additional/backup GPS

[Dogtrousers]

After having recoding problems on my last two rides, I've decided to buy an additional GPS just for recording/backup. The only features it needs are long battery life (ideally 24h) and the ability to store a GPX track. No other features needed, as I already have sufficient navigational features. (Oh, and on second thoughts an altimeter would be a big plus)

Edge 25. No fancy features but only 8h battery. No altimeter.
Edge 520. Fancier than necessary. 17h, which is more like it. Has altimeter.

Questions. I carry a charge bank with me. Can either of these devices operate while they are being charged? If so It can live in my bar or saddle bag with a big capacity battery attached.

On either of these devices can you disable either the screen (to save battery) or keys (to avoid accidental key presses while in a bag)

Any other non-Garmin suggestions? I've been a bit incurious by only looking at the Garmin site.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I carry a goal zero flip 20 with me for extra power, works brilliantly with my Satmap. I can't answer your first question, but the other questions the satmap does do, though I suspect it is way over specced and therefore probably too expensive.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I carry a goal zero flip 20 with me for extra power, works brilliantly with my Satmap. I can't answer your first question, but the other questions the satmap does do, though I suspect it is way over specced and therefore probably too expensive.

Thanks Yeah, I've just looked at Satmap and they do look nice, but they are a bit over specced.

All I really want is a GPS with a big battery capacity and the ability to record tracks. (And an altimeter). Preferably a small one.

And the moon.

On a stick, of course.

 

[ianbarton]

Any of the Garmin eTrex series would work. I have an eTrex 20, which I use for walking/climbing. Battery ife 24hrs, replaceable AA cells. Not crashed on me yet (that's tempting fate).

 

[StuAff]

Edge 25 can't be charged while it's on the bike mount. Edge 520 most definitely can, if you can get the cable attached OK (i.e. if there's enough space around the mount). Put the power pack in a top tube bag. Do this on a regular basis with my Edge 705. In other words, you've already got all the kit you need, sorry

 

[the snail]

Google GPS data logger, you can get basic devices for £30 or so.

 

[newfhouse]

I bought a second hand Garmin Dakota 20 for touring use and find I get about three days cycling from a pair of Duracell AAs. 24 hours should be fine if you're logging with the screen backlight and volume off.

 

[Dogtrousers]

@newfhouse @ianbarton I have a Garmin 60CSX which I could just stick in my saddlebag. It seems to tick the boxes and lasts a long time on battery. Unfortunately it's a bit shock-prone and can switch off unbidden (which is why I don't use it anymore). It's what I intend to use if I can't find anything suitable. A bit of silver foil squeezed in may solve the battery shock issue. It is a bit bulky though.

@the snail I looked for data loggers and got drawn into a world of hobbyist electronics/specialist uses. I can't find one with a barometric altimeter.

@StuAff Thanks for the info about the 520. It wouldn't need to be in a mount to be charged. It would be in my bar bag or saddlebag. I don't need to look at it, I already have an Oregon for that. But I've had problems with it (sometimes due to my own numptyism in managing batteries, sometimes due to the device) which is why I'd like a backup.

Thanks all. I'll keep looking.

 

[newfhouse]

I'd sort out the battery connections on the Garmin if it was mine. If you want new toys you could have a look at this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Columbus-...ic-Temperature-logging-features-/142056362873

 

[ufkacbln]

I have a couple of devices and they are good.

However if I am simply geotagging photos I do not need all the mapping and other addons

So I bought a ForeTrex 401:

Runs on AAA batteries, so battery life is not an issue


It also fits n belts, bags and even tripods

I have found that on "important" trips, running this in the background and then downloading it here are failures or data errors in my main system is the ideal answer for me

 

[ianrauk]

Garmin Edge 200.
For longer trips I use a Touring with an Edge 200 for back up. Long battery life, over 13 hours. Ok it's only a bread crumb trail to follow, but it works and it works well. Can also be charged on the go,

 

[doog]

Garmin Extrex Legend (or whatever the replacement is nowadays) will take 2 x AA batteries.

If you buy AA Lithiums (about a £1 each in bulk) you will get 40 plus hours from a pair. I use these on tour.

 

[BikeCurious]

Just use your GPS equipped mobile phone?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Just use your GPS equipped mobile phone?

It's a possibility. Just hook the phone up to a battery pack.
However, I'm a bit wary of doing that because I need my phone to use as ... er ... a phone.

I'm coming to the conclusion that I need to just un-retire my Garmin 60CSx, do a bit of fettling on the battery contacts, and it can live in my saddle pack.

Just need to find a different toy to waste my money on now.

 

[ColinJ]

I have actually ended up with 2 GPS devices on my bars when I need navigational support.

I have been using an original Garmin Etrex since 2006 and it has served me well, but I had been considering getting something newer to replace it. Then a cousin of mine gave me a Garmin 500.

I liked the smaller size of ihe 500 and tried it on a couple of rides but it turns out to be unreliable for navigation. I now use it as a sophisticated bike computer and have gone back to using the Etrex for navigation. I can see where I am going on that device while the 500 auto-scrolls through 3 pages of ride data.