GPS and Oziexplorer

Jimbo,

I have a compaq flash GPS with a PCMCIA sleeve that is able to fitted to laptop or an IPAQ handheld. You can buy CF GPS on ebay for about $100. I have found that these are ideal as they have an external antenna as well as one on the CF GPS. That ensures superb satellite acquistion. Far cheaper than a lot of GPS systems.

You need to buy Oziexplorer laptop version ($142.59) from www.oziexplorer.com. You can download the trial version to try it out before you buy. The CE version cost about $48. Again you can completely configure the CE trial version before you buy it.

I use the moving map feature with an IPAQ using the AUSLIG maos available on CD. Absolutely fantastic. The maps need to be prepared on the laptop first then transferred to the IPAQ or other handheld. It is important to remember that is uses the Microsoft CE software.

I also scan my own National Park and other maps to give better coverage in smaller areas, including places like Canning Stock Route.

It may be confusing initially but it is well worth persisting with. SWMBO now loves the moving map navigation and is far more confident in the remote trips.

Hope this assists.
Regards
Iab

Heya Jimbo

Exploroz.com has a great webpage just about GPS's and Oziexplorer software chek it out at http://www.exploroz.com/InfoPages/TripPrep12_DigitalNavigation.asp

It probably sums up everything you want to know :)

Nigel

Jimbo just bid on a cf gps complete with adapter and external antena for $110 us seems the one in aus are about 300+ the brand is billionton claims to work with all the diferent map software

Hello - while CF GPS cards + laptops are good keep in mind that if you ever get out of your 4WD and go for a walk you you probably wont want to carry the whole shabang with you..so getting a handheld gps which you can also connect to your laptop, while more expensive to set up, may suit your requirements better.
Cheers
Greg

If you are going to use your existing paper maps in OziExplorer don't forget that you are also going to need a scanner and a programme to piece the scanned images back together into one big map. I use Adobe Photoshop.

Of course you could use the feature that automatically goes from one map to another but it is much easier to plan trips if you have it as one big map. Although if you do this you will probably have to upgrade your memory in your laptop (depending how much you already have of course).

Utemad.

I have a Garmin GPS II Plus, great unit, you can use it without the PC on play day trips or plug in the Laptop and use them together with OziExplorer. Moving maps a brilliant. The Garmin charges while in the car, and if I ever need to take it with me, it's small and light and the batteries are always charged.