Hand Held GPS

[xolo_flight]

In the market for a versitile handheld GPS unit. Any recommendations on software, menu system, manufacturer?

[West Coaster]

You looking for an aviation specific one?

 

I have a Garmin GPSmap 76 unit that works great. It's not aviation specific but still works fine in the air none the less for waypoints and the like. On the ground it rocks! Can buy additional software to download almost every single road in either Canada or the USA, as well as hotels, restaurants, attractions and all that stuff.

[xolo_flight]

You looking for an aviation specific one?

 

I have a Garmin GPSmap 76 unit that works great. It's not aviation specific but still works fine in the air none the less for waypoints and the like. On the ground it rocks! Can buy additional software to download almost every single road in either Canada or the USA, as well as hotels, restaurants, attractions and all that stuff.

 

 

Doesnt have to be an "aviation" edition, but it should have enough features and easy navigation for a student pilot to use in flight. A multipurpose one like yours sounds cool. When you use it on the ground is there a voice command to tell you where to go and turn?

 

thnx for your input

[Gerhardt]

I've used a Garmin GPS Pilot III for a few years. Inexpensive and does what it's supposed to do in an exemplary manner and best of all even a clod like me learned to use it with very little effort.

[Goldy]

I've used a Garmin GPS Pilot III for a few years. Inexpensive and does what it's supposed to do in an exemplary manner and best of all even a clod like me learned to use it with very little effort.

 

 

Garmin 96CS here- its the color version and has a built in barometer/altimeter..works great. I think you can get one with the Jeppeson database installed as well

[Witch]

I have a Magellan Sportrak color. It's pretty basic but gets me to within 30 feet of any Geocaching coordinate. I think I'll try it in the bird tomorrow and see how it tracks.

 

Later.

[cctk2]

Mine is a Garmin 60CS which has since been upgraded (naturally)... color screen with US TOPO added...

Im happy with it.

[67november]

here a link to the Garmin Aviation devices

 

http://www.garmin.com/aviation/products.html#portable

[Brianmech72]

I have a 60csx (x meaning removeable data card). I love the thing. Only probalem is with the Mapsource Metroguide software the autorouting (only useful on the ground of course) is terrible. It only works on the basemap. I was sitting in my driveway and it told me I had 4.5 miles to go and to head back to I-95. I am told I can fix this by buying CitySelect (for something like $80) that is compatible with the autorouting. But I haven't decided to plop the money on it yet.

 

here a link to the Garmin Aviation devices

 

http://www.garmin.com/aviation/products.html#portable

[67november]

I am told I can fix this by buying CitySelect (for something like $80) that is compatible with the autorouting. But I haven't decided to plop the money on it yet.

 

 

nothing in aviation is cheap, except an owner or 2

[Brianmech72]

nothing in aviation is cheap, except an owner or 2

 

For what I paid for the 60csx it should have come with it. But oh well. Great unit otherwise.

[xolo_flight]

Hmmm I am leaning towards the Garmin 96C. I see that it has a much smaller screen size then past editions, but its less bulkier and persumably better on battery life. I'll get it with Jeppsen DATA, for now and buy the land and marine Mapsources in due time.

 

thnx for everyones input

[svtcobra66]

I just got a Lowrance Airmap 600C, i'll post once i get some time to use it.

[Gomer Pylot]

There are lots of choices. I have a Garmin Legend, the monochrome model, that does just fine. I connect it to my Palm, which runs Mapopolis, and get automatic routing to any address, with voice directions, in full color. Mapopolis NavCard is $150, including a 1GB SD card, or there are other choices. It also works on PocketPC, if you lean to the dark side.

[bell206b]

Lowrance 2000 - need I say more.

 

check the "www.pilotshoppe.com" or call 623 035 6520 for info. Got mine there. Ask for Tom

[justfly]

Hmmm I am leaning towards the Garmin 96C. ...

I have it, and am very pleased with it. I don't think you can overestimate the usefulness of the aviation databases and aviation-specific features. You can arrange velcro to mount it on your kneeboard or thigh for close-at-hand, but out-of-the-way access. I found a nearly new one on e-bay for le$$... which pleased me even more!

 

Doesnt have to be an "aviation" edition, but it should have enough features and easy navigation for a student pilot to use in flight...

That being said I don't think a student pilot should use one! Better to learn the old fashioned way first. When you know all the inherent pitfalls of GPS you'll know why. If you feel you MUST take it along on student x-countries as a "safety valve" leave it off, or better, seal it in an envelope with your instructor's initials so that if you resort to it you (both) have a clear indicator that a little further training is necessary.

[Brianmech72]

Does anyone know if someone makes software for aviation maps for such as the Garmin 60csx? At this point more for using for myself on the ground but possibly later in the air.

[birddog06]

Garmin 96C. Color, obstacles, marine/auto capable. Fairly cheap. Fast. Works well.

 

I have one.

 

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap96c/

[Gomer Pylot]

All the GPS manufacturers use proprietary maps, and no other maps will work in any GPS I know of. It's possible to make your own maps, but it requires extensive knowledge, and the results still won't be that good. If you want an aviation mapping GPS, you have to buy one. The 60 won't do it.

[Brianmech72]

All the GPS manufacturers use proprietary maps, and no other maps will work in any GPS I know of. It's possible to make your own maps, but it requires extensive knowledge, and the results still won't be that good. If you want an aviation mapping GPS, you have to buy one. The 60 won't do it.

 

That's what I figured. I probably wouldn't want to pay the price for another map program anyway.

[xolo_flight]

Does anyone know if someone makes software for aviation maps for such as the Garmin 60csx? At this point more for using for myself on the ground but possibly later in the air.

 

If you have a pda, theres a few 3rd party software programs out there that have maps in conjunction with a bluetooth gps receiver

[justfly]

If you have a pda, theres a few 3rd party software programs out there that have maps in conjunction with a bluetooth gps receiver

I have had what is probably the premium example of this, Anywhere Map, since their inception, and it remains less than ideal, especially in the helicopter. The level of necessary manipulation/complexity is managable in a fixed-wing, not so much so in our aircraft that demand more constant attention. I MUCH prefer the Garmin 96C. YMMV.

 

You might like their NavBoard as a place to put your GPS though?

[Gomer Pylot]

You can, however, get the US airport database, and put at least parts of it into the 60 through your PC, and have it show that. The US makes all airports, navaids, intersections, etc available to the public free of charge, and you can put them into your GPS as waypoints, viewable on the basemap. You certainly won't have room for all of them, but you can get enough for your local area. My Legend holds 1000 waypoints, and they show up on the map very well. I don't often use it for flying, because we have IFR units installed in the aircraft, but it works, and I have used it flying offshore, with the platforms showing up on the (blank) map.

[cctk2]

That's what I figured. I probably wouldn't want to pay the price for another map program anyway.

 

 

Garrmins 'Map Source' (topo software) is about all Ive found that is able to download onto the 60CS. Im ok with it, though its thick with marine navaid detail that I wish I could toggle OFF while zoomed in close. Im in SE Alaska, and as you might imagine, theres a LOT of marine navigation. Im relatively happy with it for enroute nav, but ops in a finite area shows too much info on the screen that obliterates other stuff I want to see.

 

When youre shopping around for software, BE CAREFUL... most will NOT download onto GPS units. I also have USGS (Alaska) Topos on disc, but thats for the laptop, windowing, printing, etc.... will not go to the GPS.

 

Chip

[Hawkdriver]

IF you have a garmin you can also use POI's.

 

They have a free POI loader on thier website. From there you can do a search for Aviation Navaid POI's in .CVS format and at a minimum it will load those in for you.