Cheap GPS?????

[Holloway]

Does anyone know if I can get a pilot GPS cheap or 2nd hand maybe???

Thanks

[Mike Cross]

Assuming you mean a Garmin GPS III Pilot be aware that there are several software versions. Garmin's download page (http://www.garmin.com/support/download.jsp) will show you what versions there are and what they can be upgraded to.

If you just want a cheap handheld GPS suitable for aviation use the main thing to look for is speed limiting. Some GPS's would only work at slow speeds so that they were OK for walking or sailing but not for aviation. This of course enabled the manufacturer to have a low-priced mass-market product and a high-priced aviation product.

I use a Magellan 315 (http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/gps300.asp) with the Datasend aviation CD and find it very simple and easy. (The 315 is the same as the 320 AFIK)

Mike

[tacpot]

www.afors.com (http://www.afors.com) and TheHangar www.thehangar.co.uk (http://www.thehangar.co.uk) are the best bets for 2nd Hand aviation kit. Ebay www.ebay.co.uk (http://www.ebay.co.uk) also has a Aviation section where GPS units are auctioned off.

[Monocock]

Dont want to sound stupid but how do I find the aviation section on ebay? I've looked for it using keywords etc. but no luck.

[Genghis the Engineer]

The eBay page you want is at http://listings.ebay.co.uk/pool2/plistings/list/all/category4783/index.html?from=R0



Personally I use the £90 Magellan 300 (I think it may now have been replaced by a slightly more modern model) which is designed for walkers. It's not so far as I can tell speed limited (at least I've used it up to 200 kn quite happily), has a clear display, capacity to put in enough waypoints for my standard routes, and runs for about 18 hours on two AA batteries.

It isn't a pilot GPS, and has more lag than aviation units - i.e. it takes a little longer to settle on a speed and heading, but otherwise I'm very happy with it.

G

[Monocock]

Thanks G the E, loads of stuff there, I could (and probably will) spend hrs trawling through it.

[Bootlegger]

Just splashed out on GPS lll (pilot)....and used it on a first real run
down to Andrewsfield from Netherthorpe. Did all the usual planning ...(vors etc.)..and used GPS as a secondary aid....was absolutely chuffed to bits with it. Just gives you that extra bit of confidence. Some " old school " poo-poo the idea, but if it adds to the safety of a flight then i cant see it as a bad thing. P.S. (As long as it is not used as the only nav' aid).

[Evo]

I've got a non-aviation GPS III - a third of the price of the Pilot, and even less on eBay. Differences are a non-aviation map (you have to set up aviation waypoints by hand or download them from something like NavBox) and a 'compass screen' rather than the HSI-like screen, but for a quick 'am I where I think I am?' check it's fine :)

[big.al]

I also have a non-avaition Garmin GPSIII, which was £200 from eBay about 8 months ago but you can now get them from one of the aviation suppliers for £149 (can't remember which one, but it's on a full page ad on the back of one of the recent flying mags).

Although it doesn't have the aviation database, it's easy to use by entering your own waypoints. I use streetmap.co.uk or Navbox to find the co-ordinates of my waypoints and check them against the latest charts to make sure they are right. Entering these into the GPS can give you airfields, landmarks, turning points or whatever you want them to be.

The screens on the GPSIII are configurable, so I have mine set to show altitude, speed, track, bearing, time to waypoint and ETA at waypoint. Marvellous gadget, but I also insist upon not using it some of the time to ensure I don't become too reliant.

[Kolibear]

Have a look at this thread from a few weeks back

GPS Recomendation (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83436)

[BRL]

Have a look here....... GPS Stuff. (http://www.gpsw.co.uk) Good luck...... :)

[greatorex]

The Pilot III has recently been advertised in various flying mags for £149!!!!! from a large pilot-supplies company based at several locations throughout the South East (Shan't mention them by name here for fear of 'Naughty Points' :) ). Don't know if it was a short run Special Offer or what but feel free to PM me if you would like more details.

Bought one myself recently - and it really is an incredible bit of kit - Not so sure about the price of the Updates though. . . But that's a different story. . . . . :D :) :D :)

[Evo]

greatorex - if you are talking about the Tr*ns*ir ;) £149 GPS, it was the plain-vanilla GPS III, not the GPS III pilot ... and they've sold out (or so they told me). It is a great bit of kit though, I agree. :)

[Holloway]

ive had a good look around and all places are about £400, im just gunna hang on I think till one comes up second hand on ebay, mind you I need the GPS this weekend, i got a bit lost!! D'oh!!

[Mike Cross]

A word of caution to all those who love the airspace depictions on moving maps.

There have been a lot of adverse comments on the accuracy of the mapping and certainly navigating on the moving map is no substitute for maintaining positional awareness on your up to date chart.

Also some very useful advice in CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 25 (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/224/srg_gad_ssl25.pdf) "Use of GPS"

Mike

[Holloway]

My first solo X Country trip yesterday i wish I had had one, I know its sounds bad but I would of used it as a secondary navigation tool. I was going from one headng to another and I was told by ATC I was nowhere near were I was meant to be going. and I had to fly about and find somwhereI knew with a bit of luck to carry on my trip. If i had had GPS I guess I could of verified where I was and made some corrections to carry on without getting totally lost :(

[Evo]

Holloway - I understand why you are tempted, but don't get yourself a GPS while you are doing PPL navexs. You are going to have to do the skills test without it, so better to learn good old chart, compass and mark one eyeball navigation now.

If you are 'uncertain of position' then use VOR/DME etc. to position fix - that's OK, and taught as part of the PPL. Waypoint following using a GPS isn't.

[Holloway]

your right, it makes it all too easy :)

[Evo]

'Easy' and 'fun' comes after the PPL arrives ;) :)

[muffin]

There are some cheap Pilot 3s left at http://www.lowe.co.uk who are having a GPS sale

[Holloway]

the Pilot III is £380 thats the going price isnt it???