I pretty much have my gear sorted now as far as weight or preference is concerned but there are a few items still on the wants list. One item that always looked too heavy was my GPS, a Garmin Etrex Summit. I don’t use a GPS as my primary navigation tool for a variety of reasons, for a start there’s no mapping software for N.I. and although I use Memory Map software for trips to Scotland I’m not keen on using the GPS without the visual aid of a map, add the issue of batteries and I tend to only use the GPS as a back-up.
The Etrex Summit has a barometric altimeter which I like so I wanted to make sure that any GPS I bought also had this feature. I looked at the Geko range which is fairly basic and lighter than the Etrex range. The Etrex Summit weighs 170g including pouch and 2 x AA Lithium batteries. The Geko 301 has all the features of the Etrex Summit including the barometric altimeter but with 2 x lithium AAA batteries only weighs 86g. I managed to pick up a refurbished one from a seller on ebay for £54 plus postage. The unit came next day and looks like a perfect solution for my needs, it’s quite a bit smaller and I find the buttons on the front easier to use than the side mounted buttons on the Etrex. So far I’ve only messed about with it, getting it set up and so on but I’m pleased with it so far. I haven’t tried using it with Memory map but I think it should work with the data lead that I used with the Etrex. I think the battery life is better than the Etrex and as it uses AAA batteries rather than AA any spares I carry will be lighter, in addition my head torch uses AAA batteries so the cross compatibility is useful.
Bargain Mac. Nice bit of kit. I sometimes take my Etrex on a trip, but a lighter unit appeals. I might give ebay a look.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice and slim compared to the etrex and hopefully will be reliable. The seller was TrustsaleUK.
ReplyDeleteI made a similar transition some time ago. I have the 201 and it's perfectly good as a simple GPS for checking positions.
ReplyDeleteI'm holding out for my GPS Holy Grail. A nice simple GPS watch. I'm not holding my breath though.
ReplyDeleteLike you Richard, i have the older Summit. As i only carry it on solo winter walks, i'll wait (for ever i think) on my GPS watch.
Nice deal you got though.
Mike fae Dundee
Be careful - AAAs might be physically smaller and lighter, but they also hold less juice!
ReplyDeleteRob
Mike, I remember you mentioning that on OM, you'd think that it would be easy to make a simple and ultralight GPS reciever that would give you a 6 figure ref.
ReplyDeleteRob, you're right but it appears that the Geko is less power hungry than the Etrex so should still be ok.
Richard, a GPS is something that I'm also still missing. Looking forward to your review. How compatible is it with a Mac (the PC, not you ;), do you know?
ReplyDeleteI don't know about a Mac Hendrik, there's no mapping software built into the unit, it connects to the PC via USB and I've tried it with Memory Map software which works fine. As far as I know Memory Map isn't Mac compatible.
ReplyDeleteI also bought the 301 this year. Much simpler than all the recent new Garmins and under $100, refurbished on amazon. Like you I read maps and just want the option of a position fix once and a while in the barren wastes. I'm not going to even hook it up to a computer. I do like the ability to mark your route with breadcrumb waypoints - forget what they call it, so you can find your way back from where you came. You're never lost if you can backtrack to where you got lost in the first place!
ReplyDelete