Looking for basic fixed GPS

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20 Jun 2019
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Can anyone point me to a source of new SIMPLE fixed GPS receivers? I have a Garmin 152 and then a 155 with a pointless moving map feature which I don't want.
I do not use chartplotters, but paper charts and a simple GPS.
My two fixed Garmins are both giving out wrong NMEA date and time data, which feeds into the ICS-6 Navtex so it can find the best weather forecasts for my location..a fantastic feature, which doesn't work since the Great Leap Forward affair a few months ago when some old GPS units became confused.
At least that's how I understand it..
I would love to find a new Garmin 152, which works in the same way as my beloved Garmin 72H handhelds.
I can't keep learning to use new operating systems, it causes me to almost weep with frustration and hugely detracts from the pleasure of just sailing my old, simple boat.
Please can anyone suggest where I can buy a new simple fixed GPS? Many thanks!
 
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Part of your difficulty in finding a new unit is that Garmin have discontinued the newer version of what you have (the GPS158i). No replacement has been forthcoming.

You will likely need to look for a secondhand one but you may find a new one tucked away somewhere. Don't worry if it doesn't come with a GPS antenna as the built-in one is very good.
 
Your Garmin 152 just needs a firmware update to process the correct date again. If you have the PC connector cable for the unit, ask your local neighbourhood computer nerd for help and point them this way: https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=151

Otherwise you might need to pay a marine electronics person for an hour of work. Still cheaper than a new unit, and you won't have to learn how to use something new.

If all else fails, the minimal GPS functionality it sounds like you're looking for (GPS lat/lon with NMEA output) is these days integrated in many marine VHF units, so it might be a better option to upgrade your VHF to one with a GPS receiver (and NMEA output). Simplifies things.
 
Please can anyone suggest where I can buy a new simple fixed GPS? Many thanks!

I have used for a number of years a Furuno GP32, which I think is what you are looking for. Now replaced by GP39 (still no chart plotter), but GP32 should be available 2nd hand.
It has NMEA output, though I have not made use of it.
 
I have a Garmin GPS 128 the predecessor to the 158 and last year the arial packed up. I bought from Garmin the latest arial and it worked fine and still works after the rollover. Like you I like too keep it simple
regards
David MH
 
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