New member .. Hi all and one question!

[styks]

Hi all,

I've just joined your group and GAGB.
My name is Steve (styks nik name) I answer to either :)
I live near Dolgellau North Wales.

I'm generally a solo walker but not so unsociable that I won't join a group every now and then.
I did use a Garmin 12 for a short time, that's now actually up for sale on evil bay, but I was not very impressed. Oh it did what it's supposed to do and did it well, I just never got into it I guess.
Anyhow I've been looking to get a mapping GPS, one I can install OS maps on. Now the prices have come down some I think it will be a great investment and they do look fun/usefull.

Searching around I come across this Geocaching site ... my it looks fun!
I think I'll give this a go :D

My question if I may.
I also do Ham Radio (MW1 CKK)and use a Yaesu VX-6 which I sometimes take on my journeys.
Ahh me thinks ... can I combine GPS and HT ... Search and rescue etc etc.
Now on another forum there is a dedicated Ham/gps page but it does seem mainly US users.
Are there any members here who combine 2/70 TX and a Handheld GPS?
If so which would be the best in you opinion?
I was tempted by the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx but I read it does not have NMEA in/out for PC/Radio use (Not sure if I have that correct, just learning)
So I'm thinking about a Garmin 60 CSX which I believe does?
Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
If I'm going to buy one it may as well do everthing I would like from the off.

Sorry for the long first post :o ......... But if really get into it there will be longer ones, I can get rather verbose!

Cheers!
Steve.

[Bear and Ragged]

Welcome!

Lot of questions, I'm sure others will be along to give answers.

Ham Radio? Have you seen the SOTA (http://www.sota.org.uk/) (Summits on the Air) site? There's often a cache nearby.

If you like walking try Cache Walker. Although most are around Warwickshire/Worcestershire/Gloucestershire, all are welcome.

(And if you want to add routes with caches around your area, all the better!)

[Mrs Blorenge]

Welcome Steve

I'm not going to plug any particular GPS, other more techie folks can do that, but you might like to look through this thread from last year -
"Any radio hams here?" (https://www.gagb.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=1502&highlight=radio)

There is also a regional Geocaching forum for North Wales and Cheshire (http://www.devachinwag.org.uk/) which you may like to have a look at.

[styks]

Thanks both,

Yes I know about SOTA, I've had several contacts with Hams from the local sumits here.
Unfortunately my knees ( until fixed ) limit my ability to get to sumits.
When I'm sorted I will no doubt bag a few.

Thanks for the links, I'll join the local forum for sure. I understand your reluctance to push a particular GPS. All I really need to know is which GPS will allow me to input/output data (NMEA) in real time to my laptop and I can combine with Hand Held 2/70 TX.
I found a site a few years ago that told me exactly what I need to do the job, but do you think I can find it!
Once I can post on the other US forum I'll ask in their dedicated sub forum because quite a few Hams on there it seems.
I can certainly add roots/caches around my area, there are some wonderfull and little known routes I've discovered.

[Bear and Ragged]

Don't quote me...
But, I think all/most Garmins do have NMEA in/out...?
Even my old Etrex Legend has that in the settings.

www.summitcaching.org.uk (http://www.summitcaching.org.uk) for another cache/radio link

[styks]

Don't quote me...
But, I think all/most Garmins do have NMEA in/out...?
Even my old Etrex Legend has that in the settings.


Ok thank you,

I do now know that the new etrex Vista HCx does not do NMEA also after my research I have discovered that a serial conection is best and the 60csx does infact allow serial and usb conection.
My only worry now is that my Sony Vaio only has usb capability.
There might be a way around it, I hope anyway.

I'm currently leaning towards the Garmin 60csx. It appears to be well thought of so it may do everything I need.

I'll do a little bit more digging but so far it's winning.