Sportrak Topographic
[Archived in $200 - $300, Accessories, Handheld GPS Units, Magellan, Outdoor GPS, Products, Vehicle GPS Units]
Manufacturer: Magellan
Price at amazon.com:
Used & new from $290.81List price $399.99
- 12-channel handheld GPS receiver with topographical map database; WAAS-enabled for 3-meter accuracy
- 16 MB memory for additional map storage
- Store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints and 2,000 track-points
- Save complicated tracks to easy-to-follow routes
- Constructed of rubber armored, impact-resistant plastic; waterproof
Product Description:
A powerful navigation tool, the Magellan Sportrak Topo offers a built-in 108 MB nationwide topographic map database. This 12-channel GPS receiver is also WAAS-enabled for 3-meter accuracy--even in difficult environments such as mountains or dense foliage. The Sportrak Topo also include a 16 MB memory for additional map and points of interest downloads from Magellan MapSend CD-ROMs. The pocket-sized, lightweight, rugged Sportrak Topo is a great choice for hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, freshwater fishermen, off-road enthusiasts and other outdoor adventurers. The 108 MB built-in topography database--derived from the U.S. Government Digital Elevation Model (DEM)--features contouring and elevation, as well as highways, major roads, waterways and coastlines. The SporTrak Topo uses WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) to provide excellent GPS accuracy and reliability, tracking up to 12 satellites to locate your position to within 3 meters, Nine customizable graphic navigation screens include a map, compass and speedometer with text readouts of heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. Choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums including Latitude/Longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator, and Military Grid Reference System. Other features include: Store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints and 2,000 track-points. The Save Track-to-Route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. Save hundreds of routes by transferring them to a PC using optional Magellan MapSend software. NorthFinder technology shows the direction even when standing still. Large, high-contrast, backlit display. Monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status. Rubber armored, impact resistant plastic. Waterproof (IEC-529 IPX7 specifications) and floatable. Language support for English, French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch. What is WAAS? GPS receivers have an accuracy of about 15 meters, but you can get to as close as 3 meters with a WAAS-enabled receiver. WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, which is a network of satellites and ground stations (in North America) that were designed to improve the accuracy and ensure the integrity of information coming from GPS satellites. Originally implemented by the FAA for aviation use, WAAS is particularly useful for serious outdoors enthusiasts as well as for precise in-city navigation. Power and Size It is powered by 2 AA batteries (included) that provide up to 14 hours of continuous use. It measures 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches and weighs 6.1 ounces. What's In The Box This package contains the Magellan SporTrak Pro Topo GPS receiver, PC cable, user manual (English und French), MapSend Topo CD-ROM, and 2 AA batteries.
Description from Manufacturer:A powerful navigation tool, the Magellan Sportrak Topo offers a built-in 108 MB nationwide topographic map database. This 12-channel GPS receiver is also WAAS-enabled for 3-meter accuracy--even in difficult environments such as mountains or dense foliage. The Sportrak Topo also include a 16 MB memory for additional map and points of interest downloads from Magellan MapSend CD-ROMs.The pocket-sized, lightweight, rugged Sportrak Topo is a great choice for hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, freshwater fishermen, off-road enthusiasts and other outdoor adventurers. The 108 MB built-in topography database--derived from the U.S. Government Digital Elevation Model (DEM)--features contouring and elevation, as well as highways, major roads, waterways and coastlines. The SporTrak Topo uses WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) to provide excellent GPS accuracy and reliability, tracking up to 12 satellites to locate your position to within 3 meters,
Nine customizable graphic navigation screens include a map, compass and speedometer with text readouts of heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. Choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums including Latitude/Longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator, and Military Grid Reference System.
Other features include:
- Store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints and 2,000 track-points.
- The Save Track-to-Route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. Save hundreds of routes by transferring them to a PC using optional Magellan MapSend software.
- NorthFinder technology shows the direction even when standing still.
- Large, high-contrast, backlit display.
- Monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status.
- Rubber armored, impact resistant plastic.
- Waterproof (IEC-529 IPX7 specifications) and floatable.
- Language support for English, French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch.
What is WAAS?
GPS receivers have an accuracy of about 15 meters, but you can get to as close as 3 meters with a WAAS-enabled receiver. WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, which is a network of satellites and ground stations (in North America) that were designed to improve the accuracy and ensure the integrity of information coming from GPS satellites. Originally implemented by the FAA for aviation use, WAAS is particularly useful for serious outdoors enthusiasts as well as for precise in-city navigation.
Power and Size
It is powered by 2 AA batteries (included) that provide up to 14 hours of continuous use. It measures 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches and weighs 6.1 ounces.
What's In The Box
This package contains the Magellan SporTrak Pro Topo GPS receiver, PC cable, user manual (English und French), MapSend Topo CD-ROM, and 2 AA batteries.Average Customer Rating: 
Comment: Good Reception, ok features Rating:
I use my unit to log traces of my hikes and runs; so good, continuous reception is my most important criterion for judging this unit.
I originally bought a Garmin eTrek GPS unit, but I had to return it. Reception was fine when properly oriented, but the small size and antenna design caused it to lose the satellite signal even under clear skies while I carried it in my hand. I could get good reception only if the unit was held horizontally. This makes it worthless for logging runs and hikes.
The user interface on this Magellan is OK: it's easy to use on the run and somewhat customizable. It's also not too hard to learn to use. But some simple data isn't displayed, like time elapsed since start of trip, or average pace (though average speed is available.)
Map quality is good, and the CD to download detailed maps is included, unlike the Garmin. Also, topographical data of most of the US is preloaded. But this I've been disappointed with, since it seems far less accurate than the USGS maps available in electronic form from National Geographic. Often, a steep uphill appears on the Garmin map as a downhill, while the data loaded into the USGS maps shows the altitude change correctly.
But again, this is all secondary to the good quality reception of the unit in different orientations. Since this is good, it gives good traces of my runs and hikes, and so I'm happy with it.
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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