handheld GPS recommendations

[chiroeye]

I have looked through some old posts and didnt really find what I was looking for. I am looking to buy a GPS that is reliable, has accuracy within 5-10ft, and is easily carried in my pocket or tacklebag. Right now I have a Garmin geko and I am not happy with it. I am thinking of going to a Lowrance, as that is what we have in our boat, but want the opinion of others. I will be using it to mark fishing spots, both open water and ice fishing. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[bkft]

I have a Lowrance I-Finder H20 and I love it. Works great and is supposedly waterproof and floats (don't really plan on testing that one, but nice to know it should still work if I should drop it over the side!) Don't know if the locator in your boat accepts SD/MMC cards, but if it does, those cards will also work with the I-Finder. Anyway, that's my opinion. Good luck with your decision!

[leechlake]

I just switched to the unit mentioned above. I too have a lowrance in the boat and now I can use the same Lakemaster chips in my handheld. It also operates exactly like the unit in my boat so I already knew how to use it, I got the hunt addition which has a digital compass, I don't know if that's necessary but its the only unit the retailer had at the time i wanted to buy.

[korn_fish]

chiroeye -

It might help to know what you don't like about the Gecko.

One comment I will make about accuracy, is that get one that is WAAS enabled. Which the Gecko already is. YOu have to keep in mind that the Government regulates how accurate the satelites information is (selective availability). You need to get seperate software and priveledges to get a "de-coder" of sorts. Those are big $$.

Also remember regarding the selective availability, that you should add on 30 feet to whatever units accuracy range is.

You can turn your WAAS on or off, and if it is off, you might see things a little less accurate. Using the WAAS eats more power which is why you can turn it on or off.

I have played with Garmin 12, magellan Sport Track, and now my newest toy, a Garmin GPSMAP 76cs. I have seen accuracy fluctuate on all three units. (tested during ice fishing driving to a known spot ...my ice house and sometimes would take me to the front door and sometimes off to the side 15-20 feet) But all within reason.

[Guest]

Also have a I_finder h20 and really like it. its a good unit and pretty easy to learn.As they stated above this unit will use the mmc cards.IMO

[Justfishing]

The Ifinder h20 is waterprof but does not float. The plain Ifinders are not waterproof and sink too.

If you are using it for fishing and want maps then I would suggest looking for the maps that fit your needs and getting a gps that works with those maps.

I like the idea of a GPS that floats and is waterproof. Heard of one guy that had his fall out of his pocket and could just watch as it sunk in deep water. Then there is this thread

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB9&Number=528949&fpart=1&PHPSESSID=

[PierBridge]

Quote:

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chiroeye -

One comment I will make about accuracy, is that get one that is WAAS enabled. Which the Gecko already is. YOu have to keep in mind that the Government regulates how accurate the satelites information is (selective availability).

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Selective availability is no longer used, I beleive the Clinton adminstation turned this off.

[bkft]

JustFishing, The H20 manual says with some brands of lithium batteries, it will float. Lowrance says they tested the unit with Energizer e2 lithium batteries and it floated. Since those are the batteries I use in the unit, maybe I'll run some tests in the sink tonight! I'll let you know what I find out.

[korn_fish]

correct about the Clinton administration turning off Selective availability, but I was told that it was turned back on after Sept. 11th.

However, even without selective availability, other factors come into play.:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are developing the WAAS program for use in precision flight approaches. Currently, GPS alone does not meet the FAA's navigation requirements for accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS corrects for GPS signal errors caused by ionospheric disturbances, timing, and satellite orbit errors, and it provides vital integrity information regarding the health of each GPS satellite.

How it Works

WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Now, also consider that you need to be in view of teh WAAS satelite. So even if you are in WAAS mode, you may not be receiving the corrections. Then the other factor is your antenna and also how many and which satelites are being used. 3 sat's compared to 6 sat's both provide 3D coordination, but the 6 Sat coverage is by far better. External antennas help get accuracy down as well, but difficult to do if you want it on a handheld

[Justfishing]

bkft

I would like to hear if it does. I have small kids and a small aluminum fishing boat. I figured some day it might end up in the drink so I like the idea that one would float.

I bought mine last summer. When shopping the Ifinder was my favorite but I bought a Sportrak Map. Local store had an ATV package that didnt sell marked down to $200. Then there was a $50 rebate. Came with the mapsend topo, 12v power cable, and mounting bracket. Havent tried to see if mine floats.

How many hours do you get on a set of lithium batteries?

[dockehr]

chiroeye, hopefully the other posts have convinced you that consistant 5' to 10' accuracy with ANY standard GPS unit, handheld or fixed is unattainable at this time. That fact should simplify your search. The Lowrance units, combined with mapping mmc cards, might be your best choice. You can zoom in to .02 of a mile (105.6 feet) which is quite handy when viewing details on a small screen. Good luck and good fishing.

dockehr

Dr. Roland E. Kehr, Jr.

Lindy Tackle

[chiroeye]

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I'll probably try and sell my Geko on hsolist or something and go with the H20, I am a big lowrance fan and read some more about it today and it looks like it will suit my needs perfectly, thanks for all the input guys, this is an awesome resource to have when making a decision regarding the outdoors.

[Chev_trucks501]

Just Fishing,

Yes, the Ifinder H20 floats with most lithium batteries in it. I tested it with a couple of different batteries in it. Good peace of mind if...well...you know.

Good Luck

Chev

[korn_fish]

Just out of curiosity, why do the batteries affect if it floats or not? Is the unit that nuetral of bouncy that the difference in battery weight makes a difference?

[Justfishing]

Chevy

Are the lithium batteries rechargable and how long do they last.