Thread: GPS receiver. how to select.

Garmin GPS is one of the biggest brand, they are good. Im using GPS16 and it is very sensitive compared to some I have used before.

It can still track even under the tunnel. GPS16A is supposed to be even better, update rate is much faster.

http://www.garmin.com/oem/

I have a Deluo GPS, I chose it because they did a "universal" model where you can change connectors between USB, RS232, PocketPC and, I think, Palm. I have used mine on an IPAQ, and on a PC via USB and RS232 and it works great. I have used it with MapPoint 2004 ont he PC and Destinator 2 on the IPAQ.

Chris.

Originally Posted by Marsupial

Ok, I guess this will sound like a newbie question, but I am really new with the end-user computer GPS field.

How do we select what GPS device we want to get?
I don't even know the brands or anything.

I would plan to have it in my car, and I am thinking about getting MS mappoint.

Do we need specific antennas for the GPS receivers?

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

I can help you on this one. I just bought my first GPS after much deliberation.
ask yourself these

1. Will I use it outside of my car, ever?
2. What features do I want? (electronic compass, stuff like that)
3. What am I willing to spend?


1. If you geocache or ever want to use your gps on a hike, get a portable one. This was a big factor for me. Because if ever there was a chance you'd want to have a portable GPS, get it. if not get the garmin 16.

2. Garmin is what everyone likes. you can just get a crap generic off of ebay i'm sure, but you might as well invest into quality. Go to garmin's webpage and compare their products, they have a nice little compare feature.

3 the price is up to you.

I ended up getting the etrex legend, for 165 shipping included off of ebay a couple of days ago. there are cables with power plugs on them , and most of the time, this will sit in my back window face down, plugged into the computer via serial. I've found the legend to be the most rugged and cost effective feature packed portable garmin has. So just figure out what you want it to do. and then look for the features. GL

How do you connect a Garmin GPS 16? It looks like it has an RJ-45 or RJ-11 Connector. Ideally I'd like to use it if it has USB connectivity. Anyone here using this product? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Check the website...it show exactly how to do this.

Its RJ45, you can either cut it or make an adaptor.

Not sure if the GPS16 will work good with USB, but you will need to buy a serial-USB converter if you wanna try.

I have been using a Garmin basic Etrex ($99-$119 US) for three years with my laptops, pdas and now my car computer. I have dropped it, put it through a car fire, floated it in water for a week (in the trunk of my burned up car after the fire department doused it). It still works perfectly in the car or out.