Post by: havershap on September 25, 2018, 05:05:42 AM
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.
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 25, 2018, 05:14:42 AM
https://onxmapssupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002921008-Is-my-GPS-compatible-with-the-Hunt-Chip-
Post by: huntnnw on September 25, 2018, 05:20:52 AM
Post by: MADMAX on September 25, 2018, 06:03:00 AM
Post by: Bob33 on September 25, 2018, 08:07:22 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on September 25, 2018, 08:10:44 AM
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?
Post by: bobcat on September 25, 2018, 09:25:17 AM
Post by: OltHunter on September 25, 2018, 10:29:29 AM
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.:yeah: 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 :twocents:
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!
Post by: Bob33 on September 25, 2018, 10:30:32 AM
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.
Post by: C-Money on September 25, 2018, 10:43:16 AM
Post by: Bob33 on September 25, 2018, 10:56:08 AM
Post by: C-Money on September 25, 2018, 11:13:49 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on September 25, 2018, 11:29:48 AM
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.
Post by: Bob33 on September 25, 2018, 11:33:36 AM
Thanks Bob! Does this charge show up on my phone bill to be paid?You pay onX directly.
Post by: Stein on September 25, 2018, 12:28:24 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 25, 2018, 12:48:10 PM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 25, 2018, 02:08:37 PM
I picked up an inreach mini this year and absolutely love the thing.
Post by: Tbob on September 25, 2018, 03:50:49 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on September 27, 2018, 02:30:27 PM
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. Long term, I find a good battery pack to be a better option. My Anker PowerCore weighs a few ounces and holds 13,000mAh and will charge either my phone or my Garmin inReach.
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. Check out the Spyglass family of apps. They are battery-intensive as they're Augmented Reality apps, but they work surprisingly well for orienteering.
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. This is a big criticism of the OnX system, and it's one of several reasons that I only use OnX for verifying that I'm standing on legal ground.
For general navigation, mapping, note-taking, etc., I use TopoMaps+ on my iPhone. It's an obscenely fantastic app with the best map suite I've seen, and, among other things, can accept standard GPS-format data into it. Tracks, routes, waypoints, etc can all be loaded in. I've heard similar compliments about the Gaia app, but I've only given that one a cursory glance.
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. No argument here. Smartphones are cripplingly expensive. That said, choosing a waterproof phone and getting a solid case will get you a LONG way.
To each his own.
Fair points. Counterpoints from a phone-user in blue :chuckle:
My setup is my iPhone 7, a Garmin inReach SE+ (used just for communicating with my wife while I'm out and, God forbid, as a PLB), and a battery pack for trips longer than an overnight.
I hunt solo though. If hunting near, but not exactly with, another party, I can see how a Rhino would be a game changer.
Post by: T-Dozzer on September 28, 2018, 10:41:57 AM
Post by: C-Money on October 04, 2018, 03:43:42 PM
Post by: Bob33 on October 04, 2018, 03:54:12 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 05, 2018, 06:34:06 AM
I went for it and got a new Garmin 64s and the WA OnX chip. Seems pretty straight forward to use. Pretty excited. This new Garmin is a HUGE leap in technology from my old Magellan Explorist 210. The new Garmin is a TON faster. Can't wait to get out scouting with it!
The 600 series is really amazing with the speed that it locks up, even in heavy cover or overcast/rainy skies. We were hunting in the first three weeks of September and for 5 days, the rain was torrential. The only time it wouldn't lock was occasionally when it was in my pocket. When I took it out, instant lock.
The wireless features on the 64S look interesting. Will it synch with a Rino and have you show up on a partner's GPS? That's a great feature of the Rino.
Post by: C-Money on October 05, 2018, 08:26:58 AM