I am kind of new to GPS and I bought a Maegellan Crossover. It is neat because it gives typical road information and hiking trail information, which i figure would be handy for jeep trails. I have not been able to confirm its handiness on a full trail, but I do seem to notice that I may not have the best unit for converting GPS info into something usable on the desktop pc.
I noticed that some of the posts in here look like GPS points from the trail were superimposed on a SBNF map. Not sure if that is a software or a line drawn with the mouse.
What GPS units do you all use?

For example, if i were to dl one of the .gpx files, i am not sure my device would utilize it effectively. I may need to do more research and investigation of the desktop software it comes with.

I am kind of new to GPS and I bought a Maegellan Crossover. It is neat because it gives typical road information and hiking trail information, which i figure would be handy for jeep trails. I have not been able to confirm its handiness on a full trail, but I do seem to notice that I may not have the best unit for converting GPS info into something usable on the desktop pc.
I noticed that some of the posts in here look like GPS points from the trail were superimposed on a SBNF map. Not sure if that is a software or a line drawn with the mouse.
What GPS units do you all use?

For example, if i were to dl one of the .gpx files, i am not sure my device would utilize it effectively. I may need to do more research and investigation of the desktop software it comes with.


Wow . . . I was thinking about getting GPS but this sounds way too complicated . . . guess I'll just keep adding armor . . . nuts/bolts/steel . . . much simpler!!!:bonk:

Rick and I have the Garmin GPS Map CSX (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=310) and it's awesome. We steered away from Magellan because all of their 800#'s go to India - so I can't say I'm familiar with the software you have. What's it called?

I'm sure with any GPS you can do whatever you put your mind to. I recently accomplished geotagging (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sw33t/sets/72157601513586890/map/)

...I recently accomplished geotagging (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sw33t/sets/72157601513586890/map/)

I'll be attempting this with MY Garmin GPSMap 60CSx for my upcoming trip to Hawaii! I'll let you know how it goes!

Garmin Nuvi 350 w/US Topo 2008 installed...

Cheers! M2

I recently worked on a GPS review for the Overland Journal (www.overlandjournal.com), the Maegellen Cross over was included in the test (along with Lowrance, Garmin, DeLorme and Bushnell). I haven't seen the final article (I was a consultant on this article--my articles resume in the Winter), and I can't divulge the final outcome of all the tests or the overall winner.....but I can say that personally, I like the Garmin products, despite their use of proprietary software which is less desirable than say, DeLorme, and the fact that they do not use SD cards....yet.

I vote Garmin. I have three and they are all Garmin. The one I use the most is the 60CS. Great unit.

All of mine to date have been Garmin, although I have on occasion hired folks to run the high end Trimbles.

Buying a GPS MAP378 to replace my GPS 76 fairly soon.

I noticed that some of the posts in here look like GPS points from the trail were superimposed on a SBNF map. Not sure if that is a software or a line drawn with the mouse.
What GPS units do you all use?

I've been experimenting with several on line GPS mapping software. I took some of my saved tracks and imported them into the software. You can then select a topo map, aerial map, and many others types. TopoFusion is a nice one. It will actually let you view in 3D. Cool feature. Do a Google search for GPS mapping and you’ll find a ton.

I started out with a Garmin GPS 12. No maps. it was a good intro unit.

Moved up to a Garmin GPS V and I still use it today, although I only keep SBNF trail maps on it due to the 1 hour upload time changing maps.

I owned a Magellen Sport Trak Pro that quit working after 6 months.

Tracy uses a Garmin Map 60CS. It has served us well and I would highly recommend the Map 60CSX to everyone.

As far as mapping software on the units, Garmin and Magellen are proprietary. I do not like Garmin Topo.

GPS Babel (with help from Russ and others) allows me to upload tracks and routes made in National Geographic Topo to the Garmin Map60CS.

GPS Visualizer is a user friendly interface for GPS Babel

EasyGPS is a user friendly program for loading .gpx waypoints into your GPS receiver.

links:
http://www.gpsbabel.org/
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/gpsbabel/convert
http://www.easygps.com/default.asp?rc=213pF

A page full of handy links and GPS information
http://www.geocaching.com/waypoints/default.aspx

My 376C (378 above is a typo) should be here this week :)

Need to upload all the waypoints from my 76, I'm curious to see how close all my Lake Powell ones are. The included Inland Lakes mapping with the 376C is for "full pool" - Powell is down almost 100' :(

EasyGPS is a user friendly program for loading .gpx waypoints into your GPS receiver.

2x on Easy GPS. Very easy to use.

Garmin 60CSx x2

I recently worked on a GPS review for the Overland Journal (www.overlandjournal.com), the Maegellen Cross over was included in the test

I LOVE Overland Journal. It's so cool to have someone on this forum who is a part of that. By FAR my favorite magazine.

I bumped into Scott a few weeks ago at the off road show in Pomona, and he said that the Crossfire did not 'win' the review, but it was his favorite for general purpose use.

I just bought one last Friday and took it with me to Nightmare Gulch. That particular trail was not on the map, but the topo seemed accurate, and I created a breadcrumb track. I haven't loaded the software yet to extract or load info into the unit, but it seems useful. I am a bit disappointed with it's street navigation mode, but after using my wife's Nissan Armada's nav system, everything seems to feel like an old Atari game in comparison.

I think I just have unrealistic expectations when it comes to graphics and user interface. The Crossover seems to have all the essential functionality, and the manual says you can upload more detailed topo's into it, which is nice. I'll have to explore that further once I play with it more. This is my first GPS, it's a steep learning curve!

What GPS units do you all use?


I almost bought the garmin nuvi 350 or something like that it was about 400$,but i decided to just remember the trails instead,so far i have done a great job.But i still would like to get one one day when my memory fades :-)

I just used my Crossover for the first time on a trail run through Sedona & Flagstaff Arizona. The unit performed very well on the streets, and had tremendous signal reception even in tight canynon's and through my Land Rover's heated windshield (thousands of tiny radio wave blocking wires in it). The unit's breadcrumb feature was easy to use and the waypoints were great because you can label them with trail names, like "Broken Arrow #1"

However, I could not get the actual off road navigation (distance & direction to next waypoint) to work! It was skewing me off by two or three hundred miles. Seemed like the Center of the Earth was the waypoint! I'm sure it was user error, this is my first GPS unit, but other than I could't plot a route to the next waypoint, I always knew where I was and what the terrain around me looked like (full topo maps).

I just finished reading my Overland Journal review, and they didn't seem to have any waypoint issues, so I just need to figure out what I was doing wrong.

I'll be attempting this with MY Garmin GPSMap 60CSx for my upcoming trip to Hawaii! I'll let you know how it goes!

Well Mat? Did it work well for you?

Well Mat? Did it work well for you?

You bet... I wasn't going to post until I was done with all my geo-tagging. The pictures are geo-tagged with deadly accuracy, but I don't have the posted on my website on a google maps yet. Still more code to write before that's the case! I might have something next week to show you! Thanks for asking!

You bet... I wasn't going to post until I was done with all my geo-tagging. The pictures are geo-tagged with deadly accuracy, but I don't have the posted on my website on a google maps yet. Still more code to write before that's the case! I might have something next week to show you! Thanks for asking!

Thanks.... I am very new to GPS...trying to learn some more on this thread.
Be looking forward to your results.

I have the Magellan 4040 and it's really awesome. I can enter a bunch of destinations and it plots out a fuel-efficient route. Saves time, gas and cash! Oh, and it's really easy to operate.

Thanks.... I am very new to GPS...trying to learn some more on this thread.
Be looking forward to your results.

Wow, I'm so behind... This is still on my ever-growing-never-shrinking "todo" list! Maybe I better not buy a chumby... then I'll NEVER have time.

Garmin Nuvi 350 w/US Topo 2008 installed...

Cheers! M2

Will that work on the Garmin Nuvi 200? Mine has some of the trails in my area already built in but it's very limited. Did you download that from Garmin's website? If not can you get me the link to the site you got it from and what was the cost?

I have a Tomtom. If you like to off-road, don't get a Tomtom. It will however show you how fast you are going and what direction you are heading. It will even show you how to get to Starbucks. What it won't show you is a trail! Apparently there is some sort of a renegade hacker breadcrumb overlay for it, but it's just too much work for breadcrumb.

I've had my eye on a Lowrance GlobalMap Baja 540C (http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Automotive/GlobalMap-Baja-540C/). Me likey!!! I just have to get over the $400 price tag of something that can be swiped in seconds.

I've been using a Garmin etrex Vista Cx, but I wanted a bigger screen. So I just bought the Lowrance Baja 540c for the Jeep. I bought the topo software for it and will be trying it out next week on the Mojave road. I like it so far not being on the trail yet, but will know for sure how I like it after this next weekend.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/jkcrazyjim2/IMG_1651.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/jkcrazyjim2/IMG_1655.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/jkcrazyjim2/IMG_1652.jpg

That mount is great. Is it easily removable? I'm just thinking of the theft aspect. Can it be mounted in place somehow as a permanent fixture? Like as theft resistant as a factory stereo, maybe? I'd be afraid to leave my Jeep and go explore trails with that on display

That mount is great. Is it easily removable? I'm just thinking of the theft aspect. Can it be mounted in place somehow as a permanent fixture? Like as theft resistant as a factory stereo, maybe? I'd be afraid to leave my Jeep and go explore trails with that on display

The GPS could be mounted permanently with a custom dash, or some ingenious thinking. You can remove this ram mount very easy. On the right side of the mount has the knob to tighten after adjustment. Loosen that up and the 6" riser comes off of the ball joints, then unplub the two wires on the back of the unit. So probably about 30 seconds or so to remove, a little longer to put back on because you'll have to align the GPS again on the angles you want. I had to remove the grab bar and modify the glove box for closing, so it's not that pretty, especially where I didn't cut straight on the glove box. LOL, it works though.

Is that the FT8900? If so, are you set up running all 4 bands or just 2M and 440?

I have the 8900 in my Pathfinder, with the quad band antenna, and I hate the antenna! I could not imagine offroading with that antenna!

Is that the FT8900? If so, are you set up running all 4 bands or just 2M and 440?

I have the 8900 in my Pathfinder, with the quad band antenna, and I hate the antenna! I could not imagine offroading with that antenna!

No it's the 8800, so I'm just on 2M and 440. I'm using a Larson dual band antenna and it seems to be ok.

How well does a unit like that hold up to the bumps and vibration offroad?

How well does a unit like that hold up to the bumps and vibration offroad?

he doesnt know yet. this weekend will be his first time out with it. when i looked at it on Sunday it looked to be vary stable and should be fine.

How well does a unit like that hold up to the bumps and vibration offroad?

Well that's the reason I bought this GPS. It's waterproof, dust proof, and shock resistant. They claim it will take the abuse of a Baja race. In fact a lot of trophy trucks use the same GPS, but larger without any issues. The mount vibrates on sharp little bumps, but handles quite well on larger bumps. I'll see how it does this weekend on the Mojave Road.
:thumbs_up - :thumbs_do We'll see.

:thumbs_up:thumbs_up:thumbs_up I give it three thumbs up out of two. I really like this GPS and am glad I bought it. I can't compare it with any others that are comparable with it, because I haven't tried any others besides my Garmin Etrex but I think it's definitely worth it!

My 376C (378 above is a typo) should be here this week :)

Need to upload all the waypoints from my 76, I'm curious to see how close all my Lake Powell ones are. The included Inland Lakes mapping with the 376C is for "full pool" - Powell is down almost 100' :(
Did you end up getting this unit? I'm in the market and this unit is looking pretty appealing. I would like to know how you like it.

Love it -have mounts for 3 vehicles plus the boat.

Cool thanks. I really like my 60CS but I want a bigger screen to see more area so I'm trying to find one that has the same features.

About my 4th Garmin. Moved up from a 76 to this.

I've been using a Garmin etrex Vista Cx, but I wanted a bigger screen. So I just bought the Lowrance Baja 540c for the Jeep. I bought the topo software for it and will be trying it out next week on the Mojave road. I like it so far not being on the trail yet, but will know for sure how I like it after this next weekend.

I have the Baja 540c in my Jeep, but it was lobotomized by the previous owner (he kept his memory card), so I need to get this one set up properly. What topo software are you using? Did you look to see what all would work with this? I'd like to use Topo 7 if it would work.

The screen on the 540c is amazing, but I'm not finding the menus and functions to be all that intuitive. For example, how many different button presses are required to save a waypoint? and if you want to name it, how do you do that, I don't have a keyboard anywhere....?

As for the questions others asked about it's capablity on the trail, it's totally bomber. This thing was designed for the Baja 1000 racers. The screen is large, the zoom in/zoom out and pan buttons are very easy to use, the buttons themselves are well spaced and quite large, perfect if you are wearing Nomex gloves. The unit is waterproof, dustproof, and vibration proof.

The only thing I don't like about it really is that it's always on. The screen shuts off, but the receiver is always running, so you might want to install a physical kill switch somewhere in the power leads to the battery.

However, on the plus side, since it's always on, it boots up immeadiately and knows right were it's at without delay.

nwoods, I looked at those but from what I understand you can't load gpx files in to them which would be a problem for me. Great unit and I love the screen but I'm pretty partial to Garmin. This will be my 5th one.

I have a LOT to learn, but this morning I googled around to see about what can be done with GPX files and the Lowrance. There is a lot of free conversion software that seems like it can convert the GPX format into something the Baja540 can read.

gpsbabel (http://www.gpsbabel.org/) will convert pretty much any format of GPS data into pretty much any other format of GPS data. Used it many times, works great! You can even specify certain versions of formats if you have old or finicky software or hardware.

I have the Baja 540c in my Jeep, but it was lobotomized by the previous owner (he kept his memory card), so I need to get this one set up properly. What topo software are you using? Did you look to see what all would work with this? I'd like to use Topo 7 if it would work.

The screen on the 540c is amazing, but I'm not finding the menus and functions to be all that intuitive. For example, how many different button presses are required to save a waypoint? and if you want to name it, how do you do that, I don't have a keyboard anywhere....?

As for the questions others asked about it's capablity on the trail, it's totally bomber. This thing was designed for the Baja 1000 racers. The screen is large, the zoom in/zoom out and pan buttons are very easy to use, the buttons themselves are well spaced and quite large, perfect if you are wearing Nomex gloves. The unit is waterproof, dustproof, and vibration proof.

The only thing I don't like about it really is that it's always on. The screen shuts off, but the receiver is always running, so you might want to install a physical kill switch somewhere in the power leads to the battery.

However, on the plus side, since it's always on, it boots up immeadiately and knows right were it's at without delay.

I have the map create 7.0, and it works pretty well. The Menu is pretty easy once you get used to it. I'm very happy with this GPS. If you don't have an instruction manual, here's the link for the manual.

http://www.lowrance.com/upload/Lowrance/Documents/Manuals/GlobalMap540cBAJA_0151-481_12-05-06.pdf