SatMap
Hi I'm new to the forum, but I have to tell people about the great deal I've just got on the SatMap Active 10 system. I have been considering a bike GPS for some time now, and I went into my local bike shop, The Bicycle Hub. Peter the owner and I discussed several systems, but finally decided on the SatMap. He then produced the deal of the century :shock: . Buy the unit and the whole of the UK map for £500 and he will throw in the Power pack, bike mount and extra screens for free. Plus whats better, SatMap use OS maps, which of course most folk in the UK know what they look like and how to use them. I can't wait to get out this weekend and use it. 
Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I had to tell somebody other than Mrs wife, she'll kill me.
Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I had to tell somebody other than Mrs wife, she'll kill me.
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Comments
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Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
a serious case of small cogs0 -
i take it you are aka "peter the owner"? welcome.0
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avoidingmyphd wrote:i take it you are aka "peter the owner"? welcome.
Actually no I'm not. I'm a head gardener with the National Trust at a property in the Midlands.0 -
toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.0 -
mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
No problem with a Mac and Garmin if you use 3rd party software. Marengo for route planning and LoadMyTracks for up/downloading. There's a whole host of freeware now that makes it easy to use your Mac for GPS stuff.
BTW, globalgizmos was the first site I looked at that does SatMap - there are sure to be others and maybe cheaper. I agree with you that it's useful to be able to try items out at the LBS, though.
I still think £500 is bloody steep for a GPS.
a serious case of small cogs0 -
I have been looking into one of these for a few weeks.I currently own a Garmen E-trex Vista(old type)and use memory map software.The satmap interests me as it uses OS maps and routes can be planned both on the unit and with memory map by converting the MM routes to GPX files.However i went to look at one in the flesh so to speak before purchasing on the internet and was immediately put off by the size of the thing.It's HUGE :shock: Its nearly double the size of the Garmin :shock: Its obviously has to be large to have a decent size screen for the OS mapping but i would be wary of using it on say Helvellyn in the Lakes as in a crash situation i think it would be very vunerable.
Having said that i haven't ruled it out as the mapping feature is 1st class.I would think of ways of mounting it on say my top tube as opposed to the bars though as it would still be easy to read whilst not being in a place where it would easily get smashed off.0 -
I've used viewranger with my nokia N95 mobile phone for over a year and have been really impressed with the fucntionality and reliability. OS Maps are available at 1:25 or 1:50 for UK and the rest of europe. I create routes before i set off and then stuff the phone in my pocket or rucksack whilst on the move. If i stray off route i get an audible alert at which point i'll check my bearings, otherwise i listen out for waypoint alerts telling me i'm on the right track.
the only problems i've had have been in very cold conditions (-5), the phone slows down and the batteries life diminishes. In deep forests, the GPS signal can fade on the move but usually picks up again when held aloft.0 -
Hi again.
For those worried about durability, the satmap is as vulnerable as any electronic gadget. However it is built for the outdoors. I use mine handle bar mounted, as I'm not quite so extreme as many but did try it mounted on the top tube. It was as easy to see and for those who like to go nuts of road, and who doesn't, it would be well out of the way of most of the crud, and grabbing branches which always nick my shades :x . The kit that came with my deal has the bike mount in it, this allows you to mount it in any direction on any piece of tubing. Its also rubber impregnated so grips well and is quite long, easily long enough for a top tube mount.
I recently tried it on a route of mixed terrain in -3 degrees going through some dense tree cover, it neither lost signal or slowed down due to the temperature, again this is probably because it is built for the outdoors. Also the Nokia phones are great for navigation, but if the battery craps out, you neither know where you are or can ring anybody to let them know you're late, stranded, injured or dead :shock:
I've only really just got it so I'll keep you updated when I've done some miles with it.0 -
I think i'm getting one but initially i'm just getting the 1:50,000 national parks card as my memory map is 1:50,000 and i don't need 1:25,000 for biking,but will eventually get the relevant parks in 1:25,000 for walking.0
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ibbo68 wrote:I think i'm getting one but initially i'm just getting the 1:50,000 national parks card as my memory map is 1:50,000 and i don't need 1:25,000 for biking,but will eventually get the relevant parks in 1:25,000 for walking.
To be honest the 1:50,000 are very good for walking, as you can zoom in on the unit. Obviously not down to 1:25,000 but you know the tricky bit of the path is always on the fold :roll: . Well with the SatMap it isn't and you can zoom in to have a look how tricky it is .
I hope you enjoy it. One tip is to do the update to the new software version straight away, it makes operating it very smooth, think PDA-ish!0 -
I'm going for a demo at the weekend,if i like and the (very well known)outdoor retailer is going to deal and sell it at around the internet price i'll buy it there and then.If not it'll be whizzing its way by royal mail for next week 8)mrpooks wrote:ibbo68 wrote:I think i'm getting one but initially i'm just getting the 1:50,000 national parks card as my memory map is 1:50,000 and i don't need 1:25,000 for biking,but will eventually get the relevant parks in 1:25,000 for walking.
To be honest the 1:50,000 are very good for walking, as you can zoom in on the unit. Obviously not down to 1:25,000 but you know the tricky bit of the path is always on the fold :roll: . Well with the SatMap it isn't and you can zoom in to have a look how tricky it is .
I hope you enjoy it. One tip is to do the update to the new software version straight away, it makes operating it very smooth, think PDA-ish!0 -
mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.
Actually the Garmin is more expensive!
If you compare OS mapping - Garmin's OS mapping is £114 per National Park (1:50000 and 1:25000 compared to £90 for SatMap, and you can get ALL the NAtional parks at 1:50000 for £39 - All quoted from Wiggle for comparison
The Garmin OS mapping is retricted to National Parks as well.
With the wider range of mapping, larger screen and joystick operation, the SatMap is almost identically priced with the Garmin OS compatible systems.<b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
(Unattributed Trad.)0 -
mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.
Actually the Garmin is more expensive!
If you compare OS mapping - Garmin's OS mapping is £114 per National Park (1:50000 and 1:25000 compared to £90 for SatMap, and you can get ALL the NAtional parks at 1:50000 for £39 - All quoted from Wiggle for comparison
The Garmin OS mapping is retricted to National Parks as well.
With the wider range of mapping, larger screen and joystick operation, the SatMap is almost identically priced with the Garmin OS compatible systems.<b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
(Unattributed Trad.)0 -
Cunobelin wrote:mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.
Actually the Garmin is more expensive!
If you compare OS mapping - Garmin's OS mapping is £114 per National Park (1:50000 and 1:25000 compared to £90 for SatMap, and you can get ALL the NAtional parks at 1:50000 for £39 - All quoted from Wiggle for comparison
The Garmin OS mapping is retricted to National Parks as well.
With the wider range of mapping, larger screen and joystick operation, the SatMap is almost identically priced with the Garmin OS compatible systems.
I wasn't talking about national parks mapping. I was talking about road mapping, which is what 95% of people need, I'd have thought. You can get memory cards with the whole of the UK for about £45 for the Garmin eTrex. In my experience they show every road, including lanes and single track, in the UK. SatMap is only needed if you plan on doing off-road stuff.
That being the case, I stand by my price comparison - around £200 for Garmin + UK mapping, £500 for SatMap + UK mapping.
a serious case of small cogs0 -
mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.
Actually the Garmin is more expensive!
If you compare OS mapping - Garmin's OS mapping is £114 per National Park (1:50000 and 1:25000 compared to £90 for SatMap, and you can get ALL the NAtional parks at 1:50000 for £39 - All quoted from Wiggle for comparison
The Garmin OS mapping is retricted to National Parks as well.
With the wider range of mapping, larger screen and joystick operation, the SatMap is almost identically priced with the Garmin OS compatible systems.<b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
(Unattributed Trad.)0 -
Repeating the same thing doesn't make it true
I presume you were quoting but pressed the wrong key.
a serious case of small cogs0 -
toontra wrote:Repeating the same thing doesn't make it true
I presume you were quoting but pressed the wrong key.
The site was not accepting the post and kept freezing out - still.... it doesn't make it any less true.<b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
(Unattributed Trad.)0 -
Why do 95% of people want road mapping?You get full UK road mapping preloaded with the Satmap anyway but road mapping is useless for mountainbiking,for that you need OS/Harveys etc.toontra wrote:Cunobelin wrote:mrpooks wrote:toontra wrote:Is that any cheaper than the various deals available online, for example http://www.globalgizmos.co.uk/product_detail.php?pid=1035
Either way, it's bloody expensive for a GPS, and that level of detail would only be necessary if you were doing a lot of stuff off-road.
My Garmin eTrex Vista HCx plus full UK mapping was £200 and I've navigated (and logged) trips all over the UK without any problems.
Nothing wrong with Garmin, But if you use a Mac there is. You need to have access to PC to upload routes etc.. With the SatMap no PC access is required you can do it all on the unit.
I put this comment on here because I thought most of the off road riders would get more benefit from it. Most don't ride with panniers to carry acres of OS maps. :roll:
Yes Globalgizmos is a whole £2 cheaper without P&P, but there really is nothing like supporting your local shops where advice is freely given and you can often try before you buy.
Actually the Garmin is more expensive!
If you compare OS mapping - Garmin's OS mapping is £114 per National Park (1:50000 and 1:25000 compared to £90 for SatMap, and you can get ALL the NAtional parks at 1:50000 for £39 - All quoted from Wiggle for comparison
The Garmin OS mapping is retricted to National Parks as well.
With the wider range of mapping, larger screen and joystick operation, the SatMap is almost identically priced with the Garmin OS compatible systems.
I wasn't talking about national parks mapping. I was talking about road mapping, which is what 95% of people need, I'd have thought. SatMap is only needed if you plan on doing off-road stuff.
If you want road mapping buy a tom-tom etc.No point having a Garmin etc which is designed for walking/climbing/the outdoors in general for road mapping!You can get a nav-man for about 1/2 the price thats specifically designed for the road.0 -
ibbo68 wrote:Why do 95% of people want road mapping?You get full UK road mapping preloaded with the Satmap anyway but road mapping is useless for mountainbiking,for that you need OS/Harveys etc.
If you want road mapping buy a tom-tom etc.No point having a Garmin etc which is designed for walking/climbing/the outdoors in general for road mapping!You can get a nav-man for about 1/2 the price thats specifically designed for the road.
1) Tom-Toms (and all other car-type GPS's) are useless for cycling (for many reasons). As this is a cycling forum I thought that would be obvious to most people.
2) I said right at the start of this thread that if you are doing off-road stuff then you'll need OS maps, therefore the SatMap is for you. However if you are sticking to roads and lanes you can save £300 by getting a Garmin eTrex.
What's so hard to understand?
a serious case of small cogs0
