GPS Advice Sought

[havershap]

I just returned from a Wyoming antelope hunt over the course of which:
1) My GPS receiver died
2)I lost one of my radios
3) Use of my OnX Hunt app on my phone was limited by spotty coverage and data limits.

So I am looking into buying a GPS unit that with which I can use the OnX hunt software and that also works as a radio.  Does anyone I have any experience with these devices?  I would like to know what you know; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[Ridgeratt]

Here's what is compatable with onx maps chip.

https://onxmapssupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002921008-Is-my-GPS-compatible-with-the-Hunt-Chip-

[huntnnw]

I have a gps and it hasn't left my house in 2 years..phone apps are far better, bigger screens(if you have a large phone) clarity, battery life and one less thing to carry. No need for service if you download before you leave.

[MADMAX]

I use a Garmin 530HCX with a chip in it, but its discontinued the new ones are the Garmin 750, dont have to worry about cell coverage

[Bob33]

If you want a unit with radio, the Garmin RINO series is the way to go. Be advised that the radio isn’t much value unless you’re hunting with or in the vicinity of someone else with a compatible radio.  Radio transmission range is highly dependent on terrain. In open country from ridge to ridge you can often get ten miles or more. However, it dense canopy the range can be less than one mile.

When hunting by myself I use a GPS without radio. When hunting with someone else I’ll usually bring two RINOs: one for me, and one for my hunting partner. We can keep track of each other’s location which is handy.

Any GPS that takes micro SD cards can work with onX.

[Stein]

If you load the maps on your phone, you won't need cell coverage or data.  Most phones today can load any area you may have tags for without storage issues.

Once I switched to the phone, I ended up getting a ton more value out of it as I can scroll, flip layers, measure distances and a ton of other things that just aren't practical with how behind GPS units are as far as usability.  I don't see them getting better or catching up because it is essentially a dying technology.  How many people lug around a Tom Tom and take 10 minutes to punch in an address these days?

[bobcat]

Garmin RINO if you want a GPS/Radio is the way to go. I use an older Garmin 60 and I prefer it over Onx on my phone. I do like having Onx for the aerial photography view, and the larger screen. But when hunting, for navigational purposes and to be sure I stay on property I can legally hunt, I always take the GPS. It runs on 2 AA batteries, and I leave it on all day when I'm hunting, and it will last at least two days before changing batteries. And I don't have to worry about if I have cell phone service or not- the GPS always works. The phone I like to save the battery for if I need to use it as an actual phone, or as a camera. I don't see myself ever going hunting without a Garmin GPS. I'd like to pick up a couple of RINO's as well if I can find them for a good price.

[OltHunter]

If you load the maps on your phone, you won't need cell coverage or data.  Most phones today can load any area you may have tags for without storage issues.

  Off-Grid - Save New Map.  Just download all areas when on wifi, and possible areas you might go to on each hunt.

I know your post was about GPS with radios, but just wanted to eliminate #3 from your list!  I've never used one, but I would find value in having separate devices in case one craps out.   If your Rhino dies, you now have no navigation or way to call out for help when no cell coverage is available.  I would be willing to bet most radios are way more reliable than any GPS radio.  It also might be a little cheaper too to get a sweet GPS and a radio set.

My opinion - get a GPS AND a radio AND have your OnX pre-loaded on your phone as a backup

I run a Garmin Montana, Garmin InReach SE, Garmin Fenix 3 watch, Midland Radio, and have my OnX on my phone.  So I have 3 possible navigation devices and 3 possible communication devices on me at all times in the woods.  I'm okay with being called paranoid with stuff like that! 

[Bob33]

There’s little doubt that phones provide certain benefits that a dedicated GPS doesn’t. I will still use a dedicated GPS when hunting in the field for the following reasons:

Batteries. Four AA batteries weigh about 3 ounces, are available everywhere, cost a couple bucks, can be easily field replaced, and will power the GPS for 25 to 30 hours.

Durability: a dedicated GPS is more weather resistance than most phones.

Advanced features: there’s probably a way but I haven’t yet found a way to easily and quickly project a waypoint based on distance and bearing on a cell phone application. It’s straightforward on a GPS.

Compatibility with computer software: I have decades of tracks and waypoints stored in various computer files associated with programs such as Basecamp. It’s very easy to connect the GPS and download/upload selected waypoints and tracks.

Replacement cost: I drag my GPS through mud, snow, sleet; through them into packs, bang them around in vehicles, and basically trash them. If I need to, the replacement cost is around $250. Replacing my cell phone would cost $600 plus.

To each his own.

[C-Money]

I see the OnX App, Any idea how much it costs to download?

[Bob33]

.

[C-Money]

Thanks Bob! Does this charge show up on my phone bill to be paid?

[ghosthunter]

I use a Rhino 650. I have two.
I also have Rhino 110 s and 140s no chips.

If I am hunting alone I leave a 110 or 140 on in the truck. Every so often I will key my 650 while hunting. The Rhino in the truck monitors my location. Should something happen my buddies and family know to look at the Rhino in the truck.

I don't own or want a smart phone.

[Bob33]

Thanks Bob! Does this charge show up on my phone bill to be paid?

You pay onX directly.

[Stein]

Camofire has OnX for cheap right now.


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