Need opinions on Garmin Rino 530

[DES]

Anyone have any comments about the Rino 530, good or bad? I'm considering getting one for a Colorado hunt next year and want plenty of time to learn how to use it effectively. Any suggestions on what Topo software to load on it? Also I noticed that some of the channels require a FCC license, what's involved in getting one?  Thanks.

[Siskiyou]

A lot of people are looking at the Rino 530.  A full power handheld radio, married to a gps, and the ability to transmit and recieve locations with units of "like" technology.  A step up from the early Rino's if you can afford the price.  In the same package you are getting the great Garmin 60CS with a full power handheld radio.

I know some people in Law Enforcement who work rual areas who wish there LE radios had the same position tracking capability.  I suspect that one of these days we will see multi-channel radios for LE/Wildland Fire that will have the same ability.

If I had the funds it would be on my wish list.

The only software you will be able to load on to the Rino 530 are Garmin MapSource products.  I would recommend Garmin's United States Topo.  What is confusing are the half truths from other mapping software manufactures who claim their product is compatible with Garmin units.  The truth is that waypoints and tracks can be transferred from their product to a Garmin unit.  And you can us the Garmin unit to track a position when connected to a PC.  You can also download waypoints and tracks to other mapping software.  But you can only transfer Garmin maps to a Garmin gps.  You cannot load brand X maps on to a Garmin.  Well maybe you can if your a tecky hacker.

I suggest before your trip that you obtain up todate BLM or Forest Service maps for the area you are going to hunt.  These maps will show current road systems.  You can also download free topo maps from< http://www.TopoZone.com  >.  These maps maps will provide more detail then the United States Topo software.  For years I have setdown a drawn in updates on Topo maps.  Manufactures obtain their mapping data from the USGS.  Most topo map data has not been updated in the last twenty years.

Get the unit in a timely manner so that you can learn how to use it before your trip.  Happy hunting.

[msar24]

The Rino series of GPS are very good.  I have two of the 120 models and we use them for Search and Rescue in our county.  The 530 is quite a step up and has some great features.  If I didn't have the 120 and had the money for it I get one.

The license is needed for the GMRS channels and the form can be obtained from the FCC website at:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/

The cost is $80.  The GMRS channels will work with or without the license.  Garmin recently obtained permission to allow the locations to be transmitted over the GMRS channels which is a great improvement since the FRS channels have a much shorter range.

My only suggestions is to consider whether or not you will need the radio functions during your hunting trips.  If so the Rino's are a great marriage of radio and GPS and it's one less piece of equipment to carry.  If you do not need the radio then you can get a great GPS for less money with all or more of the GPS features of the Rino.

Make sure that you turn the volume off (down) when hunting.  Don't want to scare the critters away.  You can get headphones or headsets to prevent the sound from getting out as well.  The radio can also be turned off but you still need to turn down the volume so the sounds do not get out.

I agree that you should get one as soon as you can.  That way you will be familiar with all it can do.  We have people in our search and rescue unit that have to be taught over and over again on how to use them.

Let us know how you like it.