Handheld GPS with no computer

[devoswitch]

Hey all. I’m wondering if anybody would be able to help me out by any chance or at least guide me in the right direction.
I’m about to buy my first GPS, Unsure of model etc but probably an Oregon or 64s or something. I’m buying this as I’m about to head off for a Spires trip and a couple of other ranges around the place solo and thought it would be best if I had some navigational backup.
I don’t have a computer at the moment however so am unsure about how to go about loading on some GPX files etc.

Is anyone on Tasmania able to help me out by loading some track files onto it for me by any chance if I bought one? Does it even work like that?
I’d pay for your time of course.
Thanks

[tastrax]

Where in the state are you? I can give you a hand in the south if you have the GPX files.

[devoswitch]

I’m in Hobart. I have no files though however as I have no computer. I’m mainly just after a couple of points for Spires, Eldons and Frankland ranges.

[Warin]

If you have no computer .. how did you get GPX files?

{edit} Arr .. your after waypoints. See second section below

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I take it your primary navigation is a paper map and compass?

Do you have a 'smart phone' ? That may have a GPS built in that you can use instead of buying a dedicated GPS unit. You'd need to say which 'smart phone' you have for further advice.

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Your GPS will allow you to enter waypoints manually .. bit harder than on a PC but still doable.
You do need to find the location of these .. and you can use your paper map to do it, or the map on the GPS.
The specifics of how to do it depend on the particular GPS you get.

Get yourself into a shop that sells them and play with them .. find out how to enter waypoints on each of them...

[devoswitch]

Hi Warin thanks for the reply. Yeah ok that sounds like the most ideal way to do it I guess! In Hobart the only ones I can find that seems suitable is the 30x.
I do have a smartphone but would prefer not to rely on it as they have deemed themselves untrustworthy before!

[tastrax]

No worries - grab the GPS of choice and then get back to us and we can coach you through adding waypoints.

For practice - list a few waypoints here with full grid reference (6/7 numbers) and we can check locations for you.

Also still happy to help out on a computer if you need help.

[devoswitch]

Thanks heaps

[MrWalker]

The Garmin Oregon GPS comes with built-in maps that show most 4WD tracks, but not usually walking tracks.
You can enter waypoints manually if you have coordinates. So you can use it without access to a computer.
Although it would help to have tracks entered for your walk, you will need to repeat this every time you go somewhere new if you use a GPS without built-in maps.

[Nuts]

I think 'Kathmadu' may sell the etrex10 (from my last visit)? (+ some of the marine stores sell gps). etrex10 is a fair bit cheaper and well enough for just (easily) adding in waypoints and finding them or for finding your place on a paper map.

[RonK]

In Hobart the only ones I can find that seems suitable is the 30x.

Be forewarned that Garmin eTrex 30x GPS do not come with maps - only the base map is installed but it is devoid of detail. Since you don't have a computer you will also have to buy the maps on an SD card. This will add significantly to the cost. With a computer there are various sites where maps can be downloaded for free.

[RonK]

The Garmin Oregon GPS comes with built-in maps that show most 4WD tracks, but not usually walking tracks.

Are you sure about that? I don't believe any Garmin GPS comes with maps unless you buy it as a bundle.

[MikeB62]

This, currently 20% off, so $280 (great price) is a popular option. But no maps so a computer would be needed to download free maps, lots of info in this forum.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Garmin-eTrex-30x-Handheld-GPS-SCB400-Soft-Carry-Case-AUST-STK/263947567817?hash=item3d748042c9:g:NGQAAOSwTVlbzmd8:sc:AU_StandardDelivery!2088!AU!-1:rk:7:pf:0

or $120 more with topo maps on SD card,
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Garmin-eTrex-30x-Full-TOPO-GPS-SCB400-Soft-Carry-Case-AUST-STK/283170019633?hash=item41ee3f9931:g:4loAAOSwAWtbzmeJ:sc:AU_StandardDelivery!2088!AU!-1:rk:2:pf:0

But a computer with free Garmin Basecamp software makes things a whole lot easier in both cases.

[devoswitch]

Thanks for all the helpful info. It seems I’m going to have to go buy a cheap computer or something to make things a whole lot easier!

[tastrax]

An etrex 20 will do all the things you want

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hobart- ... 1198308557

Compare the models here

https://blog.ja-gps.com.au/2017/11/etre ... on-review/

[devoswitch]

Thanks Tastrax

[MrWalker]

The Garmin Oregon GPS comes with built-in maps that show most 4WD tracks, but not usually walking tracks.

Are you sure about that? I don't believe any Garmin GPS comes with maps unless you buy it as a bundle.

You're right, it seems to depend where you buy them. The ones in Launceston at Tamar Marine have maps when you get them and I don't think anyone else here sells that model.
The Garmin GPSMAP64 from Anaconda comes with maps already installed at $439, so more than an etrex 20, but not as much extra as buying a computer just to install maps.

[tastrax]

If you get the GPS just let me know - I can transfer OSM data onto a MicroSD card and meet you and install it for you (10 second job). That will get you started and then you can add waypoints manually

[devoswitch]

Thanks Tastrax I’ll let you know how I go. That sounds amazing