nate007
Lifetime Member
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- Dec 25, 2006
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- Iowa City, Iowa
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- Snowmobile
- 1. '06 Apex -twin screw
2. '04 Redline Revolt 800
3. '09 Nytro XTX - twin screw
Okay,
I use a Garmin 496 in the airplane, but the cost of the unit was just too much for me to even think about putting it on my sled. But the dumb question is:
How does a GPS really help when you are on a sled? Is there a good resource for trail maps?
If there is really a good use for one, and it can get trail maps, I might think about getting one. I do hate stopping to drag out the map, figure out where we're at, and where we're going!
I use a Garmin 496 in the airplane, but the cost of the unit was just too much for me to even think about putting it on my sled. But the dumb question is:
How does a GPS really help when you are on a sled? Is there a good resource for trail maps?
If there is really a good use for one, and it can get trail maps, I might think about getting one. I do hate stopping to drag out the map, figure out where we're at, and where we're going!
hemiram
Extreme
i use mine when we ride logging roads just nice to have
WANN4STROKE
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
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- Location
- Anchorage, Ak.
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2009 Viking
2006 ApxMtn-sold
2001 MtnMax-sold
1998 VMAX 500-totalled
Whenever I am in a new area, the last thing I do before leaving the truck is to take a mark. Had 3 guys spend the nite last weekend because they got lost.
I have trails we have made in mine in case we want to take that shortcut again.
Stash gas, broken down sled with a road nearby. Don't leave home without it or spare batteries.
I have trails we have made in mine in case we want to take that shortcut again.
Stash gas, broken down sled with a road nearby. Don't leave home without it or spare batteries.
NY AttakGT
TY 4 Stroke Guru
Try this site.
http://gpssledmaps.com/
I downloaded all the trail maps in NY. The file included mostly all the trails I ride on all I did was add most of the local restaurants/watering holes/frequent stops to the map.
I think you can get Garmin, Lowrance, and Magellan versions of the maps. they do not have EVERY riding area, but some popular ones are available for d/l.
--Steve (O.C.)
http://gpssledmaps.com/
I downloaded all the trail maps in NY. The file included mostly all the trails I ride on all I did was add most of the local restaurants/watering holes/frequent stops to the map.
I think you can get Garmin, Lowrance, and Magellan versions of the maps. they do not have EVERY riding area, but some popular ones are available for d/l.
--Steve (O.C.)
Boomer
Expert
NYATTAKGT
Does this mean that when your riding partners sled dies on the trail you can direct him to the nearest watering hole while he waits to get picked up. LOL
Does this mean that when your riding partners sled dies on the trail you can direct him to the nearest watering hole while he waits to get picked up. LOL
NY AttakGT
TY 4 Stroke Guru
That is exactly correct Boomer. I would have had ya waiting at the bar right around the corner from where you were stuck. See, I can say that now that I have the GPS helpin me out.
No break downs this year. That's why we ride Yamaha!
--Steve (O.C.)
No break downs this year. That's why we ride Yamaha!
--Steve (O.C.)
Boomer
Expert
No breakdowns this year is right (fixed all the electrical shorts!!) Plus I'm gonna have even more bling on it and with the new Apex seat and risers, I should be even more comfortable. I'm even looking at putting a gps on also. I've got a Garmin Nuvi 350, but I don't think this would be a good gps for the sled. Maybe looking at something like an e-trex or maybe magellan if I can find a decent used one on ebay to play with.
BURMAD69
Expert
Alot of clubs in Wisconsin are putting gps cordinates on their trail maps for gas, food and other stops, Pretty handy stuff.
Tork
TY 4 Stroke God
US Trailmaps was selling N. WI and UP complete trailmaps for GPS for $100 at the shows a couple of years ago,
Here are some links
http://www.ustrailmaps.com/
http://lake-link.com/businesses/busines ... nessID=594
If any of you talk to them, please suggest that they advertise on this site.
Yamaha guys I like to think are more progressive than most and would be inclined to buy GPS maps.
Plus they are in Wausau right by MrSled
Here are some links
http://www.ustrailmaps.com/
http://lake-link.com/businesses/busines ... nessID=594
If any of you talk to them, please suggest that they advertise on this site.
Yamaha guys I like to think are more progressive than most and would be inclined to buy GPS maps.
Plus they are in Wausau right by MrSled
nate007
Lifetime Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2006
- Messages
- 2,770
- Reaction score
- 60
- Points
- 1,333
- Location
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- 1. '06 Apex -twin screw
2. '04 Redline Revolt 800
3. '09 Nytro XTX - twin screw
So what's the most popular gps's everybody is using?
I'm in the market for one if I can get trail maps.
Does anybody use something like a Garmin or Tomtom style gps that can be used in the car as well?
My 496 is shared between 5 people for use in the airplane due to its cost ($3k), so we don't use it for any other purpose that flying.
I'd like to think I know my way around, but I've been driving a semi for a friend of mine lately, and I could sure use one there sometimes.
If you guys have any photos fo your gps's I'd like to see 'em! It just seems like there are to many choices!
I'm in the market for one if I can get trail maps.
Does anybody use something like a Garmin or Tomtom style gps that can be used in the car as well?
My 496 is shared between 5 people for use in the airplane due to its cost ($3k), so we don't use it for any other purpose that flying.
I'd like to think I know my way around, but I've been driving a semi for a friend of mine lately, and I could sure use one there sometimes.
If you guys have any photos fo your gps's I'd like to see 'em! It just seems like there are to many choices!
Tork
TY 4 Stroke God
actually my last 2 GPS units while not having the trail systems in them were very useful. Some of the trails were on there. I could lead people off huge lake goegibic in a white out. If somebody was low on gas i could punch 'find' 'points of interest' 'fuel' and it would give you a good idea of how to get there because it would give picture and voice turn by turn directions by road, plus their phone number.
my 2730 listed for about $1300 but I only paid $470 for it,new in box.
I would recomend the 276, 376 if you want to add weather and MP3 player
the 2700 or 2800 series Streetpilots. The have large color screens that wont get washed out in bright sunlight and I think they are rated to maybe zero deg F before the screen starts to dim. really like the Zumo also but the minimum operating temp sucks for sledding.
Rather than hooking up my sirius sat radio, my G 2730 has GPS, xm sat radio, MP3 player and weather reports all in one unit. Plus you can add all sorts of downloads and you can save like 50 routes and 400 waypoints.
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my 2730 listed for about $1300 but I only paid $470 for it,new in box.
I would recomend the 276, 376 if you want to add weather and MP3 player
the 2700 or 2800 series Streetpilots. The have large color screens that wont get washed out in bright sunlight and I think they are rated to maybe zero deg F before the screen starts to dim. really like the Zumo also but the minimum operating temp sucks for sledding.
Rather than hooking up my sirius sat radio, my G 2730 has GPS, xm sat radio, MP3 player and weather reports all in one unit. Plus you can add all sorts of downloads and you can save like 50 routes and 400 waypoints.
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I find just marking the hotel and gas stops along the way and having the unit track where I have went userful enough. Shows me how to get home or to a trail or to a gas station. I am using the Magellan XL for the simple reason it takes 4 AA batteries I use rechargable ones or I could hook it up direct to the sleds battery. It has a big screen which makes it easy to see. Very easy to use as well. It costs about $350.
Tork
TY 4 Stroke God
Yes I hear the Magellan are very good, unfortunately I am ignorant about their models, certainly worth studying up on.
the Garmin 276 lists for about $700, current NexTag reveals a low price seller at $409....I have seen them on ebay NIB for about $375 but that price is rare
the Garmin 276 lists for about $700, current NexTag reveals a low price seller at $409....I have seen them on ebay NIB for about $375 but that price is rare
sledzeppelin
Veteran
From my FAQ page:
If you're going to be using it for snowmobiling, your best bet is a Garmin, because there are more tools available to make Garmin maps, and therefore more user-made snowmobile trail maps are available for Garmins. Lowrance and Magellan make good GPSrs too, and I do have maps for them as well. While they're certainly useable, the Garmin versions are generally better because they're easier to install and can be transparent, along with other less important benefits.
Which model you choose is up to you. Definitely get one that can accept maps and isn't just limited to tracklogs and waypoints. Think about what features are important for you, and what you want to spend. Also think about things such as available accessories, water and cold resistence (important for snowmobiling), etc. The 60Cx (or CSx which also includes an altimeter) is a popular choice. The LegendHCx is also a very nice unit and is a lot less expensive. It has a little smaller screen than the 60Cx, and while the 60Cx has a nicer button configuration, the Legend lasts longer on a set of batteries, and costs about $150 less. Both use standard MicroSD cards and have high sensitivity antennas. The 276c has a nice big screen, but it's also a really big unit, and uses proprietary memory cards that cost more than standard MicroSD. All these units are used by many snowmobilers and can stand up to the cold.
Another good option for snowmobilers is the Garmin Rino series, which is a combination GPS / two-way radio and is great for snowmobiling groups. If you and your party all have them, the location of each member will show up on the other members' screens.
You're better off sticking with the handheld "outdoor" units. The automotive ones (the Nuvi and Street Pilot for instance) may be problematic with third-party maps, and they aren't waterproof. Also, as far as I know, it's not possible to make maps for TomToms or Delorme GPSs, so if you want to use gpssledmaps.com maps, get a Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance.
If you're going to be using it for snowmobiling, your best bet is a Garmin, because there are more tools available to make Garmin maps, and therefore more user-made snowmobile trail maps are available for Garmins. Lowrance and Magellan make good GPSrs too, and I do have maps for them as well. While they're certainly useable, the Garmin versions are generally better because they're easier to install and can be transparent, along with other less important benefits.
Which model you choose is up to you. Definitely get one that can accept maps and isn't just limited to tracklogs and waypoints. Think about what features are important for you, and what you want to spend. Also think about things such as available accessories, water and cold resistence (important for snowmobiling), etc. The 60Cx (or CSx which also includes an altimeter) is a popular choice. The LegendHCx is also a very nice unit and is a lot less expensive. It has a little smaller screen than the 60Cx, and while the 60Cx has a nicer button configuration, the Legend lasts longer on a set of batteries, and costs about $150 less. Both use standard MicroSD cards and have high sensitivity antennas. The 276c has a nice big screen, but it's also a really big unit, and uses proprietary memory cards that cost more than standard MicroSD. All these units are used by many snowmobilers and can stand up to the cold.
Another good option for snowmobilers is the Garmin Rino series, which is a combination GPS / two-way radio and is great for snowmobiling groups. If you and your party all have them, the location of each member will show up on the other members' screens.
You're better off sticking with the handheld "outdoor" units. The automotive ones (the Nuvi and Street Pilot for instance) may be problematic with third-party maps, and they aren't waterproof. Also, as far as I know, it's not possible to make maps for TomToms or Delorme GPSs, so if you want to use gpssledmaps.com maps, get a Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance.
