Seeking Suggestions for a GPS Receiver w/ These Functions:

[sstephenson]

Just getting back into metal detecting after several years. I'd like to carry a GPS receiver with me that I can use to do the following:

1) Set a start position at the beginning of a hike and use the GPS to guide me back to that point (preferably by either re-tracing the original route or by following the most direct path.

2) Record the coordinates where metal detecting finds are made.

3) Ideally I would like to be able to load maps from USGS, National Geographic, or other sources.

4) The ability to track distance traveled

5) The ability to enter multiple destinations along a pre-defined route.

And of course I'd like all that in an inexpensive, easy to carry, lightweight unit Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Andrew Kalinowski]

1, 2, 4 and 5 - just about any handheld GPS receiver can do.
For #3 Garmin Oregon, Dakota or 62 series would be my pick but they are not cheap.
YMMV

 

[sstephenson]

Thanks Andrew,

Let's exclude #3 for now. Not really a "must have". What would you recommend as far as something relatively inexpensive, well regarded, and well supported? Thanks.

 

[JOE in MD]

I'm into metal detecting myself and I have a garmin 60CSx. I happen to find Wal-mar selling the Topo map source CD's for $12 a couple years ago( sells for around $89). Works great in the woods, marking tracks and finds. I'm not to up on GPS's but this one is easy to use. JMO

 

[Andrew Kalinowski]

I'm partial to Garmin because of the maps...
I think I would go for Dakota 10.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=30925
It's 300 bucks, not too many bells and whistles but it can still do #3 !
For 50 more, Dakota 20 has a build in compass that does come really handy! for half the price of Dakota 10, you can get a basic eTrex but, you end up with a small screen and limited map memory and no option to load custom maps... Still, it does what a basic receiver should do and than more.

 

[mikewaz]

I got a 60CSX a few weeks ago from Amazon for 200.00 and have used it a few times and have been very impressed with the accuracy, plus it's easy to learn the basics. Marking waypoints etc.. is a breeze but editing with the keypad is a pain. I use Mapsource to load my waypoints in and have gotten free topo and routable maps online which work great.
Mike

 

[edjcox]

DeLorme makes a great handheld and will do all you need. Can download not only different maps but imagery as well and will track your location on the imagery... I love mine

Lat Long or UTM coordinates as well as multiple DATUMS all easily selectable.

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10043

Good luck

 

[totcohand]

cant go wrong with the GPSMap 60xxx from Garmin.
I have a CSX and it has taken a beating in Iraq and Afghanistan, but keeps on going.

 

[edjcox]

Exactly how did you get Maps for those countries from Garmin?

 

[mwaynebennett]

My Magellan Triton can do all that. It has a camera that embeds the coordinates in the photo. I have the National Geographic Topo Explorer bundle. The GPS was a factory refurbished unit that cost about $150 on ebay. It has touch screen, color and is made to military specs for water resistance etc. it even has a flashlight in it and can play songs.

Mark