Fixed GPS

robnixon

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I am looking to purchase a fixed GPX for my Beneteau First 260. I normally sail coastal areas and currently use Handheld set. (reason for upgrading is reliability and ease of use)
What do people recommend. I have ben advised to purchase a set which is WAAS enabled. Will probably look to mount in the cockpit but do not feel the need to go for a chart plotter.

I have been looking at Garmin 152.

Any advice apprciated.
 

tom52

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The magazines usually recommend Garmin 128 ( 126 is the waterproof cockpit mounted version with inbuilt aerial ) as the best buy.
 

byron

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Rob., you will not go far wrong with a Garmin. I like the 126/128 models and have both. Their after sales is superb and their handbook is written in English.

http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk
 

pvb

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WAAS/EGNOS

WAAS is only available in North America, but EGNOS will be available in Europe by 2004 (allegedly) and should work in the same way.

Garmin products are excellent, and they seem to have grasped the concept of "user friendliness" very well. The newish 152 looks like a good unit. You can download the user manual from the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.garmin.com/products/gps152/index.jsp>Garmin website</A> and see exactly what it will do. It certainly looks interesting, especially compared with the older 126/128 units.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mesltd.co.uk/index.html>MES</A> currently have the 152 for £260, don't know whether that's the cheapest but it looks good value.
 

davtt

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Hi Rob.

I had a new Magellan handheld on my previous boat, and used it succesfully with my maptech and other software linked to my PC. With this kit I can plan my route, get the tidal flows, set up the waypoints for the GPS and load them into it all in the comfort of my home, and then take the handheld on board when I actually go on route. The reason I mention this is because with my 'new' boat, I have inherited a fixed GPS, and with this I need to either enter the waypoints laboriously into the unit as references, or I would need to take the PC to the boat and try to get them to talk to each other. This may sound pathetic, but without going to a lot of hassle, I find the handheld unit much more useable.

I am sure that others may disagree, but the entry system on most fixed GPS units seems to be increadibly cumbersome. If you use the same route planning method, which you may if you already have a handheld, then this may be worth considering.

BTW, The Magellan navigator also has a cute little map on it so you can get an idea where you are on the chart a bit more easily.

Regards,
Dave T
 

Miker

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I have a fixed Garmin 120XL which has been superseded by the 126/8. The fixed one is in the cabin. I also have a hand held 12XL mounted in the cockpit. I now intend to wire the two together so that I can transfer data from my PC to the 12XL and from there to the 120XL.
If I were starting now I would go for the 126/8.
BTW I am also a 260 Spirit owner. PM me to let me know how you get on with the 260.

Mike
 

AJW

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Try the MLR 312. Full alphanumeric keypad for easy waypoint entry and can be interfaced to your PC for downloading data. Also has a rudimentary mapping facility.

HTH,
AJ
 

david_bagshaw

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Personaly I use a Garmin 128, which I find v. satisfactory. In the draw is a handheld garmin 45 as a backup.

As for transfer of data I use a old lap top & oziexplorer.


At the risk of being flamed I am suprised at the common desire to have a GPS that has a position accuracy of a few mtrs, as now Sa has been switched off hopefully MK1 Eyeball has taken over the plot long before the need of sub 10 mtr accuracy.

Garmin service is allegedly excellent , as I have had no probs. & Tech service promptly e mailed replies on an enquirey about a self installed software version upgrade.

David
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milltech

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Re: WAAS/EGNOS

152 = £260.92 + £4.95 delivery at www.allgadgets.co.uk, but I'm biased, it's mine. It's possible my delivery charge is lower than MES, not sure.



John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
 

pvb

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You are cheaper...

Hi John, MES is £259.95 plus £6.95 delivery, so you're about a pound cheaper (as you well know!).

But would you recommend the 152?
 

LadyInBed

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Check out :
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://joe.mehaffey.com/> GPS Information Website </A>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter/index.html> Peter Bennets's GPS Page</A>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.gpstom.de/GPS/index.htm> Tom's Garmin Page </A>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.gpsu.co.uk/> A program for manipulating GPS information </A>
When you've got through that lot . . .
 

petery

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Re: WAAS/EGNOS

I understand test transmissions for EGNOS are currently being made. A recent post on Scuttlebutt said

"I have a WAAS enabled Raymarine GPS receiver and it has operated fine all season using the EGNOS trial satellite transmissions. However one must remember this is only a trial and the transmissions are not always available. It is a good idea to read the ESA web-site on EGNOS status (www.esa.int)"

One question - how do you know when you are receiving EGNOS on a Raymarine receiver? Any suggestions.
 

graham

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David, I will take the risk of us both going down in flames by agreeing that fretting over accuracy in terms of 10 meters is ridiculous for leisure use.
 

milltech

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Re: You are cheaper...

Honestly I didn't know, but a few months back I seemed to recall checking their site and thinking charges were high.

Also being honest, I sell the boxes and would not feel able to advise you on the unit, except that I owned a 128 and was VERY happy with it and think Garmin products are excellent.

John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
 

byron

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Those of us who remember using Sextants where one was lucky to get with ½ - 1 mile of where we were will heartily agree with you. 10 metres indeed, even the charts aren't that accurate half the time.

http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk
 

LadyInBed

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Re: WAAS/EGNOS

Also see <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.gpsinformation.net/waasgps.htm> WAAS/EGNOS Info </A>
One bit says "Europe's EGNOS system (compatible with WAAS but for operation in Europe) is in the test phase now and is transmitting a "do not use" flag. Magellan GPS receivers ignore this flag and use the signal anyway (for what it is worth), but Garmin receivers honor the flag's intent and will not use the EGNOS data as long as the "do not use" flag is set."
 

Plum

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Re: Fixed GPS - Garmin 128

I also recommend the Garmin 128, have been using it for 4 years, I download waypoints to this and my Garmin 12 handheld backup from the PC using the GARTRIP software (about GBP20 for the full version)
 

ArthurWood

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I have used a 126 for several years and been very pleased with it although parts of the screen have begun to fade a little probably from exposure to Florida sun. I have the feeling that it might be becoming obsolete because West Marine no longer have it and I see on Boaters World that they are selling for $90 US.
 

duncan

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hey I have DGPS but would't even dream of buying it now that SA has gone and that 12 channel recievers are also standard!
I have had an issue worth a Garmin - the boat sank around it! Garmin took one look at it and said - yep that's ****ed. You will need a new one - would you like us to send you one under our replacement service? Thinking this meant a circa new price (£850) I hesitantly asked how much to be advised £150, but I am afraid VAT would be on top sir................and it arrived the next day. They also swapped out a chart under another scheme recently.
Some of the older models will be available for peanuts if you are prepared to buy mail order from the other side of the globe and are prepared to take a reconditioned unit. This will be because the above replacement service gets discontinued when models are no longer current so they shift the stock. MES had an excellent deal on the HH plotter recently (175?) for exactly this reason - if it's still on you might find this a better option than the fixed unit because you can play with it below decks as well and it delivers full plotting. Even without any card you will get an shoreline outline which can help a lot!
 
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