GPS numpty question

[ROB 110 HICAP]

I'm a GPS virgin, prefer maps, compass and eyes, but getting the geocache bug. Anyway if I buy a cheap GPS that only shows LAT/LON, how do I convert that to OSmap 6 figure grid refs? I know you can buy posh models that do it for you, but I'm not posh!

[LandyV8]

I got a cheep one Garmin Geko 201 cost me about £80 but i've seen them on eBay for a lot less now. That tells you lat/long and the Normal OS Grid Ref. Personally I’ve no idea what that lat/long is all about so it worked great for me. I use my PDA now GPS and OS maps etc

http://www.garmin.com/products/geko201/

[LandyV8]

something like this will do you

this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-NAVIGATION-GARMIN-GEKO-201_W0QQitemZ5853992364QQcategoryZ75327QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem)

and this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-Geko-201-Data-Cable-Ex-Cond-Portable-GPS-SatNav_W0QQitemZ5855297384QQcategoryZ4668QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem)

(http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-NAVIGATION-GARMIN-GEKO-201_W0QQitemZ5853992364QQcategoryZ75327QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem)

[Pete H]

I'm a GPS virgin, prefer maps, compass and eyes, but getting the geocache bug. Anyway if I buy a cheap GPS that only shows LAT/LON, how do I convert that to OSmap 6 figure grid refs? I know you can buy posh models that do it for you, but I'm not posh!

This (http://www.nearby.org.uk/coord.cgi#OS(N)I%20Grid%20Reference) co ord converter should do the trick Rob.

[Carl]

Rob,

I would be very surprised if you found a GPS that didn't convert between the two.
See my post (http://www.landrovernet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52410&page=6) in the geocaching thread about converting coordinates etc.

Carl

[AJC]

I believe any GPS made in the last 5 years or so will have the facility of international datums in addition to lat/long unlike the first unit I used in 1992 which was the size of a brick and gave you your current lat/long location.

AJ

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Thanks for the link Pete, and what a true numpty I am for not thinking of using streetmap.co.uk, thanks Carl. AJ I'm basically looking for a cheap one on ebay and some don't always tell you if they convert or not and searching old manuals online doesn't always help. The Magellans seem a bit black-boxy old style and Garmin a bit more contemporary in the design stakes, but I realise its the user interface and features that count!

[AJC]

If you see one that takes your fancy Rob, post the details and I'm sure amongst us we'll point you in the right direction.;)

AJ

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Thanks AJ, I'm looking.....

[ROB 110 HICAP]

What about this then http://www.garmin.com/products/gps12/ ?
I can never find anything that tells me in idiot speak that it does show OS national grid format.

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Or this http://www.nomatica.com/gps/colortrack.htm

[Carl]

What about this then http://www.garmin.com/products/gps12/ ?
I can never find anything that tells me in idiot speak that it does show OS national grid format.

Page 48 of the users manual (http://www.garmin.com/manuals/GPS12_OwnersManual.pdf) states that amongst other regional grid formats you can select British grid.

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Thanks Carl, now I know what I'm looking for! As long as it has British grid I'll be ok.

[AJC]

Garmin GPS 12

Cracking bullet-proof old unit. A bit dated now but an excellent bit of kit. Roy has just dusted his off to get into the Geocaching with it.

AJ

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Just bought a Magellan Colortrak for £28, old and boxy but reads OSGB so good enough for me. Works well and gave a margin of error of '0ft' for the readings I took last night walking the dog! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5857411925&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Thanks for all the input folks, geocaching here I come!

[R0Y]

Garmin GPS 12

Cracking bullet-proof old unit. A bit dated now but an excellent bit of kit. Roy has just dusted his off to get into the Geocaching with it.

AJYep can confirm the truth in this (bit late but ah well). It's a great unit to use, easy (fairly numpty proof - i use it :)) to use, can switch between all datums (remembering to go back to wsg84 AJ ;)) and practically bombproof. All in all a good sound unit perfect for geocaching, downside is they are really holding their prices on ebay though, £50-£70 seems to be the norm.

[ROB 110 HICAP]

Mine shows both lat/lon and OSgrid at the same time on the same screen.

[AJC]

Just bought a Magellan Colortrak for £28, old and boxy but reads OSGB so good enough for me. Works well and gave a margin of error of '0ft' for the readings I took last night walking the dog! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5857411925&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Thanks for all the input folks, geocaching here I come!

Be seeing you in the Geocaching thread then Rob.

AJ