Question for Garmin Rino users

[RideGuy]

Transfer Route from Computer to Rhino

Can you transfer routes from computer to the GPS for going into new territory like my Garmin Vista for example?

I've used memory map viewer and Ozi for my Enduro Trips and have found that plotting a route before even entering the terrain to be helpfull at times.... Is this also possible with the Rhino's and if so what type of connectivity do they use...?? USB, Parallel, Seriel...???

T.I.A.

 

[Redneck Farmer]

I was thinking about using a clip to keep mine on the "tether hook" on my coat and just letting it hang as I ride.

If they could integrate a beacon into these things without ruining battery life they would be the ultimate snowmobilers tool.

 

[mac900rmk]

Can you transfer routes from computer to the GPS for going into new territory like my Garmin Vista for example?

I've used memory map viewer and Ozi for my Enduro Trips and have found that plotting a route before even entering the terrain to be helpfull at times.... Is this also possible with the Rhino's and if so what type of connectivity do they use...?? USB, Parallel, Seriel...???

T.I.A.

Yes, you can use the same software. Most people use USB and I think you can buy a serial cable. I made a serial cable for my Etrex Vista but it's really slow compared to USB. It would be nice if there was a GPS section on this site and a GPS subsection for each of the riding areas so people can post coordinates to staging areas, cabins and all those top secret areas

 

[alrevedup]

It would be nice if there was a GPS section on this site and a GPS subsection for each of the riding areas so people can post coordinates to staging areas, cabins and all those top secret areas

That is one of the best ideas I have read on SW. How do we make that happen?

 

[94fordguy]

Thanks a lot Mac!

 

[RideGuy]

Throat Mic

Has anybody tried the throat mic ?

Just saw them on ebay and thought how cool is that....???

 

[MTdream]

Mapsource topo

Can you transfer routes from computer to the GPS for going into new territory like my Garmin Vista for example?

I've used memory map viewer and Ozi for my Enduro Trips and have found that plotting a route before even entering the terrain to be helpfull at times.... Is this also possible with the Rhino's and if so what type of connectivity do they use...?? USB, Parallel, Seriel...???

T.I.A.

Yes, the best software is MapSource Topo, and it has an interface to google earth to see overlays etc. yes you can chart a route on the MapSource and then download it into your Rhino...it is very nice interface...

Additionally, if you have the neweer HcX you can throw a 2 or now a 4 gig chip in it, and virtually have all the North American topographical maps on your device...



the Rhinos interface via USB and the Rhino HcX versions have USB 2.0 so it is pretty fast...

 

[High Powder]

Polling works on GMRS channels too????

In the 2003 Garmin press release posted at the top of this thread, Garmin states that they received approval to use polling on FRS channels. Can anyone confirm that polling can also be used on GMRS channels? I don't see a lot of benefit of polling on the FRS channels that are limited to 2 watts.

Also, those who are commenting on the good battery life of the 530's, what power setting are you running on?

I'm thinking about investing in some of these units, but they seem HUGE compared to the eTrex that I normally carry. I did note that the 530 Hcx comes with two Li-ion battery packs, which is nice. I'm just not sure I can justify them if I can't run for at least a full day on 5 watts without recharging.

BTW, for those interested in mapping software, another nice feature of the US TOPO map from Garmin if you buy it on CD is that it does not rely on unlock codes like their other software. That means that you only have to buy one disk for all of your units, rather than one disk for each unit. In my opinion, this makes it much more economical to buy one disk and several blank micro-SD cards to use in multiple units, rather than buying a Garmin card that can only be used in one unit. Just my $.02

 

[alrevedup]

In the 2003 Garmin press release posted at the top of this thread, Garmin states that they received approval to use polling on FRS channels. Can anyone confirm that polling can also be used on GMRS channels? I don't see a lot of benefit of polling on the FRS channels that are limited to 2 watts.

Also, those who are commenting on the good battery life of the 530's, what power setting are you running on?

I'm thinking about investing in some of these units, but they seem HUGE compared to the eTrex that I normally carry. I did note that the 530 Hcx comes with two Li-ion battery packs, which is nice. I'm just not sure I can justify them if I can't run for at least a full day on 5 watts without recharging.

BTW, for those interested in mapping software, another nice feature of the US TOPO map from Garmin if you buy it on CD is that it does not rely on unlock codes like their other software. That means that you only have to buy one disk for all of your units, rather than one disk for each unit. In my opinion, this makes it much more economical to buy one disk and several blank micro-SD cards to use in multiple units, rather than buying a Garmin card that can only be used in one unit. Just my $.02

The polling feature works on every channel I have used ( frankly not that many). When I get near my manual I will look into that.

As for the battery, it is truly leaps and bounds better than any of the 100 series units. As for the 520 without the electronic compass I don't know. I can tell you that my unit was left on from yesterdays ride. So it has been on for about 24 hours. It is still showing 50%ish on the battery meter. I play with the wattage often. Running the unit at 1/2 watt is a big savings on battery. The unit could be used for 7 days 8 hours a day on 1 charge with the radio set at 1/2 watt. It can be used at least 3 days 8 hours a day at 5 watts. These are observations, not guesses. Rino is worth the dollars and size. IMO

 

[alrevedup]

Has anybody tried the throat mic ?

Just saw them on ebay and thought how cool is that....???

I can't remember the brand for sure, but it is something like FireFox. Anyway it works well with the rinos. The Rinos have good sensitivity adjustment for the vox. I stopped using mine because none of the guys I ride with have them. So there is not much talking unless someone is stuck or something.

 

[HighMark Adventures]

Ya here is a link to them mics http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0025098226548a.shtml. Cabela`s offer them. If you do a search reviews are not that great. And you can get a 1gig micro sd card which is more than enough for around 10 bucks.