BajaNomad

GPS

bajaking76 - 2-23-2011 at 09:11 AM

Hey Nomads,
I am in the market for a GPS, I know little about them, but I am a very techie person so any model will do, need recommendations if you have them.

I know I want a handheld unit that has a SD card slot.
I want to be able to load Baja maps (is that possible?).

Thanks,

BajaKing

Neal Johns - 2-23-2011 at 09:24 AM

What do you want it for? Road directions or backcountry driving/hiking?

bajaguy - 2-23-2011 at 09:28 AM

Garmin 60CSx

buy a Baja chip or download

bajaking76 - 2-23-2011 at 09:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Neal Johns
What do you want it for? Road directions or backcountry driving/hiking?


I want it to mark waypoints..intersections to roads in Baja from the main Highway.

bajaking76 - 2-23-2011 at 09:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Garmin 60CSx

buy a Baja chip or download


Thanks, BG...I only see they have Mexico in general download...it says it has some Baja references...is that enough to mark waypoints????

bajalou - 2-23-2011 at 09:39 AM

I like the Garmin 76CSx - very similar to the 60CSx although I think Garmin is now pushing the next generation of these, the 62CSx and 78CSx.

Baja topo and street maps can be purchased from LBMaps and downloaded. 2 products that cover all of Baja.

bajaking76 - 2-23-2011 at 09:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
I like the Garmin 76CSx - very similar to the 60CSx although I think Garmin is now pushing the next generation of these, the 62CSx and 78CSx.

Baja topo and street maps can be purchased from LBMaps and downloaded. 2 products that cover all of Baja.


Thanks, Bajalou!

Keri - 2-23-2011 at 09:57 AM

Can you load the LBMaps baja into a magellean gps,k

bajaguy - 2-23-2011 at 10:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
I like the Garmin 76CSx - very similar to the 60CSx............





Lou......I purchased the 60CSx over the 76CSx for one small detail......the function buttons on the 60 are at the bottom, allows me to push buttons without covering the screen :bounce:

laptop or tablet computers best graphics and user interface

mtgoat666 - 2-23-2011 at 10:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaking76
Quote:
Originally posted by Neal Johns
What do you want it for? Road directions or backcountry driving/hiking?


I want it to mark waypoints..intersections to roads in Baja from the main Highway.


the ipad is great product and nice screen for gps. the top line models have gps chip that works when out of cell phone range. i see rumor that ipad2 is to be released march 2.
the beni of ipad is that it does more than just gps, and screen is large enough that maps are readable.

i think the lower line models may work with a separate gps antenna, like the ones you can attach to laptop.

laptop is another method. you can buy a gps antenna that attaches to laptop via usbb cable - that gives you good screen, and great keyboard for writing notes, etc.

problem with most small gps-only units like garmin, magellan, etc, is that the keyboards are crap for annotating way points. if you already own laptop or tablet computer, why buy another gadget?

Sunman - 2-23-2011 at 10:16 AM

Bajaking,
Just stepped out of the stone ages myself and bought a 60CSX, so far it seems fairly user friendly, i had no experience with GPS before buying this one.

I also just bought the LBMaps Baja download which seems like it will get the job done, somehow I was expecting more TOPO detail but all the roads are there which is most important. Just got a 4GB card to put into the unit so I haven't loaded the Baja map into the GPS yet to play with it so no opinions yet.

bajalou - 2-23-2011 at 10:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaking76
Quote:
Originally posted by Neal Johns
What do you want it for? Road directions or backcountry driving/hiking?


I want it to mark waypoints..intersections to roads in Baja from the main Highway.


l
problem with most small gps-only units like garmin, magellan, etc, is that the keyboards are crap for annotating way points. if you already own laptop or tablet computer, why buy another gadget?


I have tablet and laptops with map data, one with internal gps. but they aren't very handy to carry on a motorcycle or while walking.

Pappy Jon - 2-23-2011 at 12:42 PM

Cool. Baja maps. Finally.

I've owned a bare bones Garmin GPS60 for several years. It has served me well. I was in the market for an upgrade and saw a place (GPSCity.com) with the 60CSX for $200. I jumped on it. Now to get the maps.

racheldarlin - 2-23-2011 at 02:34 PM

Take a look at OziExplorer Mapping software that works with all GPS receivers except DeLorme. Allows digital or scanned maps. Stu Olsen's web site has a great review and install guide.

David K - 2-23-2011 at 03:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Keri
Can you load the LBMaps baja into a magellean gps,k


Last I saw Keri, only Garmin units...

bigzaggin - 2-24-2011 at 11:28 AM

I have LBMaps loaded into Garmin 1450 and have to say, I have been underwhelmed. It seems to have a tough time tracking even the 1 (often get the "recalculating" prompt S of El Rosario) and works so-so on some fairly well-traveled secondary roads. Converted a bunch of waypoints from Google Earth into the LBmap and those worked okay...but overall, it seems like there is still no spot-on pre-loadable GPS map options for Baja (the Almanac is still a must for serious trips).

Fingers crossed that the Almanac folks bust one out soon. I think a lot of people here would pay handsomely.

skippermike - 2-24-2011 at 02:36 PM

Suggest you take a look at biciMapas.com.mx
I've been using the maps on Garmin units.
Good detail, good support.
They are $$$, but I think worth it.

[Edited on 2-24-2011 by skippermike]

woody with a view - 2-24-2011 at 08:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
I have LBMaps loaded into Garmin 1450 and have to say, I have been underwhelmed. It seems to have a tough time tracking even the 1 (often get the "recalculating" prompt S of El Rosario) and works so-so on some fairly well-traveled secondary roads. Converted a bunch of waypoints from Google Earth into the LBmap and those worked okay...but overall, it seems like there is still no spot-on pre-loadable GPS map options for Baja (the Almanac is still a must for serious trips).


all thanks be to Neptune!:light:

karmatourer - 2-24-2011 at 09:29 PM

I had a 60CSx (w/Mex maps) and sold it when I bought my Garminfone,which had the maps already.The CSx is an excellent GPS and popular with the motorcycle crowd too.
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
I like the Garmin 76CSx - very similar to the 60CSx............





Lou......I purchased the 60CSx over the 76CSx for one small detail......the function buttons on the 60 are at the bottom, allows me to push buttons without covering the screen :bounce:

karmatourer - 2-24-2011 at 09:31 PM

Costco had it for $200 for 4 months or so,online only.There were folks paying over that every day,especially on fleabay.
Quote:
Originally posted by Pappy Jon
Cool. Baja maps. Finally.

I've owned a bare bones Garmin GPS60 for several years. It has served me well. I was in the market for an upgrade and saw a place (GPSCity.com) with the 60CSX for $200. I jumped on it. Now to get the maps.

karmatourer - 2-24-2011 at 09:33 PM

Those are the best maps,hands down.
Quote:
Originally posted by skippermike
Suggest you take a look at biciMapas.com.mx
I've been using the maps on Garmin units.
Good detail, good support.
They are $$$, but I think worth it.

[Edited on 2-24-2011 by skippermike]

bigzaggin - 2-25-2011 at 10:06 AM

It seems like the install software for the bici maps is PC only (see only .exe file on website)...has anyone installed using a Mac?

Doug/Vamonos - 4-12-2011 at 12:55 PM

Hi. Has anyone actually compared the bici map to the LB map for cities and remote roads in Baja?

skippermike - 4-12-2011 at 04:23 PM

To be honest, I compared features and samples, and bought bici. Never compared maps on my GPSs.
Having said that, I've never been lost, can find all manner of City streets in Ensenada, San Felipe, Constitution, Erindera, etc. It has great detail well off any roads, shows contours and stream beds, etc. Even shows Camp Gecko!
Good luck

[Edited on 4-12-2011 by skippermike]

Doug/Vamonos - 4-12-2011 at 06:24 PM

Hey...no camping at Camp Gecko.