What is an economical but effective GPS for geocaching?
texaschic100 asked:
I’m new to geocaching and want a basic GPS that doesn’t cost a fortune and one that will work straight out of the box without having to buy expensive topo maps etc. What do you recommend?
I’m new to geocaching and want a basic GPS that doesn’t cost a fortune and one that will work straight out of the box without having to buy expensive topo maps etc. What do you recommend?
That’s a tough one to answer with the information you have given.
What you consider a “fortune” is chump change to others (and vice versa). And you don’t state what “extras” you want in a GPS unit.
The Garmin Etrex H will do the basic GPS function of showing you your latitude and longitude, speed, etc., and the direction to another set of coordinates. It has a high-sensitivity receiver and costs about $100. But it has a serial port interface, doesn’t have mapping capability, is black-and-white, etc. But you can geocache with it (lots of folks do).
Personally, I’d look for a unit that has a color screen, USB interface, map capability, and allows the use of memory cards. Something like a Garmin 60CSx or Oregon (some of those come with pre-loaded topo maps).
And you can get maps for free. GPSFileDepot.com has free maps for Garmin, there are free Canada maps as well. See the forums at geocaching.com for more info and advice.
A Garmin eTrex H is used by many for geocaching. However you might also consider a Garmin GPS 60 which is a mid level priced handheld which is waterproof and has more features. A GPS 60 has up to 28 hours battery life and is WAAS-enabled for even more precise location and navigation. It features a bright LED backlight which makes it easy to find your way, day or night. It has both serial and USB connections for fast and versatile connection to your computer. It also offers special geocaching features, indoor and outdoor games, an alarm clock, sunrise/sunset and moon phase tables, optimal hunting and fishing times — plus much more.
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