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GPS's
Posted by Jason Smith at 2009-07-07 22:28

Just a quick reply please from anyone who knows anything about GPS's. i'm on the verge of buying a garmin 60csx, any good? or should I buy the 76csx, 96 or the colorado :? theres so much info out there, but so little which applies to us, I really don't know. The Colorado has the biggest screen but there appears to be bad reviews of this, the 60csx looks reliable but I'm really just guessing. Help!
how about downloading airmaps? it appears that these may be available free (?) is this so where do you download these from?

Posted by Geoff Minshull at 2009-07-07 22:46

Both Judith and I have a garmin GPSMap 76 - mine is the C, colour version, and a bit later than Judith's, with more functionality. I'm very happy with it, does everything I need, but then I don't compete. Airmaps are downloadable free. Makes navigating when going XC incredibly easy. Need to make sure that the GPS you buy is MapSource enabled, so you can get the airmaps on them. Get the airmaps from http://ukgarminairmap.wikispaces.com/

Gps
Posted by John Kennedy at 2009-07-07 22:47

Had both the 76 s and 76 c...Sold the 76 c now, a tad more difficult to use and poor screen in sunlight. The 76 s is the most popular for comps ... easy to use and good battery life too.Should get 10 hours per charge "nimh"
Airmaps can be put on free of charge too.. Do a search on PG forum author "sheadford" that'll put you straight

JK

Posted by Jason Smith at 2009-07-08 09:22

Thanks guys -will do.

Posted by Jason Smith at 2009-07-08 18:32

There appears to be a free set of contour maps see:-
http://www.paulmac.force9.co.uk/geo/index.html
Does anyone use these, or do you recommend that I buy the proper Garmin topo maps.
Jase

Posted by Geoff Minshull at 2009-07-08 19:40

I've not bothered with contour maps, just use the base map that comes with Garmin. And the airmaps just overlay on top of that. Though I guess they would be useful, perhaps not when actually flying, but maybe for planning flights? If they're free, why not download them and have a play. And let us know how it goes!

Posted by Frank Staniland at 2009-07-08 19:44

Jason, Im after the same, I'll pimp your ride if you dont mind, let me know what you go for in the end. Thanks Frank

Posted by Gordon Purdy at 2009-07-09 17:12

I use the contour and airmaps on my 76c, they both work well.

Posted by Jason Smith at 2009-07-14 15:07

Frank, I've plumped for the 76cx. from the other guys have said, and from asking the same questions on the rigid wing forum, it appears that the 76 is by far the most popular model. I've gone for the colour screen, because I'm a sucker for colour even though JFK and one of the rigid guys have both stated that the BW is easier to read. The 76CSX has the barometric altitude and "stationary" compass, but at £50 more I didn't think it was worth it.
For what it's worth I paid £178 + £5 shipping from www.handtec.co.uk which I thought was the cheapest site that I was happy with. It's turned up today, is new and appears to work ok so that seems pretty good to me.
Plenty for me to play with now !
Jason

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