Advice wanted on what GPS to buy.

[Byron]

I'm looking to buy a GPS that is small enough to fit onto my pod neatly. Where do I go, and what do I look for? Is it worth going the second hand route or do they outdate as fast as cell phones? If one is ordered on an overseas web site, is the software available here?

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Garmin GPSIII is awesome kit, but must be local. Database can not be updated. No longer available so second hand is only option..

Slightly bigger but def better is 196/296. I go 196 as additional cost fr the colour is not worth it IMHO.

There are plenty others available but for purely aviation use I vote 196 if it can fit in pod.

my 2c...

[Low Level]

My 2c

Got a Garmin GPS III with my plane, and thought it was old and crappy, seeing all the nice stuff.

Then I had to use it, cause it was all I had. Boy was I surprised - everything you need, very easy to use and cheap - moneywise. Very nice, although I would like to download my tracks. Dunno If it can be done. Don't have any software or cables.

If money is not an option Garmin 196/296.

P.S. Luckily airways don't change like roads etc, so old is not bad in aviation.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Ldel
Can download all the track etc with free garmin software. Need a cable. Can source them on the net or even get plans to make your own. If you buy get the USB cable as most PC's these days don't have RS232 (com) port and the USB converters are CR@P.

http://www8.garmin.com/support/faqs/faq.jsp?faq=68




Available at most 4x4 or GPS type shops. Steer clear of the aviation types as they tend to charge slightly more (sorry - FACT)
010-10141-00 PC Interface cable R 320 (http://www.gpspro.co.za/garmin_handheld_accesorries.htm)

[ZULU1]

Some solid advice if you are new to flying, firstly learn to fly, that way you can focus on the flying and not the toys. Then when you have done the cross countries, learnt the nav excercises, dead reckoning and so on. Then go buy a etrex, real simple, learn the ropes and decide what you want it for.

Dont spend the money and buy a GPS 296 and forget about the focus on learning.. bet I will get shot down for this !! But use the KISS principle. Keep it simple..stupid !!

Enjoy your training because its the best bit of flying... Your instuctor will say the same.

eish Zulu1

[Ranger]

Tend to agree with Zulu. Best bit of flying is getting to grips with basics. Learn to navigate without GPS, Set yourself challenges and once youve mastered them get a GPS. I forced myself to do it this way and am confident that should my GPS die on me i'll be able to navigate safely.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I tend to use GPS only to stay out of airspace where they don't want me. It nice for ground speed and that about it. Those who drive the line, do yourself a favour next time out for a jolly. Switch it off and try find your way home. Increases situational awareness plenty. I have had total electrical failure 2x and it not a nice feeling when all the instruments are dead, but it does happen. I have also lost gps 2x. I battery and once a problem with the unit itself.

Maps don't need batteries and provided you don't fly off them (done that 2 ) you can always find your way.

PS
As a last resort follow the railways Most of the sidings and stations still have name boards (some even with only a few bullet holes in). Cell fone signal (if info turned on) also sometimes helps. Was low level over free state near windburg and cell fone tower must obviously have been on a farm called Scotland. Would have made for interesting navex if temp unsure of position and relying on cell tower info.... Sorry for hi-jack...

[John Boucher]

Simplistic - E-TREX LEGEND C - I use one and it can autoroute in a car!

Best Buy - 196

Overkill - 296 / 396 / 496

Learn to NAV first - read a map - keep a heading - then do the air-race every year to stay sharp

If you use a GPS, always fly right of direct track from/to!

[Ranger]

Maps don't need batteries and provided you don't fly off them

Or they go through the shredder aka prop.

[Byron]

Thanks for the advice guys. Appreciated.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Maps don't need batteries and provided you don't fly off them

Or they go through the shredder aka prop.

he he

Never done that, but have had plenty get sucked out under the door of a particular arrow I used to H&F.... Cruising along, put map down on seat and wooosh. GONE and the GPS did not work. Was a great teacher. Was early days of PPL and gave great confidence being able to find my way....

[Carel]

Till now, no GPS in plane.

Can pick up a well cared for GPS III for around R 1,200-00. Can it be considered a good deal ?

[Smiley]

I bought myself the Lawrence Airmap 600C.

It's a great GPS with every function imaginable at half the price of a Garmin296

I paid R5,500-00 locally but you can import them at a fraction of the cost.

Rudi imported his, so maybe he can give us detail on the cost??

[RudiGreyling]

I'm looking to buy a GPS that is small enough to fit onto my pod neatly. Where do I go, and what do I look for? Is it worth going the second hand route or do they outdate as fast as cell phones? If one is ordered on an overseas web site, is the software available here?

OK since I was asked to comment on importing I will. Buy overseas and send to friend comming back to SA to bring for you as a gift, cheapest way to get it. Make sure you buy the MAPS with it that covers SA. If you ship from USA to SA it gets expensive and you pay all the duties.

What GPS? depends all on what, where and how you fly. If you stay local, not a lot of restricted airspaces then a simple dot and arrow GPS is fine like Etrax or other non aviation GPS

If you stay in Gauteng or Capetown with lots of restricted airspace or plan flying all over the country, then you want something better. something aviation related someting with a moving map something with airspace on them.

GPS don't get outdated as quick as cell phones, but they do age.

Garmin Aviation GPS are the best, but expensive, 96, 196 and 296.
Airmap is about 1/2 price and you get all the goodies like mounts and cables included. Interface not as simple as garmin.

PS: I bought mine from http://www.pilotshop.com/

Regards
Rudi

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Till now, no GPS in plane.

Can pick up a well cared for GPS III for around R 1,200-00. Can it be considered a good deal ?

Yes. if you don't want it I will take it. make sure it a Garmin III Pilot and not the street navigator of same name.