what gps do u use?

[CplRaines]

First off I NEEED that class on using a map and compass.  Sadly this is a skill I have never learned.   

Second I really want a GPS that will work in heavy timber.  I have a Rino 120 and a cheaper Magellan.  They both work great for my needs as long as there is open sky and I have 10 minutes to wait for a link up.  But I got turn around one night in some timber and both GPS's were worthless.  I had a compass (thank god) and knew there was a road close as long as I kept traveling south.  Never been more scared while in the woods and I was only lost for about 30 minutes.     Was not even cold or anything and I totally had a mini panic attack.   

I might be able to talk the wife into a better unit if the price is not to high.

My Garmin Oregon 550T hasn't had any problems whatsoever in the heavy timber. Used it every day at elk camp on Mt. St Helens last year, keeping track of my mileage and elevation change each day.
I also use it getting up in the woods close to home here on the Olympic Peninsula.
The only time I lose satellite signal is in buildings.

[bobcat]

Second I really want a GPS that will work in heavy timber.  I have a Rino 120 and a cheaper Magellan.  They both work great for my needs as long as there is open sky and I have 10 minutes to wait for a link up.  But I got turn around one night in some timber and both GPS's were worthless.

There is a trick to help with this. Even my Garmin 60csx sometimes has a problem locking on to enough satellites, if I'm in heavy timber. It always will EVENTUALLY, but it could take a half an hour or more. But here's the trick- just be sure to always turn the GPS on before you get to your hunting area, while you are in the open. Let it find the satellites so it knows where it is, and then go ahead and shut if off until you need it. When you do turn it back on I guarantee it will find the satellites much quicker. It makes a huge difference. That's why I always try to remember to turn my GPS on when I leave my house, or camp, in the morning, then I turn it off when I get out of the truck and start my hunt.

[Kain]

Second I really want a GPS that will work in heavy timber.  I have a Rino 120 and a cheaper Magellan.  They both work great for my needs as long as there is open sky and I have 10 minutes to wait for a link up.  But I got turn around one night in some timber and both GPS's were worthless.

There is a trick to help with this. Even my Garmin 60csx sometimes has a problem locking on to enough satellites, if I'm in heavy timber. It always will EVENTUALLY, but it could take a half an hour or more. But here's the trick- just be sure to always turn the GPS on before you get to your hunting area, while you are in the open. Let it find the satellites so it knows where it is, and then go ahead and shut if off until you need it. When you do turn it back on I guarantee it will find the satellites much quicker. It makes a huge difference. That's why I always try to remember to turn my GPS on when I leave my house, or camp, in the morning, then I turn it off when I get out of the truck and start my hunt.

Thanks.  I guess I never waited long enough then.  I usually turn it on at camp or the truck to  mark a way point and then turn it off.  Just never had luck getting a signal in trees. 

[JimmyHoffa]

I'll lose the signal too kain.  Even if I link in an open spot like a landing and then move into the timber I lose it within a few minutes.  The way I understand it is the gps either needs a larger antenna (less compact) or an amplified antenna (more battery drain) or both.  I don't know if hand held can use an external in the port that most come with.

[bobcat]

Thanks.  I guess I never waited long enough then.  I usually turn it on at camp or the truck to  mark a way point and then turn it off.  Just never had luck getting a signal in trees.

It could be that you just need to get a new Garmin that has the high sensitivity receiver, liky my 60csx. As long as I do what I said in the previous post, and turn it on at some point when it has an open sky, it has never been unable to lock onto enough satellites, no matter how heavy the timber.

[pianoman9701]

I'll lose the signal too kain.  Even if I link in an open spot like a landing and then move into the timber I lose it within a few minutes.  The way I understand it is the gps either needs a larger antenna (less compact) or an amplified antenna (more battery drain) or both.  I don't know if hand held can use an external in the port that most come with.

I had this problem constantly with my Delorme Earthmate, the POS model. Sometimes, it never locked in heavy timber. I've never had a problem locking in less than 30 seconds with the Rino 655T. Rinos rock.

[MIKEXRAY]

We had this discussion 5 years ago & someone on here had a cheap gps, a Rhino 120 & a 530 HCX.   He stated back then that the cheap one he had to be outside for signal, the 120 got signal in his living room & his new 530 HCX had full signal even in his basement. I went out & spent the money that week for the 530 HCX and have been very satisfied. The HCX is worth every penny.  I hunt the mountains & timber all day in the cascades and have signal all day. One buddy came with me & his GPS had troubles all day hunting the bumping. He ordered one right away. I'm glad I didn't cheap out as usual & have 3 useless GPS units in the closet . Mike

[TommyH]

even $7000 trimbles take some time in heavy timber

[Kain]

Well I went with that Oregon 450T form Cabela's.  Hopefully it is powerful enough for my needs.  Just no way i could swing any of the other units that were suggested unless I sold a kid.   

[C-Money]

I have used the Magellan Explorist line for years. Last elk season my explorist 100 took a crap on me when I needed it most. I wanted to mark my elk kill and it failed me, it got the black screen. I still use my explorist 210, and it runs fine. I am in the market for a new one.

[zrmorgan]

I normally just use a map and compass but if I get lazy then I will use the Garmin Foretrex 401... I have used many GPS systems and this is by far my favorite. Very simple and very convenient.

I use the fortrex as well with a greenmap of the area for topo info...another bonus is it uses same aaa batts as my headlamp...still packing compass with all this as well

[pianoman9701]

Well I went with that Oregon 450T form Cabela's.  Hopefully it is powerful enough for my needs.  Just no way i could swing any of the other units that were suggested unless I sold a kid.   

I'm about to get my .280 back from the gunsmith and will be ready to go out and do some predator hunting with you, Kain. Our Garmins will be compatible for keeping track of each other. Let's go kill us some killers!

[bobcat]

Well I went with that Oregon 450T form Cabela's.  Hopefully it is powerful enough for my needs.  Just no way i could swing any of the other units that were suggested unless I sold a kid.   

I'm about to get my .280 back from the gunsmith and will be ready to go out and do some predator hunting with you, Kain. Our Garmins will be compatible for keeping track of each other. Let's go kill us some killers!

I thought you needed a Rino for that? Does the Oregon have that capability too?

[pianoman9701]

Well I went with that Oregon 450T form Cabela's.  Hopefully it is powerful enough for my needs.  Just no way i could swing any of the other units that were suggested unless I sold a kid.   

I'm about to get my .280 back from the gunsmith and will be ready to go out and do some predator hunting with you, Kain. Our Garmins will be compatible for keeping track of each other. Let's go kill us some killers!

I thought you needed a Rino for that? Does the Oregon have that capability too?

I thought it did, but maybe not. I still want to go out with Naithan and see how a real predator predator does it! Sorry, thread jacked.

[dreamingbig]

Garmin 60csx here as well.  It is simple enough and gets a signal quickly.  Invaluable but always carry a map and compass too.