Question for Garmin Rino users

[PCDOC]

Does the buddy locator option work all of the time. So if I look at my screen can I see them constantly or do they have to send me a message/signal first. I was reading the manual and it really wasn't that clear.

If one of our guys is lost and just riding around looking for us can I see him on my screen. That is what I want to know.

Thanks

 

[numbskull]

if the radio is on (and I think you have to be on the same channel), it sends the position data automatically... I believe that feature is called "polling". just make sure you have the latest firmware for whichever model you are using.

EDIT: here's the link to the Garmin announcement on Location Polling
http://www8.garmin.com/pressroom/outdoor/041403.html

 

[whitefish]

Not constantly. Only when they key the mic or send a call or you poll their position.

 

[blake]

Not constantly. Only when they key the mic or send a call or you poll their position.

X2

My wife and I have rhino 530's. They do NOT automatically keep track of one another UNLESS you are actively chatting on the radio or hitting the mic. I wish they did, but hey don't automatically track other devices.

 

[Brotha NOS]

Updating riding partner

In order to update each others location you hit the call button or just talk on the radio. You will always show the last position a radio was used.

 

[Brotha NOS]

Thanks for the update

numbskull, thanks for the new information I will have to try that out.

 

[numbskull]

numbskull, thanks for the new information I will have to try that out.

sorry, let me clarify, the others are more clear - you do have to key the mic. ...but the point is YOU control the request for position info, not the lost or missing subject. in a real situation, YOU are calling on the radio for voice contact. at that same time, your radio is polling the other radio for position to display on your screen.

 

[alrevedup]

The "polling" function is the same on all the rinos. As long as you are on the same channel and squelch you can send and receive locations from all rinos in range. There is a polling button just below the call button that is for this specific function. The link in the earlier post has some great info, however its speaks about the older 100 series models. The main difference is the range. The 500 series have a choice of radio wattage(sp?). 1/2 a watt, 2 watts and 5 watts. The strength of the signal goes up with the wattage, so does the power consumption. Terrain seems to be the principle range factor.

Correction:
Ater reading carefully page 19 of the Garmin 520/530 owners manual. Polling (peer to peer) happens "automatically" WHEN the call or talk button is pressed. Not by it's self. There is no way to set the Rino to conduct polling without manually pressing one of two buttons.

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/Rino520HCx_OwnersManual.pdf

 

[winter brew]

How well do these work in various terrain...heavily tree'd, narrow canyons etc...

 

[PCDOC]

Thanks for the replys. That is exactly what I wanted to know. If I could find or poll another user without them doing anything.

 

[alrevedup]

How well do these work in various terrain...heavily tree'd, narrow canyons etc...

Our group all carry Rino 530s. I can not think of a time that the polling or radio didnt work. I use my Rino at the 2 watt setting to conserve battery life (dispite the fact that the batteries last a long time). The radio range is maximized at the 5 watt setting.

Thanks for the replys. That is exactly what I wanted to know. If I could find or poll another user without them doing anything.

Important note:

Both or all Rinos MUST be set to allow polling! This will allow you to see on your screen the Rinos in your group when "YOU" press the poll button. If not, you will only see their position when "they" press the polling button or speak on the radio.

Edit: The manual says 13 to 15 mile range at the 5 watt setting. In my experience that is not true. At best maybe half that

 

[M-Cat]

i have read on the garmin website that in canada you can only use up to the 2 watt transmit power... what is the story behind this???

 

[Weekday Warrior]

that is a Canadain regulations thing

buy the US model and not worry about it!

 

[Interceptor]

On a related note - I have an older rhino (the skidoo snowcheck one from 05) I believe its a 120. My bud just got a new 530 and they dont recognize each others position. Is there a software upgrade for mine is it just outdated?
Thanks

 

[alrevedup]

On a related note - I have an older rhino (the skidoo snowcheck one from 05) I believe its a 120. My bud just got a new 530 and they dont recognize each others position. Is there a software upgrade for mine is it just outdated?
Thanks

There is an updater on the Garmin Web site. It is a 4.31mb download. If there is an update for your unit that is where it will be.

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=931

 

[Hawkeye]

Does the 530 hcx come with the US topo map ? and if not is it needed for mountain snowmobiling? Thanks

 

[PCDOC]

Does the 530 hcx come with the US topo map ? and if not is it needed for mountain snowmobiling? Thanks

No it doesn't come with any topo maps.

 

[catmandewe]

None of them come with the topo maps, they have a general map with the major roads. To get the topo map you must buy the topo cd, and put in the maps you wish to use.

In your settings you must enable "allow polling" to be able to see where each other are, without actually talking. Then you need only poll your buddies to find out where they are. If your buddies rino does not have the allow polling enabled, it will reject your poll.

I have a 530 that does not recognize 120's or 130's. I called Garmin and they said I need to send my 530 back for repairs. I still have not sent it in yet, might wait until after the sledding season.

 

[bigbone]

Topo map does not come with it. It is a nice feature to have in the sticks. You get a cheezy basemap with it that shows major roads.

 

[Kleiny]

if you have the hcx model you cad buy a small card for 80 bucks and put it in under the battery and you will instantly have topo maps for where ever you pick, I bought one that covers colorado, wyoming, idaho, and utah. Its sweet it shows every creek, and mountain and all elavations