GPS in GPS020

[DaveB]

Well, the series truck has finally got a GPS to match its license number.

After the earlier discussions about what GPS to buy, and my own challenges with GPS talking to a mac laptop, I've found a system that works.

Kris turned me on to the Garmin 18 receiver he purchased for his laptop, which is very cool. But it only runs with Garmin format files, so there was no way to use it with my Mac, unless I also installed a Windows emulator.

But, in the process of looking at that unit, I stumbled across a similar unit by Rayming, the TripNav 200, and a Macintosh software program that works with it.

These types of GPS units have no display or controls, they simply plug into your laptop and the software on the laptop acts as the display/controller.

I purchased this and the Etopo map set for southwest BC. Install was slick and simple.

I can't wait to get out and play next weekend. Now I just have to set up a mount for the laptop...

Dave

[John]

Dave,

That's the same unit I have been using for a few years now. Reception is great. I have had a problem with the USB interface but I beleive it is computer related and not a problem with the receiver.

Have fun!
John

[DaveB]

So far, driving around the valley and downtown Vancouver (tall buildings) the reception has been fantastic. For a compact and inexpensive unit, this appears to be pretty well developed. -- only $124 CAD at gpscentral.com

John, did you work up your own mount in the truck for your laptop, or is it one of the ones gpscentral offers?

Dave

[John]

I use some RAM pieces I bought from GPSCentral in combination with a custom base I slapped together myself. So far I have only used it once, during last years NW Challenge but I was very happy with the results.

[shawn doherty]

I had decided to puchase Garmins GPS 18 USB for the same reasons as Dave but now I'v read John and Daves posts I'm back in the undecided zone.So back to more research.