GPS

FiReDuKe SG

Hi,I noe this is not the appropriate forum but wanna get a GPS receiver n u guys are the only ones I noe of who’ve experience with them….I would need one for geocaching n to get to places of interest,eateries shopping malls,etc so would need 1 that can work under shelter n foliage,can do track log n waypoint nav as well as provide ETAs to destinations….Would a standalone GPS receiver or a PDA with GPS receiver be better?Thks in advance for any help rendered….

glock SG

I have been using a Garmin E Trex standalone GPS for many years. It is purpose built for GPS only and is extermely reliable and accurate.

Go to Google Earth, put the cursor on a spot in Singapore, read off the coordinates & key it into your GPS unit and bingo, when you are physically at the actual spot with your GPS unit, you are dead on target plus minus 30 m max using the coordinates keyed in.

Despite the adverts, overhead foilage can disrupt the weak GPS signals.
If you are a serious geocacher, stick to a GPS from Garmin or Magellan. They are cheap and cost about S$200 to 300 for a basic model.

The US Govt spent more than US$ 20 billion to put up the system and you only spend S$ 200 to know your exact position anywhere in the world. This is a real bargain !

FiReDuKe SG

Thks alot for u'r help,but can I ask if those brands u suggest have the feature I need n where can I find them in SG?

LazerLordz SG

You can find them in Sim Lim Square or Tower.

^tamago^ SG

ETA to destination? sounds like u wan to buy a $1k TiBo set for ur car.

FiReDuKe SG

Thks...U guys have been a great help

FiReDuKe SG

Haha,no me still a poor NSF,how to afford car?

Obersturmfuhrer SG

Hahaha, titles are decieving wor. Most rich kids are all NSFs also leh. Some NSFs driving Merc already while regulars only driving Toyota Altis so enuff of that "poor NSF" crap Laughing

^tamago^ SG

lol. then u wun need ETA's. Laughing

LazerLordz SG

In my NS days, I've seen trainees drive BMW Z4s, storeman driving BMW750IL & Mitsubishi Pajero, clerks driving CLKs etc.. Laughing

Meia Gisborn SG

I am not sure if a GPS receiver is a viable proposition in Singapore. I have an older Magellan GPS 315 handheld unit that I use for navigation when I go hiking and flying here in the US. However, when I bring it with me on my trips to Singapore, I find that, due to line-of-sight obstructions from dense foliage and tall buildings, I'll be lucky to achieve a lock even on the minimum two satellites required for a 2D fix.

Besides, does one really need a GPS to get around in Singapore? It's not as if there were vast tracts of uninhabited and unexplored lands on the island. Mr. Green

(It would probably make more sense if you intend to acquire a GPS receiver for use outside of Singapore--say, on a drive to Malaysia.)

specfore SG

Just want to ask whether the SAF actually allows soldiers to bring their personal GPS equipment on exercises? Or is it a banned item like MP3s and camera phones?

During my time as a reservist , up to the mid 90s... GPS was still new and expensive. So no one in my unit would have brought one for ICT. There was no issue about banning GPS.
But nowadays, you can get it quite cheaply and easily available.

LazerLordz SG

I don't think so. It does not store data anyway.. and the 8th core value always applies.

If you lose it, it's your problem. I would bring one if im ever called up for ICT.. helps because I'd be part of maint&resup convoy.

surfer188 SG

I am using Garmin "Etrex Venture". Bought in Sim Lim Square 3 years back. About SG345. Works great. Only compliant is when I am in another country, the first time boot up & search for signal is very very slow. About 5~10mins. After the first time to "Set-in" the country, it's alright. For subsequence usage. Then back to Singapore needs to set again. It's fully automatic to set. Just stupid waiting only.

My main usage is fishing. Recording of sight-seeing place. It's mounted on my bike sometimes. Usage of "Way-Point" pretty good. And all major towns are shown up well advance if travelling with. But no map for this model. Don't think GPS with map is useful also. As long as you know the direction & track. You always home.

In fact it provide me too much informations liao. Like ETA, ETE, stopped time.... All these I would not use.

GPS can never be use under shelter. It needs clear line of sight towards the sky. Exclamation If on budget Garmin Geko 201 is about SG250. Already enough information for getting around & back. Smile

surfer188 SG

Oops... forgot to tell you guys. The built-in "electronic compass" do not work when standing still. It only works when you are on the move. Rolling Eyes

glock SG

Totally agree that you dont really need a map function. I have used a basic Garmin E Trex ( no map ) on a couple of overseas driving trips and it is great to have along. You know that you can never get lost – and if you do get lost you can find your way back again quite easily.

FiReDuKe SG

Thks for all the replies….much appreciated….