GPS for off road use

[Berin]

Most people seem to use the garmin GPSmap 60 csx, but that has limitations with the garmin topo maps which aren't very good and it doesn't use the Memory Map maps (although routes made in memory map can be downloaded).

The SatMap uses OS maps but is not routable so when you want to find your way home you have to do it manually.


But now Memory Map are doing a satnav to which Navteq routable maps allegedly can be uploaded. It claims a reasonable 8 hour battery life which should be enough for a days riding without wiring up

As always, limitations might be lack of mounts and robustness - any thoughts?

Edit: There used to be a Road Angel device which used memory map mapping but it's discontinued

 

[roddy]

one of the walking mags did a review of walking GPS systems and the MM was one of them, it got a good right up but was touchscreen, which I wouldn't have thought very good for off-road.

I know you mention the 60 can't do MM but I honestly think MM is too much info for a small screen, and when you get a good balance it doesn't show far enough.

now the TOPO V2 maps though not to MM standards I would have thought would give a better balance of screen detail, to how far you can see?

just my 2p

 

[KMD]

There's been quite a bit of discussion on this subject on the TRF forum. Opinion there seems to favour the Road Angel 7000, which I understand can be used with memory map.

I recently bought a Garmin gps60 with memory map. It is a monochrome screen and the unit only has the most basic of base maps, but you can plot your route on memory map by way of waypoints, and download the route into the 60. So far I've only used it for walking but it's been spot on for that, and I do intend using it off road with the trailie.

Memory map, Trailwise and a GPS should ensure you don't stray far from the legal routes, and together they combine to make a terrific route planning tool.

 

[KMD]

Just checked the link, I'm liking the look of the Memorymap Adventurer 2800

 

[Berin]

The Road Angel 7000 is discontinued, probably because MM now have their own unit.

I guess I'm just a bit reluctant to fork out £250 for the GPS 60csx, for what is after all an old unit, and then have to buy city navigator on top, plus topo maps. I don't think Garmin will ever release an OS map version of the 60CSX, there's some talk to the processor is too slow.

I already have Memory Map and have been printing out routes on waterproof paper and it just seems to make sense to use the same mapping on the GPS, athough I do take the point the screen may be too small to view all the detail

There's been quite a bit of discussion on this subject on the TRF forum. Opinion there seems to favour the Road Angel 7000, which I understand can be used with memory map.