Suggestions for a pocket GPS device

MattM111 · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 08, 2009 Posts: 2

Hello!

I'm new to GPS systems and am seeking advice on what device to purchase to meet my needs. This is what I'm looking for:

- Fits in my pocket, preferably on a key chain
- Records my lat/long every few minutes throughout the day
- Accurate to within a few feet
- I can pull the logs from the device at the end of the day for analysis

Basically, I want to keep a GPS device on me at all times and then at the end of the day I'll use software I write to analyze where I've been.

I have no idea what's best or if there's anything that meets that criteria; this looked like the perfect place to ask for pointers. Thanks in advance!

Matt

AliOnHols · Pocket GPS Verifier Joined: Oct 15, 2008 Posts: 1936

Hello MattM111. I am sure that some of the Garmin Handhelds do some if not all of what you desire. I was once looking at buying a 76Csx and think I remember it being able to do with pretty much what you list. You'd have to check the battery duration, I'm not sure you could keep it switched on all day.

Go and have a look at the dedicated PGPSW Garmin Handheld forums and introduce yourself.
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mikealder · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 8:09 am Post subject:

Quite a few of us are using the Columbus V-900 Bluetooth GPS datalogger, you get around 25 hours use from a single charge and it uses a 2GB MicroSD card for storage. Its supplied with a decent package of software for Geo-tagging photographs etc.

Also consider the Gtrek-II, you find some information about this product on This Page where there is also a link to a video interview about the device - Mike

boblister · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

After much researching for the best data logger for photo geotagging mainly I have narrowed it down to the Columbus V-900. Now the problem. Where can you get one in the UK. I have googled and searched....nothing.

Darren · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 12:43 pm Post subject:

As MikeA has said, we've tried many and settled on the V-900. It's a beautifully made unit, works very well and is small and compact.

Add the voice tag support and the Google Earth output and it's wins hands down. Not perfect but very close.

Sadly they aren't available in the UK but we bought ours here.

A real shame no UK retailer has picked these up. Perhaps if there is sufficient demand we can buy a box of them!
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Darren Griffin

boblister · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 1:55 pm Post subject:

Thank's for the information Darren. I have just ordered one from that link. Quick a job to order it though. Said accpeted PayPal, great a thought. Nope, not international PayPal only if your in the US. Accepts Google Checkout though. So after signing up for that (with a prepaid PayPal Topup card for safety) I finally managed to order it.

Just hope I don't get swatted with import duty now.

mikealder · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

Out of interest how much are they charging for the shipping? - Mike

boblister · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 2:42 pm Post subject:

35 USD which isn't too bad.

boblister · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 11:10 am Post subject:

I am amazed. Ordered last Friday and it's just arrived. Very impressed. They even sent a tracking number which indicated it reached the UK by Monday and then sat in customs for 2 days. Quicker than a lot of things I have ordered in the UK. And no extra to pay when it got here, duty etc.

Quality looks very good. Although mainly bought for geo tagging I might use the bluetooth and try some mobile mapping with a small netbook. Not found out how to turn the bluetooth off yet though I think it times out.

Darren · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 11:33 am Post subject:

It auto-powers off when if not paired.
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Darren Griffin

mikealder · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 11:34 am Post subject:

If you don't have the device paired with a PC/ PDA etc then it does auto power down the Bluetooth to conserve battery power, have you fitted the wrist strap yet as that is the hardest part Laughing

otherwise its a cracking device - Mike

Darren · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

Glad you found it tricky! I removed mine yesterday when I blogged on my personal site personal site a strip-down of the device. It's actually easier to take the lid off to attach the lanyard!
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Darren Griffin

boblister · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 11:59 am Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject:

boblister · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject:

The output of the V900 appears to be csv format. Did you convert to gpx and if so how. I have tried GPS Babel but maperture (Geotagging for Aperture) won't read the file.

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