Handheld GPS for MDing??

[PorkSteak]

I wanted to find out if there are any folks out there who regularly use a handheld GPS unit while detecting? I know that they are used heavily in Geocaching but what I'm wondering is would a decent model be able to pinpoint 'spots' on the ground within an inch or so? I have done a bit of reading on them but have never used one of any type. Basically, I want to try and find out from your experience if it would be of any use to store 'target locations' during the winter to return to in the Spring to dig them up.

 

[randwool]

...store 'target locations' during the winter to return to in the Spring to dig them up.

That would be a good idea for the times you just want to do some recon work for later digs.

 

[Ed in KC]

Handheld GPSs will get you to within several feet, but that's it.

 

[PorkSteak]

Well in that case it's not worth me doing that I guess. When I find a cache or a lost mine maybe but not for a single coin in a 1/2" piece of ground!

 

[randwool]

If you're going to reswing the immediate area, a few feet would be plenty.

 

[shagdue]

If you get off the beaten path and in an unfamiliar area, a GPS and cell phone is highly recommended.

If you plan on returning to a certain spot, you can enter the Way Point(s) so you can easily find it again.

Hey! I get lost in my own back yard, a GPS unit is cheap insurance

Sam

 

[Cherry Picker]

If you have Windows Mobile on your cell phone you can get Live Search for free from Microsoft. It not only gives GPS but a nice areal view like Google Earth with mapping.

http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-live-search-mobile.html

 

[bobbulge]

I have a Garmin Quest, you can use it handheld or with the vehicle mount. It is accurate up to 8'. I don't think they make one that is accurate to the spot within a few inches. I think 8' is the closest you will get, and thats on a good clear day.


https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=213&ra=true

Above is the Garmin Quest Site...

 

[Silver Hawk]

A good hand-held GPS unit is an invaluable tool and I high recommend it to anyone who does relic hunting, hunts ghost town, beach hunting or large open area such as large fields and forests/wooded areas, etc.

I use hand-held GPS units in my research to mark location of nesting boxes and I also use hand-held GPS units in some of my metal detecting. For metal detecting basically I’ll research the history of some areas, obtained old maps and photo’s from the Township’s Hall of Records, Local and State Libraries and other sources.

Then using the old pictures I can get a good look at the old buildings that are no longer there and mark them out on copies of old maps and/or aerial imagery from various sources of the sits overlain with modern USGS topo maps. Then I use a hand-held GPS unit in the field to get myself onto the positions. Generally speaking, a GPS will get you on the positions of where a building once stood or within 3 meters of stored positions on the GPS unit.

Best Regards,
Silver Hawk

 

[Silversmith45]

I have an older Garmin PDA with a GPS system. I use it for routes to other towns, and I can mark locations when I get there. They are great for telling you which cross street is coming up next.

 

[Lightningjack]

I've used a Magellan Meridian Gold GPS with topo-software loaded for several years now & have found everything from historical post offices to ghost towns & old mines, Most of the sites are empty lots or fields now & I would have not found them without my GPS..

 

[PorkSteak]

Interesting thoughts and suggestions guys, thanks a ton! I'm thinking to get one anyway even if it won't get me right to the exact spot. I see there are other uses as well!

 

[~Alan~]

I use an old Garmin E-Map. It can be rather slow to acquire satellites, especially when you turn it on, at a different location to where you turned it off.
Lots of detectorists use them over here now, to pinpoint find spots for accurate recording.

 

[Mr Mike]

I use a GPS very often. I am the Claims Director of a local prospecting club, and I am supposed to check on the corner markers and the condition of the claims. I can camp there for 14 days, and MD to my heart's content!

Anybody that wants to find some nuggets, should consider it.

 

[simonthesearcher]

I got one,,never use it tho

 

[Ferrous]

I research very similar to Silver Hawk. Topo maps and Google Earth. Save locations to my gps and then go. I use a Garmin 60csx hand held unit. It can also be used in a vehicle. I chose the Garmin because of th vast amount of third party software and programs available. It's a lot of fun.