Garmin gps-any sponsors welcome :)

[Mike Williams]

This is the sort of stuff we need..killer gps/walkie talkie/shows position of other users..
Be stil of beating heart.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=146&pID=8523
Know exactly where you are at all times with Rino 530HCx and the precision of high-sensitivity GPS. This waterproof FRS/GMRS radio plus GPS navigator adds a barometric altimeter, electronic compass and NOAA weather radio in addition to the popular features of the Rino 520HCx — 5 watts of transmit power, a microSD card slot, brilliant color display and a high-sensitivity GPS receiver — so you’ll never be lost again.
Pinpoint Your Position

With its high-sensitivity GPS receiver, Rino 530HCx locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Rino 530HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Find Your Friends

Like the rest of the Rino series, Rino 530HCx offers a unique Position Reporting feature. Position Reporting lets you send your exact location to other Rino users in your group so that everyone can see your position on the map page. And, because Rino is a standard FRS/GMRS radio, you can use it to communicate with any other conventional FRS/GMRS radio around.
Transmit with Power

Rino 530HCx boasts a whopping 5 watts of transmit power (GMRS), which lets you contact others from up to 14 miles away (line of sight). In Canada, you can transmit at 2 watts over GMRS with a range of up to 8 km.

Other Rino 530HCx features:

* Barometric altimeter pinpoints your precise elevation.
* Electronic compass tells you what direction you’re headed, even when you're standing still.
* Bold color TFT display makes it easy to see and navigate to family or friends at an amusement park, lake or other outdoor group activity.
* microSD™ card slot accepts preloaded MapSource® data cards with detailed maps.
* Automatic routing and turn-by-turn directions with alert tones let you find an address or point of interest and drive there (with optional MapSource map data).
* Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of outdoor use

[SAB 8]

Nice find. I want, I want, I want........ how handy would these bad boys be out bush.

Wheres an Australian Robert Bigelow when you need one!!!

[Shazzoir]

I'd try Dick Smith - he'd make a wonderful sponsor, and would undoubtedly have access to this sort of thing, surely!

Whaddya reckon?

Shazz

[forestguy]

nice - i've got a little garmin e-trex... still trying to figure out how to use it properly...

[Mike Williams]

Dick smith is a sponsor and supporter of the Australian sceptics...I can just imagine his face..
"Dick..we are chasing strange beasts in the australian bush..and we would like your help."

Like most hardcore sceptics...he would have zero interest in getting to the truth of the matter..
My second choice toy is
http://octapc.com.au/category243_1.htm

[scuba]

GPS's can be an extremely useful tool when in the field.
But a tip for youngsters....
always brush up on your map reading skills.
I've had instances when batteries die or they just freeze up or cannot find enough satelites.
but in saying that... a GPS should be high on the list of necessities.

[Redneck]

I've got a better use for it, you could leave it in the bucket for the hairy one. Then once he takes it we'd be able to see exactly where he is.

[deadpool]

I've got a better use for it, you could leave it in the bucket for the hairy one. Then once he takes it we'd be able to see exactly where he is.

..I wonder if that would work.

[Shazzoir]

Dick smith is a sponsor and supporter of the Australian sceptics...I can just imagine his face..
"Dick..we are chasing strange beasts in the australian bush..and we would like your help."

Like most hardcore sceptics...he would have zero interest in getting to the truth of the matter..
My second choice toy is
http://octapc.com.au/category243_1.htm

ooops! That would be a bit of a faux pas, then, me suggesting old Dickie!

Shazz

[NoPolys]

Sorry for the bump on an old topic.....

I've played with the Garmins, they are awesome, and can be fitted with interesting accessories......

All that said, they aren't available here in Australia.

IF there was an opportunity to ummm errrrr..... have a few get lost in my luggage the next trip out East, that would be an interesting additional toy.

Without admitting to contemplating importing odd and unusual items into the country, the current plan is to add at least two of these units (you need at least two to make em work as a team). They do suffer from the same challenges as other FM handheld radios. Low output, sometimes busy frequencies, and fast drop if the line of sight is broken.

It's Christmas !!! I have to spend money on toys don't I ??

Cheers

[Mike Williams]

Hey John

I went to ebay Australia and they have powersellers based in the US that do international mailing.
And the price is....about $410.00 with express international mail....WOW
As long as you can load maps here..there should be no problem..other than the possibe breaches of the telecommunications act for using the wrong frequency..??
From memory..eeeeccckk...I believe these devices are possibly using some of the channels emergency services/rural fire might be using...which could get very ugly if you are caught on their frequencies..
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/GARMIN-RINO-530H ... 224wt_1141

[NoPolys]

Mike,

I know they are here, I got all excited awhile back and trolled the local garmin sites....... all references were due to the "problems" because it's an off shore distibution & support. It could be a case of those pesky American imports bringing toys with them..... siiiigh

I think....... hope... that the local map chip is compatible, I have one chip, you can drop over next week and we can test it out !!! hehehehehe

And yes, my thought is that there are some frequency conflicts with the local frequency allocations. The in radio frequencies are controlled by a *Caution tech jargon* "PLL EEPROM" that would take five minutes in a shop to reprogram...... but that may be too hard to do because of the sub-carrier frequencies, dunno. As the emergency services switch over to the digital or trunked systems (they are mostly switched over here in NSW) the conflicts may be lessened, but I doubt the frequencies would be released very soon.

The prices are very competitive in the US market for that particular niche and like I mentioned some very interesting accessories (Walker Game Ear stuff jumps to mind) that actually enhances ambient hearing for you normal hearing folks..... as well as allows nice microphone options.

I know I'm sounding like a Garmin sales guy, apologies for that, but they have a great line of products. My 60CSx is always close by when traveling...... call it a quality assurance process for the TomTom....... or maybe I just get lost a lot...... I get lost a lot too.

I would seriously suggest if you are truly interested, get at least a pair now while the Aussie Dollar is trading high, it will hurt less.

Cheers

[topender]

$410 ...thats achievable , apart from the frequency issue, how cool is that..as opposed to my current set up with the two-ways..." where are you"...ummm at the bottom of the hill...' what hill "...where ?

[NoPolys]

Top;

Just remember ya need two...... it's a US marketing thing....lol

[lil foot]

i just got a garmin dakota 20 with oz and nz topo and road maps for $350 off a good dealer on ebay, if you get one direct from garmin or most retailers you will pay over $400 without maps.
its a great little toy, very similar to the colorado but less screen res, so if you have the cash id go the colorado.
but overall its fast, acurate and easy as to use.

[Rusty2]

Hey everyone ,
This is what we need . Available with thermal vision or high def video camera .

http://www.draganfly.com/uav-helicopter ... /index.php


Rusty2...............