I need a good GPS !! Any suggestions?

**goblerblaster** · 05-13-2013, 04:16 PM

I have finally given up on my Garmin Vista HCX.. It is less than two years old but will not take me to waypoints that I either "mark" myself or enter the coordinates from somewhere else. The electric compass arrow will point in the correct direction until I get within @ 200 feet and then it will go wild and point all over the place. I have talked to Garmin many times and can't get the issue resolved. This is a handheld unit. I have read on other forums that electric lines can mess up a gps. There is a 500 KV transmission line crossing the Illinois Bayou on Lake Dardanelle, so I use this there a lot. Does anyone else have this problem with their GPS in this area? What kind of GPS do you use that you really like? I need some advise and would prefer a handheld- so I can use it for hunting- but would consider a permanent mount unit. I for sure want the compass feature on any unit I get. Thanks.

**Buckrub** · 05-13-2013, 04:36 PM

First, there are apps for smart phones that do an amazing amount of stuff (if you can get a data connection where you need it).

I have a Rino 130......and like it. But I don't know much about how to use it other than finding brushtops I have marked. To have made a living in a technical field, I'm pretty untechnical.

**Harold** · 05-13-2013, 04:40 PM

I use an old Garmin E trex Ledgen C and haven't had any trouble in the area you are talking about.

**camo xpress** · 05-13-2013, 06:32 PM

I used to use a handheld GPS , yea they work but I like to keep my huntin stuff separate from fishing waypoints , I have a 898 side image chart plotter in my boat , if you ever use one you will see what a difference these type units make , on the water looking at a detailed map of the entire lake , all saved waypoints are visible on the map and your current boat location is also shown , motor in close to a waypoint and fish it as we'll as others in the immediate area , then look at the map and see what else is kinda close by, quickly find them as well and then on to the next one , if you vertical jig brush tops its a huge advantage and time saver !! I've not noticed any trouble from the power lines in that area at all. If your not familiar with these type of units shoot me a p.m. And we'll go sometime!

**goblerblaster** · 05-13-2013, 08:27 PM

Harold, does your unit have the "electric compass" feature where you hit the go to button and follow the arrow to the next waypoint? How accurate is it- say within 30 feet or so? I just want a gps that will get me within castine distance and don't need all the fancy features of the combo chart plotters/depth finders.

**NIMROD** · 05-13-2013, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Harold

I use an old Garmin E trex Ledgen C and haven't had any trouble in the area you are talking about.

You finally got it figured out ?

**NIMROD** · 05-13-2013, 08:35 PM

Cheapest unit has no magnetic compass. I have 3 of the old yellow etrex and they serve me well.

**buck_jackson75** · 05-13-2013, 08:45 PM

Have u calibrated the compass and installed the updates?

**Harold** · 05-13-2013, 09:24 PM

No it doesn't have the "electric compress"

**NIMROD** · 05-13-2013, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Harold

No it doesn't have the "electric compress"

Harold the expensive models have magnetic compass. The inexpensive models have to be moving for directional arrow to point correctly.

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