What GPS units are people using

[joebob]

I'm new to the GPS idea but interested in adding GPS data to my raw (Adobe dng) Canon images.
So my question is, 'What gps units are people using ?'

I am using a Canon 40D camera, and Mac OSX-10.4 computer.

Any help or suggestion would be welcome.

Joebob

[Brian_Curtis]

Lets start by narrowing the field a bit.

Do you want a small unit that does nothing but record your location? If that is all you need then you need a data logger.

Do you want a GPSr that includes maps? If so do you want street maps, topographical maps, or nautical charts?

Do you want something that give you driving directions?

Are you planning on doing any geocaching?

And finally, cost will enter the picture.

[joebob]

I am interested in something that records a track. Something small, pocket size. I have a TomTom for driving directions I just need something that will work with Canon and Mac. Price is not a real problem, although quality and ease of use is important.

[Brian_Curtis]

It sounds like a data logger would be perfect. Unfortunately, I don't have any direct experience with any data loggers. I'd look for something that mounts like a thumb-drive so you don't have to use any special software to download tracks. I'd also pay attention to sensitivity, waterproofness, and size. I haven't seen what I consider to the the perfect data logger yet but the AMOD looks good:
http://www.amazon.com/AGL3080-Driverles ... B000WO6HJW
Hopefully someone with more direct experience with data loggers will chime in. There are several alternatives mentioned in other threads in this forum.

[StevesWeb]

I've used PhotoLinker successfully with 3 different models of Garmin GPS. First was a Garmin nuvi 770 that I use as a navigation aid when driving. It also worked with an Etrex Vista HCX that I borrowed, and today I bought a Garmin Edge 305 and found that it works too.

With the last 2 of these the program communicated directly with the GPS and pulled the track data onto my Mac Pro. In the case of the nuvi the tracks were already on my computer so I simply did not try connecting to it directly, but since Garmin has developed their own protocol for transferring data I'd expect the nuvi would talk to PhotoLinker as well.

Generally Garmin provides good support for OS X users.

I'm quite impressed with PhotoLinker!

[joebob]

Thanks for the information.

[stevetfidalgo]

I have a GlobalSat DG-100 Data Logger, which seems to work well. I like it because it fits easily in my camera bag or pocket, uses standard AA rechargeable batters, connects/charges via USB, and can easily last a whole day on one battery charge.

PhotoLinker doesn't read it directly, so I have to use LoadMyTracks to get the data from the GPS into the GPX file. Also, one needs to look around for the Mac OS driver (works fine on Snow Leopard).

For more info you can check out http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-25-dg-100- ... ogger.aspx

[lucaberta]

I have two GPS loggers, and am very happy with both units.

The first one is a Wintec WBT-201, a very tiny unit with internal memory only, with Bluetooth (and an on/off switch to save battery if BT is not needed when simply logging to the unit) and the possibility to log a waypoint by pressing the other button. The unit can be configured using a Windows software, but once it's setup tracks and waypoints can be downloaded either via USB or BT (thought I've never used the latter). GPSBabel supports the unit nicely. The battery lasts more than 16 hours when logging without BT, and can be charged via the mini USB port. The device is very tiny and fairly flat, and fits nicely under an airplane window shade...



http://www.wintec.com.tw/en/product_det ... ?pro_id=65

The second unit is a Locosys BGT-31, also small but thicker and more feature rich compared to the WBT-201. It has a nice LCD display with backlight, and a mini-joystick button, plus the on/off button. Plenty of different features are available, logging to both NMEA and SBN (binary) format. The display is a nice thing to have when riding a bike, for instance. Has an SD card slot for a card used for logfiles, is waterproof and battery lasts a very long time. Also has a mini USB port used for data up/download and battery charging. Fully supported by GPSBabel too.



http://www.locosystech.com/product.php?zln=en&id=30

Lately I've been using mostly the BGT-31, as I like to read the SD card with the logfiles better rather than using an USB cable to download the data from the unit. But when I am flying commercial I use the WBT-201 to log the flight.

Ciao, Luca

[Brian_Curtis]

Thanks for the report, Luca. I've been holding off on picking up a logger because nothing seems quite right. It looks like the BGT-31 is pretty much just what I've been looking for.