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I doing an Alps tour in June. I've been sent a manual for a Garmin GPSMAP
® 276C chartplotting receiver.

I've never used a GPS before and have no problem using a map in the map pocket of my tank bag. As I have made it clear to the tour company that I will not be riding with any group, I expect they will want to program this device to show me the way. Also there are extended optional routes that I am interested in. Do I need to use this thing? Any hints on use? Will I need to plug in my headphones?


Clueless in B.C.

I use a couple of types of GPS for my work and travel. My Garmin gets set for a destination. Then, no matter what route I take, it keeps on recalculating how to get to that preselected place. It is limited by the quality of information provided by some government agency about roads etc.

My MicroSoft GPS, Streets and Trips, works somewhat differently. While it has major faults, it is the only program that is good for going to a variety of destinations and places with no address, only a Lat/Long.

I would not be afraid of it. In fact, I would take my Garmin. We leave for Europe in 5 weeks and my Garmin is programmed for Europe, so it goes along.

Besides, Europe is small, so getting lost is relative. Since you are on an adventure, use whatever you like and be ready to ask questions. People will be helpful.

Practice with it before you go.

Duane Ausherman wrote:
Practice with it before you go.

That's my problem. I won't have it still I get the bike in Munich. I'll study the manual. I'm not scared of it, I'm just wondering if I even need it.

I expect people to chime in here to tell you each side of the question. I have traveled all of Europe without GPS, but i certainly plan to use it on this trip.

My GPS is turning me into an idiot. I get there faster and easier, but I don't learn the area. I even have a natural sense of direction.

If you can't get lost on a motorcycle trip, what's the point?

I don't leave home without it. When in a strange place a paper map is useful for deciding where you want to go but once you go - they are clumbsy and slow.

I tend to look at a map on the computer before I leave home and make some decisions about where I want to go. I will often load those points into my GPS, but if you are using a borrowed GPS and are not used to doing that sort of thing, the learning curve may not be worth it.

When I leave camp or someplace I am returning to I mark the the spot. Any GPS has this capability. On Garmin you push and hold the Enter button. Then I can ride around all day and always know how to get home.

No wires are needed. If you are in a car, it may talk to you. On a bike that takes a helmet set up that is a nice option, but not necessary for the GPS to be useful.

Sticking with paper is as logical as sticking with slide rules or 35mm film. Some inventions are worth learning to use.

My experience with GPS is watching other people who have a GPS try and work out how to use it.
I'm a map man.

I will however one day buy an electronic device to remind me to take my meds.

bbelk wrote:Sticking with paper is as logical as sticking with slide rules or 35mm film. Some inventions are worth learning to use.

Amen.

and some GPSr's can provide you with entertainment while parked!
(I should have taken a picture of Brad's GPSr at Ken's!)

ME 109 wrote:My experience with GPS is watching other people who have a GPS try and work out how to use it.
I'm a map man.

I will however one day buy an electronic device to remind me to take my meds.

It's true, their menu's can be deep and varied. I only use mine in the car as a speed camera warning device, and in the bike if I need a specific address. Modern phones can do it to.

I was on the bike going to the fireman's bmw parts cave last week. He has a difficult place to find. The gps battery was kaput so I had to use the phone. That took me 15 minutes to work out.

A paper map would've worked best.

I still like the gps for finding unfamiliar places, as long as the battery isn't flat.

When you're older Jeff, you'll need to remember to plug your electronic drug reminder device in. That'll be the difficult bit. Who will remind you?