Gps ?

[joens]

I am planning to buy a GPS handheld unit for use in spearfishing .I may even use it on land but I dont know .What units do you'all use .What features should I make sure to get.
Joens

[richhermes]

Garmin. It all depends on what you want to spend. You can get a garmin as cheap as $100 or you could go nuts and spend over a grand on a handheld.

One the low-end i would recommend the Garmin Etrex. One the high end, I would recommend the Garmin GPSMAP 76S.

[kitefisherman]

I have a Garmin etrex Legend handheld GPS. The GPS is waterproof and has memory into which you can download navigation maps from the garmin Bluechart CD. I also use the Garmin MapSource program that comes with the CD on my computer.

Once I got the system up and running, I loved the MapSource program, and the ability to transfer waypoints back and forth between the GPS and the computer. It's nice to be able to go on the computer and see your waypoints on a full screen nautical map, consider distances and headings, and print out portions of the map. It's also nice to enter numbers into the GPS using a keyboard and a mouse rather than having to do it using the buttons on the GPS.

The only complaints that I have are that the manuals that come with the GPS and the MapSource CD could be a lot clearer and complete. I found them so frustrating at times that it is now my standard proceedure to just call Garmin technical support when I have a question. The quality of technical support varies from fair to outstanding. I got lucky one time and got a guy who gave me a tour of my MapSource program over the telephone. Eveything was easier after that and the program seems like second nature now. The only other problem I had was that I got a bad computer-GPS data transfer cord. After diagnosing the problem, a rather cranky Garmin tech sent me a new one at no charge. I'm sure that this whole process would have gone smoother if this had not been my first GPS so you may not find it so bad.

Overall, I'm very happy with my Garmin. The only thing that it doesn't do is float like the Magellan handhelds. Hope this helps.

[joens]

I was thinking the Garmin 72 . Mainly because I have a gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops for $150 and the Garmin 72 was the closest to that price .but I dont mind paying more if it is worth it.
Joens

[WreckDiver]

joens check the member items there is a nice handheld chartplotter, already has streets and navigational aids built in, expand with navionics card. http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2751

[fernandezh]

Guys, this is the way to go. . .
I use the AN/ARN-139 PLGR it is housed to protect its components against an EMP pulse in the event of those unexpected nuclear explosions and receives an encrypted signal that is impervious to broad and narrow spectrum jamming devices that commercial netters use as well as the North Korean Military. Of course you can plot in waypoints to your favorite fishing spots. Furthermore, it boasts an accuracy of +/- 1 meter anywhere in the world. More features than any other GPS on the market. Only $7,500 :D

Hector

[gumshoe]

Hector wins for having the coolest toys, hands down.

[KJNDIVER]

Hector,

That $7500 is what the govt. pays for them. How much would I have to pay, if say that one should happen to fall out of your gear bag while out on training or something?

Never know when I might need to protect my electronics from an unexpected nuclear blast.

Hell, I guess Im paying $7500 if the govt buys it, ya know, all that tax dollars crap.

[fernandezh]

Originally posted by KJNDIVER
Hector,

That $7500 is what the govt. pays for them. How much would I have to pay, if say that one should happen to fall out of your gear bag while out on training or something?

Never know when I might need to protect my electronics from an unexpected nuclear blast.

Hell, I guess Im paying $7500 if the govt buys it, ya know, all that tax dollars crap.

You know, if I am going to risk becoming somebody's girlfriend at Ft. Leavenworth it is going to be for more than $7500. :D I am sure there are governments out there who would like the technology and would be willing to pay at least $50,000 for one. :D The technology has already been incorporated into guidance systems for cruise missiles. The military reserves the right to shut down the GPS sattelites or encrypt the signals worldwide to prevent the possible misuse by enemy forces (i.e. longliners and North Koreans) :D

[IyaDiver]

Chief Hector,

Is there a used unit like that u showed...... he he he. I know the US military and NATO get the special frequency from the GPS sats and of better accuracy that the "free" civilian frequency.

I don't need the nuclear proof unit. I just want the better accuracy it is offering....:D Did you say someone drop it somewhere ??;)

[maddog]

Garmin gets my vote, keep pushing buttons long enough ya won:t even need the manuel. Spend the buck to get GPS76 WITH
MAP capability! My 76 don"t have map. You"l need that cupon +1C note good hunting

[bgbill]

I have a Garmin GPS76 Map and it is a very good unit, the problem with all handheld GPS units is the screen is so small.

[SpearDiverTampa]

I have the plane old Etrex, and it has never failed to get the job done. If you are doing alot of intracostal night traveling, or are using it for something rather than boating also, go with the map. But for dedicated offshore spotfinding, I have never had a need for a map. The models without a map still show your spots in relation to each other, which is all that you would be seeing with a map model offshore anyway.
-Chris