GPS Equipment:

We have a great relationship with both Magellan and Garmin companies. They send us product to study, use, and abuse, so we can offer our clients the cream of the crop products while suggesting what is right for you and help avoid the lemon or GPS that just doesn't make sense for your purpose. There used to be many GPS's on the market offering contradictory things, but today most GPS's have the same basic features such as a minimum number of waypoints, routes and tracks the unit holds. There are a few extra features like an electronic compass, altimeter, 2-way radio, LED flashlight or a camera, but first you need to know what other components to consider before selecting the added features for a final decision. Click on our extremely Detailed Magellan/Garmin Comparison Chart (more detailed than the manufacturer's comparisons and jointly together). Use the Comparison Chart information along with the information below to aid in purchasing the right GPS for you. We recommend and offer the GPS's that work well for off-road, dualsport, adventure riding, 4-wheels, and other on the fly outdoor activities at a discount right here under Products> GPS Units & Mounts. If for any reason, you are interested in a GPS not seen on our comparison chart or in the info below, email us for advice. We are happy to help.

GPS Purchasing Check List:

Here are a few check list items to consider when purchasing a GPS Unit right for you:

Display: The bigger the screen, the more pixels offered, and the better the contrast, the easier it is to 'navigate' safely. There are some awesome GPS's on the market with small screen sizes that just don't pay off when navigating on the fly! Magellan is currently winning on screen sizes and beware of the Garmin Etrex series GPS; it has the smallest screen size as well as some other hazardous features for those navigating at speed.

GPS FACE: The face of the GPS is where you want the buttons! They are easier to access, use accurately, and still be able to navigate safely. Having buttons on the side makes it tricky and typically frustrating causing you to have to stop in order to operate the GPS.

Color: Color is a novelty item. It's cool looking, but if you don't want to pay for it, this shouldn't make you cry. When color first became available, there were contrast issues in bright sunlight making it hard to see and navigate. The old black & white units have great contrast and are best in glare and direct bright sunlight. With today's newer units, you don't get a choice; they are all color. I wish the color units had a black & white option for bright days, but they don't. So, if you are looking for less expensive unit, black & white is your bonus. For the rest, there will be a little suffering in bright light (the display color 'Ruby' (Garmin) is best in high sunlight).

Data Cable or Computer Interface (allows you to connect the GPS to a computer): Some newer computers don't offer 9-pin serial ports anymore, so make sure you check your computer to make sure it is compatible with the GPS data cable that comes with the GPS you are considering. If you do not have a 9pin serial port and want a GPS that only offers this purchase a 9-Pin to USB Conversion Cable.

Routes/Waypoints/Tracks: You want a GPS that holds at least 500 waypoints and 20 routes. As for Tracklogs, you will want to be able to save at least 1. If the unit accepts an SD card you can save insurmountable tracklogs, but it does not allow for saving more routes & waypoints. Why would you consider a GPS that saves more tracklogs? Tracklogs are a very easy way to navigate. In GPS history, we were unable to save multiple tracklogs, so the GPS guidebooks were designed with routes (otherwise you wouldn't have been able to navigate multiple trails in a single trip). Future guidebooks will be offered with tracklogs and routes.

Battery: AA's, L-ion, or NiMH? AA's are easy to find in Baja if needed; if you choose a GPS taking AA's, consider using E2 Lithium AA batteries, which last much longer than regular batteries. L-ion & NiMH are rechargeable, so you will need to carry the charger. Check to see what type battery comes with your camera & other electronics; it is nice when they are compatible, but this should not detour your GPS choice. An alternative suggestion to batteries is to hardwire your GPS to your vehicle. This alleviates several issues such as carrying extra batteries, a charger, and the 'Giggle Effect'.

Internal maps: Some handheld GPS's offer internal base-maps; typically city maps of the US. If you plan to use a GPS for the area offered in a basemap, great, if not, you can select one without an internal map. Maps purchased can be loaded to the GPS as long as you have enough internal memory to support the map you bought or if it allows for SD cards; segments can be uploaded to the internal memory from a software program or an SD card (more about this below). You cannot upload internal maps (maps that come with your GPS) to software or an SD card. You can only use this map within the GPS. Maps can be purchased only if made by the manufacturer or see: "Baja Navigator Map for Garmin" - a detailed Baja map that can be uploaded to your Garmin GPS. Development of a Baja map for Magellan GPS are in progress, but not currently available.

Memory: Unless you do not plan to use maps other than what comes with your GPS, you need no internal memory. Memory can work in conjunction with an SD card. Some GPS's come without memory, but offer an SD card. In this case, Garmin Models with an "X" (like Cx/CSx/HCx/etc.) are capable of downloading tracklogs to the SD card (it will not accept route and waypoint storage). If you are using maps from an SD card, for instance, you CANNOT also store information to the SD card. SD cards can only do one thing at a time, so you cannot multi-task. In this case, you would want some internal memory so you could upload the section of the map you will be using and then use a blank SD card for storage. All devices with 24MB of internal memory will work fine with the Topo 2008 maps, but not so well with the City Navigator maps. If you are looking to put Multiple maps (topo and street for example) on a GPS or large portions (more than a state or two) of either one of those maps then a GPS with internal and external memory (SD card) will best suit you.

SD Cards: SD cards are tiny data cards typically found behind or along side the battery compartment that is used a couple of ways. GPS manufacturers offer maps on SD cards so that you can use different maps than come with your GPS (the internal map). Blank SD cards can also be placed in the GPS to store more tracklogs. You can use any brand SD card like Scandisk (popular) or other type SD card up to 2Gb in Magellan and other than the Garmin Colorado Series, Garmin units accept up to 4Gb. You can only 'store' tracklogs on the SD card that you plotted using your GPS. In other words, you cannot upload GPS information from the SD card and then view them on a map to follow (storage only). Also, as stated above in 'Memory', you can only use the SD card for one purpose at a time (extra storage or a map). It doesn't make any sense really; they just have not gotten that far. For Garmin, any GPS that has an 'X' in the model allows for an SD card. For the Garmin 76 and 60 series the card must be a non-high capacity card.

Pre-Programmed Maps on SD Cards Vs. DVD version Maps:

With Pre-programmed Data Cards, Maps come Pre-Loaded on the Data Card, there are NO unlock codes, you can use the Data Card with multiple devices, you are NOT able to view the detail on a computer PC, and you are NOT able to update the maps when a newer version is released ? you have to purchase another Data Card; however, detail is the exact same as on the DVD.

With DVD version maps, maps come on a DVD, which you will install on your computer, you need to unlock the maps to your device (In the case of City Navigator), you can ONLY use the maps with one GPS to which it is unlocked (City Navigator), you are able to view the map detail on your computer ? you can create routes, draw tracks, and store waypoints, then send this information back to the GPS, you need to purchase a blank data card, to which you will transfer the map detail, and map updates are available each year free. Detail is the exact same as on the Pre-programmed data card.

If you are not interested in marking waypoints, creating routes, or tracks on your computer nor wish to view this map on your computer and just want to use it with your GPS, purchase the pre-programmed maps on the data card.

If you want to be able to view map information on the computer, plan routes, work with waypoints, and draw tracks on the computer and transfer information to the GPS as well as the map, then purchase the DVD and a blank data card.

OR purchase the Baja Navigator Map for upload to Garmin GPS. This is a privately made map uploadable to your Garmin that can be referenced on the fly straight from your GPS. This version comes on a CD (suggested), so you will always have a backup copy.

SD Card Corruption: You may experience an SD card corruption (when you can?t load more maps, but are not using all the memory on the card). To fix this issue and continue using the same SD Card, format the blank SD card from your GPS (formatting the drive solves the problem of corruption). Also, most people do not know this, but you can master reset or reboot your GPS by hitting: Page/enter/power (push all at the same time), which will reset all defaults. This is not recommended unless you are having issues with your GPS.

Electronic Compass: If you plan to use your GPS to mark waypoints in the field and construct routes or follow the Baja GPS Guidebook routes, a very nice asset is an electronic compass. Each time you stop, the compass will continue pointing in the correct direction, whereas without an electronic version, the GPS compass gets lazy, pointing off into another direction once your motion has stopped and the satellite has a difficult time tracking you. This is a great asset, but not a necessity if you are trying to purchase in-expensively.

Altimeter/Thermometer: Knowing your altitude and temperature is purely an optional item seldom missed if you don't have it and pretty cool if you do, so the choice is up to you. It's an 'extra'.

High Sensitivity Receiver:

I have not had any frustration with the last era of non-high sensitivity receivers; however, the new 'high' sensitivity receiver has a noticeable difference. In the car or in a plane, where there are windows, you no longer have to make sure the receiver is in clear view of the sky. In homes or buildings there is also a noticeable difference where you can actually log on inside and use the GPS. Still, inside some buildings with no windows at least nearby, it will loose reception.

Click here to see a Detailed Garmin/Magellan GPS Comparison Chart

Click here to see GPS Reviews

Click here to get instructions on how to UpDate your current GPS (ea. 6 months)

SOFTWARE:

Fugawi. Fugawi allows you to scan detailed topographical maps (like Baja topo's that are not available digitally) and place the guidebook or your own personal information on it. You can create routes by clicking on roads, washes or canyons you wish to explore and create routes for uploading to your GPS. Fugawi allows you to store, transfer, edit, and manipulate data on maps or with your GPS. This software is used on your home computer, and then interfaces the GPS. This is the software we have used for collecting and formatting all the routes offered in the "Baja GPS Guidebook Volume 1" and all three Baja GPS Events. For GPS routing and mapping software, We highly recommend FUGAWI SOFTWARE.

Baja Guides:

Baja GPS Guidebooks. Volume 1 (58 routes) & Volume 2 offer amazing and easy to follow GPS routes in Baja, Mexico! Lizard Lady Publications, Inc. published this off-road guide in Dec. 2002 offering dirt bikes, ATV's, and 4-wheels safe and accurate destinations navigated by the GPS. It includes course description charts, point-to-point mileages, waypoints/routes, maps, route ratings, total mileages, gas locations, special tips, and warnings just in the route sections. The rest of the guidebook gives recommendations on how to travel Baja as an off-roader and how to avoid troubles, history, common questions are answered, and there are recommendations on motels, restaurants, and where to get the coldest Negra Modelo at the days end. Everything an off-roader in Baja needs to know is in the "Baja GPS Guidebooks" and we always have stock.