Montana has a capacity of 4Gb, and I've still got 3.6Gb available.
I have a 8Gb microSD card fitted and it has 4.4Gb still available even though I have Garmin Discoverer (Whole of GB) and UK City Navigator installed. I have more than enough capacity to store 1,000s of tracks as well.
I have some OSM maps stored on my computer and can upload them if and when required with loadsa space for them but don't like the clutter, so leave them available in abeyance.
BTW, I don't like Base Camp.
Don't like it, don't use it and have no need for it.
what GPS?
Re: what GPS?
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: what GPS?
Etrex 20 with eneloop batteries would be my suggestion as well. For mapping Velomap is free and meets my needs and reasonably easy to install if you read through the instructions on the Velomap website & use basecamp.
You need to allow some time and effort to learn how to use both the GPS and Basecamp. I did things like plotting routes I already knew then tried them on the Etrex to understand how it was working.
I'd recomend reading the info on the following website http://www.aukadia.net/gps/and also using their set up instructions.
Another handy tip is to put a lanyard on the etrex and tie it off on you bars, if unit comes adrift from the mount (and it will at some point) you won't need to hunt up and down the road for it.
You need to allow some time and effort to learn how to use both the GPS and Basecamp. I did things like plotting routes I already knew then tried them on the Etrex to understand how it was working.
I'd recomend reading the info on the following website http://www.aukadia.net/gps/and also using their set up instructions.
Another handy tip is to put a lanyard on the etrex and tie it off on you bars, if unit comes adrift from the mount (and it will at some point) you won't need to hunt up and down the road for it.
Re: what GPS?
Personally I don't think OS maps are worth paying for if you're going to use the device for mainly road-based cycling; free OSM-based maps are less cluttered and easier to read on the move. At the end of the day you're just following a line, which can be done with no map at all, if you're on road. Walking is a different kettle of fish.
Re: what GPS?
sjs wrote:Personally I don't think OS maps are worth paying for if you're going to use the device for mainly road-based cycling; free OSM-based maps are less cluttered and easier to read on the move. At the end of the day you're just following a line, which can be done with no map at all, if you're on road. Walking is a different kettle of fish.
I can't see the need for any electronic navigation at all in the UK for on road cycle touring purposes. It is impossible to get lost.
Even on the rare occasions I go to new areas of the island I can easily get about with road signs and an occasional look at a map ripped out of a cheap road atlas.
Re: what GPS?
OS maps - because they are familiar to me.sjs wrote:Personally I don't think OS maps are worth paying for if you're going to use the device for mainly road-based cycling; free OSM-based maps are less cluttered and easier to read on the move. At the end of the day you're just following a line, which can be done with no map at all, if you're on road. Walking is a different kettle of fish.
Follow a line - that assumes you want to follow a preset route/track. Personally all I want is a scrolling map.
I have an Etrex 20 which I will take with me on tour this year. Because of screen size I cannot imagine I will use it much for mapping but mainly for POI. For viewing a map on a screen I think Etrex is too small since we move relatively quickly. I might consider something with a larger screen in the near future but Edge Touring or 1000 do not get good reviews so it would be an Edge 800 if anything.
Re: what GPS?
To add my 'voice in the wilderness' once again. I use a Sony Xperia Z ultra which has a 6.4 inch screen and is waterproof. Last week I completed a 300k Audax which meant the phone operated continuously for 19 hours running ipbike for ant+ sensors and route with osmand in the background for voice instructions and the screen on continuously at 75% brightness.
I used two external battery packs to get the 19 hours run time needed for the ride.
I've used a handlebar mount for the phone for over 6 months now and have never has the phone come detached. This true having ridden some sportivescwith off road sections.
The phone is now available for around £260 which is cheaper than the top end garmin.
The phone has a hd display ( 1920X1080) resolution screen.
I also have a Bryton 50 but that device is now only used on very rare occasions.
The more I do with my phone the more I feel purpose specific devices such as the etrex and edge are devices past their time unless you have a significantly niche requirement.
I used two external battery packs to get the 19 hours run time needed for the ride.
I've used a handlebar mount for the phone for over 6 months now and have never has the phone come detached. This true having ridden some sportivescwith off road sections.
The phone is now available for around £260 which is cheaper than the top end garmin.
The phone has a hd display ( 1920X1080) resolution screen.
I also have a Bryton 50 but that device is now only used on very rare occasions.
The more I do with my phone the more I feel purpose specific devices such as the etrex and edge are devices past their time unless you have a significantly niche requirement.
Re: what GPS?
tatanab wrote:OS maps - because they are familiar to me.
Follow a line - that assumes you want to follow a preset route/track. Personally all I want is a scrolling map.
I have an Etrex 20 which I will take with me on tour this year. Because of screen size I cannot imagine I will use it much for mapping but mainly for POI. For viewing a map on a screen I think Etrex is too small since we move relatively quickly. I might consider something with a larger screen in the near future but Edge Touring or 1000 do not get good reviews so it would be an Edge 800 if anything.
Given the small screen sizes, following a pre-planned route is the only realistic way to use them in my experience. A scrolling OS map would be great, but it would have to be a lot bigger. Perhaps Mick's Montana comes close?
And it's true that it's hard to get really lost in the UK, but sometimes it's nice to plan a specific route.
Re: what GPS?
freeflow wrote:The more I do with my phone the more I feel purpose specific devices such as the etrex and edge are devices past their time unless you have a significantly niche requirement.
I tend to agree (but based on but iPhone experience). People keep talking about "battery life" issues with smartphones but my experience it is aspects (you can disable) that shorten battery life (features traditional GPSs don't have like 3/4G data connections).
Ian
Re: what GPS?
Our Daughter1 was staying with us recently and she'd driven up and down the country to get here/go back.
She uses a smart phone ....... don't ask me which ...... and she used the satnav functions within it to (A) find her way - she knew it anyway - and (B) to find out any delays and traffic problems. This negated the use of listening to the vague and entertaining traffic reports from Sally Traffic on Radio2.
The thing is, if I used my lovely Garmin Montana, the GPS would tell me exactly where I was, give me directions to where I want to go, but have no knowledge whatsoever of up-to-date information.
Smart phones are the way to go ................ or at least have a GPS device that has up-to-date info via satellite.
She uses a smart phone ....... don't ask me which ...... and she used the satnav functions within it to (A) find her way - she knew it anyway - and (B) to find out any delays and traffic problems. This negated the use of listening to the vague and entertaining traffic reports from Sally Traffic on Radio2.
The thing is, if I used my lovely Garmin Montana, the GPS would tell me exactly where I was, give me directions to where I want to go, but have no knowledge whatsoever of up-to-date information.
Smart phones are the way to go ................ or at least have a GPS device that has up-to-date info via satellite.
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: what GPS?
I have used Google Maps sat nav extensively in cars here and abroad. For me, its the best sat nav out there. Its failings are that it uses maps downloaded over the phone system (although you can download a cache of maps for limited areas), thinking of bikes, smartphones battery lives are very poor and you cannot import pre planned routes.
If they could overcome these problems I would be using it on my bike for touring. In Brittany this year it got me out of a maze of small roads I managed to get lost in.
Since then I purchased an Etrex 20 , because of its great battery life and because you can download pre prepared routes to follow. However, as soon as Google come up with the goods I will move to that and sell the Etrex on.
Al
If they could overcome these problems I would be using it on my bike for touring. In Brittany this year it got me out of a maze of small roads I managed to get lost in.
Since then I purchased an Etrex 20 , because of its great battery life and because you can download pre prepared routes to follow. However, as soon as Google come up with the goods I will move to that and sell the Etrex on.
Al
Reuse, recycle, to save the planet.... Auctions, Dump, Charity Shops, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Boots. Old House, and a Banger ..... And cycle as often as you can...... Every little helps!
Re: what GPS?
blackbike wrote:
I can't see the need for any electronic navigation at all in the UK for on road cycle touring purposes. It is impossible to get lost.
Even on the rare occasions I go to new areas of the island I can easily get about with road signs and an occasional look at a map ripped out of a cheap road atlas.
Been living in Bolton since 1986 and I still get lost.
GPS is soooooooooooooooo needed
Bill
“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx
It's a rich man whos children run to him when his pockets are empty.
“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx
It's a rich man whos children run to him when his pockets are empty.
Re: what GPS?
I think Si likes a bit of mountain biking so that may be a reason for the os maps. They aren't needed for strictly road navigation but I like them for hiking. OSM-based maps are getting better with time. I really think they are the future. I ain't giving Google anything.
Etrex (30) works well for me. Can never be bothered calibrating the electronic compass and barometer which is all you get extra on the 30. Altitude information is accurate enough for me without. If buying again i'd go for the Etrex 20. The method of install depends on the maps. Purchased OS maps can come on a separate SD card which is just plug and play, easy as it comes. For downloaded osm maps I just save them to the Garmin folder on the GPS. Older Garmin users may remember having to rename the map file in order for it to be recognised and only being able to have one map on the gps. This is no longer a problem, multiple maps can be loaded and the Etrex has plenty of space so you can choose which map you wish to display. The garmin handlebar mount has proved to be pretty secure, the gps has not made a bid for freedom on bumpy roads and tracks. Oh, and the aa battery life really is good.
Etrex (30) works well for me. Can never be bothered calibrating the electronic compass and barometer which is all you get extra on the 30. Altitude information is accurate enough for me without. If buying again i'd go for the Etrex 20. The method of install depends on the maps. Purchased OS maps can come on a separate SD card which is just plug and play, easy as it comes. For downloaded osm maps I just save them to the Garmin folder on the GPS. Older Garmin users may remember having to rename the map file in order for it to be recognised and only being able to have one map on the gps. This is no longer a problem, multiple maps can be loaded and the Etrex has plenty of space so you can choose which map you wish to display. The garmin handlebar mount has proved to be pretty secure, the gps has not made a bid for freedom on bumpy roads and tracks. Oh, and the aa battery life really is good.
Last edited by Bicycler on 29 Jun 2014, 4:57pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: what GPS?
al_yrpal wrote:...smartphones battery lives are very poor and you cannot import pre planned routes.
Al
There are certainly android apps you can import routes/tracks into. Orux maps is one. Also, relatively easy to download OS maps both 1:50k and 1:25k for various of the android gps apps. It's just battery life that's a bit of a pain, and there seem to be ways round that with external battery packs. So I agree, dedicated Garmin gadgets' days are probably numbered.
Re: what GPS?
Yes.sjs wrote:...... dedicated Garmin gadgets' days are probably numbered.
I agree.
I have - as I have said - had Garmin devices, but they are "static" and not "live" at all. You can purchase new mapping, but they don't update automatically and local live information is sadly lacking. Mobile phones OTOH have all the mapping you may want and all the up-to-date updating you need.
Give me a Garmin device plus live updating, and that's what I want.
Mick F. Cornwall