Need a CF GPS device, any input appreciated

paradilly · 07-09-08, 11:31 AM

Hi All,

I have a dell axim x51v and was looking for a suitable GPS system for it and have a few queries, would much appreciate some "education" if someone would be so kind.

The primary use for the GPS would be for memory map Ordinance survey so obviously a concern is battery life. I have three (yes three!) spare batteries for the axim so I was leaning towards CF rather than Bluetooth however im not fixed on this. Obviously another point with Bluetooth is that it would need to work if it was at the bottom of a bag, most say they work under car seats so doubt that would be an issue. Memory map has settings for navman, nmea, garmin, magellan and sirf so it would also need to be compatible with one of these.

My questions are,

1) Are any brands better than others and will they all be compatible with my axm?

2) Should I go for any particular chipset, most seem to use the sirf III chipset, is this superior?

3) The bluetooth adaptors usually state long battery life but not how long. What are we talking here roughly?

Ive had a look round on ebay and theres loads of different models to choose from, also ive seen this,
:: SafeCom Technologies ::
which has great reviews and I can get one for about £35, also a reviewer has said it works with memorymap fine. Having said that it is the sirf II/LP chipset so maybe its a bit aged. Im looking to spend around £40 tops.

Thanks very much in advance for any replies/tips etc.

JakeRich · 07-09-08, 01:20 PM

Moved to GPS forum for better exposure to folks who can help.

raylo · 07-27-08, 06:05 PM

I have been using a Haicom 303-III CF for a couple years with my X51V. Works great and is plenty sensitive. Maintains lock anywhere inside car, in house and even in some parking garages so a bag would not be a challenge. I suspect most any Star III or equivalent should meet your sensitivity req. I've never formally timed battery life but doesn't seem like an excessive drain. Nice to have receiver and PDA in one package, IMHO, esp for hiking and walking around a city. Works fine for driving, too, with power cable for the PDA.

Chrissard · 07-28-08, 11:50 PM

Just saw your post, I also am using an older Haicom 303CF I got when I had my X5, when I got my X51 I added a Haicom bluetooth slipper for it. They work great together.

kcallahan · 07-29-08, 06:56 AM

I'm using a Holux GR-271 CF card for my GPS. Its battery consumption is low compared to others, the price is pretty good, and works well with the AX. Here's a link to the review here on Mobility site: http://www.mobilitysite.com/2006/04/...-gps-receiver/

You can buy one at buygpsnow.com and get a member discount. They do ship overseas too. :)

Update - Buygpsnow is out of stock, but, Semsons has them and they ship overseas. If my conversoun is right, it would be about £30 + shipping which is in your price range.

Ivan Awfulitch · 07-30-08, 09:52 AM

I use a Globalsat BC-337 and find it to be one of the best, most sensitive units around. I had a Haicom 303 III, but had it fail and the newer replacements were less sensitive and had communication problems with geocaching software that I use so I don't recommend them. I also got a Holux GR-271 for my wife and it works equally well, but the part that extends outside of the PDA is longer and you have to use a bit more care. Either is a good choice, and they both work well with any PDA.