GPS for a beginner

Hello everyone, first time poster long time reader

I'm looking at getting into some fossicking soon going to get my hands on a Minelab Eureka Gold detector and hitting up some of the goldfields in NSW.

I need to get some navigation tools. My thoughts are that I will need 2 gps. 1 for road/vehicle navigation (to get me to the roads closest to the goldfields) and the 2nd so I can navigate myself on foot through the bush to and from my car - thinking of getting a Magellan 110.
Is that standard for people? I'm not sure how useful a handheld GPS i.e. a Magellan 110 is when you're driving?

Hi Redaxe, welcome to the forum. Members of the forum will have many views on navigation. Some members have a handheld GPS only and one of the primary reasons to have them maybe not so much navigation to an area rather being able to mark a spot they find in the bush and to be able to ensure they can find their way back to a vehicle after a long walk in thick scrub. Many people seeking in vehicle navigation run Oziexplorer software which can use a myriad of maps some free, some purchased. I run oziexplorer on a cheap $100 7 inch GPS navigator unit off ebay.

Personally I would not use a handheld GPS for in car navigation when a 7 inch screen allows you to see where you are while you are driving. However if you do not want to spend dollars at the start, a single unit that is capable of keeping you safe when walking and can be used for car navigation the Magellan maybe OK...or maybe a slightly better model would be the go for when you start using navigation more in the future.(I do not know the capabilities of the M explorist 110 so hopefully others will post and offer advice. I think you are limited to supplied maps and cannot load better maps?).

If you decide to get a handheld you could then consider getting a bigger screen system using oziexplorer software in your vehicle after you get competent with the handheld unit.

The best use of a few nights would be to read through the threads in the GPS section of the forum to get some background on what is possible. As an aside, I run oziexplorer and other navigation software on my android phone using the GPS built into it and using the satellite signals for navigation. (you can get the satellite GPS signals even when you have no phone coverage ). I switch my network connections off.

One thing is for certain, if you plan to walk through thick bush on longer detecting stints you need to be safe and have a handheld GPS or at least a very reliable robust/waterproof/shockproof phone with reliable route mapping software and reliable/backup battery life.(ie DEFY or other waterproof models with long battery life).

If you do go for oziexplorer software or similar for navigation you will need to spend time learning how to set it up and use it. You will need to get some good maps on it and may need to spend some money getting them.

cheers Tributer

For a basic handheld an Etrex 10 or older Etrex H are great & around $85-100 NEW

I use a Garmin 450t which has topo maps in it and is a touch screen which is very easy to use. As well have a Ram windscreen holder. Although a small screen it will do the job if you are on a budget.

The earlier suggestion to spend a few hours going through posts is a good one.

There is a lot of information out there.

Cheers and welcome to the forum.

I have always used my Etrex. On my second one now as the first one started to shut down on me but I had it for years and it was excellent for what I wanted. MARTY

Thanks guys - I have been troweling through a lot of posts - I find sometimes there are too many different opinions haha