Geocaching Australia

OK, you've made your decision to buy a Magellan - but which one do you choose from the vast array available?

This thread, a sticky, so please keep on track, is for discussing this issue and asking questions.

Thanks

Cached

My suggestion is wait till the new Tritons are released

www.gpsoz.com.au/magellan/triton.htm

Think I will be going the 400 at least (SD card Slot for detailed maps)..maybe the 1500 to get bigger screen. I would not get any use out of compass/barometer or camera so these models off my list.

If however you cant wait and are looking at the eXplorist range would suggest at a minimum the 210 if you are on a budget - connects to PC and has some room for detailed maps - DAST only ..no SD card so you cant use DAST Topo.

If you have a few extra bucks go the 500 - connect to PC, colour screen, SD card slot for detailed maps (DAST or DAST Topo).

If you need/want a bigger screen then the XL may suit your needs though could be considered a bit cumbersome for carrying around.

Cheers
Greg

The Explorer wrote:
If you need/want a bigger screen then the XL may suit your needs though could be considered a bit cumbersome for carrying around.

I love my XL but agree - it depends on your needs and the big screen was a priority for me. My other choice of the current models would have been the 500.

With no disrespect to Ferdinand meant

Magellan have announced that most of the eXplorist models are now obsolete. Not sure about the XL.

http://www.magellangps.com/support/obsoleteProducts.asp

If you see a cheap one on eBay or whatever, the Meridian series is worth getting.

It's the older chipset, so it's not as sensitive as the newer models, but is quite good enough in all but the steepest gullies or heaviest tree canopy.
The screen is monochrome, but there are quite good maps available for it and being able to see tracks and creeks etc. is a real boon. (Even if you can't always tell which is which!)

One of the main features is that they use an SD card, which can hold maps, waypoints, saved tracks, etc. A 128MB card (almost free these days!) can hold the entire set of Australian maps, a couple of 500 waypoint files and quite a few days of saved tracklogs. Get a USB cardreader and you can update your cachelist very quickly, instead of waiting for the slow serial connection.

They're not on a par with the current models, of course, but make a good beginner's model. They float if you drop 'em in water, they use 2xAA batteries which should last all day, and they'll get you close enough to a cache to spot the cache-spoor!

Just a few thoughts on GPS's... Get one that can take standard batteries as a bakup power supply (the Explorists cant ) ( get something with a robust data/power cable fixing.. My explorist has a tiny treaded screw that is stripped.. and cant be fixed).....
Overall I have been happy with the Explorist, but now they are not being supported i wouldnt touch them..... Sorry, but mine needs a little work, but its going to be cheaper to buy something new....So at the moment im not a Magellan fan.

Papa Bear_Left wrote:
A 128MB card (almost free these days!)

I can remember not to long ago! Ok 2004 paying $130 Biggest I could find

ozzie-jeeper wrote:Just a few thoughts on GPS's... Get one that can take standard batteries as a bakup power supply (the Explorists cant )

My previous Explorist 100, and current Explorist 210 run quite happily on AA's; I think there were only one or two models that had a custom battery pack.

SG-3 wrote:

ozzie-jeeper wrote:Just a few thoughts on GPS's... Get one that can take standard batteries as a bakup power supply (the Explorists cant )

My previous Explorist 100, and current Explorist 210 run quite happily on AA's; I think there were only one or two models that had a custom battery pack.

And you can get an adapter that fits 3 AAA or AA batteries to replace the rechargable battery in the 500/600 etc.

I love my Meridian Gold. A freind had a Garmin 60cs and the maps were useless compared to Discoveraus. I dont know about now.

You can get a coloured screen with the Colour and Platinum

I have just returned home with an explorist 100 and took it for a run to find a nearby cache, it seems like a good gps for a newbie like me, will see how it goes down the track

I use the Meridian Platinum. They are accurate but slow to home in on the location.Once you get used to the boomerang effect they work well. They average out when stationary so you can narrow your search area to within 3m. (assuming the cache was placed correctly).
In a comparison to the newer XL model.... the XL wins hands down in out of the box (with the maps SD card)
The maps are very accurate but lack detail so seem clunky to the casual observer but once you use them you will know what I mean. I always know that it will place me on the track I am walking. There are phantom tracks but its no worse than other maps systems in that regard.
I still prefer the Platinum units as they have maps that interact with the computer (DAST) and I can also use the computer maps without having to plug in the GPS unit.
At last count I had 4 units (maybe 5)all in perfect working order.
The only other units out there that tempt me is Magellan XL and the Garmin CSx60. reasons not to get these units is the Magellan XL is too big and colour screen isnt as good in full sunlight plus it will be heavy on batteries. Garmin CSx60, the maps wont be as good as the ones I am used to on the magellan units.

I don't know whether I'm allowed to say what I'm about to ... but what the hell, it won't be the first time I get myself into trouble.

I have a Magellan Meridian for sale plus lots of extras that go with it for mobile mapping, etc.

I started caching with this machine and changed to a Garmin Etrex Legend because either, I'm a dummy and can't use the Magellan, it has limitations, or the Garmin is more user friendly. I'll accept the dummy handle - I am, after all, in the older age group.

I would suggest you check out the Garmin. If, however, you decide to go with the Magellan - it's one of the best Magellan's available - it's just that I don't have the ability to use it - contact me direct and we can negotiate something.

I'm holidaying at the present and will be home on the 22nd August.

So what do people think of the Tritons, does anyone actually use one?