rascole
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 2,580
- Location
- Bellflower, CA
Since I am not up to speed on electronics I thought I would get some opinions on the new Magellan Explorist TRX 7 GPS. I am really considering this.
I have a Pioneer head unit too, using MapSource or even Garmin GPX files and it works great off-road. The biggest issue is you need to download it to a sim card and install it behind the screen. My wife has a Kenwood that uses the same system. The only real limitation is you have to do your mapping on a computer then put it on the card for use - you cannot (I should say, I haven't found a way) to modify the route guidance within the map program when you're running it on the stereo. I use the GPS in my phone to run my normal mapping/etc - you don't need cell service for the Android GPS to work.
With that said, google maps gives you most roads off-road. When I was down at Elbe OHV park, most of the trails were on Google maps.... not topography, but it was there
As for handheld. I only buy Garmin (and have 8 or 9 of them in various forms from mid-level to high end dog-trailing ones).... I buy only one type because the map software can be downloaded onto my computer and put in all the various handhelds without any real trouble or thought.... point is, stick with either GPX files (garmin) or .... name escaping me... the other company that has maps (there's only 2 sources currently)...
As for recommendation - I like the Garmin 64st... that's roughly $300 and includes maps (which is normally another $100).... what's really cool about that one is it is super-easy to share routes between Garmin handhelds - a super-big-deal when you're doing SAR and you want to combine data between various groups... it's literally a highlight and click to share...
and I hestitate and add it as an edit meaning it could go away I've played with the Magellan and think that it's a poor substitute for the Lowrance mapping. the Lowrance is so easy to use, so easy to program on the fly, and so intuitive that the Magellan seems clunky. If I'd never used the Lowrance, I'm not sure I'd have the same criticism. I don't have Lowrance in my vehicles because I don't race - for me I simply need to know approximately where I am and if I need specific information, I can wait for my Garmin(s) to boot up and be exact.
What trails did you hit at Elbe? That's where I was thinking of going. I checked out their Facebook page and it looks pretty crazy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elbe-Hills-ORV-Park/217101138323276 broken 4x4 dotting the trails...I want to wheel my H3, not wreck it!
I use Garmin Montana 600, great for geocaching bring u with in 20ft of gps coordinates. U can upload most of maps. Take pics at location and save them with pin. Has most of offroad trail and can be configured to different styles ( on road, offroad, as bird flys). The only problem looses satellite signal from time to time, but continues the track when restarted. Mounts in car cratel and removable for handheld application.
I have no idea the name, but they were the 'easiest' trails. they aren't kidding, though, about the requirement of 35s... and good skids. I'll throw this out there, next time we head out; I'll PM you. Next time, I hope, will be with my FJ40 - so it could get a bit wild (it's on 38.5s)