GPS/Satelite Phone

[canuck5]

Was wondering what is a user friendly GPS which is mountain durable many people ride with them figure I'll add it to my saftey gear. Also do satellite phones give gps coordinates?

[milton]

Hey garmin rhino is i think is the best not just with gps location but it helps you with other rider locations. Its also a frs 2 way radio

[skibeadoo]

I use the Garmin 60 CS and 60 CSX, as far as sat phones I do not know much about them, Possibly look into the SPOT. This is a personal locating device that can alert people as to your status. I always take a personal locating device and two way radios for communication, cause you should never ride alone.

Have fun.

[smokindave]

Originally Posted by canuck5

Was wondering what is a user friendly GPS which is mountain durable many people ride with them figure I'll add it to my saftey gear. Also do satellite phones give gps coordinates?

Hi there canuck5 I have both.For gps I use Garmin Rino 530.It has built in frs radio but the best feature is that if your group of riders have same unit if you get lost from group their last coordinates when they used will be displayed on screen. You can set up to go to or set to show where all your buddies are on map.All sledders should have one.If you are going to purchase one of these radios it is a good idea to go through USA.Our Canada bought ones are only 2 watts as the american one is 5 watts.Greater transmitting difference.
As far as my Globalstar sat phone I have only used for phone calls.I have most helicopter companies programed in it.I have alot of buds that ride xp's so I made alot of heli calls last season.For those of you that think sat. air time cost to much on my plan I get unlimited minutes and no such thing as long distance for $75.00 a month.The only thing is phone is kind of costly at around 500.00 to 650.00.Your best bet for getting one is to do it over internet as I got hosed real bad by a dealer here in Calgary.He sold me used refurbished phone as new for 650.00. as new.When it quit working they told me I have to buy new one.After that got on net and found out I could get new one with warrenty for 550.00 I was furious.After getting a hold of Globalstar and complaining about crooked dealer they sent me a brand new phone.Great company to deal with.Just my opinion.If you need any help feel free to pm me.

Cheers,
Dave

[catmando]

I also have a Garmin 520,American version.Same as 530 without the electronic compass and I think it is is the best one for sledders as mentioned above.I was told the electronic compass uses a little extra battery than the one without so went with the one without.
Also has a large capacity for memory!
catmando!

[smokindave]

Originally Posted by skibeadoo

I use the Garmin 60 CS and 60 CSX, as far as sat phones I do not know much about them, Possibly look into the SPOT. This is a personal locating device that can alert people as to your status. I always take a personal locating device and two way radios for communication, cause you should never ride alone.

Have fun.

Hi there skibeadoo,
In the past and probaly into the future I do ride alone.That is why I have gps and sat phone.I am such an addict that if I can't find someone to I go by myself.I have meet a lot of new people this way and if I waited for the buds I would have never got 4500 miles last season.As of my Nov.06-12 trip this month I will not miss a weekend till June.Christmas I ride the 19th till24th and then 26th till second week in Jan.I know I have a problem but will try harder to sled more this season.
Cheers,
Dave

[Dobir]

you need to ride more....lol

[canuck5]

Damagedgoods thanks for the response glad to see a fellow sledhead who enjoys it as much as I do, and the Dig on the XP's made me smile. Probably get similar set up as you as thats what i'm lookin for.

[smokindave]

Here is a couple of pictures of a handlebar mount modified to mount on dash.I have 4 days of hard riding on my sled this season already and have had no problems with the mount.I did add a safety teather just in case it comes off base. Last season I carried it in my pocket it still did every thing it was supposed to just a pain to have to dig out anytime I wanted to use.

Cheers,
Dave

[karbz700]

I have a globstar sat phone. Wouldnt ride without. Cheap insurance i'd say. If you ride with a group just get everyone to chip in on the initial cost of the phone. It does give you gps coordinates.

[BEGA]

Originally Posted by karbz700

I have a globstar sat phone. Wouldnt ride without. Cheap insurance i'd say. If you ride with a group just get everyone to chip in on the initial cost of the phone. It does give you gps coordinates.

Have you tried getting reception with your Globalstar phone lately? when you call them they admit it is very spotty, when I complained about the service they agreed there is a problem and I don't even pay the monthly fee anymore just the minutes......if I ever actually get out with it. At this point I would not count on this particular Sat provider for any safety assurance!! They did however mention that they were activating other Satellites by the end of 08.

[karbz700]

no I havent tried it lately. Thanks for the heads up.