alextardif

Hi all,



I have an X5 and looking for the best GPS Software/Hardware configuration for using off-road. I'll be traveling mostly western US (CA/NV for the most part) on off-road trails.

I'm most concerned with accuracy as the GPS will be used to accompany my 4x4 maps which provide very specific coordinates. Also, because these trails will be in the forest/mountain terrain, I'm concerned about the power ability of the receiver (numerous obsticles along the way: trees, etc.).

Help please!!!

JakeRich

Originally Posted by alextardif

Hi all, I have an X5 and looking for the best GPS Software/Hardware configuration for using off-road. I'll be traveling mostly western US (CA/NV for the most part) on off-road trails. I'm most concerned with accuracy as the GPS will be used to accompany my 4x4 maps which provide very specific coordinates. Also, because these trails will be in the forest/mountain terrain, I'm concerned about the power ability of the receiver (numerous obsticles along the way: trees, etc.). Help please!!!

There is a Topographic map solution from DeLorme, or you can get OziExplorer and add your own maps. Neither is likely to have accurate trail information because they can tend to be volatile as people change habits, so the maps get out of date pretty fast. But the lat/lon will be accurate, so you won't get lost.

Your second paragraph mixes some terms. Accuracy of GPS is normally in the 10-15 meter range, but can be refined to 3-5 Meters with WAAS enabled. Pretty much all of the end-user GPS systems will have that accuracy. You CAN get more accurate GPS units, but they are dedicated units and get into the $10K and up range and get larger in size with much larger antennas. The "Power" consumed by the GPS has nothing to do with the sensitivity of the receiver. In poor signal areas, particularly under trees, the Xtrac models have digital signal processing that lets them use the satellite data in a much weaker signal. That processing comes at the price of a lag while the processing is done. More recent GPS units have tha lag down to a few seconds, but it could stretch out to 10 seconds in really poor areas.

BLHJr

Take a look here for a comparison of ST/Xtrac1/XTrac2 modes.

Bill

I use my Axim X5 with a GlobalSat CF BC-307 GPs for 4-wheeling in CA,NV,AZ & Utah. I use Topo maps from National Geographic TOPO! See the maps at www.topo.com. They have complete sets of Topo maps for each state. You have to use a computer to move sections of maps to the X5. I store them on an SD card. You can also use the TOPO! program to view areas on your PC & print out maps. I have used these maps for more than a year. I mount the X5 on the windshield and use a 12v adapter to power. It is accutate enough for turns. The only problem is the maps are USGS topo maps and some area are out of date. New roads, closed roads etc. The maps are a little expensive but can be found a little cheaper by searching the net. I think a paid about $75 a state. I have not had any problems with dust, bounceing etc and I have been out more than 50 days with this setup & hundreds of miles off pavement.

Fsman

You may want to check out www.gpspassion.com.