Handheld GPS And Software

I’m looking at purchasing a Garmin Handheld GPS along with the Minnesota Lakemaster software.

I can’t afford the new sounder/gps combos that are coming out. Especially since I’ve already got Garmin 240’s in my boat and can’t see replacing them.

I know there are other gps software options out there, but am wondering what anyone can tell me about the software that is supported by handheld gps units. Mainly, I need to know if there are brands out there better than Garmin, and if there is software out there better than the Minnesota Lakemaster software that can be run on handheld gps units.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Scott

Garmin makes the best GPS units I believe. Go to Garmin’s web site and look for a unit that accepts data cards. Any unit that accepts data cards will accept preprogrammed cards from Lakemaster or other companies. The other way to do it is buy a blank memory card and the maps on CD, then you just transfer the maps you want to use to the card. I highly recommend Garmin GPS’s.

There is a new unit out, the 276C. It is one of the slickest GPS units I have seen. Kind of a combo between a small handheld and the larger chart plotter screens. Very functional for the boat or vehicle.

Scott,

thanks for the reply. In your opinion, is any one of the mapping software better than the others, or are all about the same? I was not aware of the memory cards, or that Garmin would run other types of mapping software.

Thanks again,
Scott Cory

Scott Steil wrote.

Quote:

---

Garmin makes the best GPS units I believe. There is a new unit out, the 276C. It is one of the slickest GPS units I have seen.

---

I can’t wait to get this unit…..

I am still using my Garmin GPS 3 plus, it too is very functional for the boat or vehicle. I still like it better then the Garmin E-Trex line and if it were not for the Garmin 276C I would upgrade to the Garmin GPS 5 which is the same style as my older Garmin GPS 3 plus, with memory and software upgrades.

I used to run “chips” with lakemap software on them. Now I run a 128 MB memory card from Garmin and I use their software to put whatever lakes I want on them. Lakemaster, Navionics, Blue Chart, they are all good. Lakemaster has some products available for Garmin units that is very good. Their Pro Series is very good stuff. I use it all the time and the 3 ft contours are really slick.

You are going to love that 276C

Scott Cory,

There are some Garmin Handhelds that allow you to upload the mapping data directly, without the need for the extra data cards. From your post it looks like you are trying to get the most bang for your buck. There are many options. I’d be glad to help you but it would be much easier on the phone. If you’re interested, give me a ring at 712-255-8539. I’m on the road today but will be back on Tuesday.

Question Scott, Can you transfer the LakeMaster Reelbottom Cd mapping over to a MMC card?

Bobber, That I can not tell you. I know with Garmin products you can buy the Lakemaster CD and transfer whatever lakes you want to their memory cards. Or, you can just buy the preprogrammed card. Garmin products use different “cards” than Lowrance products. I have a 128 MB card I run in my units. Sometimes I run preprogrammed cards in my Garmin units and sometimes I run my memory card with certain lakes on that I have transferred over from CD.

The CD/Memory Card is the most functional way to get all the lakes on a card that fit your needs. But, buying a card preprogrammed sure is easy

As was mentioned earlier, you can also download individual maps to certain handhelds provided they have the storage capacity to store the maps. My handheld has a 24 MB of memory so I can get a few of the bigger contour maps on there also. That is another way to do things and if cheaper than buying the actual cards or a unit that accepts cards. I recommend the Garmin Map76C if you are looking for a great handheld. The color screen is a lot easier to read when compared to the original Map76 I had and they both have plenty of memory.

Thanks Scott, I will look into this as I’ve had the LakeMaster Reelbottom CD for some time on the my PC. It would be great to be able to download Mille Lacs say to a hand held or whatever unit. Hook and I have been using a Garmin 45 for a number of years and want to update to one that does mapping. The one foot contours in the winter works slick. I have been riding around in Puddlepounders truck some this last month. He has a Eagle intel-map 480 with the chip in it!!!!!!!!! It’s a great way to drive around out on the flats knowning just where you are at with even stepping out of the truck. What garmin do you recommmend?

Thanks