NAVTRONICS

NOTES ON SOME HANDHELD G.P.S. UNITS

(Note that all prices given are UK Recommended Retail Prices excluding V.A.T.)

MLR SP24

Superseded the SP12X and continued a long line of high performance units.
To quote from "Yachting Monthly"- August 2001 :-
"It's initial screen gives clear, large numerics displaying position, COG and SOG. Waypoint entry is straightforward and there are three available screens - data, compass or road - to choose to help get there. The rolling road was easy to steer to. At night it was one of the best units as the keys are illuminated as well as the screen.
The SP24 clinched the day because of its superior backlighting and clear easy-to-read numerals.
It has a useful on-screen help menu and a 32 hour battery life."

GARMIN GPS 12

(UK RRP = £140) The GARMIN GPS 12 Personal Navigator: an affordable 12 parallel channel handheld for outdoor adventurers who want a basic, hard-working 12-channel GPS, but who don't want to spend a bundle. Based on the popular GPS 12XL, the GPS 12 offers outdoor enthusiasts an entry-level way to gain the power and performance of a 12-channel receiver with fast satellite acquisition in the toughest conditions ; - even in heavy tree cover.

The GPS 12's rugged, waterproof case features military-tough construction, and its rocker keypad design provides true one-hand operation that keeps you on the move ; - day or night, rain or shine. It also features 500 available waypoints and 1024 track log points, nine proximity waypoints to mark and steer clear of dangerous areas, and GARMIN's innovative TracBack function ; - a feature that turns your track log into an instant breadcrumb trail and allows you to reverse your route in order to quickly navigate back home. As an added bonus, the GPS 12 also boasts a position averaging feature which diminishes the effects of Selective Availability (SA) upon position error and displays a value that reflects the estimated accuracy of the averaged position.

Include a host of advanced navigation features like enhanced moving map graphics, average and maximum speed data, and trip timers, and you have all the things that make the GPS 12 a purebred GARMIN ; - innovation, performance, and value.

See also GPS12XL

MAGELLAN GPS315

Replaced the Magellan GPS300.
More expensive than it's predecessor but we found it difficult to tell the difference !

MLR VALSAT SP12X

Always at the leading edge of GPS technology, MLR now present the SP12X handheld GPS. Simple to use, the intuitive software of SP12X has 3 levels of user operation incorporating the Internal Guide, a tutorial and help function. Advanced performance from the SP12X using 12 satellite tracking with parallel technology. Guaranteed memory retention does not require lithium battery to retain stored data. Flash-Rom Memory stores your navigation data for up to 100 years.
With all these features, the SP12X is ideally suited for all outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, 4x4 vehicles, microlights, hang-gliding, skiing, etc.
Other major benefits include:- New high contrast FSTN screen with large characters, Back-lit keypad and screen for easy use day and night, High speed application receiver (up to 2000 kph), No altitude limit, Ergonomic, Light, Weatherproof, Differential ready, External antenna option available, Direct access to MOB function for increased safety.
Developed from a line of technically superb receivers, this unit now comes close to competing with the cheapest for price as well.
UK RRP now £142.00 plus.

MAGELLAN 2000XL

A useful normally reliable handheld GPS unit retailing in UK at £145 plus VAT, but it cannot compete with Valsat for speed of performance.

MAGELLAN GPS300

Originally called the Magellan "Pioneer" this unit had to be re-named the GPS300 following a dispute with another well-known electronics company.
The first GPS to retail in the U.K. at less than £ 100 - and it does work !

MLR VALSAT SP

A high performance unit using eight genuine parallel receivers. At Navtronics we did some tests comparing the SP with various other units. It was always the fastest in arriving at an accurate position from a cold start.
Retail price was about £160 but now superseded by the SP12X.

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