Is this what I need

msbhammer · #1 06-09-2006, 01:20 AM

I know it was posted in the past about gps brand types. I'm all new with this. Looking for a gps system that I can type in my wreck dive site and it will take me straight there. Is this the correct item I would need. ???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3ARTQ%3AUS%3A1

76GMC1500 · #2 06-09-2006, 04:11 AM

Most any GPS will do that, including that one. *You can go to the Eagle website and download emulators that function exactly like the real unit. *I have a Eagle SeaCharter 480DF. *It cost $350 and is an extremely capable unit. *It is a grayscale version of the Lowrance LMS-337c and maintains all of the functionality except that it uses NMEA 0183 instead of NMEA 2000 so most of the new add-ons don't work.

I don't believe that GPS has any kind of NMEA which means it may not work with your radio's DSC. *You are stuck with the charts that come on the GPS (very basic), there is no expandability.

If you're going to be diving, I do suggest the SeaCharter 480DF because it works with Navionics charts to help you find even more wrecks to dive on. The dual frequency transducer on the 480 helps resolve bottom structure below 150 feet better than the 200 hz single frequency transducer.

msbhammer · #3 06-09-2006, 04:22 AM

When you mean limited to charts, do yo mean limited to the ocean area, New Jersy, Delaware or do you mean the chart display on the unit ??
Many thanks. ;)

pikfish · #4 06-09-2006, 04:31 AM

Any GPS will have the ability to store 100+ “waypoints”, which are locations that you either input yourself or “Marked” when you were there. Then you just pick the waypoint you want and hit the “Go To” button. You can also pick multiple waypoints and arrange them in a “Route”. The big improvement in the somewhat more expensive GPS units will be a database. In this case it would display a nautical chart showing your boat and other details like shore line, daymarkers, channels, etc depending on how detailed your database is. This is a very nice feature to have, as a basic GPS will just tell you the direct direction to your goal even if land is in the way! For a GPS/Sonar combo I would expect the prices to start about $500 and up. The display resolution on this unit is quite low (240Vx160H). This is the number of dots per inch on the display, 320V x 240H DPI. or higher would be better for a good display and a color display is really nice!

reelapeelin · #5 06-09-2006, 10:15 AM

Hammer, if you got all the numbers on the sites you wanna dive, that unit will get you there...several years back we took a handheld GPS to a wreck 35 miles off Charleston...right to it...not recommending handheld, just example of how well the technology works even on low cost units...and that would be a good starter unit, but I think you'll outgrow it eventually as you go lookin' for new sites...

The only question I got is the internal antenna and how well does it ''shoot thru'' bimini tops for example...I'd find that out B4 you buy, cause I know Lisa gonna have that top up on hot sunny days while her man down collectin' suppa!! ;) ;D...

macojoe · #6 06-09-2006, 11:23 AM

I have the Garmin 162, its a gray scale machine and I love it!!!!

You can load all your numbers into it and thwen mark spots when you are there.

Whats nice with the color unit is that you can see most in the sun!! Mine sucks in the sun light.

I have been in fog so thick you can't tell weather you in the water or the sky! Always gets me home!!

IMO there is nothing better then a Garmin! I have had handhelds and fixed mount and garmin is easy to use and they work great!

They come with internal Att or external, I have the internal and have no problems with the windshield or the Bimi top, always has a signal.

You can get good deals on some on ebay, here is the spec on the 162 if you are interested:

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap162/#

TheTinMan · #7 06-09-2006, 11:33 AM

MJ, how's the refresh rate on your Garmin? I have a 168 combo and it takes too long to refresh the chart! Is it slower the more charts you have loaded?

macojoe · #8 06-09-2006, 11:39 AM

It has hot and cold days, some days its lighting fast and others its slow as $hit.

I think it depends were you are?? When I am at the Vinyard its pretty good, but when I am in Chatam is slow?

Depending on the money he has to spend he might get a new faster machine, but this is good for cheap.

CB had the samwe one, I mean the same one I got his ;D

Blue_Runner · #9 06-09-2006, 12:53 PM

I've got the Garmin 172c. Got around $500 in it with internal antenna. Shoots right through the windshield and top. Refreshes plenty fast, but like you said, it depends on where you are in relation to the satellites and how clear it is and many other factors. I like the color unit and in my eperiences the Garmins are easier to use than other brands.

76GMC1500 · #10 06-09-2006, 01:33 PM

I haven't seen the charts that come on this unit, but there isn't a slot for a memory card so you can upload new ones. *The base charts on my SeaCharter had only a few buoys. *I don't know that this one would show depth lines or anything on it. *One thing, if you do buy the SeaCharter 480DF for $350, the charts are an extra $180. *I don't have charts yet for that reason. *If I were to go somewhere with lots of channels and flats, I would get the charts to help me avoid the shallow stuff.

If you go to the Lowrance or Eagle website, they have emulators which exactly simulate the operation of each GPS. They also have sample charts to download so you can see what it is like with a Navionics chart.