Gps

[Xcessive Carts]

What are the recommendations for a GPS for boats? I just want to be able to record speeds. What are you using, and if possible, list where you got it. and price.

[shua]

I have been using a Garmin Forerunner 101 and 201.
The 101 is slightly thicker and requires a pair of AAAs
The 201 has a rechargeable battery that works very well
They are both water resistant.

I picked them up used on Ebay for under $50 shipped each.

[zooma]

Another vote for Garmin Forerunner 201.

BTW - I also tried the little rectangular SkyRC unit (sold under multiple brand names), but it's slow 1hz refresh rate makes it unsuitable for boats. Quality units have a 10hz refresh rate. That is 10 times per second instead of 1 time per second.

[Revolt Flash]

I use the Big 5 and its about $75.00 and rechargeable.

[wuzofoz]

I use the Big 5 and its about $75.00 and rechargeable.

this unit is the same a Sky RC.
if they would fix the refresh rate it would be a great unit for us

[dmitry100]

Try the Dynamite GPS ... It updates 10hz per second and happens to be extremely light (only 30 grams).
Just be sure you update to the newest firmware before using though. Otherwise it might not be able to refresh at 10 times a second.

http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN4401

[tlandauer]

Try the Dynamite GPS ... It updates 10hz per second and happens to be extremely light (only 30 grams).
Just be sure you update to the newest firmware before using though. Otherwise it might not be able to refresh at 10 times a second.

http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/D...ProdID=DYN4401

This looks similar to the Big5, but it's good to know that its refresh rate is 10hz.
I should point out that a number of years ago I acquired a SkyRC (Big5) unit, not knowing its low refresh rate and often times it didn't record the speed properly. After learning that fact, I modified my testing and stayed a bit longer on the course and 90% of the time I got very accurate results as I compared to my Garmin side by side. So if you are not doing SAW sprints, and are willing to stay a bit longer to take an approx. reading, this will work.
As said, nothing beats a GARMIN.

[zooma]

Try the Dynamite GPS ... It updates 10hz per second and happens to be extremely light (only 30 grams).
Just be sure you update to the newest firmware before using though. Otherwise it might not be able to refresh at 10 times a second.

http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/D...ProdID=DYN4401

Interesting. Case looks the same, but spec says 10HZ which is 10 times per second.

[dmitry100]

I don't think you should be comparing this to a SkyRC/Big5 ... which is of course only about 5hz refresh or less.
This one has a Holux chipset inside... which is a big brand GPS maker (pretty popular in EU).

DynamiteRC GPS is super accurate and performed equally as good as my Garmin Glo (connected to an iPod touch thru bluetooth) side by side. Both were set at 10hz.
The Garmin GLO is used by pilots on aircraft... so if it compares to that then it's good enough for me.

When it's 10hz you don't need as much of an area to run in for accurate results when doing SAW passes ...as you probably would with an older Garmin Forerunner 101 which are only 1hz per second refresh.

This thing only weighs 30 grams... and happens to float on water.

[kfxguy]

What refresh rate is the forerunner 201?

[dmitry100]

1hz per second...

[kfxguy]

I don't think you should be comparing this to a SkyRC/Big5 ... which is of course only about 5hz refresh or less.
This one has a Holux chipset inside... which is a big brand GPS maker (pretty popular in EU).

DynamiteRC GPS is super accurate and performed equally as good as my Garmin Glo (connected to an iPod touch thru bluetooth) side by side. Both were set at 10hz.
The Garmin GLO is used by pilots on aircraft... so if it compares to that then it's good enough for me.

When it's 10hz you don't need as much of an area to run in for accurate results when doing SAW passes ...as you probably would with an older Garmin Forerunner 101 which are only 1hz per second refresh.

This thing only weighs 30 grams... and happens to float on water.

So the dynamite gps, is it waterproof?

[dmitry100]

I'd say it's water resistant... keep it in a waterproof bag though.

I've gotten it wet a few times (completely soaked inside) and works fine after drying.

[zooma]

1hz per second...

I thought it was 10 per sec. Probably explains why I sometimes get goofy readings, like with the SkyRc unit.

[kfxguy]

Anyone interested in a comparison? Someone is sending me a dynamite to try out, I can compare to my garmin 201 in the same boat if anyone is interested. I bet it helps to capture speed better on shorter runs with the higher refresh rate.