eTrex 20 or eTrex 30??? :: TheBeachcats.com :: Catamaran Sailing Information, Tips, Pictures, and Forums

eTrex 20 or eTrex 30???

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shipchips1

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Nov 15, 2011

Last visit: Mar 23, 2012

Posts: 20
Posted: Feb 07, 2012 - 01:05 PM

Ok, I am looking for a handheld GPS I like the two etrex models what do you guys think?

I will also be using this for fishing and bike riding.

I am open to suggestions.

Thanks

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Jim
New Orleans

H18 w/SX wings 2012 -
65 Lavey Craft 2005 -
Cal 25 1997 - 2001
P16 1980 - 1996
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daniel_t

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 17, 2011

Last visit: May 15, 2012

Posts: 55
Posted: Feb 07, 2012 - 02:44 PM

Unless you need to use the extra features of the 30 (eg, heart rate monitor and bike cadence sensor for example,) why would you bother? The etrex 20 is a better value IMHO.

I consider the electronic compass a drawback rather than a feature.

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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
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MN3

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: May 16, 2012

Posts: 2255
Posted: Feb 07, 2012 - 03:18 PM

QuoteI consider the electronic compass a drawback rather than a feature.

why is that?
daniel_t

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 17, 2011

Last visit: May 15, 2012

Posts: 55
Posted: Feb 07, 2012 - 06:09 PM

An electronic compass uses battery power and is an extra expense for a feature that you rarely (if ever, depending on the use case,) will use. It requires calibration and is prone to interference. It is no better than a standard magnetic compass.

If you are going to be standing still a lot and trying to figure out which direction north is, then get a regular compass. If you are using the GPS to track the typical things that one wants to track while bike riding, or motoring to one's favorite fishing spot (the use-cases that Jim said he wants it for,) then the electronic compass is a drawback rather than a feature (it reduces battery life without adding information.)

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Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
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catmodding

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 11, 2010

Last visit: Mar 01, 2012

Posts: 74
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 - 05:23 PM

Have the etrex 20 now for over a year. It is very waterproof and solid. Battery-life
is not a problem. Just put in a pair of 2400Mh rechargeable AA pennlites in and your good for a week.
I use it as a log, after a sail you can see the tripmeter for distance, speed etc.etc.
Just turn it on and stow it in the grab-bag before a trip.
Always set a waypoint of the beach you leave for safety. One day that compass was handy when fog kicked in.
The screen on both the etrex's are to small to navigate on a rough ride. Maybe the
30 is handy for biking but I wouldn't take it on a cat.Does
state its IPX 7(sort of waterproof) though.

Since Gps is forbidden in most races I do ( or want to do ) I opted for the 20.

Regards, André

Edited by catmodding on Feb 11, 2012 - 02:18 AM.

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Prindle 18-2 (not so)Solo
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shipchips1

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Nov 15, 2011

Last visit: Mar 23, 2012

Posts: 20
Posted: Feb 11, 2012 - 03:01 PM

Thank You Guys

I am going to order the etrex 20

--
Jim
New Orleans

H18 w/SX wings 2012 -
65 Lavey Craft 2005 -
Cal 25 1997 - 2001
P16 1980 - 1996
--
daniel_t

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 17, 2011

Last visit: May 15, 2012

Posts: 55
Posted: Feb 12, 2012 - 07:36 AM

I'm planing on getting a Foretrex 301. I like the idea of keeping it on my wrist.

--
Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
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