Great Introductory GPS Unit
Written: Dec 11 '03 (Updated Feb 05 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, Accurate for Most Uses, Tough and Rugged
Cons: May not have all the whiz-bang features that some people want
The Bottom Line: I think that I saw the bottom line setting a waypoint on the other side of the hill...
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| jps246's Full Review: Magellan GPS 315 Handheld GPS Receiver |
A great beginner’s GPS unit, the Magellan 315 provides basic GPS functions in an easy to use package that includes over 11,000 pre-programmed locations, the ability to program 500 waypoints, program 20 routes, and has even more functionality when you start to play around with it.
While the 315 lacks many of the high-end features of newer or more expensive GPS units, it provides a basic level of GPS functionality that will be more than enough for the average GPS user.
The Basics…
The 315 is a parallel channel GPS receiver that can receive information from up to 12 satellites at any one time (however, you will likely never be able to lock onto 12 satellites at a time). The accuracy of the 315 is around 15 meters (45 feet), which is more than enough for the average person using a GPS to navigate in the woods or along roads.
Eminently portable, the 315 weighs about a quarter of a pound and can easily fit in the palm of an adult’s hand. Built out of endurable plastic, the 315 is also weatherproof and waterproof (but don’t go submerging it). The 315 runs on AA batteries and on a new set of batteries, can last anywhere from 10 to 15 hours.
Should you wish to download your waypoints, or update the built in database of locations, the 315 can be connected to a PC with an optional RS232 PC cable, available from Magellan.
Several different modes are available when you are using the 315 and these include a basic coordinate mode, where you location is shown in UTM coordinates and latitude and longitude. Other modes include: a waypoint mode (where you can input waypoints); an electronic compass mode; and a bearing mode (where the unit will keep you on the right bearing to a certain point) to name just a few.
The menu system on the 315 is fairly intuitive and the instruction book is clear and easy to understand. Within an hour of so of first using the 315, you should be able to have a good understanding of how it works and what you can do with it (read the manual, it does help).
Should you want more information on how the exactly GPS works, or on GPS in general, check out a book like GPS Made Easy, it is a great introduction to GPS navigation in the outdoors and will have you up running with your GPS much faster than trying to figure it out on your own.
How Does It Work?
I’ve had the 315 now for quite some time and have been quite happy with it. I first got it when I was a forest ranger in the Catskills and would use it during rescues and searches. The accuracy was high enough that when I would call in our coordinates to a rescue helicopter after finding a victim, that the helicopter would be able to find our location without any additional assistance. That in of itself made it more than worth the $150 that I paid for it. There’s nothing like trying to direct a helicopter from the ground while they can’t see you and everyone’s yelling and hollering on the radios.
I’ve also used the 315 regularly to locate my own personal waypoints in areas that I am hiking. If I find an interesting or unique area, in goes a waypoint and that way, in the future, I’d be able to find that area without too much effort.
15-meter accuracy you say? 45 to 50 feet really isn’t all that much when you consider how large an area you could be navigating in. Say I find a cave entrance and I mark it as a waypoint and then go home. When I’m back in the woods and locating that point, with my 315, the furthest I would be from the cave entrance on my return trip is within an area no more than 100 feet from cave. This significantly narrows down the area you are looking in and likely, you will find whatever you marked before without too much effort. In addition, while the accuracy is pegged at 45 to 50 feet, at times, your accuracy can be much greater than this and it will help you locate what you are looking for.
The 315 is quite sturdy too – years of being knocked around my backpack or thrown in and out of bags has not hurt it. The black and white LCD screen is still just as clear as when I first got it (though it does have a few scratches) and the rest of the unit is still in good shape. The back of the unit is coated with rubberized plastic and the front of the unit is hard plastic – this makes it easy to hold and operate – and helps when you drop it or bang it around – the rubbery plastic helps cushion the unit.
The Final Word
No one needs sub-meter accuracy in a GPS unit unless they are using it for surveying, or detailed research work. For those of us out in the woods navigating or driving and using GPS for navigation, need nothing more than the 15-meter accuracy that the Magellan 315 provides. Yes, you may want more, but in reality, you don’t need anything better than that.
In addition, the 315 proves to be a worthy GPS workhouse, handling the rough conditions of the outdoors with ease.
So while the Magellan 315 may lack some of the high-end features of newer or more expensive GPS units, the basic level of GPS functionality that it does provide, is more than enough for the average GPS user.
Outdoors, Hiking and Camping Reviews
Magazines and Books
Backpacker Magazine / Outside Magazine / National Geographic Adventure / Hiker's Guide to the Mountains of Vermont / Hiking Guide to Mount Washington and Presidential Range / GPS Made Easy / AMC White Mountain Guide / Wilderness First Aid / Rescue from the Backcountry / Maine Mountain Guide / Day Hikes in Yosemite NP / Southern NH Trail Guide
Destinations
White Mountain National Forest (NH) / Catskill Mountains (NY) / Acadia National Park (ME) / Bellayre Mountain (NY) / Hunter Mountain (NY) / Ski Windham (NY) / Burke Mountain (VT) / Catamount (MA) / Jiminy Peak (MA) / Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid (NY) / Tuckerman Ravine (NH) / Gore Mountain (NY)
Retailers and Products
REI.com - Outdoor Gear / Dermatone Lip Pomade / Carmex Lip Balm / Kestrel 100 Wind Meter / Magellan GPS 315 / MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove / CamelBak StoAway Hydration Bladder / Petzl Tikka Headlamp / Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight Tent
Recommended:
Yes
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