Again, GPS advice...

Does anyone here see something I'm missing?

Not really.

Is the Lowrance the way to
go?

Well, the Airmap 600c is also interesting, IMHO. The 2000c is bigger,
with a larger screen at the same resolution. If size is no problem, the
2000c is it.

And the EKP?

Largest display of them all. Very large. Huge. If you're into that, it's
the one to go for. There's also a smaller unit from AvMap called
GeoPilot Plus - is that offered in the US? If so, it can be made into a
turn-by-turn street navigator for a fairly low price. No battery in that
unit, though.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

wrote:
So my Garmin Pilot III is complaining to me that the internal battery
has stopped functioning (hats off to it) and it's time to look for
another portable.

A bit of Googling shows http://forums.gpscity.com/showthread.php?p=11088 .
Digi-Key currently lists three variations on that battery; all of them
sell for less than $2 in quantity 1. Unfortunately Digi-Key has a $5
surcharge on orders under $25, plus you'll pay a few bucks shipping -
maybe $12 total. Mouser only has one variety, also for just under $2,
but they don't have the surcharge on small orders - maybe $7 total.
Radio Shack does not have this battery. A local electronics distributor
_might_ have this battery.

If you're not sure which end of a soldering iron to hold, you might
inquire at local TV/VCR repair shops to see if they would be willing to
swap the battery for you.

The link above also mentions having Garmin change the battery; have you
checked with Garmin to see if they will still service this model?

I also realize that you may have some money burning a hole in your
pocket. If you buy a new GPS, then fix the old one, you've got
a second one for the copilot's yoke, or for in the car, or whatever.
Or, if you can fix the Pilot III successfully, you've got some time to
compare new models and maybe wait for a deal.

Matt Roberds

Oh, no fear there! Solder splatter and my jeans are familiar with each
other. I've just decided to declare the device as end of life. If I'd
been completely candid, I'd have also mentioned the fact that the
newest DB I can find for this device is almost 4 years old. I think a
refresh is in order.

So if I get a new one, the old device will probably wind up becoming
useful in some other way and will definitely represent zero loss
should I foul up the battery replacement...but that only becomes
possible if I've another on hand to fly with. Rather than buy myself
back into the Garmin trap with the same built in calendar trap, I
figured it's time to reshop the entire proposal. That seems to be my
basic reaction when I'm not satisfied with the results I got out of
the first foray.

Thanks for the excellent suggestion!

Greg

On Feb 6, 5:07 am, wrote:
wrote:
So my Garmin Pilot III is complaining to me that the internal battery
I also realize that you may have some money burning a hole in your
pocket. If you buy a new GPS, then fix the old one, you've got
a second one for the copilot's yoke, or for in the car, or whatever.
Or, if you can fix the Pilot III successfully, you've got some time to
compare new models and maybe wait for a deal.

Matt Roberds

In a previous article, said:
even more surprised to see just how pricey all the Garmin offerings
seem to be anymore!

With all the hoopla about the 396 and the 496, the price of used 296s is
pretty good. And the 296 with the car kit makes a great dual-purpose GPS
- fly to the destination, pull it out and slap it in the rental car, and
away you go.


--
Paul Tomblin http://blog.xcski.com/
Never meddle in the affairs of NT. It is slow to boot and quick to crash.
-- Stephen Harris

Yes, it most certianly is!

Dave

On 5 Feb 2007 18:47:18 -0800, wrote:



Is the Lowrance the way to
go?





Greg Chapman
http://www.mousetrax.com

I really like my Lowrance 2000c. Came with all the fixin's also, so no need to buy any other mounts for it. The battery
life is poor, but that is the only limitation I have discovered. Contrary to the other post, I have no problem
programming it either on the ground or enroute...


wrote in message oups.com...
: So my Garmin Pilot III is complaining to me that the internal battery
: has stopped functioning (hats off to it) and it's time to look for
: another portable.
:
: Man was I surprised to see that there is essentially nothing
: comparable to the Pilot III in its price range anymore! Was I ever
: even more surprised to see just how pricey all the Garmin offerings
: seem to be anymore!
:
: The search, then, is on. Garmin appears to be off my list unless
: someone can give me a compelling reason to change my mind. XM weather
: is of almost zero interest to me (another subscription service is not
: something I want or need). I do have a need to plot a flight plan
: directly into the device from its own control panel. So far, it looks
: like I can get a better GPS by looking at the EKP IV or the Lowrance
: 2000c. And on a price comparison alone, the Lowrance is the decided
: winner.
:
: Does anyone here see something I'm missing? Is the Lowrance the way to
: go? Does Garmin really deliver something unique to justify their
: pricing? And the EKP?
:
: Thanks in advance!
:
: Greg Chapman
: http://www.mousetrax.com
:

Greg:

I, too, have the Garmin III Pilot and find it incredibly cost-effective.
If it does everything you need, why not just have the battery replaced.
Unfortunately, Garmin has a flat rate for repairs on this unit (mine went
back over the summer) of $150, IIRC. Another option is to find a
working one on eBay or Craigs List (local advantage!)