What kind of GPS?

[scottessex]

What kind of GPS would be good for basic gyro flying?

Does it have to be aviation?

Let Me know what you are using.

[Phil_Ruffin]

I've heard that if your just looking to go from point A to point B and back, that Wal-mart has something useable. Haven't checked on it but that's what I heard....

[Caribean_gyro]

THIS IS WHAT i USE http://www.flynavgps.com/
cHUCKP

[davreich]

Hi,
Used Garmin 195s seemed pretty cheap at the airshow from the big name radio vendors. Mine had trouble with the update and I was advised to have no more updates and a repair would cost more than a new unit. You can check with Eastern, etc.

[Harry_S.]

Scott:

I got the Magellan 315 for a hundred bucks at K-Mart and paid 20 bucks to have it programed with the airports in the Southeast states. 99.9 percent of all airports and private strips are in the upload.


Cheers :)

[Brent Drake]

Here is the GPS I fly with in the plane and Gyro.
Brent

http://www.anywheremap.com/

[davreich]

Hi,
I think I would go with Harrys idea on the 315. Looks very good.

[Phil_Ruffin]

I think Harry is talking about the same one I was, the name Magellan sound right, we don't have K-Marts anymore down here, But Wal-Mart should have it also.

[david holmes]

Scott,
For years I was happy with my Magellan 315. It finally went tits up just about the time the Garmin 195 came along.
I really PREFER the 315 because it was so lightweight and did everything I needed. It interfaced with my FS-450.
The used 195, even at $220, has so many features that it is too complicated to use. The moving map and airport/approach data is useless for us.
Get a 315. Wal-Mart & different stores have different prices.

[scottessex]

Thanks Guys! I will check it out!

[GyroRon]

I like my Garmin 195. I use it in the gyro and the plane and it is easy to use imho. The screen is huge compared to the cheap ones you guys are talking about. To me that is nice since it may have to be mounted pretty far from the seat and you do want something easy to see right? :)

I also have a Garmin III street version that works pretty good, but the screen isn't all that big.

[KenSandyEggo]

I'm looking for the simplest, least-expensive unit that has the airport database in it. I had the $100 Magellan before, but I don't want to punch in all those airports anymore. I don't care if it has a moving map. I'd never use it. I just want something to point me in the right direction with an airport database. So far, the Lowrance Airmap 500 at $399 seems to be it. Anyone find anything better with a database?

[bartc150]

Scott, if I were you I would go with one that has airport capabilities. Make it real simple for navigation. All I do on mine is hit the nearest airport button and it displays the nearest airports, starting with the closest. Since I dont travel very far in the gyro, all the airports I'm interested in are right there on the screen. Just have to pick one, and go to it.

[cgmg]

Scott,

Ron makes a good point regarding readability of units like the 315, which I have. My 53 year old eyes have a hard time reading the print unless I use the large layout screen. But I feel it is a perfect unit for our type of flying.

Mine was purchased with the aviation database, but you can buy them even cheaper off Ebay without the database. You can then hand enter your local airport coordinates, if you want to save more money.

The other thing to do is try to borrow a couple of different units from friends before buying. A buddy of mine electrical taped mine to his leg as a trial, and is now buying one, as he liked it. He also has younger eyes than mine.

One of the reasons I don't have a bigger GPS unit is lack of space. The AC dash, especially with a pod on, doesn't leave much room for any equipment. And no matter what, I can't read the destination name at the top of the screen, due to the angle of the dash, and how low it is compared to my head.

Hope this helps you make a good decision.

[gyromike]

You can get current online updates for the Magellan 315 here (http://home.stny.rr.com/bkw/315/#INSTALL).

I have not tried it on my 315 yet, as I seem to have lost my Aviation DataSend CD.
If anyone has a 'spare' CD, I could use one. :)

[Chuck Roberg]

I never got the datasend CD or serial cable for my 315 GPS. I'm sure there are others out there who only have the basic 315 GPS.

Would anybody who has the equipment, to upgrade the 315 GPS with the aviation database, be willing to upgrade others units. I would be willing to make a "donation" to someone willing and able to upgrade my unit. Of course I'd pay shipping both ways.

[Aussie_Paul]

I love my simple to use 315 with the Aussie database. It is a KISS gyro gps.

Aussie Paul. :)

[Chad]

So far, the Lowrance Airmap 500 at $399 seems to be it. Anyone find anything better with a database?

Better price $329.00 (http://www.airplanegear.com/) The company has a good rep for quality and support.

I really like my 1000 screen size.

This says it has an airport database Magellan (http://www.usairnet.com/backroads/gps/magellan/magellan_GPS_meridian_platinum.html#gps)

[Harry_S.]

I never got the datasend CD or serial cable for my 315 GPS. I'm sure there are others out there who only have the basic 315 GPS.

Would anybody who has the equipment, to upgrade the 315 GPS with the aviation database, be willing to upgrade others units. I would be willing to make a "donation" to someone willing and able to upgrade my unit. Of course I'd pay shipping both ways.

Chuck; I checked with the fella who did mine ...and he would be willing to help out fellow aviators. :D

His name and contact info:

Scott Ekberg...352-732-3013...scotthe@atlantic.net.

He could give you your choice of the whole USA...specific region...specific state. The smaller the regional coverage the more airports will be shown.

He works days, so it would be best to contact him in the evening.


Cheers :)

[Jazzenjohn]

The best price I've found on the Airmap 1000 is here
http://www.airplanegear.com/special-airmap1000.htm
$475 Seems like it would be a worthwhile step up from the 500.

[rehler]

Ken,

You can't put less than the Airmap 1000 in your certified gyro! Remember its not the normal trash us common people have to fly!

[KenSandyEggo]

Oh....I forgot.

[GyroRon]

I had a Airmap 100 a few years ago and other than the small display screen it was the best GPS I have ever used. The 500 has a decent sized screen. This would be a good buy IMHO.

[Chuck Roberg]

Harry S.

Thanks, Thats great. I printed out the information. I'll try to give him a call later in the week.

[stuart]

I was planning on getting a Magellan 315, but can't find one; have they been discontinued? I did find some on Ebay, but don't want to risk getting one with a marked up face that would be difficult to read. The 315 seems, from what i read in these threads, to be the simplest to use--if this model isn't available anymore, what would be comparable and where could i find one? Thanks, stuart

[GyroRon]

Stuart all the little handhelds are easy to use, you just have to read the book and it will all make sense. I suggest getting one for aviation if your going to use it for aviation. Makes it nice to have all the airports and airspace on the screen, harder to get lost with a aviation unit. Look at the Airmaps or any of the Garmin products. Used Garmin 195 units can be bought cheap and it is a great GPS, I use it in my airplane. It has a large screen and is easy to see.

[stuart]

thanks Ron