GPS Onboard Locator
 

Has anyone had any experience or recommendation for GPS tracking units ? Needs to be independant and no tied to cell phone coverage since coverage is not always available. The purpose is to be able to identify location worldwide and track progress. More of a safety issue and distess locator. Onboard navigation not an issue.
jem

Look at the 406 mhz EPIRBS
Some, but not all, include GPS position.

Not cheap and bulky to pack

I carried a non-GPS EPIRB for reassurance on remote sections. its a goodie from Oz. must be 12cm tall, 6 wide and 2 thick. cost £200 in Oz (cf £400 for bulky ones here). will sell for £100 if you're interested. its the 310 model and while it won't float, it will slip in your pocket!

[This message has been edited by RichLees (edited 23 April 2005).]

The 310 is an older analog EPIRB and won't be of much use past Feb 2009.

The original poster wanted a gps system that would let others know of their location. Such systems do exist but I don't know of any that are world wide? Perhase aksing at boating stores may get you on teh right track - think about those around the world ocean yatch people. You certainly MUST NOT use an EPIRB system - the E stands for EMERGERNCY and should only be used for such - fines here are heavy for improper use.

Feb 2009 is still a couple of trips away for most people so the 310 still has life in its legs as an EPIRB. while Frank is right that its not to be used for daily tracking, it meets the rest of Jem's needs: safety and distress location rather well.