Garmin Etrex Legend

Garmin Etrex Legend is a real GPS Legend manufactured by Garmin, it is not by its sophisticated capability or its huge screen or its precision, Etrex become a real “legend”; because of its compact size, integrated antenna, color screen, and the important thing is cheap price. The line up starting from Etrex Legend with back and screen around 7 years ago (and still in production) and today with full colour screen Legend HCx. With the Legend Cx, Garmin has updated a much-loved device with expandable memory on a microSD card so you can load optional map data for your hiking, hunting, and other outdoor excursions. Add to that a bright, full-color TFT display, automatic routing, and long, 36-hour battery life, and you've got a great companion for your next outdoor or boating adventure.

You can use the Legend Cx's memory card slot with preprogrammed microSD cards from Garmin (sold separately) that provide topographic maps, city streets, and nautical charts. In fact, the unit is compatible with most Garmin MapSource products, including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. The unit comes preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap that provides automatic routing capabilities, including highways, exits, and tide data. You can even get turn-by-turn directions when you're driving, and an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more.

As on all eTrex units, the primary controls are located on the side of the unit, so you can operate it with one hand. An innovative rocker switch on its face makes inputting data easy, and with it you can scroll through menus or pan the map page. Fast USB connectivity makes loading charts and maps quick and easy, while navigation instructions can be shared with repeaters, plotters, and autopilots using NMEA protocols through the dedicated serial port. Additionally, the case is water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes).

Another key feature of the Legend Cx is the 10,000-point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each) let you retrace your path in both directions. There's also a large-numbers option for easy viewing, as well as a dual-position display mode. Lastly, the unit includes built-in celestial tables for best times to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations.

If you like the features of the Legend Cx but require an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, check out the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx

Technical Details

• Receiver: WAAS enabled, 12-parallel-channel GPS
• Antenna: Built-in GPS patch
• Interface: USB
• Map storage: MicroSD card slot
• Includes card: Yes, blank 32 MB microSD card
• Base map: Built-in Americas autoroute base map with automatic routing functions with highways, exits, and tide data
• Waypoints: 500 user waypoints with names and graphic symbols
• Routes: 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route
• Tracks: 10,000-point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each)
• Trip computer: Odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, maximum speed, and more
• Position format: Latitutde/longitude, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more
• Display type: 256-color, high-resolution, transflective TFT
• Display size: 1.3 x 1.7 inches (W x H)
• Display resolution: 176 x 220 pixels
• Water-resistant: IEC 60529 IPX7 (submersible 1 meter at 30 minutes)
• Batteries: 2 AA (not included)
• Battery life: Up to 36 hours
• Item width: 2.2 inches
• Item height: 4.2 inches
• Item depth: 1.2 inches
• Item weight: 5.6 ounces with batteries

Garmin GPSMap 276C

Price: (12 January 2008)
Amazon.com : US$ 460

Garmin.com: US$ 642.8
Otomasi.com : Rp. 5.900.000

Together with Garmin 12XL, Garmin GPSMAP 60csx, the GPSMap 276c is one of my favorite GPS for outdoor activities. It has a rugged body, large and clear screen and weather/waterproof.. I used to install the 276c in my motorbike or in dashboard of my jeep while traveling out of town. The tracking capability is up to 10,000 points, this feature will not found in most of the new and stylish Garmin Nuvi series (except some series). If you living in a country with lack of GPS map availability, Garmin GPSMap 276C is one of the choice. The 276C also supports external NMEA sources for water depth, water temperature, and water speed through two serial interfaces.

Product Description
This WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver provides color chart plotting for both land and sea, making it an excellent addition to any boat or automobile dashboard. Its display-- 3.8-inch, 480 x 320 pixel, 256-color backlit TFT--provides enhanced sunlight-readability, and its adjustable quad helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability delivers superior data reception.

Used with your car, the 276c's auto routing capability lets you select a destination and get turn-by-turn directions. There's even voice prompt guidance; just hook up a 12-volt speaker cable (sold separately) and the GPSMAP 276C will audibly tell you when you need to turn and how much farther you have to go.

Data provided with the unit includes 3000 user waypoints with an expanded list of waypoint symbols; 50 reversible routes with 1,200 waypoints per route; 10,000 point automatic track log with 15 saved tracks and 700 saved track points each; position formats including Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, User, and more; a large numbers option for easy viewing, and much more.

In addition to its built-in basemap detail (cities, interstates, coastline detail and US tide stations), the GPSMAP 276C accepts data from MapSource CD-ROMs, including BlueChart for offshore detail, Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots for detail of selected inland lakes, and City Select for street-level maps. The package includes the GPSMAP 276c, USB interface cable, power/data cable, marine mount, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, owner’s manual, and a quick reference guide. Manufacturer rating of the battery lists it at up to 15 hours of use depending on backlight setting.

Product Features
10,000 point automatic track log; 15 saved tracks
WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver
Built-in basemap with automatic routing and turn-by-turn directions
Accepts standard Garmin data cards and pre-programmed data cards
Large numbers option for easy viewing

Technical Details
Receiver: WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS
Screen resolution: 480 x 320 pixels
Display: 256-color, sunlight readable TFT with adjustable backlight
Receiver dimensions: 5.7 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches
PC compatibility: Loading and PC downloading of waypoints/routes, tracks and device configuration
Waterproof: IEC 60529, IPX7 (Submersible to 1 meter at 30 minutes)
Waypoints: 3000 user waypoints with an expanded list of waypoint symbols
Routes: 50 reversible routes with 1,200 waypoints per route
Tracks: 10,000 point automatic track log; 15 saved tracks, 700 saved track points each
In the Box: GPSMAP 276C unit, USB interface cable, power/data cable, marine mount, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, owner's manual, quick reference guide, MapSource Trip, and Waypoint Manager CD-ROM

WAAS, what is it?

The below article was copied from Garmin site, should be remind in our mind that the WAAS facility is available in North America in some country which have the similar program like WAAS only, so don't expect that your GPS with WAAS capability will give more accurate measurement when use it outside of North America.

You've heard the term WAAS, seen it on packaging and ads for Garmin® products, and maybe even know it stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. Okay, so what the heck is it? Basically, it's a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, giving you even better position accuracy. How much better? Try an average of up to five times better. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time. And you don't have to purchase additional receiving equipment or pay service fees to utilize WAAS.

The origins of WAAS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are developing the WAAS program for use in precision flight approaches. Currently, GPS alone does not meet the FAA's navigation requirements for accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS corrects for GPS signal errors caused by ionospheric disturbances, timing, and satellite orbit errors, and it provides vital integrity information regarding the health of each GPS satellite.

How it Works
WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Who benefits from WAAS?
Currently, WAAS satellite coverage is only available in North America. There are no ground reference stations in South America, so even though GPS users there can receive WAAS, the signal has not been corrected and thus would not improve the accuracy of their unit. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine applications. WAAS provides extended coverage both inland and offshore compared to the land-based DGPS (differential GPS) system. Another benefit of WAAS is that it does not require additional receiving equipment, while DGPS does.Other governments are developing similar satellite-based differential systems. In Asia, it's the Japanese Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), while Europe has the Euro Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Eventually, GPS users around the world will have access to precise position data using these and other compatible systems.

• 100 meters: Accuracy of the original GPS system, which was subject to accuracy degradation under the government-imposed Selective Availability (SA) program.
• 15 meters: Typical GPS position accuracy without SA.
• 3-5 meters: Typical differential GPS (DGPS) position accuracy.
• less than 3 meters: Typical WAAS position accuracy

Basic navigation for GPS

The sketch above provide a graphic illustration of the navigation terms used by basic Garmin GPS unit.

GPS terms and definitions

To better understanding GPS unit operation and capabilities, it may be helpful to review the basic terms and concepts briefly explained below:

• 2D Operating: ModeA two-dimensional GPS position fix that includes only horizontal coordinates (no GPS elevation). It requires a minimum of three visible satellites.
• 3D Operating Mode: A three-dimensional GPS position fix that includes horizontal coordinates, plus elevation. It requires a minimum of four visible satellites.
• Almanac Data : satellite constellation information (including location and health of satellites) that is transmitted to your receiver from every GPS satellite.
  Almanac data must be acquired before GPS navigation can begin.
• Altimeter:An instrument for determining elevation, especially an aneroid barometer used in aircraft that senses pressure changes accompanying changes in altitude. The Garmin® eTrex® Vista and Summit models contain a basic GPS with a built-in barometric altimeter.
• Bearing : the compass direction from your position to a destination, bearing also call an azimuth
• Crosstrack Error (XTE): the distance you are off a desired course in either direction.
• Datum: A math model which depicts a part of the surface of the earth. Latitude and longitude lines on a paper map are referenced to a specific map datum. The map datum selected on a GPS receiver needs to match the datum listed on the corresponding paper map in order for position readings to match.
• Desired Track (DTK): the compass course between the "from" and "to" waypoints.
• Differential GPS (DGPS): An extention of the GPS system that uses land-based radio beacons to transmit position corrections to GPS receivers.
• Dilution Of Precision (DOP) A measure of the GPS receiver/satellite geometry. A low DOP value indicates better relative geometry and higher corresponding accuracy. The DOP indicators are GDOP (geometric DOP), PDOP (position DOP), HDOP (horizontal DOP), VDOP (vertical DOP), and TDOP (time clock offset).
• Estimated Position Error (EPE): A measurement of horizontal position error in feet or meters based upon a variety of factors including DOP and satellite signal quality.
• Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): The time of day of your arrival at a destination.
• Estimated Time Enroute (ETE): The time left to your destination based on your present speed over ground.
• Geocaching: A high-tech version of hide-and-seek. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache.
• GoTo: A route consisting of one leg, with your present position being the start of the route and a single defined waypoint as the destination.
• Grid: A coordinate system that projects the earth on flat surface, using square zones for position measurements. UTM/UPS and Maidenhead formats are grid systems.
• Ground Speed: The velocity you are travelling relative to a ground position.
• Latitude: A north/south measurement of position perpendicular to the earth's polar axis.
• Longitude: An east/west measurement of position in relation to the Prime Meridian, which is an imaginary cycle that passes through the north and south poles.
• Navigation: the process of travelling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course.
• Point of Interest: A specific point location that someone may find useful or interesting
• Position: An exact, unique location based on geographic coordinate system.
• SiRFstarIII: the latest high sensitivity GPS microcontroller chip manufactured by SiRF Technology. The chip supports 20 parallel channels, meaning that the chip can listen to, or search for, the signals from 20 different GPS satellites simultaneously.
• Speed Over Ground (SOG): The actual speed the GPS unit is moving over the ground. This may differ from airspeed or nautical speed due to such things as head winds or sea conditions. For example, a plane that is going 120 knots into a 10-knot head wind will have a SOG of 110 knots.
• Track (TRK): The direction of movement relative to a ground position.
• Track Log: a features in GPS unit that allow the user to create a log (record) of the travels, which can save for later use.
• Universal Traverse Mercator (UTM): A grid coordinate system that project global sections onto a flat surface to measure position in specific zones.
• Velocity Made Good (VMG): The speed you are travelling in the direction of destination.
• Waypoint (WPT): A geographical location which created by marking current location.
• WAAS: Wide Area Augmentation System, a service to improve the overall integrity od the GPS signal for user in North America.
• WGS-84 World Geodetic System, 1984: The primary map datum used by GPS. Secondary datums are computed as differences from the WGS 84 standard.

Note: most of the definitions above used for Garmin GPS units.

GPS unit for beginner

So many question come from the gps beginner like this: what kind of gps is suite for the beginner? It is depend what kind of beginner you are:

1. I just want to know my position in a map, I'm happy if I can get my geographic position. For this type of user I suggest to buy a basic gps, non colour viewer, from any brand. You can chose Garmin, Magellan or Tomtom. It will cost you around US$ 75 to US$ 150. Basic Garmin GPS like 12XL is very tough and durable, I've used it for 12 year. It will give you a latitude and longitude coordinate (or UTM), and altitude. There are lot of datums available in this type of GPS.


2. I want to see a map in my gps, but not expensive. If you happy with black and white map you can go with Garmin e-trex Vista or e-trex Legend it will cost you around US$ 175 up to US$ 250.


3. I want to see full color map in my gps. Lot of choice for this type starting from US$ 300 for Garmin Legend Cx up to US$ 700 for garmin 276c. Also there is a durable gps with omni antenna like Garmin 60 Cx for around US$400, this kind of GPS is very sensitive, have 20 tracking capability (sirf III), water proof and can used in the difficult terrain, in some type also equipped with barometric altimeter.


4. I don't care about coordinates, datum and tracking capability, I just want to know my position on a map in colour display. Go for Garmin Nuvi or Street Pilot series, its very practical as long as you have a map for your area, it will cost you from US$ 350 up to US$ 800.


5. I've a bluetooth enable PDA, I want to use my pda as gps. Buy a bluetooth (BT) GPS like Garmin 10 or the latest 10X with price around US$ 180. There is also other product like Altina or Holux, its cheaper, around US$ 75 to US$ 100. Pairing this BT GPS with your PDA. You also need to install a gps software in your pda like Garmin Que or Garmin Mobile xt.

After having a various mapping gps unit for more than 17 years, I started using a gps with color map, how much it cost? US$ 75 for second had Ipaq 5500 PDA (large screen) and another US$ 75 for second hand Garmin 10, I'm happy with this combination, more than enough to show my way and tracks.

GPS Basic Information

The worldwide Global Positioning System (GPS) network was designed by the US Department of Defense, as a way to track one’s exact location anywhere in the world.

The GPS network consists of 24 navigation satellites, which orbit the planet at a height of approximately 12,000 miles. These satellites each orbit the earth twice every 24 hours, and they are set up in such a way that they can send signals to any location on the planet, whether it be land or sea, and no matter how remote.

The 24 GPS satellites are continuously beaming positioning data, which can be picked up by GPS devices on the ground, and used to calculate exact latitude and longitude coordinates. Depending on the device that is used, this data can be accurate to within a few meters.

Some GPS devices also provide advanced features such as dynamic mapping and detailed driving directions.

Despite the common misconception that GPS-enabled devices are prohibitively expensive, and only useful in scientific and military operations, many of these useful gadgets are primarily designed with the consumer in mind. For example, GPS handhelds can be carried around on one’s pocket, and are very useful for a number of functions. Certain companies, have even integrating GPS technology with common consumer products such as mobile phones

What kind of GPS for your car?

Do you have a GPS in your car? Five years ago, most of Indonesian car haven't GPS in their car. There was some in build up car, however the complete map was not available yet. But time is rolling and people getting more familiar to GPS (thanks to navigasi.net). Before you want to install a GPS in your car, here some notes to consider:

1. Map.No Indonesia complete free map available. Maps for certain area (Java, Sumatra, Bali) are available in Navigasi.net. However its only cover a big city and major province road. Actually this map is useful if you travelling in Java island. The is other map source from otomasi.com, this one is not free, but the price is not expensive. Other source are maps from solo system (expensive) and Nusa Map. In this current situation, map from navigasi.net is still the best for beginner.

2. GPS unit, what brand?If you want to use navigasi.net or otomasi.com map as your main map, you should buy a Garmin GPS because both maps were designed for Garmin GPS unit. You can also chose other brand likes Magellan or Tom Tom, but the map not available, so you only can received your position in longitude and latitude format.

3. GPS unit, what type?The Garmin GPs have a lot of types and series, which one is suite for you? For using GPS while driving, I suggest to used a GPS unit with wide screen. Garmin GPSmap 276c, Nuvi and Quest are the examples of garmin gps with wide screen.

4. Tracking facilities.Is it important for you? If yes, forget about the Nuvi, this type of GPS have no tracking facilities, is designed for area which have a good map. So go for GPSMap 276c, Quest or Street Pilot.

5. Any other options?Yes, you can use your pda pairing with garmin 10x bluetooth gps, or other bt gps (altina etc), for software you can chose GarminQue or Garmin.

6. How accurate?Standard GPS will give 5 to 15 m accuracy depend on the clarity from obstacles between the gps unit and the satellites.

7. How much it cost?For stand alone GPS likes Quest or 276c will cost around Rp. 4M to Rp. 6.5M (US$ 375 to US$ 600). If you already have a pda and want to pairing it with bluetooth gps it will cost around Rp 900k (Altina) to Rp. 1.8M (Garmin 10x)