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Sammyd173

GPS Junior Starter Kit Please

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Greetings, first post!

I picked up my first dual sport off Craigslist the other day - 2002 XR650l. All stock, 6,000 miles.

So look - reading about GPS is like drinking out of a fire hose. Too much info for my small brain to handle. This is what I need, can someone give a suggestion?

I need a GPS unit that I can download tracks on, and then go ride locally around San Diego/ Ramona and not spend my time on the side of a trail trying to figure out where the hell I am. Used/ older is fine.

That's it. Happy to buy something second hand that will fit on my Pro Tapers. Perhaps you are looking to upgrade and would like to sell me yours? I want to stay below $200, I've already dropped $800 on fixes and gear on my 'bargain' XR650l and funds are severely depleted. Cheers!

About me - I live in Poway. 42, used to ride moto 'till last year then took up Trials.

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I've been really happy with my eTrex 20. It's under $200, handles downloaded maps/tracks/routes well, and is very rugged. Pros and cons are both related to its size; it doesn't take up much real estate on the bars but the screen is also fairly small.

Etrex 20: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Worldwide-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00542NVDW

Ram Cradle: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Cradle-Holder-Garmin-eTrex/dp/B005FRY11W/

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I have had a GPS for a year now and still don't know what maps to download. I need to spend some time and poke around the site in the GPS section for the best maps. Topo, base camp.... Don't know enough to even ask the right questions. GARMIN 78sc, gift from wifey.

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I have same maps work great now i just need to learn how to use gps better

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Got the Garmin today. This thing has zero map information for San Diego. Do I need to download some Garmin map as well as the one recommended in this thread for trails?

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An easy way to get way more map than you need is to get the Garmin 24k topo US DVD that includes California, they're really detailed, routable, and cover anywhere in California you're planning on going. If you time it right with an online coupon you can pick it up for about $80. This will give you a basemap to download into the GPS so that overlays have something to go on. Hope this helps.

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Got the Garmin today. This thing has zero map information for San Diego. Do I need to download some Garmin map as well as the one recommended in this thread for trails?

First things first. Down load Garmin's base camp software (free) to your computer...see link below

http://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp

Once you have that installed on your computer, open the program. Then plug your garmin into your computer via USB/mini USB cable. Click on "Device" in the upper left hand area of the menu bar. Click update device.

Once you have the unit updated, check your gps again for map info. You should have basic map detail, which includes streets but not off-road trails. You can download additional maps from Garmin, or 3rd party maps like 24k topo, from other sites, to overlay the basic map.

Now, open a new folder on your computer and name it "GPS tracks" or something like that. Now go out and find some gpx tracks. People here will email you some if you ask for certain areas. Or you can download them from other sites like ADVRider, Dualsportmaps, ridesocial...etc. Save those gpx files into the new folder you created. Once you have some gpx files, import them into Base Camp. Then plug your GPS into your computer again and then save them on your unit.

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