garmin 530hcx

i will be doing some pretty long trips, including the Virginia portion of the AT and Philmont this summer. i am trying to find something for under $150 or something i could build

I don't know if you will be able to find something for such a low price but there are a lot out there to pick from. Backpacks or roll modules and foldable or even portable chargers with a voltage controller unit with settings to charge everything from an IPod to a laptop. If you want it is already made.

http://www.oynot-solar.com

2007-12-23 06:38:33 by Kyle G

A very quick and basic overview of the more common capabilities of the Garmin Rino 530hcx.

Do you really need the radio in the Rino? If not, you will save a lot of money. The 60CSx is much cheaper than the Rino at normal pricing, and until Dec 31, 2007 the 60CSx has a $50 rebate.

2007-10-31 17:01:07 by beardbuster2004

Price: $39.99 $19.01

Molded Garmin plug for connecting to GPS unit
Plugs in to any standard cigarette lighter
Cigarette-lighter plug has removable fuse protection
Power adapter for Rino 520 or 530 GPS units
.35lbs (LxWxH) 9.00"x 1.00"x 6.00"

I have never used any kind of GPS. I know that the Rino 530HCx has the walkie talki features and you can find members of your group, but what about other functions? Can I use it my car to find the closest McDonalds? What if I already know the address or waypoint?

We want to try geocaching but also need a GPS for travel, would this be a good choice or what would be?

The only thing the Rino series has going for it is the FRS and GMRS radio that is built in. Do note that to use the GMRS radio, you have to have a license. The FRS radio can be used by anyone. The Rino is much more expensive than other GPS receivers with similar capabilities without the radio.

To look up addresses and points of interest, you have to purchase the City Navigator NT maps separately. That's about $70-100. Handheld GPS receivers can give turn-by-turn directions but they do not talk. They just beep when you approach the turn. The automotive units like the nuvi and StreetPilot talk, but most of them are poorly suited for outdoor use.

The Rino would also work for geocaching. You would just send coordinates from the computer or manually enter the cache's coordinates. If you wanted to get fancy, there are tricks for loading geocaches with Garmin's POI Loader program.

If the radio is not essential, you can save money by getting a Garmin GPSmap 60Cx or 76Cx or an eTrex Legend HCx.

2008-07-23 13:35:20 by MommyAllZs

Price: $24.99 $15.14

Powers up to 18 hours via two-watts TX power
Compatible with Rino 520 and Rino 530 GPS units
Replaces the lithium ion battery pack that comes with the unit