Reviews of GPS Units

Garmin GPS 76

I have owned this GPS only a couple of months. I purchased it as a replacement for an older model GPS12xl that does not use the WAAS differential and which had a damaged point where the external antenna was attached. I use it as a backup. I also keep it mounted in my Ford pickup part of the time simply to provide compass capability at night when on unfamiliar roads. It is a 'low end' unit that doesn't have downloadable chart capability but has a megabyte of memory that is preloaded with the location of cities of 200,000 pop or more as well as many nav aids such as lights, buoys, and day markers.  Since it has a 12 channel receiver with WAAS differential and accepts an external antenna, it is as accurate as most models except for the very expensive systems that are designed for surveying. I use a 'Titan' antenna with a 28db gain. The Antenna costs about $50. I find that my GPS 76 often has accuracy readings of 9-15 feet and I have developed a lot of confidence in its accuracy. It can be battery operated using 2 AA batteries.  I normally keep mine hooked up to the boat or auto battery with a cigarette lighter adapter. It has all of the usual Nav pages and numbers.  One convenient feature for older users (such as me) is that the user can specify the size of the numbers in the display. It can display position by either lat/lon or loran numbers. I haven't tried  to compare the loran numbers shown in the GPS 76  with any of my old TD's from loran days. The unit is very reasonably priced when you consider all of its features.  I have recently seen it in some of the internet sites at less that $190.    

Mack Gray

 

Garmin GPS 176C

I have owned and used this GPS for about a year. It is a color chart model that uses the Garmin 'Blue Chart' marine cartography. The chart is programmed onto a very small chip that the user can install.  This chip can be replaced for automobile navigation with chips downloaded from from the Garmin Map Source Metro Guide CD Rom. It produces a clear picture that measures 3.75 inches diagonally. The chart can be panned in or out. It's only real problem is that it tends to 'wash out' in the sunlight.It uses WAAS differential and often shows accuracies in the range of +/- 9-15 feet. My experience has shown that these numbers are pretty accurate. I have a couple of small oyster bars where I fish for Rock in the fall and this unit makes it easy to get back on top of my waypoints. It has the usual navigation pages. I normally use just the numbers and haven't bothered really learning the 'roadmap' and other nav pages.  I have also found that I find it simpler to  use the numbers rather than the chart for navigation. When you put in a waypoint and begin navigation, the chart highlights the course and an arrow shows you where you are,  I tend to watch it too much and don't pay enough attention to other things so I generally just stick with navigating by the numbers.   The unit has either a detachable antenna that can  be replaced by an external antenna.  I use the external antenna since it can be on top of the cabin and none of the available satellites are blocked out of view..  The current price quotes for this unit are shown in some internet sites at around $525. It is an excellent unit that I have enjoyed owning and using.     

Mack Gray           

the web www.daybreakfishing.com only

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