Re: Crossovers



I've used a 76CS (similar to the 76CSx or 60CSx) for nearly two years now and find it to be a very nice compromise if you only use one GPS. I use it for running/walking/hiking, cycling and in my car. The top row of photos at:

http://arthurhass.fotopic.net/c901941.html

show the setups for auto and cycling with a Gilsson antenna with a four foot cable. I also velcro the antenna to a cap, or my cycling helmet (if not navigating). I now mount the antenna inside the car on a velcro strip in the center of the dash near the front of the windshield. It works perfectly. The display is a little small, but positioned as shown in the photos, it is pretty close to the driver. Once or twice (depending on speed) prior to a turn, it zooms in and shows great detail of upcoming intersections with a very distinct arrow showing the direction of travel including the turn.

The barometric altimeter is far superior to the GPS altimeter in my old GPS III+. And, it can be set to auto-calibrate or not - your choice. I find it very accurate if calibrated. If you don't know the altitude (or pressure) to calibrate, you can use the GPS altitude - usually about 25-50 feet high.

I would think that the 60CSx or 76CSx would meet your needs nicely. The only thing missing for auto navigation is the voice prompt, but these units beep and change display by zooming to the intersection when approaching a turn.

With the 60CSx, you may not need an external antenna.

Malcolm Hoar wrote:
I am looking for a GPS that can be used in the car (actually
two cars) and for occassional hikes.

I like what I've read about the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX but I
fear the lack of voice prompts combined with the small display
will make it less than wonderful for driving. If only it had
voice prompts... <sigh>.

I can't be alone here. But the only product I have found that
seems to be designed for this kind of usage appears to be the
Magellan CrossoverGPS. Again, based on the reviews I've read,
the implementation was *almost* successful but not quite.

Is anyone aware of another device I should be considering? Or
should I just wait and see of Magellan produce a second
generation crossover that is hopefully a little closer to perfect?

Some of my more important requirements:

* Automotive/pocket/hand held
* Waterproof and drop-proof
* SIRF-III and WAAS
* Provision for external antenna
* Street Maps (USA)
* Voice prompts
* Routing and re-routing
* Logging waypoints/routes
* Decent battery life
* USB

I just want a GPS; I don't need a poor cellphone, radio, MP3 player, camera, teevee, entertainment center, or coffee maker ;-)

.



Relevant Pages

  • Re: GPS Fish
    ... which comes with an antenna for the roof of your car. ... Its a little GPS module ... I'm catching fish and eliminating a lot of useless ...
    (rec.outdoors.fishing.bass)
  • Re: Accuracy of radio/GPS-like system?
    ... gps systems don't do orientation; ... >car units only maps reliably when the car is moving (I recently ... receiving antenna that mounted on the edge of a rotating platform. ... There's differential GPS which relies on a nearby low-power ...
    (rec.arts.sf.science)
  • Re: Garmin 396 Reception Problems - Latest Observations
    ... This is more likely to be true in the case where the GPS doesn't drop ... probably easier to move the GPS antenna further away, ... and outputs on the radio. ... the connector, and if this is something a mortal in your situation is ...
    (rec.aviation.owning)
  • =?windows-1252?Q?http=3A=2F=2Fwww=2Eelectronicsbestseller=2Ecom__Garmin_Edge_30?= =?windows-
    ... GPS: High-sensitivity SiRFstarIII receiver ... Antenna: Built-in patch GPS antenna ... Receiver: SiRFStarIII high sensitivity receiver ... Sensor: Wireless heart rate transmission ...
    (rec.aviation.owning)
  • Re: GM Exec Says Driving is Dead
    ... The day of riding in a car that drives itself down a Smart Highway is ... originally ran in the June 14, 2004 issue of FORTUNE. ... The necessary technology is already here. ... And the next-generation global positioning satellite (GPS) system is ...
    (rec.autos.driving)

Loading