TOPO for Garmin 530

[PNWCOONASS]

For those of you that have a Garmin 530, is it worth it to get the Topo software or does the unit function well without it? 

also, anyone use it in the truck as well?  Just wondering how it works on the road and on logging roads...   

thanks Pete

[M_ray]

I have the 530 hcx and YES it totally worth it!  Go and but at least a 1 gb mini SD card and you'll be able to download the entire us and Alaska! As far as reception I havent found a place  can't get service including buried in the bottom of my pack, I even get service inside my house, can't see why it wouldn't work in a car.

[Crunchy]

I have to agree with M_ray.  I couldnt image having my 530 without the topo.  I bought a 1gb miniSD card for 10bucks.  Now I have more on my Rino than I know to do with.

[ICEMAN]

You guys are killing me! Very cool device!

Here is a question for you though....is the user able to disable the peer to peer positioning? We have some other fellas who hunt within a few miles of us who have this peer to peer feature, and I would not want them honing in on our location when we are hunting.

[Machias]

  squelch, A copy that Iceman, radio check.   

[Crunchy]

I believe so.  We secure a channel aafter we lock each other in.  Then scramble the channel.  I think that it is part of the peer to peer.

[Slider]

Iceman, The answer is Yes you can disable Peer to Peer!!!

[billythekidrock]

You guys are killing me! Very cool device!

Here is a question for you though....is the user able to disable the peer to peer positioning? We have some other fellas who hunt within a few miles of us who have this peer to peer feature, and I would not want them honing in on our location when we are hunting.

If it is like the older Rinos, you can designate who you poll by naming the radios. The first 3 or 4 digits need to be the same.
ie: 1234Person1, 1234Person2, 1234Person4

[ICEMAN]

Ok. May need to up the OT to afford one of those...

[M_ray]

Iceman you wont be sorry It's very cool! I am told by my friend (which is the reason I bought mine) that you can disable peer to peer positioning I'm just not sure how yet. Like Crunchy says theres more on it than I know what to do with but I'm still learning! I am trying to figure out how I can get it to make me a drink and dinner when I get back to camp!    

[DeKuma]

Use the Radio feature and call ahead and tell them to get the dinner and drinks ready.  That is what we usually do.  It is nice having a camp cook!