GPS Unit
 

I'm looking at getting a Garmin 172C gps unit. I've noticed they have both internal and external antenna's. What's the difference? Is one better than the other?

Thanks,
Blue

Re: GPS Unit
 

Depends on your mounting location. If it will be under a hard roof, I would recommend external. If not, internal will give just as good performance and is easier in regards to mounting. I went with the internal and never had any problems with reception even through the Bimini top.

Re: GPS Unit
 

Given the absence of a hard top on my V20, I think I'll go with internal. I knew there was a reason for the internal vs. external option. Seems obvious now!

Thanks CB!
Blue

Re: GPS Unit
 

AGREE ON INTERNAL ANT. AM ;DUSING A 276C ON THE DASH OF V-21 AND HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN GOOD SIGNAL EVEN WITH LOTS OF STAINLESS STEEL IN BIMINI.

Re: GPS Unit
 

Im have no hard top but have always had good luck with the internal att.
I have a Garmin 162 Map chart plotter and this has a internal as well and is right on every time!!

Re: GPS Unit
 

What else will I need to buy besides the unit itself?

Does it come with a cord to attach to the PC? How about a data card and the mapsource CD?

This doesn't seem like the type of thing you can buy one day and use the next....or is it?

Thanks,
Blue

Re: GPS Unit
 

It should come with all cables and the power unit so you can use in the house!!
All you need to buty is the map software and load it in to the unit.
Then you can use asp.
I got mine used and it came with all the maps installed so all I had to do was install and go fishing. I love it and I will never go back to just plain GPS again.

Re: GPS Unit
 

Thanks Mac for the low down. You've helped quell my fears!

Re: GPS Unit
 

All Garmin units come with a world basemap and can be used immediately as is. The Bluechart software that adds more defined cartography is an optional CD that you purchase at any time and downloads from your PC. Garmin gives you an unlock code when you purchase the CD that will allow you to load charts of a given area of useage. The cables supplied also include an AC adapter plugin that also has the PC cable on it. I would recommend the Bluechart CD software as they have much greater resolution and charting info over the Mapsource CD's. Bluecharts are raster scans of actual NOAA Charts that also include navigational aids and water depths, hazards, etc.

Re: GPS Unit
 

Ok I think I got it...

Bluechart = Good :)
Mapsource = Bad :(

CB, I really appreciate it. I'm going to BPS tonight to look at the CD's and GPS units. I'm leaning toward buying the unit itself on eBay. The 172C is selling on eBay for as little as $548. Boaters World prices it at $699. I can't find a listing for BPS, so maybe they don't have that model?

Anything else I need to know?