Mini simple gps

[aldo_macb]

Looking for recommendations.
I want a lightweight, waterproof and robust device that can tell me my OS grid reference. I don't want anything fancy - just a grid reference location device. Maybe a watch? Or a wee hand held device?
And preferably cheap!!

Its for those occasions on the hills when my phone won't work because it's pouring with rain and I'm therefore using a paper map and it would be handy to check my grid reference occasionally.

[matt_outandabout]

My phone has (free) OS locate on - and is waterproof and in bash proof case. I also carry it everywhere.

[DopeyLoser]

A phone can be a challenge when its screen gets wet and is being rained on. Garmin Etrex 10 GPS is about as basic as you can get, and shows national grid references but also does a lot more. £100. However a big plastic bag to keep your phone dry would only cost pennies.

[WalkWithWallace]

A Garmin Etrex 10 is as basic as it gets and ticks your boxes.

[Tringa]

Agree with Matt_outandabout.

I have used OS Locate only a few times and only to test it(ie I knew where I was and wanted to know if OS Locate did also), and it worked well.

Dave

[Booga]

Garmin used to do some small yellow units, they probably turn up cheap on ebay now.

[iain_atkinson_1986]

Agree with Matt_outandabout.

I have used OS Locate only a few times and only to test it(ie I knew where I was and wanted to know if OS Locate did also), and it worked well.

Dave

Am I the only one who rinds the altimeter on OS Locate is always about 50 metres above what it actually is? Had the issue on three different phones.

[AyrshireAlps]

Phone, all day long.

[prog99]

Agree with Matt_outandabout.

I have used OS Locate only a few times and only to test it(ie I knew where I was and wanted to know if OS Locate did also), and it worked well.

Dave

GPS altitude is never accurate. You need a barometric altimeter in addition (which I think is in more modern phones). My really really old garment gecko had this feature.

Am I the only one who rinds the altimeter on OS Locate is always about 50 metres above what it actually is? Had the issue on three different phones.

[prog99]

My reply looks a bit weird, should be.


GPS altitude is never accurate. You need a barometric altimeter in addition (which I think is in more modern phones). My really really old garmin gecko had this feature.

[AyrshireAlps]

My instinct solar has a pretty impressive altitude sensor (barometric pressure, as above) - its never more than 5m out.

[whiteburn]

The smallest dedicated GPS device is probably the discontinued Garmin Geko 201,
They do come up occasionally on eBay,

[aldo_macb]

Thanks for the answers so far.
I'll check out those Garmin suggestions (Geko 201 and eTrex).

I do have OS locate on my phone already but my phone is unworkable up a Munro when it's cold and p***ing with rain, which it often is 🤣.

[DopeyLoser]

Just a suggestion that if you do go for a second hand unit be careful of what you might be getting. I have a original Etrex that I would not even try to sell because only about 25% of the pixels still light up and its computer interface is RS232C serial cable. On the other hand it looks like there are occasionally some modern Etrex units on Gumtree for a fair price.

[AyrshireAlps]

but my phone is unworkable up a Munro when it's cold and p***ing with rain,

Why? Is it an iPhone?