gkmac's GPS survey

uh i think this is jc content

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JUNGAUNI

Quoted message said:

<> Unicycle for Christ <><

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There are next generation GPS units out there now, that work in
woodland, and close to buildings. Garmin have good units. I like the
look of the Forerunner 205. I don't know much about the features, but
it looks like a good option. You get a good deal with
www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

http://tinyurl.com/kaq9g

I have a Garmin Venture, which is good for open hill sides when
hillwalking, but it is no use in woodland.

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innes
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I have a Garmin etrex legend.

Like most GPS, I can create routes of places that I have been with my
GPS and upload them to my PC (or even PDA, if I wanted to). I have
mapping software (Memory Map) and I can upload the routes onto that. I
can also create routes on the Map and download the route to the GPS.

It does all the other stuff that GPS do - compass, logs distance, speed
(top and average), time (moving, still and overall).

I use it to log routes that I have ridden, download new routes from the
mapping software. I also log my rides - now and again for the regular
rides and also every new ride.

The GPS unit has a 'base' (basic) map of europe on it. So I also use it
to show Sam how far away from the UK we are when we go on holiday.

I don't really know how it compares to other GPSs as this is the first
one that I have had (except for the sat nav, ofcourse). I do know that
it's probably bulkyish and one disadvantage is that I can't see it as I
ride, so can't see my speed as I go (which isn't really a problem for
me). If I have it round my neck as I ride, it doesn't always pick up
the satilites, so it's best placed in my camelbak. If I'm following a
route, I have to keep stopping and taking it out (although this hasn't
been a problem so far).

Hope this rather garbled account helps in some way.

Cathy

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cathwood

Say no to unicycle genre discrimination! - MrBoogiejuice

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JUNGAUNI said:

uh i think this is jc content

Not if it is to be used while unicycling.

Does it matter that much anyway?

Are we not allowed to ask about anything other than questions directly
related to unicycling without getting told off now?

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innes
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i was just going to start a new post on a very similar subject!

In answer to your qestion

gkmac said:

What make and model of GPS do you have? What do you like about it?

*Garmin etrex legend C
*

- It has a color screen (A must for mapping i think)
- Maps
- I use it for navigation when in my car and also on the Uni
- It tells me how far / fast / average speed etc
- It is a handheld device
- AA batteris last about 14 hours
- Good reception under Trees etc.

I use to own a basic Garmin yellow yeko which was great for recording
where your been etc. but difficult to use for navigation without
mapping.

Coupled with a good GPS you also need some good software.

I can't stress enough how good the FREE 'sporttracks'
(http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/) is. It has a slightly
strange interface system but is well worth checking out. You get maps /
graphs / and stats a go go. It's really a training aid but great to see
how your rides are going.

Ok to make this Unicycle related.

Some stats using the above software from my lastest 29er ride on 150
cranks

10.36 miles
Time 1:28:54
90% at 7.8 mph
Stopped for 6 mins 44 secs
81% of the ride was on flat

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norry
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Garmin Foretrex 201. Wrist-mounted, and about the size of a Penguin
bar.
http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex201/

The strap is adequate, but not brilliant.

It is easy to set at the start of a ride. One function to reset your
max speed. Another function to reset trip data at the start of a
ride.

As you're riding, you can switch between data screens very easily with
an up arrow and a down arrow (separate buttons).

The screens I use:

- One screen, 4 pieces of data: Max speed, Trip distance (miles),
average speed for trip, time spent moving.

- Next screen: current speed, updated every couple of seconds. One
big fat number, easy to read.

Other screens are available at the push of a button to show current
elevation and similar details.

Change to a different page and you get a little dotted line map showing
your route follwoed so far. I have used this exactly once to find my
way back to the car.

Other screens show latitude and longitude, should I choose.

It does have more complex functions such as setting waypoints and the
like. Whether I will ever use these, I don't know.

For me, it's a handy gadget for recording and displaying trip data,
with an added navigational function. As all my riding is on or near to
paths,I can't imagine ever really needing the more advanced functions.

You can buy cheaper, but for me, the wrist mounting and small size are
woirth the extra. It's also weatherproof.

--
Mikefule

"No one likes circus skills, juggling is dire, and clowns are on
registers at most police stations."
(The late and sadly-missed Linda Smith)
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After I had broken 2 cycle computer on the coker, i got myself a simple
and
(relatively) cheap GPS that's perfect for my purpose:

http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex101/

I use it just like a cycle computer. It has no mapping features and
it cannot do map coordinate transformations. But I don't need these
for unicycling.
It is on my wrist, so it is very easy to read while riding.
With 2 small reloadable batteries it works for about 10 hours.

I like it.

Hans

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hans
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gkmac said:

The question is simple. What make and model of GPS do you have? What do
you like about it?

The next issue of Cycle (the CTC mag, due out in August) is to have an
article about GPS for cycling, with tips and reviews. If you're a
member then obviously you'll get it anyway, otherwise it might be worth
either joining or asking at your LBS whether they can get you a copy:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/

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Danny Colyer

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Mine's a Garmin Geko 301. It was bought for me a couple of years ago
mainly for walking navigation on the moor, but gets used more often as
a trip computer on unicycling rides. It's a bit overkill for that, but
is small and works fine. It takes quite a time to pick up the signal
when you first turn it on, but once locked on it's very reliable. Does
all the normal stuff and will connect to a computer (RS232) for
transfer to and from mapping software (I use MemoryMap). I use it
mostly for speed, distance and finding out how close to the official
paths I was (a lot of the bridlepaths on the moor are vaguely marked
and their course varies depending on the weather and shifting bogs!)

It will also work the other way round - draw out a route on the
computer and the GPS will guide you round it. No map display, just an
arrow pointing to the next waypoint. Useful as a backup for normal
map, but I rarely use it for that purpose.

Also, it will backtrack to guide you back you where you came from in
the event of getting lost. I've never yet used it for that, but I have
used it to give a grid-reference to check my location on a map when
I've been unsure of where I am.

Rob

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rob.northcott

'Dartmoor Muni Weekend'
(http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46116) - Last
weekend in May 2006
Same again next year anyone? It'll be dry, I promise.
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I have the Garmin 'eTrex Vista CX'
(http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistacx/). I use it for skiing and
uni.

I wanted mapping and the barometric altimeter. The Vista also has a
built in electronic compass but I usually turn it off to extend battery
life.

I initially got the Vista C, then when the CX came out with the memory
card for more map storage I took advantage of REI's no-questions-asked
return policy and upgraded.

For skiing I keep it in an upper front pocket of my parka or in the top
compartment of my hydration pack. For uni I usually clip it on the
shoulder strap of my hydration pack. I also have the bike handlebar
mount. I have had good success with not losing signal. Occasionally it
will lose signal in tree cover, especially if it is in a "valley" type
terrain.

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UniBrier

Steve

Hop Drop & Roll

“If something is to hard to do, then it's not worth doing. You just
stick that guitar in the closet next to your
shortwave radio, your karate outfit and your unicycle and we'll go
inside and watch TV.” – Homer
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