Good device
Pros:
Satellite tracking in cover
Battery life
Cons:
Short waypoint names
2GB memory limit
Cost
The Bottom Line:
Definite buy if you need something that will "do it all". Communicate with other radios...tell you where you are...get you to where you want to be!
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I suppose this may be a review fairly short on details, but only because this thing does it all and there isn't enough space or time to talk it all! This is for the 530HCX by the way, not sure if they even make a 530 anymore. There is no opinion category for the 530HCX.
I've used it for two years now, and the "enhanced" GPS receiver technology certainly works...I will be side by side with someone using a Garmin 120 for instance, and they will have no satellite signal, while I will be accurate within 20 ft, tracking multiple. To me that is the most important aspect...I leave it in a pocket, or in my backpack, pull it out, and it knows exactly where I am.
The batteries are great too...they are pretty large, but I can get at least a full days worth out of it. If you turn the GPS off and the radio down to 1/2 watt (both easily done in the system), it will probably run for weeks...when my battery got down to less than 5% I tried this, and was able to use it for a few more hours.
I use it with Garmins mapping software, and have been very happy with the software as well. I really appreciate having this thing in my vehicle, if I get lost, or want to try a back way, this thing will allow me to do so. No need for an in-car GPS! (but this doesn't talk to you)
One downside that I didn't notice until I already bought it, is that while it will take any memory size micro SD chip, it can only use 2GB. That "limits" the map to "only" about one third of the US.
Walkie talkie feature works great. No problems talking long distances, and in heavy cover.
Quite expensive, don't seem to be coming down in price much, but well worth it if you can use the walkie talkie and the GPS both.
I do wonder if it is becoming a bit dated. It's already required to have a license for the radio (not sure which one, my dad bought a license that works for the family) and new radios are coming out that have even more power. Not to mention that waypoints can only have 15 or so character names, which means you run out of names that make sense quickly if you make and keep a fair number of waypoints.
