Handheld GPS, UK/USA

[GBowerman]

I am just off to the USA and am considering purchasing a handheld GPS whilst over there (they are considerably cheaper there). I intend to use the GPS for sailing around Scotland. I have heard the States version are of no use here as they have the USA base map as opposed to the European base map, but as one loads the relevant software (ie maps) for the area of intended sailing does the base map make any difference. Does anyone have experience on this matter?

 

[Alastairdent]

I bought a Garmin 72 via ebay from the US - it worked fine over here, I guess it worked over there as well!

Maps can be uploaded - even tho' mine came with a simple map (major cities only) of the uk on it.

 

[Steve Clayton]

This item was referenced on the forum some time ago.

Looks like the dogs bo**ocks!

http://www.uniden.com/product.cfm?product=MYSTIC

 

[GBowerman]

Thank you for the reply but the link you refer to seems to deal only wtih radios - not GPSs. I have gone through the last 20 pages on this forum and can find no reference to this subject .

 

[Steve Clayton]

Recheck your info on the Mystic; fully integrated 12 sattelite receiver with GPS mapping functions.

I thought you wanted GPS information?????

 

[GBowerman]

Thanks, checked out Mystic, what I am comparing is a hand held GPS plotter bought in the US rather than the UK.

 

[GBowerman]

From where did you purchase the UK maps?

 

[Bilgediver]

Providing you are loading the local charts there is no problem however as you note you will lose the base chart which in the case of Etrex are very good. and even extend to the Gulf of Suez for the UK version and do in fact have navigational marks installed in the higher priced legend etc.

 

[gianenrico]

other aspect to be taken into account is, probably, a different "chart datum" to be considered in the US than in European charts.
gianenrico

 

[gianenrico]

other aspect to be taken into account is, probably, a different "chart datum" to be considered in the US than in European charts.
gianenrico

 

[whisper]

Yes, it may be set up with another datum when sold, but that can normally be changed quite simply in one of the menus.