Recommend GPS for Scouting

[ScouterRob]

Does anyone recommend a good GPS for Scouting and working with the GeoCache Meritbadge?

[Gunny2862]

The correct answer is one that you will learn how to use.

 

I've had really good luck with the Garmin eTrex line. It's getting (is)a little dated from a marketing perspective, but it does everything you'll need it to from an operations perspective. It's standards based and the standards haven't moved along - so it works with lots of programs and is still fully functional with whats available for Civilian GPS signal reception. I use my Garmin with the Garmin MapSource databases and it does a great job for what I need.

 

One thing you might want to do is investigate GPS software packages and see what makers devices work with that package and then buy the device based on that if you find software you love.

Conversely, looking at the device that does what you need and how easy it is to work it and then determine what/if any additional software is necessary/helpful in accomplishing your goals.

 

(edit below)

And while I haven't looked at that MB recently, my iPhone 3G with "Geocaching - A Groundspeak Project v3.1" software package is a great little Geocaching combo that allows for usage of what "I think I remember" is the recommended Geocaching website of the MB book - http://www.geocaching.com/ . It allows searching not only for caches but also benchmarks and following trackables.

 

If you use the phone and don't have the 3GS - take a compass, the downloadable compass programs for the 3G are not able to get you that last bearing you may want without a whole lot of extra walking as they only read while the device is moving - preferably in a straight line.(This message has been edited by Gunny2862)

[joeleaux]

i have a Garmin eTrex Summit HC, which i use for scouting and geocaching. It has no external port for an SD card, but it's a great entry level GPSr in my opinion.

 

Good luck.

[markrvp]

One of the most accurate GPS units is the Garmin 60CSx. They are normally around $350, but Cabela's, REI, and Bass Pro have had them on sale for around $200 this past week.

 

You can get free topo and driving maps here:

 

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

[bacchus]

Any recommendations for rechargeable batteries?

[DancesWithSpreadsheets]

I've had good luck with Sanyo eneloops, they seem to hold a charge a lot better than others I've tried.

 

A good source for batteries and chargers (and other toys) is Battery Junction (www.batteryjunction.com). I have no interest in the outfit other than being a satisfied customer.

 

Regards,

DWS

 

(edited to correct mental malfunction)(This message has been edited by DancesWithSpreadsheets)

[bacchus]

Thanks for the tips. I ordered a Garmin 60CSx from REI, and Eneloops batteries and recharger.

[bacchus]

By the way, it looks like the 60CSx is no longer on sale.

[ImNotSerious]

Its not as cuddly as the newer models, but the 60Csx is a better backcountry device.

 

I also use my nuvi 500 for cubs in the park

 

[CRK7376]

I've carried a Garmin etrex Vista since Afghanistan in 2002 and never had a problem. The Kids know it/manipulate it better than I do; simple, not to pricey and rugged. Oldest Eagle son not interested in geocaching, younger Eagle son and 12yo daughter along with myself enjoy geocaching. We placed a geacache near younger sons Eagle project after reading about Eagles in San Fancisco area brining light to their Eagle projects through the sport. Our troop has done a couple of Geocache events, but they haven't really caught on with our troop other than a couple of boys.

[CRK7376]

I've carried a Garmin etrex Vista since Afghanistan in 2002 and never had a problem. The Kids know it/manipulate it better than I do; simple, not to pricey and rugged. Oldest Eagle son not interested in geocaching, younger Eagle son and 12yo daughter along with myself enjoy geocaching. We placed a geacache near younger sons Eagle project after reading about Eagles in San Fancisco area brining light to their Eagle projects through the sport. Our troop has done a couple of Geocache events, but they haven't really caught on with our troop other than a couple of boys.

[Kudu]

My Scouts like to borrow my Magellan Triton 400.

 

You can purchase a refurbished Triton 400 (with a 90 day warranty) for under $90 on Amazon, about the same as I over-paid for the old "legacy" eXplorist 400 units on Ebay:

 

http://tinyurl.com/3536sug

 

Kudu

http://kudu.net/

 

[83Eagle]

If you have a bit more budget you might want to try some of the Garmin touch screen units, which are more intuitive for the texting generation. We use the Oregon which is easy to use and very durable. The 500 comes with rechargable batteries, or at least did when we bought it. The Colorado is the same platform I believe.

[Roadkill Patrol]

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx was great until they came out with the 62/62s/62st line, although it is for the serious geocacher. I sold my 60CSx and bought the 62s mainly due to the 3-axis compass. You had to hold the 60CSx very level in order for the compass to operate. The 3-axis compass on the 62s can be held in any position without a glitch. The other nice thing is the new "paperless geocaching". When I download the geocaches into the device, all of the detail you see on geocaching.org is stored as well. This way you can look up the difficulty, terrain, see the logs, etc.

 

Although for scouting purposes, our camp uses the E-trex and they work great.

[jrdalys]

I fairly recently bought a Garmin 62s (REI was having a sale). It's a great unit (very sensitive, large onboard memory, expandable memory), but there's a learning curve if you're not familiar with Garmin hiking GPS units.

 

By the way...I "discovered" gpsfiledepot.com as a source of FREE maps for the device. The Garmin Topo maps cost over $100, so I'd see FREE as a big discount. I am using Oregon and Washington maps from gpsfiledepot, and they work well.