Looking for a BASIC GPS

colinhulse

colinhulse

.
Feb 18, 2011
93
Catalina 42 42 Windsor
Does anyone sell a GPS that just shows Lat and Long? I want it for over my chart table next to the VHF. Instant reading of my position without any hoopla.
I know you can bring it up on the LCD screens of more complicated models. I don't want maps or chips. Just Lat and Long on a mountable instrument with an external antenna.:cry: help!
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

.
Feb 26, 2004
23,344
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
First, an outdoor antenna is not required, and having one just complicates any installation.

You won't find a built-in GPS with data only these days.

Simplicity is a mount for a handheld. Handhelds can come with preloaded "Base" maps which don't have all the charts for less $$ than one with charts, although if you're going to the trouble and you're staying in the same sailing area, you could spend a few more $$ and get a handheld with charts (consider it a mini-chartplotter, 'cuz that's exactly what they are).

All of them can be set up to display whatever data you like to see, very versatile in that regard.

Look at it this way, if they don't make it anymore, you can't buy it, right? :)
 
Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

.
Jul 27, 2011
5,180
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Stu Jackson said:
First, an outdoor antenna is not required, and having one just complicates any installation.

You won't find a built-in GPS with data only these days.

Simplicity is a mount for a handheld. Handhelds can come with preloaded "Base" maps which don't have all the charts for less $$ than one with charts, although if you're going to the trouble and you're staying in the same sailing area, you could spend a few more $$ and get a handheld with charts (consider it a mini-chartplotter, 'cuz that's exactly what they are).

All of them can be set up to display whatever data you like to see, very versatile in that regard.

Look at it this way, if they don't make it anymore, you can't buy it, right? :)
Click to expand
You could buy a new GPS/DSC hand-held VHF radio. The GPS position appears on the screen when you turn on the radio; there are no charts, etc. The new Standard Horizon HX870 is around $230. Might also need a small inverter to keep the battery charged if you're leaving it on many hours at a time. I have one that I use at the nav table sometimes to get lat-long, as you say, for plotting.
 
Joe

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,318
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Just about every company makes a basic gps.

Try the Garmin 72... if you're looking for a handheld gps, not a chartplotter.

or you could just google "gps receiver" for a million choices.
 
TimFromLI

TimFromLI

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Jan 7, 2014
459
Beneteau 45F5 51551 Port Jefferson
If your just looking for just Lat and Longitude, Saildroid is a free app for android phones. Android phones have built in GPS while Iphones use cell tower triangulation. You cannot rely on cell towers on the water. I use an older Garmin GPS76 handheld that still works great the newer version is under $200
 
py26129

py26129

.
Oct 25, 2011
576
Island Packet IP31 Lake St. Louis, Montreal
Saildroid does look like an interesting option. Another avenue to explore is an older handheld, like the Garmin 45s or equivalent. I'm sure someone has one (or a few) laying around that could be had for (next to) nothing.

Cheers

Matt
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Try eBay for used GPS. I still have a Garmin IIIplus that works great for the cockpit. Chief
 
Joe

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,318
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Don't waste money on antiquated gps units... I had 2 GPS 45's that proved very unreliable. The first was replaced by garmin with a refurbished model... and that one lasted about a year... after which Garmin wanted $125 to service and repair... I bought a GPS 76 when it came out and it has worked flawlessly for the past 13 years.

If you have an android phone... this is all you need for gps data.. it's a free app that uses the internal gps.
So please don't waste money on an old, outdated gps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.woozilli.gpscoordinates&hl=en

 
Sumner

Sumner

.
Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
TimFromLI said:
... I use an older Garmin GPS76 handheld that still works great the newer version is under $200
Click to expand
I have 3 of the 76's and...



.... have used them for all navigation along with OpenCPN on the ship's computer but you could use them for the lat./log. only. I've picked up a couple for under $50 off ebay that look like they were never used so a cheap solution plus they could still be used for navigation if needed and they also have the tides on them if that would ever be needed,

Sumner

========================================

1300 miles to The Bahamas and Back in the Mac

Endeavour 37 Mods...

MacGregor 26-S Mods...

Mac Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida, Bahamas
 
Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

.
Jul 27, 2011
5,180
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
That's impressive, Joe. A navigation tool that reports one's position to within a fraction of an angstrom unit. Yeah, hon, we're somewhere between the oxygen nucleus and its first electron orbital of that water molecule right there!! Come three degrees to port, please!
 
Johnb

Johnb

.
Jan 22, 2008
1,505
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
I like my old Garmin Etrex. It will run 22 hours on a pair if AA batteries or sip 20mA from a 12 volt supply.
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

.
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
Johnb said:
I like my old Garmin Etrex. It will run 22 hours on a pair if AA batteries or sip 20mA from a 12 volt supply.
Click to expand

I did not know that an Etrex had 12 volt capability. Back to the owner's manual for me!

Which model?
 
C

Chief RA

.
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
I have and use the 12 volt hookup for the old garmin III's as well. Chief
 
py26129

py26129

.
Oct 25, 2011
576
Island Packet IP31 Lake St. Louis, Montreal
I run an Etrex when I an using OpenCPN on my laptop. What I like about the Etrex is that it will run off the USB cables' power.
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

.
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
py26129 said:
I run an Etrex when I an using OpenCPN on my laptop. What I like about the Etrex is that it will run off the USB cables' power.
Click to expand
Which model Etrex? I have the cheap Etrex 20.
 
sailingseadragon

sailingseadragon

.
Aug 21, 2006
203
Pearson 367 Alexandria, VA
I recommend the Garmin GPS 76 - I too have 3 of them in addition. The GPS 76 has tide data, buoys, and other marine aids to navigations - they are easy to operate and update.

Garner
 
Ward H

Ward H

.
Nov 7, 2011
3,832
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
TimFromLI said:
If your just looking for just Lat and Longitude, Saildroid is a free app for android phones. Android phones have built in GPS while Iphones use cell tower triangulation. You cannot rely on cell towers on the water. I use an older Garmin GPS76 handheld that still works great the newer version is under $200
Click to expand
BTW,
iPhones and iPads with cellular DO have GPS and it does work without cellular service, which means it does no require cell tower triangulation.
When cell service is available they do use aGPS which uses cell tower data to assist in finding your location faster.

So a smartphone might do what you are looking for.
 
justsomeguy

justsomeguy

.
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
Johnb said:
I can't find a model number - the owners manual refers to it as a
"etrex personal navigator"
Click to expand
Thanks. Looks like my temporary joy of low price has not outlasted the pain of low capability. ;)

But, with Apple's latest iOS update, my Bad Elf's back in business!
 
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