Thread: GPS?

I just use the Backcountry Navigator app on my phone - uses LINZ Topo50 as background maps.

The GPS in my phone isn't as sensitive as a dedicated one though, sometimes struggles to get a lock under thick trees in a valley. And battery life isn't as good either. But generally does the job.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

I just use the Backcountry Navigator app on my phone - uses LINZ Topo50 as background maps.

The GPS in my phone isn't as sensitive as a dedicated one though, sometimes struggles to get a lock under thick trees in a valley. And battery life isn't as good either. But generally does the job.

Where do you hunt? I can't get cell reception 90% of the time when I hunt so need a GPS

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Originally Posted by phillipgr

Where do you hunt? I can't get cell reception 90% of the time when I hunt so need a GPS

Like VC said, phone with GPS in it - doesn't need cell cover. I use airplane mode when out of cover so it doesn't drain the battery searching for signal all the time.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

Like VC said, phone with GPS in it - doesn't need cell cover. I use airplane mode when out of cover so it doesn't drain the battery searching for signal all the time.

Didnt think of that thanks Benny! I use my phone and it keeps me out of trouble.. i keep a map in my pack that i print of topo maps for reference to save batery once i've got my current location!.. Sorry, Thread hi-jack!

I had a etrex 10 but they dont take maps.
I bought the 20 mainly because it had a much longer battry life than other hand helds in my price range.
You can alter the amount of detail too the point it can be far too cluttered in most cases.
Ive never had issues geting a fix even in ghe kaimais.
The trip computer is fantastic in the little boat ,the maps too when exploring rivers.
It works fine in the landcruiser sitting on tge dash.
My flash galaxy 3 will show my position on google earth in the middle of the bush , but gps eats data $$$ eats battrys FAST and its not water proof and 3 times the price of an etrex20
And take a compass and spare battrys .
I like my stock compass holder thingy ,its mint.

Originally Posted by mohawk

...but gps eats data $$$ eats battrys FAST and its not water proof and 3 times the price of an etrex20

GPS doesn't use your data, its just receiving a signal thats being broadcast regardless (unless the US govt decides to turn it off). If it needed data it wouldn't work without signal. Google maps chews data though!

My battery will last about a day with it using GPS the whole time, but usually I just flick it on for a sporadic fix. Plus mine is waterproof, and seeing as I had it for a phone already the $10 for the app was much less than an etrex.

Agreed that you wouldn't buy a smartphone just to use it for GPS though!

Originally Posted by GravelBen

GPS doesn't use your data, its just receiving a signal thats being broadcast regardless (unless the US govt decides to turn it off). If it needed data it wouldn't work without signal. Google maps chews data though!

My battery will last about a day with it using GPS the whole time, but usually I just flick it on for a sporadic fix. Plus mine is waterproof, and seeing as I had it for a phone already the $10 for the app was much less than an etrex.

Agreed that you wouldn't buy a smartphone just to use it for GPS though!

I think we agree , I could have worded it better. Either way any gps will do better than a phone in the long run.

Originally Posted by mohawk

I had a etrex 10 but they dont take maps.
I bought the 20 mainly because it had a much longer battry life than other hand helds in my price range.
You can alter the amount of detail too the point it can be far too cluttered in most cases.
Ive never had issues geting a fix even in ghe kaimais.
The trip computer is fantastic in the little boat ,the maps too when exploring rivers.
It works fine in the landcruiser sitting on tge dash.
My flash galaxy 3 will show my position on google earth in the middle of the bush , but gps eats data $$$ eats battrys FAST and its not water proof and 3 times the price of an etrex20
And take a compass and spare battrys .
I like my stock compass holder thingy ,its mint.Attachment 14975

Thanks, I'm looking at a 20 as well and that's the sorta info I was looking for, Cheer's.