Gymbal

Hi, I'm looking into GPS system for cycling/skiing/walking and car use. Needs distance, top speeds, average speed, distance covered, etc ideally vertical distance too

Would like to add data into a mapping system (ideas?) so I can print it or store it?
Can you bluetooth it to a mobile phone/PDA
Any suggestions, personal experiences?

Cheers
Gymbal

Simon C

That bit of your criteria is easy. Garmin Foretrex 201. Its wrist mountable or there is a handlebar attachment for it was well.


As for the rest, I haven't a clue

Gymbal

Any other suggestions?

2000 sport

iTrader: (1)

Anquet Maps - Home

Coffin Dodger

PocketPC and GPS receiver (Bluetooth or plug in). TomTom for in car navigation, Memory Map or Anquet for walking, cycling, B road blasts etc.

Myriad of other GPS applications for the PocketPC once you have the above kit. Should cover all your needs. May want to consider rugged cases for the PDA and GPS if you are doing a lot of outdoor type stuff. Look up Otter boxes

TopBanana

I wouldn't go down the pocketpc route - they're a pain in the butt to use when you're on the move. I've just bought a Garmin GPS 60 for my bike and walking - you can download routes from Memory Map with the included cable. Bike mount was about £15 I think

dsmith

I have a PDA with Bluetooth GPS. - I use Tomom for car Satnav and memory map for walking. Lets me have 1:25K or 1:50K map with position on etc - together with the all the speed/direction etc stuff you outlined.

Adv - Very Very Flexible. S/W is expensive (but the Internet can provide
DisAdv - not robust/waterproof. Shortish battery life. Its a PDA!

I've also used a standard garmin GPS before and if I wanted a dedicated tool for biking etc I think I'd be tempted that way. But I enjoy the PDA + Memory map for occasional use when walking. Trying to use a stylus on a PDA whilst going down hill on a Mountain Bike might be challenging

Something like memory map can still take GPS data from a Garmin etc and display route/elevation etc on the maps whenyou get back - or be used to plan routes for download before you go.

Google earth can also take a GPS data file.

eg. Driving the Alps from a garmin log file.

TopBanana

I use my PDA for walking too. But if were only going to buy one piece of kit for all duties, it would be a handheld GPS.

Gymbal

How (and can you) export to Google Earth? with say the Garmin 205/305

dsmith

You need a data cable.

Something like "EasyGPS" to upload from gps to PC.

Edit the tracks to get the part you need/want.

Save as ".gpx" file.

Open in Google Earth.

Edit: Looks like the Garmin 305 is USB and has its own software so probably even easier.

TopBanana

dsmith, not sure about that model but the only software included with mine is the USB driver so you'd prob still need something like you EasyGPS.

JackClark

GPS Visualizer: Map a GPS data file with Google Earth is your friend.

I use an Etrex Vista for Paragliding, it only has a serial output so it's a pain on the Mac, otherwise great.

dsmith

Looks like the 305 comes with "Garmin Training Center® software"
Garmin: Garmin Training Center™

cant see any detail on export functions - but looks "standard" gps stuff.

NeilT

bought my wife a Garmin 305 GPS trainer for bday last year - great bit of kit, around £300 at the time from sweatshop. Use it myself now for crosscountry running.

Gives map, distance, altitude, speed etc etc. All downloadable to the pc training software that comes bundled with it

Highly recommended

Neil