Lowrance GPS?

[ccarley]

Hey all,

Had a crazy idea the other day to get a nice GPS installed in my Suburban. Man this thing will be outfitted... CB, 2M, Lowrance GPS too?

Anyway, enough daydreaming. I've seen some of these Chartplotter 3500c units for affordable prices on ebay. I've done some googling, not much, but it looks like that's a unit that will work well. I'm not looking for turn by turn directions, I'm looking to plot courses and not get lost. Or if I am, it can tell me where I am and I can radio for help. Doubtful that will happen, but I want to be prepared.

Anyone have experience with one of these units? I know there may be a different model better suited for my purpose, but for under $200 I think it would work fine.

Any photos of a Lowrance installed? I'd love to see them.

Thanks,
Clay

 

[AV8TER]

You may look into mapping for it. I have installed a few of these in boats and don't know if you can get maps that are worth a darn as far as roads and terrain go. Other than that they seem to be an ok unit. And if you used a transducer you would know how deep the water hole is and if there is any dinner in it.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Post up what you end up with. My lawrance baja is no longer supported with map updates or accessory parts.

 

[herkdriver007]

We use a version of this for work...
http://www.falconview.org/trac/FalconView

Coupled with a gps it's pretty sweet

 

[ccarley]

Hmmm... I guess there are reasons why they are inexpensive now!

I'll admit, a "map" isn't necessary but having terrain would be pretty sweet. That Falcon View software looks kind of cool, I'm just not sure if I want to have a laptop onboard (and I'm not exactly a tablet guy).

I'll do some more research and let you guys know.

Clay

 

[ccarley]

In my searching, I came across this:
http://www.expertgps.com/gps-receivers/Lowrance-GlobalMap-3500C.asp

And, some references to the fact that the 3500c is the same as the Baja unit, without being "ruggedized". Which again, found a reference that said that was just a piece of styrofoam inside.

More research!

Clay

 

[mlaux]

You might want to look into an Android tablet and a RAM mount. Back Country Navigator has worked well for me and it's free to try $10 to buy.

 

[ccarley]

How well do the Android tablets hold up to heat? I've had an Android phone state that it overheated sitting on my front seat It began to show failure symptoms a few months later.

Found some more Lowrance info here:
http://d44tech.com/Lowrance_Tech.html

 

[mlaux]

I think if you leave it baking in the front seat it will be toast. I have mine mounted above the rear view mirror so it's out of the sun. I just put it in the truck when we are going out. I know it will survive 100 degree days no problem.

 

[Mastiff]

Yup, I see no reason not to use a tablet. It's cheaper and the apps are always getting better. The frustrating thing is always how much memory it takes for maps. I want Google Earth style satellite imagery and I can fit maybe 25% of Arizona on my tablet. Having to plan ahead is no fun.

 

[Chief Brody]