[Wswss] [PNWVHFS] 2 Current Garmin Nuvi Models Have Grid Locator Info (re-re-prise!)

[Mike Lewis]

One model I have not seen mentioned much is the Garmin Zumo 450 and 550, and likely the newest, the 660.   When touching the screen for current location info or to save the location as a favorite, it displays elevation and 6 digit maidenhead grid square info.  Also when entering a destination to navigate to, 6 digit maidenhead format is default.

 

The Zumo is targeted at motorcycle riders, and comes with a motorcycle mount, and the 550 comes with a amplified speaker auto mount plus bluetooth, it is relatively expensive though, almost twice as much as discounted 450s were recently.  It switches car/motorcycle mode automatically when switching mounts.   I have the Zumo 450, which was announced discontinued in November 2008, and deep discounts can be found on old stock, I got mine for $320 in December.   

 

You can get car mounts for the 450 (and 550) as an accessory, but I installed a 6pin waterproof mini connector for the audio and power cables combined.  My truck and motorcycles are all wired with a mating connector with dust cap.  With the standard RAM mount it uses, it is only seconds to install or transfer the unit from one vehicle to the other.

 


Mike Lewis
K7MDL
Grid Locator CN87xt
Member of Pacific Northwest VHF Society #C96 (www.pnwvhfs.org)
Visit the K7MDL Amateur Radio Pages web site at http://mysite.verizon.net/michael_d_lewis/index.html
Elecraft K2 #2633
 



 


To: wswss at mailman.qth.net; vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu; PNWVHFS at googlegroups.com
Subject: [PNWVHFS] 2 Current Garmin Nuvi Models Have Grid Locator Info (re-re-prise!)
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:48 -0400
From: n6ze at aol.com

Both the Garmin Nuvi 500 and Nuvi 550 currently are the only Garmin Nuvi GPSs which read out 6 digit Grid Locators. I recently got a Garmin Nuvi 500 which has topo maps included also. The Nuvi 500 & 550 permit one to navigate on roads as do the other Nuvis, but also can be used for biking & walking. In the walking mode, all hills show up in substantial detail. Grid locators are not mentioned in the owners manual, but Garmin Tech Support clued me in to this. These 2 GPSs appear to be special order only from Amazon, REI, Frys, etc. from $250 - 300.

Note: I THINK that the Gramin Etrex models for hiking still provide Maidenhead Grid locators.

bt73Pete, N6ZE



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