Can I get people's opinion on the various gps units available, Navman M300, Garmin etrex and foretrex 101. Did I miss any?
Much appreciated.
Geoff

Here you go Geof,



GPS Speed sailing Site
www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx

About the GPS speed sailing site
www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx/gps.asp?mnu=faq

GPS Unit Info
www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx/gps.asp?mnu=faq&smnu=gps&val=&uid=
Myself I use The "Garmin Geko 201" for 2 main reasons, Firstly I prang regularly, the Foretrex has been known to be ripped of arms on occasion, secondly it takes AAA batteries (I buy Bulk 30 packs for Dick smith for $16 lasts months even with my mate forever in them).
You will also need a Data cable so you can down load to your computer, this can be bought through GPS agent. Unfortunately the cable is a 9 pin RS-232 plug to connect to your computer (found at Back painfully for regular use) I would also recommends going to a computer components supplier and getting a USB-RS232 converter cable (Approx $40)

I have a "Dry Pack" which I got from Main Peak (I Think) in Cottesloe, I normally loop the strap around my neck and poke the pack down the front of my wet suit, it doesn't interfere with the GPS and keeps it safe of any unplanned flights and water impacts.

Software
The best part of it all it's done by windsurfers and it's free!
All details here
www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx/gps.asp?mnu=faq&smnu=software&val=&uid=

For downloading from GPS
G7ToWin
www.gpsinformation.org/ronh/


For Analyzing Data
GSPar
users.info.unicaen.fr/~mathet/gpsar/
You may also have to download some JAVA script to make it work the links are there.

Hope this helps

Alby

Alby

Thank you very much!!!!!

This is just what I wanted. A practical, sailors viewpoint.

Cheers

Geoff

Cool

Give us a yell when you want the details on how to use the software

Alby

Hey Alby,

I was on gpsspeedsurfing the other day and they must have been doing some maintenance as the top ten for 2006 was looking good. It had you listed at #1. I took a screen dump of this and can send it to you if you like.

Cheers,
Chris

quote:

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Originally posted by reiffo

Hey Alby,

I was on gpsspeedsurfing the other day and they must have been doing some maintenance as the top ten for 2006 was looking good. It had you listed at #1. I took a screen dump of this and can send it to you if you like.

Cheers,
Chris

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Thats freeky, but I'll take it, unfortunately I know in reality where I sit in the scheme of things, But it is fun having a go racing against my own PB's.

altrav_1@hotmail.com.au

Thanks

Alby

hi, has anyone had any experience with the foretrex 101?

pros and cons etc.

any help appreciated.

quote:

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Originally posted by Gestalt

hi, has anyone had any experience with the foretrex 101?

pros and cons etc.

any help appreciated.

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Hi Justin I decided to buy the 101 mainly because you can have a backup set of batteries where the 201 has an inbuilt lithium battery. I think the 101 might be 3mm thicker other than that there exactly the same. I also use a aqua pac with mine, Ive heard to many people getting there's replace because water damage on both the 101 and 201.

Gestalt I've had 2 Foretrex 101's. The first got water in it and was replaced under warranty, at about the same time Garmin announced it is recommended Foretrex's are used with aquapac's when windsurfing. Other than that no problems, simple to use and good features for racing also if you're into that sort of thing. There is supposed to be a specific Foretrex aquapac being released this year, till then both mike and I use the walkie talky which is pretty non obtrusive.

I choose the 101 since all things with in built batteries (mobile phones etc) develop a memory and in the event of battery failing it is back to Garmin and 2-4 weeks wait. Be sure to use good quality batteries though as cheapies will leak in no time if any water gets in, then kiss goodbye to your gps. I use both energiser and panasonic rechargables, keeping a spare set charged all the time.

thanks mike and mark,

i know you guys have a lot of experience with the gps thing so the 101 it is.

on a side note, how do the gps guys know what gear you were on other than what you tell them?

Have you checked out the spots i disclosed and if so what do you think?

No JB its been a bit quiet on the wind side of things apart from fri.
Next strong SE i well check out vicky point.

if you do mike i'll be keen. So what board are you getting now... not the missile?

JB I recommend if your buying a GPS to check out
Johnny Appleseed GPS he's prob the cheapest.

cheers guys,

you lot have got me keen to get myself a speed/slalom board. maybe i should cut the nose off my old school needle and move the mast track back a bit? or saw the rails off the formula? that gives me an idea

a speed board with attachable rails that becomes a slalom board with attachable rails that becomes a formula board.[}:)][}:)]


hey vando, i went to thomsons today with my daughter. (happens to have a kids playground). the council has got up the blue green algae warning signs. that didn't seem to stop anyone from going swimming though. was dead flat and still. but the tide was to high.

Hey J, if u do decide to get a M300 I know a place to get it cheaper than anywhere else, brand new with warranty too! But the M300 is a unit alone, no communication/download possible to computer to compare course/data with other users. Thats why it hasnt been proven too popular to date.

Its a shame Navman hasn't to date brought out something like the fortrex 201/101.I believe there working on one.
Not sure how much the M300 is but you can buy the 101 for about $240+cable.

Bit late to the topic

But.

I have been using a Garmin Foretrex 201 for nearly a year - bad point - I'm on first name basis with the Garmin Distributor as I am now on my 5th Unit that have all been replaced under warranty!!! Great Warranty service But I think my welcome may have been worn out.


I am now using an Aqaupak and hopes this works. I had One unit that lasted for ~ 6 months - no problems - Which I was keeping "dry" with my own hand made dry pack every time I sailed.

Also had one unit that completely failed with one use - i sailed for 3+ hours - had the unit protected and it failed when I got home. (missed 3 gybes all day - so the unit did not get overly wet)

If was parting with 'hard earned' again I would get the 101 in prefernce to the 201 because the whole battery charging thing is easier. When the Li ion battery fails in the 201 - they have said they will replace the unit at the factory? Interesting to see this happen.

Johnny Appleseed in BNE are a good bunch but don't appreciate the rigours of speed sailing - eg catapault landing at 30+ knots!!

The free sofware available especially GPS-Action Replacy is a great sailing analysis tool.

FOrget the NAVMAN - it really only measures top speed and this is a dubious measure at best - I have top speeds on the unit that are 3-4 knots higher than software - plus the real benefit is finding out where and when you were fast - the results can be surprising!!.

Hey Gestalt,

hey vando, i went to thomsons today with my daughter. (happens to have a kids playground). the council has got up the blue green algae warning signs. that didn't seem to stop anyone from going swimming though. was dead flat and still. but the tide was to high.

Would love to know exactly where you were referring too. Would come down for a blast.

Can you send a google image to lissajus at(@) bigpond.com


- J

M300 under $200 when I looked last. but its more of a toy than a tool hey.

Algae/flat water was exactly that at wello (wellington point, brisbane) on sunday past, perfect run wello to manly but marginal at times even on my formula gear (10.5) fully let out.

hi guys,

i really like the m300 but i need the upload ability. so, if i put the foretrex in a watrerproof case does that mean i can't use the race timer function on the fly?

padi, you've upset me now. wish i had a 10.5

drjukka, i've got some pdf snaps of the areas. i will mark up with a redline to show properly. can you accept pdf and or word docs?
otherwise i can import into autocad and print a jpeg. maybe i will just do that anyways. stick with what i know best.

to clarify my post, i didn't go sailing. i actually went to the kids playground. but on that note, i usually sail from point talburpin if i go local, however i am going to start launching at Bay st. i only ever go out when it is high tide, so if it isn't i go to the goldie.

walking through the wello mud ****s me. and last time i sailed on the southern side i almost lost my big toe on the reef. so it has been a while since i have been there. 2 years or more. p.s thanks for the help pat when i needed it.

keen to join up for a blast however. i got bout another week before i can hit the water again.

You should realli get a 10 or 11m sail for your big toy J, then we can go out in 7/8knots n plane at d same time! i dont take my formula board out with anything smaller than my 9.8, the power ratio just doesnt feel right. I have tried running a 8.5 on it, either there's not enough wind to kick the board or when there's enough, the board starts dancing lol.

i would love a 10.5 believe me. but my longest mast is a 490..... can't afford a 520-550 mast and new boom......at this time anyway.

bought the 8.5 cause i can use it on formula as well as slalom...

in flat water i can get the 8.5 to plane in about 8-9 knots but it is a little uncomfortable as i can't load everyhing up. once 10-12knots happens i'm flying... have run 7.5 to 9.5 on it, other guys on the maxim's are running 10-12.5 check out yancy....


i don't experience the board dancing issue?? the flat bottom version definately feels that way in stronger winds but the channel step is good in a massive wind range.

Gestalt get the walkie talkie pack and you can use race functions. Thats why I tape mine a little more compact but it dosent seem to effect mike.

ok....

that has made my decision then...

Will I have a problem interfacing any of these aforementioned GPS's with my computer since it's a Mac? (iBookG4 System 10.4.4).

Mark DeFriest

quote:

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Originally posted by cecil

Will I have a problem interfacing any of these aforementioned GPS's with my computer since it's a Mac? (iBookG4 System 10.4.4).

Mark DeFriest

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From the GPS Speedsurfing site on your problem
www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=forum&forum=1&val=1193

For GSPar loading info
users.info.unicaen.fr/~mathet/gpsar/index.php?menu=0&choice=1

Hope this helps

Alby