Author Topic: HAND HELD GPS UNITS (Read 1155 times)

shantysitter · « **on:** Mar 01, 2011, 06:45 PM »

Iwent to cabelas today trying to figure out what unit I should go with. I am going to be using it mainly for fishing in Pa and NY. I think I have narrowed it down to either Garmin or Lowerance. The Garmin models that I .looked at were the ETREX HCX for 250.00 or the DAKOTA20 FOR 350.00. The Lowerance model was the Endura for 200.00. They also had a Lowerance H2O in the bargain cave for about180.00. The salesman said that Garmin wasn't compatible to the Navionics Hot Map Chip and there maps that they used aren't as accurate.My question is what would you guys go with? Are these good choices or should I be looking in a different direction? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

Team Lightning · « **Reply #1 on:** Mar 01, 2011, 06:49 PM »

I have always use Garmin handhelds and use some of there maps. I LOVE EM. Also use some other mapping programs with my handhelds and they all work just fine. I really like the Garmins for Geocaching as that web site will allow you to download from the web directly into the GPS rather than pushing a million buttons to get your way points installed.

rugby ice · « **Reply #2 on:** Mar 01, 2011, 07:01 PM »

I'm new to the GPS world. Just earned a new Garmin for the car. Anyone use that for plotting GPS coordinates for fishing?

Tunapursuit · « **Reply #3 on:** Mar 01, 2011, 07:04 PM »

Shantysitter, I too am looking into a new hand held. My research has me looking at the Garmin models, just based on reviews and what individuals I have talked with. The models I am looking at are the 450T or Delorme PN 60W. I am told they are loaded with the navionics software and/or are capable to accept the navionics chip in addition the screens are easier to see and touch along with connecting to your computer. I have research some links within IS for some of my information but will keep looking within here for addition information. Tightlines. Ron

firegems · « **Reply #4 on:** Mar 01, 2011, 07:16 PM »

There is a thread started under fishing with electronics that might be of help.... http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=189962.0
I have a very old Garmin Emap that has a larger screen....I have been saving fishing waypoints on it for years..I downloaded the garmin fishing hotspots disk to it to show contour lines and hunting season i download topo maps to it.
Besides waypoints the track feature is also great. A few times the fog or heavy snow rolled in and I was able to follow my tracks right back to my starting point!
Good Luck!
Be Safe!

eriksat1 · « **Reply #5 on:** Mar 02, 2011, 09:59 AM »

I just bought a Delorme PN-40 for $230 from Walmart online with free shipping store to store. I read a lot of good reviews about it, plus the Navionics chip capability, depending on where you live some lake map chips are better than others for your area.

Hagigun · « **Reply #6 on:** Mar 02, 2011, 10:27 AM »

Quote from: rugby ice on Mar 01, 2011, 07:01 PM

I'm new to the GPS world. Just earned a new Garmin for the car. Anyone use that for plotting GPS coordinates for fishing?

I use a Garmin Nuvi (car model) for fishing. I downloaded the Lakemaster maps from the site. It shows us contours of the lakes. Works pretty darn well for us seeing as we didn't want to buy the handheld model when we already had a functioning GPS.

However there are some downsides. You can't plot and save points very easily. There just isn't the same functionality with the car ones compared to the handhelds. The options are limited. As far as viewing the lake map, it works just fine for that so you know what depth you are at.

One other drag, was the memory of the unit was not enough to fit the lakemaster software. So i had to buy a memory card (7.99) or so on ebay. Not a huge deal, but i didn't know this until after i bought the software and then had to wait for the memory card.

Another option is the Lakemaster Contour elite software. This is for PCs/laptops only. This is a lake contour program with fish species searches, fishing logs, 3d underwater views, really cool. What i did was buy a GPS USB cord. So now my laptop is a functioning GPS and runs with the software. So in essence i grab my laptop, plug in the USB GPS deal ($25 on eBay), then load up the lake from Contour Elite. It will show my exact position on the lake. You can really hone in on a spot. Then take a 3d look under the water to see what you are really dealing with down there. Sure the laptop is a bit bulky, but i just keep mine in my car since i drive on the ice most of the season with a car. If you walk out and drag a sled, not sure you want your laptop out there. I'm really excited about the summer fishing capabilities with it as well.

www.plantocatch.com is where you get the software. Take a peek. Wish i would have known about this before i bought the lakemaster program for the Garmin Nuvi. But they each serve their own purpose. The Garmin Lakemaster one has more lakes than the contour elite program, at least in MN, and it's way more portable since you can hold it in your hand.

shantysitter · « **Reply #7 on:** Mar 02, 2011, 10:45 AM »

I think I am going with the Lowrance H20C.The reason I am going with this one is that Garmin isn't compatible with Navionics and doesn't cover Lakemaster for Oneida Lake.I am not to computer literate so I like the idea of putting in the hot map chip and then being able to find the lake I want.Team Lightning what is GEOCACHING? If anyone has had any issues with the H20 please let me know.

eriksat1 · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 01:49 PM »

I did a lot of research, the h2oc is twice the price of the DeLorme PN-40 they both take the Navi chips They say the H2OC is hard to read the screen in bright sunlight.

Cterp · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 02:00 PM »

I've got the h2o, not the c version, and it works perfectly with the navionics chip. No issue with accuracy(actually very accurate) and the thing has been beat to hell in the last couple years. The only issue is, you're only going to get 8 hours at best on a set of batteries.

shantysitter · « **Reply #10 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 02:28 PM »

I went to Cabelas again today(that store kills me)and bought the H20C. I paid 180.00 for the unit out of the bargain cave, never used was in there because it is a discontinued model. I also got the Navonics hot map chip for it,original price was 145.00. They had them 15% off then I got a 25.00 voucher at the check out for the next time I go there. It's a shame there ice fishing selection is so poor though. How do you think I made out?

mdrobny · « **Reply #11 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 02:31 PM »

pretty good deal! now get fishin'.

shantysitter · « **Reply #12 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 02:34 PM »

Going in the a.m.

eriksat1 · « **Reply #13 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 03:24 PM »

The reason I finally bought one was I was getting tired of losing my spots. I would drill a bunch of holes find the fish, then not fish for a few days come back and the snow has everything covered up and I have to search the spot all over again. No more.

Nam 69 · « **Reply #14 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 04:15 PM »

How close will these units get you to the spot you have marked???

eriksat1 · « **Reply #15 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 04:36 PM »

They claim 6' to 11' feet, this by geocacher's (gps treasure hunters).

Laker 11 · « **Reply #16 on:** Mar 03, 2011, 06:48 PM »

Just like it was said before, the H20 eats up batteries and is hard to see in the sunshine.

icepollack · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 05, 2011, 01:03 PM »

Quote from: eriksat1 on Mar 02, 2011, 09:59 AM

I just bought a Delorme PN-40 for $230 from Walmart online with free shipping store to store. I read a lot of good reviews about it, plus the Navionics chip capability, depending on where you live some lake map chips are better than others for your area.

How do you like your Delorme PN 40. I am thinking of getting one.

74redone · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 06, 2011, 04:51 PM »

Ebay has the PN-40 for $239 with free shipping and NO sales tax! Thats $8 cheaper than Walmart. Which translates to 2 gallons of gas!
Good Luck
Matt

Ed D · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 06, 2011, 07:13 PM »

hey shanty sitter,can't give opinion on other units,but my extensive use of garmin summit hc is in total confidence.while hunting in Adirondack Mt's,found partner 6 miles away right to his stand.never misled and always picks up satellites under any conditions.paid 225.user friendly.Ed

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Author Topic: HAND HELD GPS UNITS (Read 1155 times)