The screen on my old Garmin 128 GPS has gone bad. It may last but I am looking at replacing it. It seems like the world has moved on though.
I would like a simple unit that tells me position and bearing to waypoints, like the old 128. It seems that there is nothing like this now - lots of sounder/GPS combos and chartplotters. I use my computer already as a plotter so don't need another one. We also have navionics on a tablet too. I just like the standalone unit as it has been utterly reliable.
Any advice on what to get? I can use a phone GPS app but they aren't waterproof. I could use Navionics on a tablet but again the unit I have is mounted in the cockpit and always there. I will now have a hole in my steering composite pedestal which will be nice to be filled by a new GPS.
cheers
Phil
I use a Garmin etrex 200 for this purpose. Simple, reliable and fairly cheap.
It has got an inbuilt map but that is mainly for checking waypoint positions.
For plotting l then use the ipad with navionics.
In some ways the etrex is better as its designed to work in all conditions ie wet.
Hope that helps.
I got a sprayproof case (Wworths Aquaquest ~25 bucks) for my tablet which l keep on the chart table plugged in to the cig lighter plug but if l have to take it into the cockpit l use the cover. It works well.
Glare included, it works fine while transfering waypoints from tablet to proper plotter or just mucking around on the open.
I think the phone based GPS is not as reliable as the satellite based one and if one is sailing away from the coast might loose his GPS based on triangulation by the networks.
The network based waypoints are different from the satellite based ones. It clearly shows, as my plotter and tablet based on satellites while one phone based on network.
The waypoints marked at the same time on the satellite based ones are identical while the phone network based coordinates are mostly different.
The plotter is the proper tool for navigating, with updateable maps based on WGS84 data, but this days the change is obvious to the tech based gadgets.
You may be interested in this.
The ZTE T55 (Telstra Tough 3) is a waterproof, dust proof, drop proof phone with Blue Tick technology giving it extended range in rural and remote areas.
It is the only phone I know of that has a stand alone GPS incorporated. When the GPS is switched on it pulls up the satellite page with 5 bars showing signal strength/quality and once at least 4 are acquired will go to the position page which can be set for decimal or degrees display.
It will give you a position in 60 seconds which rivals most dedicated hand held GPS units. It does not have a plotter or maps and does not store way points or routes but it does give you a lat/long position in 60 seconds.
I had to buy three to get two, one for myself and one for my mate. It is new and unused. I guess they were factory surplus. Is is unlocked but needs a $2 sim in it for it to function.
I am using mine to have a longer range water proof phone on board with GPS function which will be included in the "grab bag" in case of an abandon ship scenario.
There are plenty of used ones for sale on Ebay but this one is new and unused and comes with 240v charger and USB cord so therefore can be charged on board if you have a USB outlet. I am selling it for $100 plus postage.
www.ztemobiles.com.au/T55.htm
Hi Cisco
Thanks for the information
I have had a T55 for the last few years and i didn't realise it had the GPS function on it
Regards Don
Select to expand quoteKankama said..
I can use a phone GPS app but they aren't waterproof.
Lots of waterproof phones out there, just need to search for them. Or a good quality waterproof case on existing phone.
I've got a Samsung Galaxy S5 because it also had the magnetometer to run the Vavauud wind meter but there are a few newer Samsung models as well . Sony xperia Z range is another one and even my old Motorola Defy was waterproof.
My S5 is already water proof to about 0.5 mtr possibly more but was a bit slippery for the boat so I got a Lifeproof Fre case for it. Now it can take a few knocks in the cockpit and should be good for a 2mtr dip but only had it tested at around 1 mtr at the ramp when dropping the rudders and the phone slipped out of my shirt pocket. Had it tested for about 10 minutes while struggling to find it with my foot on the muddy bottom. If I was to buy another one I'd be looking for a yellow or red case, anything but black but something with built in flotation would be even more nicer.
I like the Raymarine e7, large enough to see whats going on but not too expensive it has a touch screen and dial/button control, it has a built in GPS and streams to an Ipad or tablet (where you do most of your navigation), seamless integration with AIS, radar depth, speed and wind Its also daylight viewable and, in my experience extremely reliable.
It also has many other features which you can use or not depending on what you want.
