What GPS Units Do You Use?

Motoracer13 · Post by **Motoracer13** » 26 Feb 2007 15:38

I am looking at GPS's and was wondering what everybody use's. What do you like/dislike about the one that you own? Would you buy another one just like it? What about ease of use? Do you like the way it links with your PC? Do they make they in camo so no one will see it and they will think that Im just a human computer with a greaat sense of direction?

safiri · Post by **safiri** » 26 Feb 2007 21:29

First my general suggestions:
- color screen. You can tell a route from a road from a river.
- fixed, not movable, antenna. The movable ones tend to get caught on stuff, broken, etc.
- Buttons on top for motorcycling. Side buttons can't be seen and are hard to push when riding.

Size: You first need to figure out what you are going to be using it for. Large units are not appropriate for hiking, backpacking, motorcycle handlebars, etc. Where the size cutoff is, is personal.

Screen size: Smaller GPS units have smaller screens. Ain't no way around this one.

Expense: This is going to be mounted on a dirt bike and abused. How much money can you afford to lose when the bike lands on the GPS and ruins it

I have used and abused a Garmin GPSMap 60CS for two years. Troy bought one on my recommendation. I use mine for backpacking, canoeing (waterproof, although it doesn't float), motorcycling.

The new model is the 60CSx. BTW, the S is an option and cost $50that gives you a barometer and an electronic compass.

The x means that you can use MicroSD memory cards to expand the memory that stores maps.

Check out the routebuilding post as some GPS info was in there.

Post by **troy** » 26 Feb 2007 21:44

As Mike said, he and I use the Garmin GPSMap 60 series. I find it to be ideal. More of our detailed replies on this subject are in this thread:
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=96

Also see the GPS related info in these threads:
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... hlight=gps
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... hlight=gps

Caleb, you like that your bike is featured in one of the header images?

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 26 Feb 2007 21:51

I agree with everything Mike said. I own a 60CS and a 60CSx.

The CSx has much better reception therefore is more accurate, finds and locks onto satellites faster, redraws maps faster and uses micro SD cards for additional map storage and unlimited waypoints and tracks. However, the CS is a better value.

safiri · Post by **safiri** » 27 Feb 2007 06:26

ajayhawkfan wrote:I agree with everything Mike said. I own a 60CS and a 60CSx.

The CSx has much better reception therefore is more accurate, finds and locks onto satellites faster, redraws maps faster and uses micro SD cards for additional map storage and unlimited waypoints and tracks. However, the CS is a better value.

The CS was discontinued a year ago. I still suggest it, but doubt that you can find any NOS (new old stock) still available. Thus the CSx. Then again, finding a good one used could save $$.

Don't forget you will need to purchase a map set from Garmin. That opens a whole 'nother set of options. Figure $100.

Hank Moody · Post by **Hank Moody** » 27 Feb 2007 07:37

I have the low end GPS the Garmin V, but it still works. I would highly recommend the 60 CS/60 CSx. I took a quick look at touratech and they have both in stock.

http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/navig ... 71FB5188FE

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 27 Feb 2007 10:00

This morning I spoke to Darrel at TVNAV.COM. 1-800-625-3546 and he has 5 60CS' for sale at $275 each.

Darrel is located in Hays KS. He is active on the Adventure Cycle Motorcycle forum. His knowledge and customer service is incredible. He also has all the accessories you will need.

Post by **troy** » 27 Feb 2007 10:31

I can verify that $275, at least when I bought mine, is a VERY good deal. I bought mine like new but used on ebay and paid $270.00. Darrel at TVNAV.com sounds like a good source.

As has been mentioned previously, remember that the 60 series is basically useless without also purchasing a Garmin MapSource map product. (Unless all you want is navigation along major highways--the unit does come with major highways in it already.) Like safiri said, figure about $100 for you map product. Mike (safiri) and I use the US TOPO maps (3 CDROMS or 1 DVD). Other people use one of the other map products. Eddie, I'm sure, can speak more about the differences between the products. The TOPO maps of course include the topographic lines and information. They also claim to provide accurate shorelines and park information. For example, when I view lake, I can see where boat ramps are, etc. What the TOPO does not give you is all the city POI (Points of Interest) data. So with my TOPO data loaded, I can't tell you where the nearest Holiday Inn or McDonalds is.

You'll also need a mount. You can spend under $25 or over $200 for your mount system. Get what you want, but FYI I use the el-cheapo $30 mounting kit that is a plastic cradle and hardware to mount to handlebars and included a power cable for wiring to the battery. I am as happy as could be with this mount system. I've had zero problems with it and zero regrets.

Safiri (mike) helped me actually wire the unit as he has a system he uses that works really well and I wanted my system to be compatible with his connections as he and some other friends use the same system. Mike explains the system in this thread:
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=81

Another tip, and I assume this applies to any of the MapSource products, it is helpful to copy the product to your harddrive, then install from your harddrive (as opposed to installing directly from the CDROM or DVD like normal). This is helpful for a number of reasons. For one thing, if you travel with your laptop and GPS, you won't need to bring your discs along. If, like me, you own the TOPO maps on 3 CDROMS, it means you won't have to swap CD's in when you want to build a route that includes area from both the Eastern US and Western US CDs. Guess where that line is?! Right about Topeka, so us midwest riders face this issue frequently. When installed from the harddrive, MapSource simply gets the maps as it needs them without prompting you. Step-by-step instructions from a Garmin Tech Support person are included in this thread:
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=18

safiri · Post by **safiri** » 27 Feb 2007 12:40

Check out Daryl's link to touratech. A 60CSx is $389 and a 60Cx is $349.

If a 60CS is $275,
AND you aren't going to use the S functions (e-compass, barometer)
AND you are going to want to load more than one state of topo maps at once
then the 60Cx for $349 seems like a good upgrade

Post by **troy** » 27 Feb 2007 13:07

It's the classic issue that we programmers call "feature creep". "Yes, but for just $50 more we could have this and that!"

Truth is, if I ever want to do a big Baja ride or ride the Rockies from Mexico to Canada or ride the TAT, I'll be wishing I had the "x" -- that is, the 60Cx or 60CSx. The larger memory capacity, the better reception, and the faster screen refreshes are probably well worth it.

Regarding reception, as long as I'm outdoors or very near a window, I've almost never had any reception issues. During a 2 day Ozarks ride under heavy tree cover one time I lost reception, but got it back quickly. So I'd say the 60C and 60CS reception is very satisfactory. Regarding screen refresh speed: When thumb-scrolling around the map, the screen refreshes are a tad slow...so if those are faster on the "x", then that is worthwhile.

But...if the $75 or $100 difference keeps you from getting one, I guarantee you will be happy with the 60CS. I sure am.

I'll sell you my 1 year old 60CS for $250 so I can go get a 60CSx.

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 28 Feb 2007 23:08

troy wrote:I'll sell you my 1 year old 60CS for $250 so I can go get a 60CSx.

That would be a very good (great) deal if you would include downloading the TOPO maps to the purchasers computer. Topos are a $100 value.