Foretrex Garmin

[Drowned Rat]

Hi everyone. Has anybody got their hands on one of these new Foretrex GPS units. I'm trying to find out what kind of software is compatible with them. Can you use the Garmin Mapsource CD's? Also, how do you like the unit. It looks perfect for backwoods camping and hiking. Thanks for your input.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Foretrex Garmin

Nope, DR, I don’t know anything about it. However, the Foretrek 201 got a brief once-over in last month’s Powerboat Reports as it relates to marine use. In a nutshell, it’s about half the weight and twice the price of an eTrex. The display is too small for just about any reasonable use and anything displayed with curves suffers from the evil ‘jaggies’ … but the resolution is higher than the eTrex. It has backlight for the screen but not the buttons so operation is by memory and braille in the dark. It’s waas capable, the eTrex isn’t. You’re stuck with internal batteries so you need to be near a power source for recharging when the time comes because you can’t change batteries and there is no option of an alternate (external) power source. It has rs232 interface without the need to buy an additional adapter (about time, Garmin!) but it doesn’t have any nema interface (eTrex does)…but who cares? With its dinky display it’s not like you would want to take a Foretrex on a boat anyways, tho it is waterproof. It has 20 route capability, eTrex has only 1 route, and it rates slightly higher than the eTrex for ergonomics. Ironically, it appears better suited for use on terra firma, but the software seems more in line with marine use. There is no altimeter function but there is a stopwatch built in.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Foretrex Garmin

Hi Rabbit. Foretrex, Foretrek. I wonder if we're talking about the same model. I like the weight and size of it for hiking and running, but I was also concerned about the screen size. The eTrex is hard enough to read as it is and it's screen is quite a bit bigger. I did find out that the only difference between the 101 and the 201 is the 101 uses AAA batts and the 201 uses a rechargable battery. What is the rs232 interface? I'm unfamiliar with that. Thanks for your help.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Foretrex Garmin

RS232 is how the unit interfaces with a computer. Like I said, I dunno anything about the units except what was written in Powerboat Reports. The unit they reviewed is horizontal with a wrist strap. Overall, they prefered the ForTrex over the higher priced Geko with the same screen. No mention of a ForTrex 101.