New to GPS, advise on equipment needed!

[freddyflatfoot]

Hi,
Thinking about buying my first GPS.
Not sure why really, but I am thinking it would be a very handy tool for probably two reasons.
First, as a diagnostic tool for my regular cycling routes, and maybe collecting some info on gradients etc.
The second is probably a bit more general, and that is basic mapping for when I am riding in unfamiliar territory, and knowing how far away the next town is etc. etc., or if I have made a wrong turn!
So I am thinking that a GPS should have maps, and a barometric altimeter. Not sure if the GPS elevations are accurate enough?
Any help and assistance appreciated, bear in mind, at this point, I know nothing!

[Michael]

I use a Garmin GPS60Cx loaded with OzTopo maps on my bike.
Can thoroughly recommend this.
If you want a barometric altimeter get a 60CSx.
http://www.octapc.com.au/prod3.htm
http://www.octapc.com.au/category38_1.htm
Photo shows my old GPS60 on my Dad's old Repco.
(note to self, must take some new photos)

[Michael]

1 Garmin handlebar clamp
2 ditto
3 GPS cradle clipped onto clamp
4 GPS sat reception page
5 GPS trip computer page
6 GPS map page
7 Apollo bike

[freddyflatfoot]

Thanks for the reply Michael.
I was thinking either the 60csx of the Vista Hcx might be the way to go.
My next question though, is what I am going to need in the way of maps?
I see that either of the 2 models mentioned, come with topo maps, but is that enough if I go to major towns/cities?
Thanks

[Michael]

OzTopo has very good detail in cities as well as country.
Do a search of the forum & you will find a number of screen shots I have posted.

[mlenser]

but is that enough if I go to major towns/cities?What sort of info are you after in major cities?
If you want "turn by turn" guidance you have only one choice - City Navigator Australia NT.
OzTopo v2 has more streets than any street navigator but cannot guide you to your destination. It will show you all the roads available without any restriction details e.g one way, gated, private etc (not that the street navigator always have this info always either).
There is also OpenStreetMaps but its mapping is very sporadic so some area's are highly detailed and others are non existent, so its not "really" an alternative unless your area is mapped already and you don't travel to new area's often.

[freddyflatfoot]

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like OzTopo will have what I need.
I don't think I need turn by turn directions, but IIRC, the Vista has something called 'return to track' or similar, if you get off course?

[freddyflatfoot]

Woops! Just researched OzTopo and saw the price! A lot of extra clams for some maps eh?
Might have to get some basic ones to start off with, like shonky maps?
Which are the ones that come with the unit? Does anyone know?

[Michael]

Nothing comes with GPS (apart from a next to useless basemap)
Shonky are free, download from the Shonky thread in this forum, or get from Nicko with the GPS for the price of the microSD card he would load for you.

[mlenser]

Nothing comes with GPS (apart from a next to useless basemap)Nicko does advertise a "Free Topo" with some of the GPS's, in the GPS Australia shop, which I have "assumed" to be Shonkymaps but I haven't actually seen any reference to which maps he's including with them.
If you buy from most other shops what Michael said is true.

Regards
Mike.

[Nicko]

It is Shonkymaps but I don't let on as the competition will know and do the same ;)

[Treadly]

Along with the Shonky maps (which are very good) there are some other good free maps available, most of them derived from the OSM maps, (Open Street Map). Have a look at the OSM maps and consider making a contribution yourself, it's a mapping system where the data is contributed by many people.
Most maps focus on metropolitan areas, it's much harder to find good maps of country roads and tracks.

http://www.openstreetmap.org/

[freddyflatfoot]

Thanks for the info.
I'm in the process of downloading Shonky maps (about an hr and a half).
I assume I can still read them on my PC?
Anyway, at this point, I,m leaning towards the Vista Hcx.
But, at the same time, I am also bidding on a Summit HC on Ebay, and have also seen the Vista Cx on Ebay.
How much better is the Hcx over the Cx?
Oh, as these machines run on AA's, do they happily run on NiMh?

[Michael]

I'm in the process of downloading Shonky maps (about an hr and a half).
I assume I can still read them on my PC?
You need to have MapSource installed to read them.
If you do not have it yet, do a search of the forum, I have posted several times how to get a free copy from Garmin.

Oh, as these machines run on AA's, do they happily run on NiMh?
Yes, just need to change the setting in the GPS setting menu.

[Nicko]

Cx uses the old GPS engine whilst the Hc uses the new GPS engine, which means a notable difference in sensitivity. Something like -123db compared to -159db and -159db is the better figure.