meljo
Bronze Cacher
Posts: 47
GeocacheAlaska! Membership Level: Sourdough
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Post by meljo on Jul 28, 2008 7:59:26 GMT -9
I have a friend who wants to get into geocaching. He said he was looking at a Garmin Oregon gps unit and asked what I thought. Since I don't keep up to date on the subject, I thought I would ask you all. Thanks for any info on this and any recomendations.
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Post by omgcrew on Jul 28, 2008 8:52:46 GMT -9
Do you know which one? 200 300 or 400?
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Post by Malcore on Jul 28, 2008 12:49:36 GMT -9
I took a look at the Oregon at REI last week and it looks nice. Very expensive but if he is willing to spend that much then I would say he wont be disapointed. A few things I noticed while checking it out. The reception seemed real good, it was reading 30' accuracy while inside the REI store, I checked my 60csx at the same spot and I was getting 55' - 60' accuracy. So even though theres no external antana it gets great reception. Next thing I liked it the touch screen and minues. I had no problem navigating the screens with no prier experance, very intuitive. Did I mention I like the touch screen? I didn't get a chance to see how the loading of caches and info works but from what they say, it works the same as the Colorado. It does work a lot fasted then the Colorado, they say it has a faster prosesser and it's lots smother. An odd thing (but no problem) is they went back to the micro SD card and is mounted like the 60csx under the batterys. Another good thing is it uses the same mounting system as the Colorado so all the mount types already out for the Colorado will fit on the Oregon. Of corse being it's brand new, theres no telling if theres any software bugs but im sure theres a few. Hopfully they put a durrable touch screen on the unit because you won't be able to cover that part up with a cover. Thats what I saw so far on the Oregon. As for a less expensive GPS I would say the Vista HCx is a great all around caching gps. Or a 60csx if you want to spend a little more but the benifets arn't enough to make it worth the extra cost. Remember REI has most of the models so you can check them and compair them. Hope this helps.
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Post by oleruns on Jul 28, 2008 13:03:57 GMT -9
I wonder how it responds to bug spray on the screen I like the Colorado a lot. It has a couple things that bug me a little like the fact it will not average. It's a little slow to use the wheel to input info or I am a little slow because I am still a new owner. All in all, the pluses out weigh the minuses. With that, I think they will love the Oregon... I know why Malcore likes the Oregon... Because Oregon's mascot is the duck!
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meljo
Bronze Cacher
Posts: 47
GeocacheAlaska! Membership Level: Sourdough
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Post by meljo on Jul 28, 2008 14:50:02 GMT -9
Thanks for all the info, I don't know which one he is looking at. I will give him all this info. Next question: are they going to make a gps named for every state? What is this Colorado, Oregon! Is Alaska next
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Post by oleruns on Jul 28, 2008 15:12:37 GMT -9
I don’t know about the Alaska, but I am waiting for the next one, it’s called the Missouri and it’s made just for caching! When you can’t find the cache it has a “show me” feature, it’s much better than a hint.
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Post by railfan on Jul 28, 2008 15:20:50 GMT -9
I am the friend being discussed ... I currently have a Magellan SporTrak which is not working, so I am looking at a new unit ... as a newbie (I have only found 4 caches before the Magellan went on the blink) I don't want something that is too difficult but I was intrigued by the touch screen ... I presume we can put a clear film protective cover on it like on a PDA ....
So, it appears to be that the 300 is the best "value" so to speak ... I am also a DUCK, at least I paid many thousands of dollars to have my son graduate from UofO so, I guess my choice is settled? ;D
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Post by ladybugkids on Jul 28, 2008 20:37:35 GMT -9
Wait, wait, don't cross over to the dark side known as Garmin! A few of us need to hold out or it will be all over. Competition is a good thing . I'm sorry to hear of the demise of your Maggie. My SporTrak has been going strong for nearly four years and more than 2000 caches. Did you try the firmware update that came out a few years ago, or is it a more "physical" problem?
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meljo
Bronze Cacher
Posts: 47
GeocacheAlaska! Membership Level: Sourdough
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Post by meljo on Jul 29, 2008 18:37:38 GMT -9
LBK, I am on Meljo computer ... my Magellan has the old 9-pin connector which is no longer compatible with my new Dell ... do you know where I can get a 9-pin adapter to USB? I could then try to update my firmare to see if I can get it back to working? I really don't want to "cross-ver" but if I can't ger'er working its Darth Vader for me ....
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Post by ladybugkids on Jul 29, 2008 21:05:48 GMT -9
What you need is a USB to serial adaptor which is available in most computer stores for about $30 (last time I checked, about a year ago, so they are probably cheaper now) or on EBay for $5-$8. Alternatively, (and potentially, more reliabily), if your Dell is a desktop with remaining expansion slots, you can buy a 9-pin serial RS232 PCI expansion card for about $12.
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Post by Forum Admin on Jul 30, 2008 8:27:01 GMT -9
What you need is a USB to serial adaptor which is available in most computer stores for about $30 (last time I checked, about a year ago, so they are probably cheaper now) or on EBay for $5-$8. Alternatively, (and potentially, more reliabily), if your Dell is a desktop with remaining expansion slots, you can buy a 9-pin serial RS232 PCI expansion card for about $12. I have one you can try. Where should we meet??
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Post by railfan on Jul 31, 2008 13:11:34 GMT -9
Gee, I don't know ... I work downtown and live in South Anchroage ....
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Post by railfan on Aug 5, 2008 20:39:38 GMT -9
LBK,
HELP !!! I got an adapter to convert from 9 pin to USB from John Scobi ... but the firmware update is trying to use Com Ports not USB ports ... how do you update yous?
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Post by ladybugkids on Aug 5, 2008 22:10:40 GMT -9
Hmmm...my desktop has a serial port, so I haven't had to fuss with the USB to serial adaptor.
Scobey or AKWhodini???
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Post by oleruns on Aug 6, 2008 6:01:08 GMT -9
Sounds like it is the Garmin cable made by Garmin for Garmins not for a Maggie. Just a guess - Ole
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Post by Forum Admin on Aug 6, 2008 7:50:24 GMT -9
LBK, HELP !!! I got an adapter to convert from 9 pin to USB from John Scobi ... but the firmware update is trying to use Com Ports not USB ports ... how do you update yous? Try COM4. If my memory serves me right there is no "USB" port. There are only COM ports. I have an adapter for my WX station and it works on COM4.
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