[aprssig] Whuich GPS for APRS ???

[Jim Wright]

The key requirement is NMEA0183 output.  This is typically found on GPSs
usable on boats where they may interface with other marine electronics.
NMEA is the National Marine Electronics Association, often confused
(particularly by us dyslexics) with NEMA, the National Electrical
Manufacturer's Association.  This output is often abbreviated to just "NMEA"
output, and consists of serial data in the form of "sentences."  That's the
data that APRS devices want to see from a GPS.

The venerable Garmin GPSMap 76 is still being sold, and Amazon has it for
$157.  Spend a little more for the 76S and you get a barometric sensor and a
compass.  If you want color, get the GPSMap 76CSX, but you're now up to
$265.  If you want a smaller GPS (and consequently a smaller screen) you can
get a Garmin eTrex Vista or eTrex Legend.  However, be sure you're getting
one of the earlier models (i.e., not color) that has a serial cable rather
than USB.  The prettier color Vista C, for example, does NOT have NMEA
output.

I have an eTrex Vista.  It doesn't have the SiRFstar III chip like a lot of
the more recent models, which means it's less sensitive.  I haven't examined
the recent specs for the 76 series to see what GPS chips they're using.  But
greater sensitivity is nice in the woods or in "urban canyons."

73
-jim KS4O

If you want a smaller GPS with a smaller display, get the


On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 12:57 PM, Dave Sloan <desloan at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Let me try this request again. Didn't receive any responses from my first
> request. Can anyone give me some guidance on which GPS's work with APRS?
> See
> below for what my fried wants.
>
> TNX & 73,
> Dave N0EOP
> 31033
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: aprssig-bounces at tapr.org [mailto:aprssig-bounces at tapr.org] On Behalf
> Of Dave Sloan
> Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 6:23 PM
> To: 'TAPR APRS Mailing List'
> Subject: [aprssig] GPS?
>
> A friend has the Kenwood TM-V71A and plans on getting the head to upgrade
> it
> for APRS use. His question is what GPS system he can get that will work. He
> does want a display so that he can use the GPS as a stand-a-lone GPS.
> Anyone
> have a list of usable GPS systems. I haven't bought a new GPS for several
> years and don't know what is on the market.
>
> TNX & 73,
> Dave N0EOP
> 31033
>
>
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