It's been a year since I looked at buying a GPS and it doesn't appear much has changed from Garmin. Anybody have any comments about the GPSMAP 76S vs. the Etrex Vista? Is there anything else that compares favourably with these?

I want to import maps, track my route(s), and then load the routes onto my PC.

I have the Garmin 176C and really appreciate the large screen. I have it mounted on my handlebar / steering column mount. It's actually safe in a roll over as I apparently tested last year. The Garmin software is pretty good too, but there are other software packages you can get that may be more detailed for your specific needs.

Here's a link to a previous thread....

http://www.snowmobileworld.com/forum/index...43&hl=gps+mount (http://www.snowmobileworld.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=7&t=16743&hl=gps+mount)

I use a Vista and a Garmin V The V is great for mounting on a vehicle but the vista is more convenient. I use the vista hunting fishing sledding and atving.The only advantage to the other unit is the larger screen.
Both are great :D :D

I like the idea of a fixed mount, larger screen, but at the same time, I want to be able to use the GPS for hiking, sledding, etc. I think I'll go with the Vista unless somebody talks me out of it.

We have a little eTrex that I like. Not a real advanced one but that's all I need. I think either way you won't have any complaints.

If you intend to use it for hiking also get the Vista. I have a Vista and am very happy with it. The larger screen of the 176 would be very nice but that unit will not conveniently fit in the palm of your hand, lol. The next one I get will be similar to the 176 though, color and a larger screen would be very nice.

Either way make sure you wire your sled to power the unit, they eat batteries in the cold and you'll want to leave the backlight on when it starts getting dark, and that's impossible to do with batteries.

Originally posted by Beerman@Oct 2 2003, 04:25 PM
Either way make sure you wire your sled to power the unit, they eat batteries in the cold and you'll want to leave the backlight on when it starts getting dark, and that's impossible to do with batteries.
I had a 12V accessory outlet installed on my REV last year before I picked it up for this very reason, but never got a chance to use it.

I have a eTrex Legend and it works great for me. Lots of features - I have mine mounted on my handle bar clamp. Hope this helps some.

Originally posted by OntRider@Oct 2 2003, 04:44 PM
I had a 12V accessory outlet installed on my REV last year before I picked it up for this very reason, but never got a chance to use it.
Is the sled electric start?

Originally posted by Beerman@Oct 2 2003, 06:56 PM
Is the sled electric start?
No. Why do you ask? This is the Bombardier kit which I believe includes a rectifier (if not, it's tapping off 12V DC somewhere).

Originally posted by OntRider@Oct 3 2003, 08:56 AM
No.* Why do you ask?* This is the Bombardier kit which I believe includes a rectifier (if not, it's tapping off 12V DC somewhere).
As long as you're positive that the kit includes a rectifier because w/o electric start (ie a 12V battery) there is no DC current on your sled, it's all AC. If Doo offers a kit with a rectifer that's awesome, I built mine last year as I couldn't find one commercialy.

Is there anywhere online that I can see this kit?

Yeah, I checked it with my multimeter as did my father who is an electrician.

The only thing I could think of is that if there is not a rectifier in the kit, the DPM module needs DC power and has a recitifier there with a 12V DC tap.

This is a Bombardier kit from the accessory catalog that I had installed at the dealer before I took delivery of the machine so I do not know what is included in the package.

Cool. I checked the SD site but they don't have the kit in the catalog section. I'd be very interested to know if the rectifier is part of the kit you had installed or is already there for the DPM as you suspect.

If you are still looking for a GPS unit-check out the Magellan Sportrak Topo unit. This unit seems to be packed with features, including installed maps from the manufacturer and lots of installed memory. The best prices I got were on Ebay for around $275 plus ship. I got one ordered, hope to have it in just a few days...


Tony

I like the fact that the Magellan models use removable memory cards, but their screens are lower resolution than Garmin. That makes a HUGE difference when looking at maps (higher resolution means a more detailed map). Otherwise, I like the Magellan from what I've seen. My current non-mapping GPS is a Magellan.

Originally posted by Beerman@Oct 3 2003, 08:01 AM
As long as you're positive that the kit includes a rectifier because w/o electric start (ie a 12V battery) there is no DC current on your sled, it's all AC. If Doo offers a kit with a rectifer that's awesome, I built mine last year as I couldn't find one commercialy.

Is there anywhere online that I can see this kit?
Art, Polaris has exactly what you're talking about. This 12v plug (http://www.purepolaris.com/Detail.aspx?Department=Snowmobile(PolarisPGACatalo g)&Category=SnowmobileByModel(PolarisPGACatalog)&Listing=800%2f600SwitchBack(PolarisPGACatalog)&nPage=4&nSet=1&ItemID=2872214(PolarisPGACatalog)) is what I was going to use if I didn't go with the battery setup.

I have the Garmin 76S. So far I've just used it for boating, I really like the resolution and the features it has, can't wait to use it on the snow.... :D

:) I have a map76S and sleded with it last year it wa great no more getting lost in new areas.

Originally posted by Beerman@Oct 2 2003, 03:25 PM
If you intend to use it for hiking also get the Vista. I have a Vista and am very happy with it. The larger screen of the 176 would be very nice but that unit will not conveniently fit in the palm of your hand, lol. The next one I get will be similar to the 176 though, color and a larger screen would be very nice.
The 176 fits perfectly in my hand... ;-)

http://polar.polarcomm.com/~rspoonla/sled/176hand.jpg

I know it's been suggested, but I've got a 2D Sportrak Map and it's a really good unit. Under tree cover the thing doesn't flinch, load up times are really quick, maps are quite detailed too. All in all, when I was shopping around, it had more featuers than most comparable units. As a side benefit, it floats. :)

I've used the Map76 for the last 2 years mounted with a Ram mount (5 inch arm on it). This is the prior version of the Map76S. Mounted the Ram mount between the speedo and the tach. Easy to take off when you go inside and adjustable to many positions. It has been flawless but be careful when it gets below -5 F as the screen can be damaged in these temps. For what it's worth the Garmin products seem to have better resale (at least on E-bay) if you want to upgrade it in the future. I use mine all year round and if anything would recommend the largest screen you're comfortable with carrying in your hand. Every little bit larger helps in all applications that I've used it (fishing, hiking, mountain biking, in the car). Good luck

Originally posted by rws@Oct 4 2003, 07:04 AM
The 176 fits perfectly in my hand... ;-)
For some reason I thought it was a lot larger than that or maybe you just have HUGE hands, lol. My bad. I recant everything then. Forget the eTrex, get a 176!