crappy PC-only software (slow and cumbersome), it worked fine-for about three weeks. Then it frequently started turning itself off, and after a few more days the maps were self-deleted, and then it never came back to life. Hopefully, this is only a singulary lemon...I am currently waiting for a return authorization number-hope they read emails at Garmin.
Other shortcomings are the incredibly slow location fix...takes about 3 minutes if it already knows where you are approximately. If you step out of the plane, it can take up to 10 minutes until it finally gets an idea where you are. Advice: get a receiver with the sirfstar III chip set...supposedly this might alleviate this problem. More issues: no map support for macintosh, waypoints and other user generated data except tracks cannot be downloaded from the memory card. Proprietary Garmin software is needed to access these data, i.e. if you have a mac you depend on some downloadable utilities from the web. There is nothing out there to load Garmin maps to the unit using a Mac. Hence, if you are in the field, and only have a mac laptop there is no way to update your mapset.
Bottom line: Wait until the next iPhone comes out with GPS capabilities and google map integration...(=free razor blades...;-).
Excellent GPS.......2007-07-30
This GPS is a much better product than I expected. I loaded City Select North America v6 (old software) with no problem. I was able to load ALL of North America using a Kingston 2GB microSD card. I had no trouble with loading. This GPS has a number of features that are excellent:
Size - It's a great size to carry in a pocket.
Color - The color map is very easy to read.
Auto Routing - This feature is wonderful. To navigate a route, all you need to do is to enter the destination. The auto routing figures the route and will compute a new route if you miss a turn or decide not to use the computed route.
Directions Page - A page is available that gives every turn point with a direction of turn arrow. The direction arrow is at the angle of the actual turn. The distance and time to each waypoint is available on this page.
Approaching a turn - The depiction of the situation at the turn is very clear and graphic. It shows you the road layout clearly as well as the route you need to take in the turn and also gives you a small arrow indication your progress.
All in all, this is an excellent GPS and works well for navigation on the streets and highways. I need some sort of a mount and will probably get a power cord for the car so I can keep it lighted at night.
The only drawback is that you must purchase maps saparately and unlock and load these maps. This takes some time but give you quite a bit of versatility with map selection.
Product Description
No matter where your outdoor activities take you, the Rino 530 keeps you on track and in touch. Similar to the 520, this rugged, two-way radio with GPS packs a bold color display, 14-mile communication range, and turn-by-turn directions - giving you peace of mind in the great outdoors. Taking it a step further, the Rino 530 adds an electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and NOAA weather receiver, making it a favorite with hikers and climbersExclusive position-reporting capability and a host of other unique features, make the 530 one of the best all-in-one two-way radio and GPS receivers around. As with other members of the Rino family, the 530's patented location-reporting feature allows you to send and receive GPS positions with other Rino users in your group. One call to your partner's Rino, and your location shows up on the map page. You can even poll another Rino user's location in emergency situations.
Amazon.com Product Description
No matter where your outdoor activities take you, the Garmin Rino 530 GPS-Integrated FRS/GMRS two-way radio is designed to keep hikers and climbers on track and in touch. This rugged, two-way radio with GPS packs a bold color display, 12-mile communication range, and turn-by-turn directions,
The "Radio Page" displays two-way radio status and GPS signal strength.
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The "Compass Page" displays basic navigational info.
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giving you peace of mind in the great outdoors. The Rino 530 also features an electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and NOAA weather receiver.
The Rino's position-reporting capability allows you to keep tabs on the location of family members and friends. The map also displays important waypoints and destinations.
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Exclusive position-reporting capabilities and a host of other unique features make the Rino 530 one of the best all-in-one two-way radio and GPS receivers around. The position-reporting feature allows you to send and receive GPS positions with other Rino users in your group. Make one call to your partner's Rino, and your location shows up on the map page. You can even poll another Rino user's location in emergency situations.
Five watts of transmit power (GMRS) means you can now call for help from 12 miles away (transmit power is limited to two watts in Canada with a range up to eight miles). A bold color TFT display makes it easy to see and navigate to family or friends with Rinos at an amusement park, lake, or other outdoor group activity. With optional Garmin MapSource City Select software (sold separately), you can navigate safely with the assistance of automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest.
A barometric altimeter provides extremely accurate elevation, an outstanding feature for serious hikers and climbers. An electronic compass is also included, and a NOAA weather receiver keeps you informed of changes in the weather.
The Rino 530 comes with a built-in detailed basemap of North and South America, and it also allows you to store up to 500 waypoints with graphic identification, as well as 50 reversible routes. The two-way radio features 10 call and ring tones, four roger tones, and vibration mode. The radio also allows you to send and receive short text notes. A calendar feature shows best hunting and fishing times, plus clock, stopwatch, and alarm functions, while a trip computer offers speed tracking, sunrise and sunset readout, trip timer, and trip distance.
A mini USB port and 56 megabytes of internal memory are included for rapid download and plenty of map storage of Garmin's entire line of outdoor cartography. Also included is a rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery that provides up to 16 hours of outdoor use.
What's in the Box
Rino 530 receiver, Americas recreational basemap, PC/USB interface cable, wrist strap, belt clip, lithium-ion battery pack and charger, A/C adapter cable, quick start guide, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
All you need in one device.......2007-09-12
Fantastic.
With Rino, I can now have my GPS receiver, with full-info colored maps, together with my GMRS radio.
If Rino was at first designed for this two features, you'll find that Garmin did a great job, because Rino is much more interesting than that.
My completely-on-the-wild adventures are now quite funnier! And further... I can be aware of the sunset exact time... isn't that awesome??
I got my Rino on August 2007, and yet haven't experienced lock ups like people use to say. May have Garmin corrected the issues?
A++.......2007-05-13
I bought this for my husband's birthday. We gave our old one Rino 150 to our son who is a Boy Scout. My husband is the Asst Scoutmaster and they go on a ton of hiking and camping trips together. The 530 has a large color screen and we can link the two Rino's together in case our son gets lost. The gps maps link together and they have a walkie-talkie feature. All our son has to do is click a button and my husband can see where he is on the gps map. My husband clicks back to our son and now our son knows where dad is and can follow the arrows back to dad, and vice versa. I highly recommend this product and we are very happy with all the features, especially the safety aspect with our Scout!
Frustrating.......2007-03-01
Let me start by saying I was excited to get this product for an upcoming ski outing where four of us including two children were going. I imagined myself able to locate the kids when we tried to meet up, or find them if we got lost (or god forbid worse). I bought two from Amazon and bought two more from a local retailer while waiting for the Amazon order to arrive. I took my girlfriend's niece out for a practice run to see how they all worked...five minutes later mine locked up. I went and found my niece..."Uncle XXXX, why does the screen look all funny" The units from the local retailer had a problem with the screen locking up...so I exchanged them, but then, so did the two I got in exchange. I thought perhaps I got a bad batch from the local store, but when the Amazon units arrived, they had the same problem. We took them out for a stroll with some friends from MBA school...the unanimous opinion after a few minutes of test use by late 20 year old and early 30s self proclaimed gear lovers..."dude, these %&#!".
Forget, locating the people in your party, even if all your friends are incredibly patient geeks. (I should know, I was so excited when I ordered the radios that I applied immediately for a GMRS license with the FCC). The Rino 530's simply don't work well. A combined GPS and family radio seems like such a great concept for a product, but at $400 a unit, they are pathetic. $1600 for four units bought me disappointment, frustration, trips to the store and time on the phone with customer service agents who act surprised that there is a problem. Frankly, the GPS is useless because the screen flips out every seven minutes. You have to stop, remove the belt clip and take the battery off the back and reboot...then it happens all over again a few minutes later. The product becomes a real distraction instead of an enhancement to your outdoor activity...You wind up thinking how great it was when you had $20 radios that worked.
I spoke with three Garmin reps who denied they knew of any problem, one told me it was a complicated piece of equipment and occasional crashes were to be expected. Every seven minutes? Come on, Windows 95 was more stable than that. Finally, I got a guy on the phone who said, "Oh yeah, there's a problem with the 530's, you should avail yourself of the local return policy if you can. If not we can send you some more, but I can't make any promises." He explained that they are having an issue with the electric signal to the LCD and said they are trying to develop a firmware solution. Reading the other reviews, I'd guess they've been unsuccessfully working on one for more than a year now...and through multiple software releases. I am not holding my breath for working a firmware repair.
I've certainly bought products that had bugs and got better with firmware releases (Linksys routers for instance, Palm Treo's) but this is no $50 router, (or generally stable $400 phone) and frankly, I have to reset my router once every four months at most. This product is really bad, I wish it were better because the concept is great, but I would strongly urge anyone considering this purchase to keep your money and save yourself the headache.
Garmin Rino 530 disappointment.......2007-02-05
To build upon the reviews as listed below, I will expand on them to say that even with the lastest firmware the issues till exist and Garmin cannot get it fixed.
The hardware radio section is also pitiful and is out of deviation.
But probably the worst part of it all is that after five total sets sent to me from customer service as well as 5 sets returned for various firmware and hardware issues. Garmin cannot seem to get the quality control correct.
Worse than that is a set that was supposedly CHECKED by a service tech and listed in the report as OPERATIONAL withing spec. Out of the box was failing....that is terrible customer service and technical help.
I love the idea of the Garmin 530 and would buy two more in a second * IF * they correct all the known bugs and issues with the product. I do not belive they can and or will and Garmin appears to be in denial about this product.
Stay away from this item until you hear that they have taken the bull by the horns and corrected this product.
Great product.......2007-01-19
I own the Rhino 120 and was looking for a second unit. the 530 has everything anyone could ask for in a two way/gps. On a recent fishing trip in the Bahamas I was able to keep in contact with my family from 8 miles away!
Juat great
Average customer rating:
- Useful Handheld GPS
- Great piece of equipment
- GARMIN GPS REVIEW BY GENE GUTHAN
- JMP
- Good no frills GPS
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Garmin GPS 72 Handheld GPS Navigator
Manufacturer: Garmin
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Product Features:
- 12-channel handheld land/marine GPS receiver
- WAAS-enabled for 3-meter accuracy
- 1 MB built-in memory for points of interest storage (not map compatible)
- 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 50 reversible routes
- Floatable, waterproof to 1 meter; built-in celestial time tables for best time to fish
ASIN: B00006J6SA |
Product Description
The GPS 72 is a low-cost solution for land or marine navigation designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The GPS 72 can provide position accuracy to less than three meters when receiving WAAS corrections. This rugged, waterproof, unsinkable GPS receiver offers a large, 4-level grayscale screen. It's designed as the next generation in basic, entry-level Garmin GPS.
Amazon.com Product Description
The Garmin GPS 72 is a solid, low-cost solution for land or marine navigation designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). This handheld GPS unit can provide position accuracy to less than three meters, while being rugged, water-resistant, and unsinkable--making it perfect for fishing outings, whether you are boating or hiking.
Compass page. View larger. |
Map page. View larger. |
Displays points of interest. View larger. |
The GPS 72 packs GPS navigation into a waterproof, unsinkable device. View larger.
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The GPS 72 is a full-function GPS with a factory-loaded Marine Point Database that contains data for cities with a population of 200,000 or more worldwide, nautical navaids for North and South America, and tide stations for the United States. Using MapSource and the built-in 1 MB of internal memory, you can load and display a variety of points of interest. This unit features a permanent user data storage, 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbols that allow up to 50 reversible routes, and audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity to waypoint, and clock functions.
The GPS 72 also features course and speed filtering, an automatic track log with up to 10 savable tracks that let you retrace your path in both directions, and a trip computer that provides odometer, stopped time, moving and overall averages, total time, max speed, and more. And just to make sure your fishing trip is as successful as possible, the GPS 72 includes built-in celestial tables that tell you the best times for fishing in your area, as well as showing you sun and moon location calculations.
The GPS 72 is a 12-channel, handheld GPS receiver with a built-in quad helix antenna. It has nine keys located on the front of the unit that allow the user to quickly access all of the unit's functions. The large 120 x 160 pixel, high-contrast FSTN, four-level gray monochrome backlit display and a large-numbers viewing option make it easy to view under variable lighting conditions. Powered by only two AA batteries, this unit will run for up to 16 hours.
Designed with the outdoor user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 7.5 ounces and measures a pocket-sized 2.7 x 1.2 x 6.2 inches (WxDxH). The GPS 72 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, floats, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. The included wrist strap, owner's manual, and quick reference guide, combined with Garmin's friendly user interface, will allow you to navigate in no time. And beyond the features and functionality, the GPS 72 provides that most critical of benefits--peace of mind. With the GPS 72 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do--explore the outdoors.
What's in the Box
GPS 60 receiver, Worldwide City Point database, PC/USB interface cable, wrist strap, belt clip with button, quick start guide, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Useful Handheld GPS.......2007-08-23
The gps offers an simple interface and features for the price. Somewhat difficult to cache points and replay the cache.
Great piece of equipment.......2007-08-23
I purchased this GPS to use in the field on paleontological digs. I have found it to be easy to use and accurate. The size is appropriate both for visibility and for ease of carrying.
GARMIN GPS REVIEW BY GENE GUTHAN.......2007-07-27
This is the third gps I have owned since 1990, the first cost north of 700 dollars. It was great but nothing compared to this new Garmin 72.
The model 72 is not for someone who wants to navigate thru cities. It is primarialy for basic navigation using entered waypoints. I live on a large stump filled lake and navigation must be precise. I plot my routes to navigate thru the stumps and trees.It's cheap and very reliable. I would highly recommend it to fisherman especially.
Gene Guthan
JMP.......2007-07-25
SEEMS LIKE A GOOD VALUE WILL SEE AS I USE FOR BOATING.
DELIVERY ON TIME AND PRICE WAS FAIR IF I HAD TO DO OVER WOULD HAVE SPENT A LITTLE MORE AND PURCHASED THE GPS WITH MAPPING EASIER TO MAKE SENSE OF PLOTTING.
Good no frills GPS.......2007-05-09
I am very happy with this GPS for my needs. Keep in mind it has no maps and no provision for an external antenna. I needed a high quality GPS to use while sailboat racing, and this unit has performed flawlessly.
Average customer rating:
- Garmin 76 Handheld GPS
- Perfect Starter GPS and more (GPSMAP76)
- Excellent bang for the buck
- needs more detail
- Great product
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Garmin GPSMap 76 Handheld GPS Navigator
Manufacturer: Garmin
ProductGroup: CE
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Product Features:
- WAAS enabled Global positioning system (GPS) receiver continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites
- Preloaded maps of rivers, lakes, worldwide cities, navaids, and tide data
- Trip computer with current/average speed, timer, and trip distance
- Programmable alarms and tables; 500 waypoints
- 8 MB memory for downloading data from optional Garmin MapSource CD-ROMs
ASIN: B00005B4BJ |
Product Description
The GPSMAP 76 is designed to provide precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System. This unit features a built-in quad helix antenna for superior reception and can provide position accuracy to less than three meters when receiving WAAS corrections.The GPSMAP 76 has an internal memory capacity of eight megabytes. In addition, it comes with a built-in basemap of cities, coastlines, lakes, rivers, interstates, and interstate exit information and a database of nautical navaids.This unit has eight megabytes of internal user memory for storing optional MapSource - detailed maps, including marine cartography. This memory is preloaded from the factory with worldwide cities (populations greater than 200, 000) and nautical navigation aids such as lights, buoys, sound signals and day beacons. The GPSMAP 76 is also preloaded with tide data for the United States.An extra-large display measuring 1.6"W x 2.2"H gives users a clear view of information, while a waterproof case means the GPSMAP 76 will keep working well even if it has been submerged in water. Even more amazing, this unit will actually float if accidentally dropped in the water.
Amazon.com Review
The key to success in life is knowing where you are, where you've been, and where you're going. Garmin's full-featured GPSMAP 76 puts all of that information in the palm of your hand, mapping your movements off-road or on--and even afloat. Plus, its extensive features, PC connectivity, and extensive add-on map options make it powerful enough for practically any need.
About the size of a small paperback book and weighing less than 8 ounces, the GPSMAP 76 fits comfortable in the palm of your hand, but is a bit big to carry in a shirt pocket. Using the unit requires almost no setup. Just put in two AA batteries, turn it on, go outside, and wait. In about a minute or so it will determine your location. It's accurate to about three meters, thanks to the unit's support of WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), which augments GPS signals for even greater accuracy.
Knowing your longitude, latitude, and altitude doesn't mean much without a little context. That's where GPSMAP 76's backlit LCD display comes in, displaying your location on detailed maps. The unit comes with a built-in basemap that includes major roads, railroads, rivers, and lakes for the U.S. and Canada, as well as a high-level worldwide map. The unit also has 8 MB memory for storing maps from optional CD-ROMS; available maps include topographical maps, BlueChart marine cartography maps, as well as city maps with detailed information on city streets and points of interest.
The eight buttons, directional rocker thumbpad, and menu-based interface made it simple to access all of the unit's features and customize the display. For instance, it's a simple matter to use the buttons to set and name waypoints and build planned routes. Extra features include information on tides, sunrise and sunset, and a trip computer for seeing how far you've traveled and your average speed.
To test the GPSMAP 76, we used the included serial cable, connected it to our PC, and loaded it up with topographical maps using the optional United States topographical map disc. We then hit the road and headed for Muir Beach north of San Francisco. It tracked our progress along Highway 1, and once we reached our destination, we found it very simple to use. It showed both the elevation of the hills as well as the paths we could take. The zoom-in and zoom-out function made it simple to plan out and automatically measure the distance of our intended route.
After walking for a while and enjoying the scenery, we used the TracBack mode to guide us back to our car. The unit automatically stores waypoints as you walk along, letting you display the way home clearly on the map. We even used the TracBack capability to guide us on the roads back to the freeway.
The GPSMAP 76 comes in handy almost anywhere, whether you're hiking, driving, boating, or wandering around a city as a tourist. Its easy-to-use interface makes it immediately useful to novices, and as you learn to exploit its programmability and features, it can become an extremely powerful navigation tool. --Ken Feinstein
Pros:
- Large backlit LCD
- WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) support
- Automatic TracBack shows you the way back to your start location
- PC connectivity with wide variety of uploadable maps available
Cons:
- 8 MB built-in memory can't be expanded
- Too large to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket
Amazon.com Product Description
About the size of a small, flat calculator, the Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a 12-parallel-channel, WAAS-enabled global positioning system GPS receiver that will go anywhere. Even with its compact style, this GPS unit boasts an extra-large display for showing more map data and the same power you've come to expect from Garmin handhelds--even while operating for up to 16 hours on two AA batteries.
The GPSMAP 76 features 500 waypoints (10 nearest, 10 proximity), 50 reversible routes with up to 50 points each, an automatic track log, and alarms for anchor drag, approach and arrival, off course, proximity waypoint, shallow water, and deep water.
The GPSMAP 76 is also compatible with Garmin's line of downloadable MapSource CD-ROMs and will store 8 MB of downloaded map detail. Always know just where you're going with preloaded maps of rivers, lakes, worldwide cities, navaids, and tide data. With a detailed base map database, users also have the ability to look up address and telephone number information for nearby services and points of interest as well as find map detail for cities, highways, and interstates.
Designed with all types of users in mind, this unit will take you from the car to the hiking trail and beach without missing a beat. This quality Garmin product comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Customer Reviews:
Garmin 76 Handheld GPS.......2007-07-05
My husband says the GPS works great, and it will serve his purposes. He likes to fish, hunt and ride horseback on trails. I tried to consider other people's reviews to get the best price on a model that would meet his needs.
Perfect Starter GPS and more (GPSMAP76).......2007-01-18
I had previously used GPS units, but never knew the intricacies of one until purchasing the GPSMAP76. The base maps that are preloaded on this unit are awsome. It is extremely user friendly. If you are technologically in the dark and are scared about newer electronics such as this, this unit is perfect. The manuals walk you through everything.
I have had a blast planning trips, geocaching (google it), and I can't wait to get on the water with it. I put it to the test when I was in some beautiful back country in the northern portion of lower Michigan. I googled some coordinates of where I wanted to go, and connected the dots on some really awsome 4x4 trails. The accuracy was incredible.
The only downside I can think of is the lack of expandable memory. However, I can't see the need for any additional software. Like I said, the basemaps are full of detail. I can find a McDonalds that is 20 miles up the road off an interstate exit! Also, it is a little bigger than the eTrex series, but that's because it's a "mapping" unit. It still fits easily into my Columbia jacket pocket.
The GPSMAP 76S would have been nice, but I was trying to be very price conscientious. Overall, I'm stunned and I love it.
Excellent bang for the buck.......2006-10-30
The Garmin GPSMap 76 is a nicely thought out and solidly built device that works great if you're willing to learn how to use it. It has super-sharp graphics, a fair amount of detail, good satellite reception and accuracy, and nice additional features like tidal and sun rise/set information. Oh, and it's waterproof and it floats. I've had mine a few months and have gotten good use out of it while driving around northern California and city hiking in San Francisco, and i'm just starting to look at geocaching.
This should be obvious to most people but, for the price of this unit, you are not going to get a GPS that puts your seat belt on and gives you turn-by-turn directions in your choice of voices. You have to be a bit of a gadget-head (or, at least, not a gadget-phobe) to figure out how to use all of the 76's features like navigation or the surprisingly detailed trip computer. The menu-driven UI is rather terse and doesn't have built-in documentation. Luckily, the GPSMap 76 allows you to work in simulator mode so you can put it through all of its paces from your living room.
The 8Mb RAM does seem light, but GPS Mapquest format must be very efficient in storing data, because that actually works fine for most localized uses. If you travel around a lot and want to keep two or more locations memory-resident, you might begin to feel the pinch. As others have mentioned, some of the stored topo and location data is rather high-level and you can spend ~$90 for a CD set that will provide more detail. That seems to me to be a reasonable price-performance investment.
The only thing i've found in this unit that i would consider a bug is that the user has to tell it what time zone to use. I would think that it would figure that out based on its location. Minor detail, though. One other thing -- the 76 doesn't come with a carrying case so you're out a little more money buying a pouch for it. Great deal for the money though, and a solid product overall.
needs more detail.......2006-08-20
You will need to buy Map-source maps ($100+) to make this thing worth the purchase. I needed GPS for boating but the base maps are rudimentary, ie; no inlets, rivers, shoreline detail or lakes. It is although very accurate and easy to use, nice big screen and good reception. If you need GPS now this unit is an excellent value. I payed $199 a month ago and now its $169 but that's my problem.
Great product.......2006-03-15
My husband and father both have this unit. It's really handy to have on road trips and to use while Geocaching. From our experience, it does take a while to download map information onto the unit, and a color screen would be nice, but for $200, I think it's a good value.
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