Using handheld GPS for car nav

Is it feasible to use a hiking GPS e.g. Magellan eXplorist 200 for
automobile navigation?

Lew Smith

Lew Smith wrote:

Lew Smith wrote:

I have used a Garmin GPS V hand-held portable GPS in this fashion, and
before it a III+ and II+, so yes you can but there are always caveats.

Ideally you need something with the ability to autoroute, this may be
possible with your Magellan but I don't know as I've never owned a
Magellan GPSR and am not familiar with the software and maps it
supports. It also helps if the GPS maps and receiver software understand
that cars are nearly always on roads (so a lock to road function is
good) although since SA disappeared 5 years or more ago it has been less
of a problem.

Also be aware that you might need an external antenna, newer GPSRs are
much more sensitive than they used to be, but older types can find that
the metal structure of the car reduces the number of SVs in view and
degrades accuracy or even causes a fix to be lost.

--

Brian Morrison

please observe reply-to address

I am very much obliged. You have given me several ideas to ponder.

Lew Smith

Lew Smith wrote:

There are quite a few handheld models that can work well for vehicular
naviagation, but that particular model isn't well suited. The
eXplorist 200 has only a rough basemap, no ability to load detailed
maps, and no factory-supported option to even interface to a laptop
that could give you better maps and navigation instructions.

Better handhelds would be models like the 60c/cs and 76c/cs from Garmin
or the eXplorist 400/500/600 from Magellan. These can load
NavTeq-based detail maps (CitySelect and DirectRoute, resp.) and
provide auto-routing.