Need to replace my H2Oc

[minndonn]

My H20c is dying and I need to replace it with something else. I have a lakemaster chip and would like to still use it. What options do I have.

[graf703]

I don't know how much has changed in the handheld GPS region.

I personally feel cell phones have passed them up. I have an evo from Sprint that has a huge touch screen. It picks satellites up in less than 5 seconds. The screen is hi def and the processor is super fast.

Using the navionics map ($10-$15) is super simple and super fast. The processor is dramatically faster than the h20c i have.

[schweady]

Garmin. Upper Midwest Fishing Guide chip.

[MN Mike]

My H20c is dying and I need to replace it with something else. I have a lakemaster chip and would like to still use it. What options do I have.

There isn't much you can do with that Lakemaster chip you have for your H2O unless you want to roll the dice and buy another used H2O and see if it lasts.

As Schweady said a Garmin with the UMWFG Chip is a very good upgrade, you'll get your Lakemaster data plus much more. You'll see big improvements over your H2O, Speed, Aquisition time of Satellites and Battery Life ( 18 - 25 hours are common on a set of batteries ) are just a few, you can even do Satellite imaging with a $30 per year subscription to Garmins Birdseye product, I've used it and it's very good.

If you have a smartphone, it's an option to get the Nav App but if you don't have a smartphone, there are more things to consider than just the costs of a Navionics App.

Mike

[Tom7227]

I still don't know if the cell phone thing works in remote areas. If they don't and you would want to go on a road trip out west then you may be left short.

I have a Garmin 78s and I love it. I've had it for at least 18 months. I have the software that allows a download for very detailed maps anyplace in the US, and a LakeMaster trip. Tough to beat IMO. Many states DNR websites have downloadable maps of their walk in areas, public hunting and fishing sites. That alone would be worth a lot if you go out of state at all.

[DTro]

You don't need a cell tower signal for a phone GPS to work.

It's an economical option for sure. Maybe not the most durable though...

[motley man]

I've heard the cell phones eat batteries when using GPS.

[newoodhntr]

Minndonn what are some of the signs that the H20c is dyeing. I would like to know so I can replace mine and save the way points.

[OnAFly]

The main one is when it starts taking longer and longer to acquire signal. Eventually, it never acquires. It still turns on and you can see the maps, but it doesn't tell you where you are.

[nofishfisherman]

I still don't know if the cell phone thing works in remote areas. If they don't and you would want to go on a road trip out west then you may be left short.

You don't need cell service for the GPS in your phone to work. It works off the same satelits that your handheld gps uses. So if your hand held GPS works then the GPS in your phone will work.

THe Navionics app has data for the entire country that you can download ahead of any trips. I'm not sure how detailed it is in all parts of the country since I haven't used it outside of MN.

The downsides to using your smartphone is that the GPS will eat up your battery faster than on a handheld GPS so you'll need to charge it at the end of the day or maybe even keep a charger in the truck or in the boat if possible. Also your phone probably isn't as durable. Although I have insurance on my phone so if I break it I can replace it for the cost of the deductible. That would be cheaper then buying a new handheld GPS if you break it somehow.

The upside to using your smartphone is that if you already have the phone its only an extra $10 to get the app. The money you save over buying a handheld GPS plus another map chip could easily cover insurance on the phone plus any deductibles you'd need to pay if you broke your phone.

If you don't have a smartphone it may be a good time to look into the upgrade. If you are near the end of your contract or qualified for a free phone upgrade you can probably get a smartphone for less than the cost of a GPS. YOu just need to consider the data service expense and whether you'll use all of its capabilities enough to justify the monthly costs.

[bobbymalone]

Minndonn what are some of the signs that the H20c is dyeing. I would like to know so I can replace mine and save the way points.

read one of the other 3000 threads about these things.

You're H20c was dying as soon as you opened the packaging.

I would start backing up my waypoints a week ago.

[minndonn]

It is taking a long time to acquire if at all. It may work on a clear day a little faster. Also the external power doesn't work very good, keeps saying it is disconnected. I have the navionics program which works pretty well. My problem was we were coming of LOW during the white out and the h20 wouldn't lock in and the power cord would not state connected. Because of this the screen would go dark. I had the same problem with the cell phone, in the vehicle holder the power cord would disconnect which would cause the screen to go dark and lock. Made it impossible to follow the tracks on the phone. Thats why I am interested in a new gps. I need good vehicle mount and power connection so it will stay on and bright when moving.

[schweady]

read one of the other 3000 threads about these things.

You're H20c was dying as soon as you opened the packaging.

I would start backing up my waypoints a week ago.

true that

Even at the end, my unit (an ExpeditionC, basically the same thing) worked well enough to back up my waypoints and trails to a card. The darn thing just could not tell you where I was at the moment (such a small detail...) It would work fine for around 1/2 hour and then 'Position Lost' for pretty much the rest of the day. I limped by with it for a year and a half, trying all of the resets and other suggested voodoo before getting smart and going Garmin.

Hey! Post 1,000!

[schweady]

minndon:

The power cord and connection to these units is another weak link. Some bad cords, some bad pins, some with a loose fit. It all seemed so perfect 5 years ago... Garmin's cord connectionss are all USB; quite solid. And whatever mount system you wind up with, make sure it's a RAM mount.

[newoodhntr]

OnAFly Thanks for the info,mine is doing ok yet then.