gps ???

[simpleshooter308]

 i have a garmin etrex venture hc, and i would like to get some sort of topo maps on it. the map it has on it knida sux, just roads, no contours or anything, do you guys have any suggestions??

[KillBilly]

I would consider upgrading to a Garmin Rino if you want to add topo maps and use it for hunting.

etrex specs

Maps & Memory:
Basemap:  no 
Preloaded maps:  no 
Ability to add maps:  no 
Built-in memory:  no 
Accepts data cards:  no 
Waypoints/favorites/locations:  500 
Routes:  20 
Track log:  10,000 points, 10 saved tracks 

[M_ray]

I'll agree with killbilly on the rino ... get the 530 hcx ...I looked your unit up and a couple things stood out that look as if it's not compatible with MapSource Topo which is deferent than Mapsource Points of Interest. Topo would take a minumum removable 1 gb mini SD card to store most of North America.

Recommended Use - Hiking
Built-in Memory - 1 MB
Compatible GPS Software   - MapSource Points of Interest

[KillBilly]

Right on, I also have the 520HCX and 530HCX. They are fairly spendy but check on Amazon.com for some good deals. If money is tight, go for the Rino 130. The 130 will load area specific maps and also has weather radio which the 110 & 120 don't. The 530HCX also has weather radio.

[bowhuntin]

Do you guys that use the rhino's have any problem with losing your signal when in the timber? And how is the two way radio in the timber?

[Coasthunterjay]

I bought my father the 110 and he loves it, but it isnt mapable....so i would either stick with a 120 or 130...but you cant go wrong with a rino all together. especially if you can get a good deal.

Radios are very strong also.

[billythekidrock]

I bought my father the 110 and he loves it, but it isnt mapable....so i would either stick with a 120 or 130...but you cant go wrong with a rino all together. especially if you can get a good deal.

Radios are very strong also.

What do you mean by not mapable? Not being able to load your own maps?

[KillBilly]

Do you guys that use the rhino's have any problem with losing your signal when in the timber? And how is the two way radio in the timber?

The receivers in the HCX series are greatly improved and I have gotten stronger signals in my living room when the older series would not get even one Satellite. The two way radios are improved also on the HCX series.

[M_ray]

Do you guys that use the rhino's have any problem with losing your signal when in the timber? And how is the two way radio in the timber?

Radois are very strong up to 16 miles ... the big difference between just the 530 and the 530 hcx is that they improved the signal strength. with the hcx I get a signal inside my house and when my unit is inside my backpack so I would call that strong!

[M_ray]

  that's funny Killbilly look at the time ... we were posting the same thoughts about the same time!     

[KillBilly]

Specs on the Rino 110:
 Basemap:      no
Ability to add maps:    accepts points of interest data
Built-in memory:    1 MB
Accepts data cards:    no
Waypoints/favorites/locations:    500
Routes:    20
Track log:    2,048 points, 20 saved tracks

[KillBilly]

that's funny Killbilly look at the time ... we were posting the same thoughts about the same time!     

Great minds think alike....

[M_ray]

After researching all of them and talking with friends have inconsistent radio contact with people on 120's and 130's ... I wouldn't mess with anything other than the 530 or 530 hcx! It's money well spent and keep in mind that the Mapsource program is about 100 -129 bucks extra1

[DeKuma]

We have the 130s and though they are great, the signal can be intermittent.  I have to keep the GPS antenna sticking outside my pack or pocket to keep satelite and if we get too far away, we lose radio contact, thus we cannot pinpoint each other on the map.

We are going to upgrade to the 530 series this year or next.

[MountainWalk]

never have used a gps, just plain old 7.5'' topo and orienteering compass. who knows, i may get one just to be safe. i would never use one in front of clients tho.

[KillBilly]

Beyond the map and compass aspect of things, the GPS (at least the Rino) is so useful. When scouting, you have all your tracks mapped, way points named, elevations, etc. I have a windshield mount and use it for driving navigation. It isn't TomTom but I can see all my roads and turns and literally drive back to anyplace I've been accurately. It isn't just about knowing where you are in the woods. However, the radio function of the Rino let's you see where your partners are at any give time. It displays positions either by polling or just talking to each other. I will not be without one again.

[KillBilly]

I will loan someone my spare Rino 520HCX if they want to test drive it.

[Coasthunterjay]

I bought my father the 110 and he loves it, but it isnt mapable....so i would either stick with a 120 or 130...but you cant go wrong with a rino all together. especially if you can get a good deal.

Radios are very strong also.

What do you mean by not mapable? Not being able to load your own maps?

yeah it already has a map on it, but you cant put topos on it or anything else like that.....it is just a very basic map....thats the 110 though....

[Crunchy]

If your gonna buy a Rino get the 520hcx or 530hcx.  I upgraded from the Rino 120, because of the lack of memory and range.  I paid 350 for the 530hcx, and the 520hcx was about 320.  Do the right thing and spend the extra $$$ you will be glad u did.  My 

[KillBilly]

I offered a Rino 520HCX for someone to test... No takers?

[Machias]

Killbilly, if your serious I would take you up on it.  I do Mounted Search and Rescue and I'm seriously thinking of getting the 520 or 530.  A test drive would be great.  Say for a few days?

[mkcj]

i bought a 60csx on line for $349 with a $50 mail in rebate great unit lots of features

[Machias]

I just want to publicly say thanks to KillBilly for mailing me the Rhino 520 unit to try out and get familiar with.  That sure is a very nice thing to do!  I'll report back in a couple of weeks!  Thanks again KillBilly!!!

[billythekidrock]

I hope there were no waypoints on there. 

[Black Ghost]

I hope there were no waypoints on there. 

That's funny

[billythekidrock]

I hope there were no waypoints on there. 

That's funny

No, it would be funny if they were your waypoints.
Not so funny when the could be mine.

[Machias]

Those are some awesome spots billythekidrock, are they yours?  I tell you what, I'll post them here and you tell me which ones are your spots and I'll delete them from the Rhino.   

[billythekidrock]

Those are some awesome spots billythekidrock, are they yours?  I tell you what, I'll post them here and you tell me which ones are your spots and I'll delete them from the Rhino.   

Only from the Rino ..but not your pc ..oh and that little share all the web.. 

[Machias]

I hope you know I was kidding.  First off there were no waypoints on the unit.  Secondly I would NEVER share another man's hard earned spot with anyone.  I know how hard it is to find sweet spots and I know how the slip of the tongue can ruin a spot in an instant.  I was just messing with you.  Talk to you later.  Fred

[billythekidrock]

I hope you know I was kidding. 

  Yep, and I with you and the thread. It was too perfect not to.