GPS Question

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Philip,

Check that it is compatible with the Australian World Geodiritic System (WGS) before you buy. I beleive our WGS is WGS 84. If it not compatiable with this system then I would not buy it.

What the WGS is - it's the data system relating to different countries/areas of the world and unless you have the right WGS programmed into your unit it wont be of any use to you.

Best of luck.

Karl

It'll be sweet. GPS units use WGS 84 as their default datum.

Stephen J.Don't die wondering !!

Simple answer; yes it will work fine here.

Most new Australian maps use GDA94 datum. This is almost identical (within a few cm) of WGS84 which all GPSr have.
Older maps can use AGD66 or AGD84 datums which most GPSr made in the last 5 years have. Regardless, there is approx 200m diffenrece between AGD66 and WGS84.

I would suggest that you pick a unit here and then go into a dealer here and play with it. Then purchase in the US.
Note you will only get Garmins 1 year international warranty for a US purchased unit (not the 2 years that GME give).

Data or power cables are still cheaper to buy from GPSoz

Phil,
The garmin Etrax is awonderfull unit. iuse mine for hunting in the high country, trail bike riding in the otways and fishing in the bays and ocean and can not fault it. i have bought the data cable and updated the software from the garmin site as they put in a few mods and updates every now and then (very easy to do).
its so good that 3 mates that i go riding and hnting with bought some also and they all have simular opinions. No it does not have a map or stuff like that but if you wat to know wher you are or have been and have a map of the area, i dont think you need that stuff (depends what you do, im sure i will hear about it here).
As far as buying one in the states, watch your exchange rate!!!
i have a catalog from Bias boating warehouse here and they have them on special for $249. Thats a good price. looking at the Cabala's website (they are a huge seller of hunting and fishing stuff there) they are selling them at $ 119.99 US.Work that out and its not that much diferent from here.
i have been to the states 4 times in the last 10 years and think that prices for stuff is getting very competative here. i am a tall fat person and cloathes are very easy to get there, thats the only real advantage i found.

hope it helps
Daren

Phil,
One more thing. the carry case is an optional extra at about $35 australian. i lost mine and now use a $5 phone case. Does the same thing and is cheaper.
if anyone finds one about 90km east of Cobar NSW it mine.

Daren

Ive just purchased Magellan Meridian GPS from states.
NO PROBLEMO!!

SAVED HUNDREDS!!! with the savings can by memory card and mapping software and still be in front..Looking forward to Kalbarri in July..

Thanks for all the replies, hope to have one in the few weeks !

Phil P