Handheld GPSs

[Alan]

I was thinking of the GPSMAP 182 as I already have a Fishfinder. I too like Garmin kit and everyone has good things to say about it, and importantly Garmin UK's Customer Service. I also believe it is available with an integral antennae which I think is a bonus. But then again is the display big enough or should I spend another couple of hundred sponds on the 232 with a 7" Display.

Blue Charts look good. Basically Navionics charts so better v.f.m. in terms of coverage per chip. (I could get away with the one the covers Amsterdam to Fecamp for all the East Coast boating I'm likely to do!

Other plotters that I have thought about are the new Lowrance 2400 & the Raymarine 425. Both Navionics.

C-Map choice in my budget really comes down to the Navman 5100/5500.

Further buggeration factor is that I already have a C-MAp chip for the East Coast but am leaning towards a Navionics plotter. Still can always flog it I 'spose.

Going to have a look at JCW's Garmin 176 this weekend although I think thats too small for my eyesight!

Lots too think about!

Alan

[JCW]

Alan,
The Garmin 182 does come with an integral antennae option. This also works out a few pounds cheaper than the external version!!
The Garmin 232 I believe has no option other than an external antennae.

[Alan]

Its not so much wanting to save money with an internal antennae its that its one less connection to corrode, work loose and generally go wrong! (It also saves the buggeration of running another cable under the deck from console to A Frame.)

See you Saturday.

Alan

[GraemeCooper]

Alan

I have the Garmin 182, and went for the external aerial option on the advice of Garmn.

Their Technical Support dept said that they do have some acquisition problems with the internal antenna - I believe the same problem exists on the 126 Vs the 128.

I dont think this is a major problem, but can be if the unit is shaded, or anything blocks it - whereas the external aerial is usually out of the way of such things.

Graeme

[Alan]

Thanks Graeme. I would assume that if the unit was on the top of a console and not enclosed in a cabin for example it should be able to get a signal OK. My handheld does! Do you find the screen of the 182 (120mm diagonal iirc) large enough to read at speed/in bumpy conditions. This is my biggest concern!

We've had problems with antennae connections on our Eagle/Lowrance GPS in the past so the idea of one less plug to muck around with does appeal!

Alan

[GraemeCooper]

Alan

I find the screen large enough to read - but thats not to say that the large screen wouldn't have been even better. However, the overall size of the 182 was about right for my console.

When I showed Garmin a picture of my console they advised (with the internal antennae) that I mounted the unit ON TOP of the console in its gimble mouting. As I wanted the unit on the front of the console they said I could have some problems wth reception. Hence I went for the external option.

I always grease the connections, and replace the small plastic bags over them when the unit is removed.

Graeme

[badbaws]

I bought a Garmin 48 HH GPS in Key west 2 years ago for £154 at the time in the UK it was £195...try and do a mail order from the states if you can so much cheaper....

[jools]

Anybody got any comments on combining the GPSMAP and fishfinder into one unit?

The display can show either
The Chart
Fishfinder screen
or a split screen of both.

My thinking is - when you are "mid-voyage" you will be using the Chart screens (you should be in deap water)
When you are in shallow water - ie near the coast, navigating up a river - ito a harbour etc - you will know where you are and will not requite the "Chart" page and only need the depth page.

If you do need both - then you can use the split screen.

Obviously for people who already have one or the other then 2 seperate systems make sence - but if you are about to buy both why not combine them

Jools

[Brian]

Jools
I had a Garmin 235 with those facilities.
My thinking was exactly like yours and yes, it works like you say.
Certainly dont see the point of separate units UNLESS you are a professional fisherman and/or possibly divemaster.

[jools]

cool!!