Hi Richard, Not a lot publicised about these features . . but the 76S is a very well respected gps.
I looked thoroughly at many models this time last year . . it was only the price that made me buy it's (cut down) brother GPS72 a$400 plus cables. The GPS 76 is also worth a good look. Remember that although the 'Map76s' is a 'mapping' GPS, it only uses Garmin maps! Apparently (in Australia) the Magellan maps are *far* better in country areas (than Garmin). I have heard (only) of a Magellan "SP24 XC Free Flying" model. In this price range a real consideration is a low cost gps driving an HP iPaq 3950 with WinPilot www.winpilot.com (or one of the 'free' alternative) gliding programs. You can then further add Melways or Sydways for use in your car, and use OziExplorer with your own scanned maps , etc, etc. In my opinion, the Garmin GPSMAP 76S GPS receiver would be an ideal club investment, subject to a review of the usefulness of the 'gliding functions' mentioned. There is an equivalent Garmin "Vista" with a tiny case and screen . . . but the 72 and 76 series is much easier to see in flight (Velcro on the back, to a spare spot on the panel, works well). Here are my notes re the Garmin GPSMAP 76S GPS receiver: A$1,088 12v, display and buttons easy to see/use in flight. BEST FOR GLIDING. Large, detailed display, has mapping ability and comes with some Aust info Calculates basic gliding functions, has a barometric altimeter, and a compass. Best used vertically but the display is not at the top end . . pity. 24mb 'memory' - used for downloading more Garmin maps (cost extra). 10,000 trackpoints. Great! eg 8hr 20m at 3 second intervals. Display: 1.6" x 2.2" = 3.5sq", 240x180 = 43k pixels (12kp/sq"), four levels of gray. Hope this helps? Or sparks a discussion! Cheers, Jim Kelly. ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard and Lisa Neale To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 10:27 AM Subject: [aus-soaring] Garmin GPSMAP 76S Does anybody own or have experience with the Garmin GPSMAP 76S GPS receiver? I'm particularly interested in the usefulness/usability of the gliding features (glide ratio, glide ratio to target, and vertical speed to target). Thanks, Richard. -- * You are subscribed to the aus-soaring mailing list. * To Unsubscribe: send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] * with "unsubscribe aus-soaring" in the body of the message * or with "help" in the body of the message for more information.
