Anyone tried a Garmin GPS72?

[macca]

I recently replaced my trusty GPS 12 with a GPS 72, which is supposedly the modern equivalent of the GPS 12.

Somewhat disappointing so far. Uses many more keystrokes to do a simple "GOTO", "track" seems to jump around a lot, and there doesn't seem to be a "distance" function which gives a distance and bearing between 2 waypoints. In short, it doesn't seem to be designed for use on a sailboat. The saving grace is that it is supposed to float - but then again that might prevent giving it a decent burial.

Has anyone tried a GPS72 and figured out a way around these shortcomings? Or alternatively any recommendations for a currently available handheld GPS which retains the robust simplicity of the GPS 12?

 

[trouville]

I got the 72 to start with, it dose have a rolling road disrence to go,and all the light houses pre progranmed. To start with i just wanted a gps,then i bought an automelm and wanted to conect the two.

So i took mine out of its box,found the mounting bracket might be ok for a car or MOBO but not a bulkhead,Then i looked at the disply, to small not really clear.Went back to the shop (compass) asked for a data cable £30!!!! So i gave mine back!

I had the 120 befor and the 126 which is now discontinued can be bought is some shops for £140 which is the same price as the 72 with data cable

In the end ive decided to go for the 152 From www.jgtech.com you can get an idea of the prices

I agree with everthing you say about the 72. and as a back up if you need one i would get an e-trex(but cant aford to)

One other thing to remember,the 72 is also a discontinued modle, However all the new gpss are colour and with maps which cost a fortune and out side of car use are just an expensive toys or at best a planing help Real charts are still by far the best idea.

I have the impression but may be wrong,that this will be the last opertunity to buy a good reliable clear easy to use and afordable GPS in B/W as the new color offerings cost the double before the ecarts!!

 

[Guest]

About the best thing to do nowadays ...

Is to take one or more of 3 routes :

1) Buy simplest and cheapest GPS such as eTrex on e-bay or similar ..... fits in pocket, works well and is a handy tool for having in the pocket ... walks / hikes / boat etc.
2) Add PC charting or via a PDA .... then you get all the distance between wpts / totals / courses etc. etc. that you could wish for.
3) Go for a dedicated plotter.

For me I would like a plotter - but object to the pricing and proprietary systems that lock you to one system or another. About time GPS world learnt something from PC 's .... common architecture and common systems to allow expansion of the market without dead-end roads.
So I have an eTrex linked to PC and PDA .... giving me more than most plotters for about same price. If using a PC / PDA for actual nav - the gps does not have to have all that mapping / fancy stuff that is difficult to read on such a small screen.

IMHO of course !!

 

[ninnes]

Re: About the best thing to do nowadays ...

How about a basic GPS linked to a Yeoman plotter? No need for expensive electronic charts. Low power consumption. Paper backup when power down etc, charts can be udated via Notices to Mariners (unlike electronic charting) and paper charts retain ability to view large area.

 

[dralex]

Hi Macca

Welcome

I swear by my Garmin GPS 76 Handheld and up to now, have used it for all my GPS navigation. It has loads of features and if you put in enought waypoints, you can almost use the screen as a plotter. Ther is also a type of EBL feature where you can pan the cursor around and it will give you the distance and bearing from the current GPS location. YOU can also mark a waypoint using the map marker.

I actually feel the Garmin stuff is pretty intuitive once you get used to theri system.

Regards

Alex

 

[macca]

Thanks for comments everybody.

Alex - I agree with you that Garmin operating systems are intuitive ... until the 72 that is. A question - how may keystrokes does it take on the 76 to do a GOTO on a waypoint which is already programmed?

 

[pjohnson]

Don't know if this is of any use, but my garmin72 packed in and will no longer aquire satellites, originally it was linked to my laptop for cmap.

 

[Swagman]

In defense of Garmin - we have always had either a full sized plotter or charting software (from other manufacturers) and used Garmin hand helds as a back up. Our previous model was a 76 Map which filled its role admirably from circa 2000 up to this spring.
Pulling it out from the apre room we found it simply would not work - so chose to replace it with a rebuilt 72 - for around £100.
I find the 72 easy to use - to my recollection almost exactly the same as the 76 - and I testify to the fact they float and continue working!
Cheers
JOHN

 

[alahol2]

Don't know if its any use but when my old Garmin 45 refused to acquire, the chap from Garmin told me to hold down 'Page' whilst switching on. Something to do with it re-acquiring the almanac?

 

[whisper]

I've had a 76 for about 3 yrs and agree that it's a super bit of kit. Use it on flybridge as main nav aid.