10 dollar GPS reciever for your PC - kinda.

[k6uk]

So, as you know I've been shopping for a GPS.
Anyway... I'm thinking of buying the 276c but will also buy City Navigator for autorouting etc. I can get it for around 119.00

Anyway... I noticed that the GPS 18 now comes with the City Navigator DVD (Not City Select), and I find it online for 129.00 - Garmin's license allows you to use the software on two units... so it seems like a good deal all around. 10 bucks for a backup GPS!!

As you can see it's available in both a USB version and a Serial version (called PC by Garmin) - An important note: The USB version only talks in Garmin Proprietary language - while the PC version talks in NEMA Format.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gps18/

-Mike

 

[Scott Brady]

Nice find Mike. I have found that most GIS software can communicate with the Garmin format.

 

[k6uk]

I have found that most GIS software can communicate with the Garmin format.

That's good to know! BTW - If you wanted to use this unit for APRS - by plugging it into a TNC then you would definately need the PC Version.

Also, I notice that City Navigator goes for around $100 on Ebay - so that's another way to recoup some money - making it a 29 dollar GPS.

 

[asteffes]

I believe my Kenwood TM-D700 will talk Garminese, but Garmin definitely isn't the most open platform.

 

[rgsiii]

I have the USB version of this GPS and it seems to work well. Mine was purchased on Ebay for about $110+S/H. I am using it with a Mac Mini and Oziexplorer.

 

[k6uk]

I thought I would report back on my experience.
I just bought the GPS 18 and a 276c and yes the software that came with the GPS 18 allows you to unlock a second GPS. So both of them are up and running.

It should be noted that the GPS 18 shipps with City Select, but you can go to the Garmin site and they will send you the City Navigator DVD - since City Select has been discontinued.

It should also be noted that the software DVD is specific to the GPS 18 in one respect and that is that the first unit you register has to be the GPS 18. You could not for example buy one GPS 18 and two 276c's and use the software only on the 276c's.

-Mike