Looking for...gps

[crowded-solitude]

Im looking to get myself a CHEAP gps. All i need is something the will give me a grid reference. I don't know anything about the handheld gps nor have i used one so something simple would be good. was wondering if anyone can give me an advise on what to get? Like i said all it needs to do is give me a grid reference of where encase i am completely lost so i can get back on track.

sorry if this doesn't make any sense but iv had a bit to much wine

any help would be appreciated thanks

Gary.

 

[T1Viper]

Hi Gary,

make sure you have a good map and compass (and know how to use them) as i wouldn't rely on GPS units and certainly not a cheap one.

have a read of this thread http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71570

 

[tenderfoot]

have you got a mobile on a contract? you might get an upgrade phone with gps.
or get one with gps + mapping (eg viewranger) on pay as you go for about £100 eg nokia 5230 then +£25 for 1:50000 os national parks mapping from viewranger you can also buy self selected areas of mapping (the areas dont have to be adjacent squares)
0r try ebay for an older gps unit that just does the basics i have an old garmin that gives an osgb grid ref and a few other bits on a greyscale screen you can pick one up for under £50 or less if you persist there were newer gps units with similar functions going for about £40 last time i looked

 

[lou1661]

i would look at a Garmin eTrex. no colour screen, no mapping but it does give you the grid of where you are!!!
cheers
Louis

 

[nodd]

As lou1661 said the Garmin eTrex is a good basic unit now been up graded to the eTrex H H for high sensitivity it a design that been about for about 10 years simple but effective. can be picked up on ebay for around £50 for the H model.

 

[Rebel]

I agree with the above posts. The simple Garmin units can be found second hand quite cheap and sometimes Aldi and Lidl do a special on them. Also upgrading your mobile to a GPS, if possible, could be an inexpensive route to take. Either way there is a slight learning curve if you aren't familiar with the devices. Some mobiles with GPS might only give lat & long coordinates, not a UK grid reference. A mobile with installable apps, such as an Android phone, have free apps that give you grid reference readouts. You can buy as Samsung Galaxy Apollo (Android) outright from Carphone Warehouse for around 75 quid at the moment.

 

[greensurfingbear]

I have garmin etrek. It is basic compared to some of the newer models but i.m.o its all you need in the UK with the great maps we have here. Mind you I used it in the Canadian Rockies when I worked out there and it did the job there well enough

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

 

[crowded-solitude]

im not planning on relying on a gps just though it could come in handy if i was somewhere baron and next to no viability. i always carry maps and a compass or three but the extra weight could well come in handy

 

[rik_uk3]

GPS on phones work well, my phone is as good as my Garmin and the phone is over two years old. DON'T buy a phone for GPS though, it sucks the battery dry so use a hand held unit that takes the spare batteries you no doubt will carry. GPS are like maps, both fantastic kit and its great having them but you still need to know how to use them. My local smack generator...sorry, Cash Generator often have basic models in for about £30 used.

 

[V6 PAUL]

Get the cheapest Garmin.

 

[tedw]

PM sent about the Garmin Etrex. Cheers.

 

[cerbera]

One here for £30

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74715

 

[johnnythefox]

if you are lost in or in a white out say a gps is brilliant at giving you your present position

you still need a map and compass.