[OSM-talk] Choice of GPS for bicycle use in London

[Oliver White]

The Geko is noticably smaller than anything else - (like comparing a 2003 
mobile telephone with a 1998 one, that sort of difference in bulk).  

Geko's only sensor is the GPS - so while it can display compass and altimeter, 
that information is all taken from your GPS position. (compass is accurate if 
you're moving, while GPS altimeter is uselessly inaccurate)

(The Geko 101 can't be connected to a computer - 201 is the "basic" model, 
which quite a few OSM people use)

There's some stuff on the wiki about some GPS' having more sensitive receivers 
than others - if you're trying to get a signal between tall buildings, other 
Londoners here might be able to advise on what works best for that.

OJW

p.s. don't forget ebay if you're buying a GPS -- they tend to be about half 
the retail price. You might also find one with a serial cable included, which 
can save quite a lot (is it £15-20 to buy the cable new?)


On Sunday 21 May 2006 12:28, Emil Vaughan wrote:
> Hi all, sorry if this has been done to death already on the list.
>
> I live in london and cycle everywhere, so I need a small gps unit so
> that I can contribute tracks. (Also if possible I'd like a compass and
> barometric altimeter, though not at all costs.) I've been looking at
> the Garmin Etrex (basic or Summit) or Gecko(1/2/301). The wiki says
> that both are suitable for openstreetmap, but I'll need an RS232 to
> USB cable. Are there any others worthy of consideration? And what is
> the difference between the etrex and the gecko? It looks like the
> gecko is smaller, but is it less useful? I don't want maps or
> anything. USB would be nice though.
>
> Also, I've got a Sharp Zaurus C3100, so I could use that with a USB or
> compactflash GPS thing. This won't be as light as the Gecko, but if it
> will make things much easier I can use it.
>
> Sorry for asking about this. I've been researching the issue but I'm
> not clear on what would be the best for osm, as this will probably be
> the only thing I use it for.
>
> Thanks
> Emil
>
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