BajaNomad

GPS question

desertcpl - 9-16-2010 at 09:06 AM

got a queston

what GPS would you buy for Baja,, for roads and off road,, we are thinking we would like to have one that would attach to the windshield

bajaguy - 9-16-2010 at 09:09 AM

Garmin (the 'W" model) with the Mexico chip

ncampion - 9-16-2010 at 09:36 AM

Depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want road maps and point to point directions, then go with a Garmin Nuvi type unit. However if you want to record/follow tracks and routes and mark waypoints, you need a more full function unit like Garmin 76 or 60 series (actually the 60 series has just been updated, not sure what it's called)

MsTerieus - 9-16-2010 at 09:36 AM

On the same topic, does anybody know where I might purchase some Garmin software for Baja, CHEAP?

Look at this thread

bajaguy - 9-16-2010 at 09:43 AM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=45352

desertcpl - 9-16-2010 at 09:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ncampion
Depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want road maps and point to point directions, then go with a Garmin Nuvi type unit. However if you want to record/follow tracks and routes and mark waypoints, you need a more full function unit like Garmin 76 or 60 series (actually the 60 series has just been updated, not sure what it's called)


I would think I would want the more full function unit

bajaguy - 9-16-2010 at 09:49 AM

Then get the color screen 60 unit......I like that one better because all of the controls are at the bottom front of the unit.(the 70 series has the controls on the top front)...you can scroll through the functions without blocking the screen.

60CSx:

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-60csx.html

For a strictly on the road unit, the Nuvi 255W works good.

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-255w.html

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by bajaguy]

Martyman - 9-16-2010 at 10:02 AM

My wife has PMS and GPS-which means...she will hunt me down for a good b-tch slapping!!!;D

Baja&Back - 9-16-2010 at 11:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
On the same topic, does anybody know where I might purchase some Garmin software for Baja, CHEAP?


Try http://lbmaps.com/GPSMaps/Navigator.htm. VERY detailed Garmin addon.

Paulclark - 9-16-2010 at 12:59 PM

The preferred GPS used by most of the off road racer is the Lowrance Baja, available in different sizes and color.

MsTerieus - 9-16-2010 at 01:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja&Back
Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
On the same topic, does anybody know where I might purchase some Garmin software for Baja, CHEAP?


Try http://lbmaps.com/GPSMaps/Navigator.htm. VERY detailed Garmin addon.


I think the link may be wrong -- it led me to a "dead" web page.

David K - 9-16-2010 at 03:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Quote:
Originally posted by Baja&Back
Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
On the same topic, does anybody know where I might purchase some Garmin software for Baja, CHEAP?


Try http://lbmaps.com/GPSMaps/Navigator.htm. VERY detailed Garmin addon.


I think the link may be wrong -- it led me to a "dead" web page.


Here you go: http://lbmaps.com/GPSMaps/Navigator

Taco de Baja - 9-17-2010 at 07:44 AM

Do you have a Smartphone? (Droid or Windos Mobile OS)

http://www.mexicomaps.com/mexico_gps.lasso?-session=mmid:3F9633081663e14D56mXs10FD99C has an app/program that will allow you to use the GPS in your phone. You do not need web or cellular service, so there will be no additional cost to access a network, and you can use it in remote areas.

The “Mexico GPS Atlas 2011” available for Garmin units includes topo for Baja (50m contour) and has rerouting capabilities while in some cities. Not sure if the Smartphone version of “Mexico GPS Atlas” has topo or rerouting.

BTW the topo addition was originally developed by lbmaps, and I have it on my Garmin 76csx, which is a great GPS unit. One of the only differences between the 60 and 76 series Garmins is that the 76 has tide tables and charts.

The Smartphone option may be a good way to go, as it will mount to a window more easily....The downside is that the battery life of a Smartphone with the GPS on is a lot less than the 20 hours or so I get with the Garmin. In addition, my Smartphone will get really hot just navigating in the states when on the window and in the sun, and when it gets too hot the battery will not charge even when plugged in. I have had it drain a battery in 4 hours, and the device just shut off……

Not sure how easy it is, or even possible, to record or input waypoints or tracks into a Smartphone. So a dedicated GPS may be the way to go if you will be doing or needing that sort of thing.

[EDIT] A little more research shows that the Smartphone version of the "Mexico GPS Atlas" does have topo contour lines for Baja: http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/MexicGPSAtlasPPCEn.htm



[Edited on 9-17-2010 by Taco de Baja]

MsTerieus - 9-17-2010 at 04:13 PM

David K - thanks for the updated link!

Taco - No, I have no smart phone, darn!

Udo - 9-17-2010 at 04:29 PM

TOM TOM XL340 has Mexico maps built in.

About$125.00+-

BooJumMan - 9-17-2010 at 07:26 PM

I use a Garmin 60Cx, with a Mexico city navigator map. The basemap that comes with the unit is pretty much worthless. With the city navigator map, it will show most of the roads in Baja with town names, etc. I haven't ever tried doing auto route with it, but I don't think it would work.

The Baja city navigator maps do cost money from Garmin. If you are computer savvy you can put them on for free.