GPS - Garmin 305
I use a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS (Global Positioning System) to record my route whilst orienteering.
This unit has an advanced SiRFStarIII chip that allows it to lock onto satellites quicker & keep them, this is what makes it so good for orienteering.
Trees have always been a problem in the past, so unless the area was open you could not rely on getting a fix. The new chip seems to have solved this problem. Garmin produces 2 different styles of this unit aimed at cyclists (Edge) or runners (Forerunner).
They also include a heart rate monitor function, although there is also a cheaper version (the 205) that doesn’t.
Update: The new 405 also has the SiRFStarIII chip.
Using the right software, you can generate a file that can be uploaded to RouteGadget and the recorded track placed on the map just like any other route. See Simon Errington’s article in the April CompassSport for more info about GPS.
Read more about how to upload your route and the software to help you.
12th Dec 07
Comments or questions
SportTracks is a free alternative to Garmin’s Training Centre.
http://www.zonefivesoftware.com
Greetings from Croatia!
We in Croatia are successful with importing route to RouteGadget with Garmin Forerunner 305. (see http://www.cof.hr/RouteGadget/cgi-bin/reitti.cgi ).
Did someone try Forerunner 405 in UK?
Regards, Darko
I have not used a 405 but I have spoken to Garmin UK and they tell me that the 405 has the same SiRFStarIII chip as in the 305.
If you want a normal GPS unit with this chip you need to go to the GPSMAP® 60Cx & GPSMAP® 60CSx that are around £400 in the UK.
Thx Admin,
Greetings from Croatia
I’ve just got a 305 and found SportTracks is much better software than Garmin for tracing your route. Garmin “Training Centre” has large blobs that need to be turned off whereas SporTracks has a line of variable width and colour.






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