I hope it`s ok ressurecting this thread. I have been toying with the idea of buying a satmap GPS. There are a few for sale second hand on E Bay and Amazon. I also saw what appeared to be a genuine SD card with the whole of GB at 1/25k scale Ordnance survey mapping..while I was contemplating buying it, as it seemed a real bargain....it went for £100 as a buy it now on E bay...cheap as chips..
I use a smart phone & an etrex 20x at the moment so do not really need another toy...but you know what it`s like... I`m just curious about the pros and cons if anyone uses or has used them..I see some satmap 12/s for what seems reasonable prices, but then of course the OS mapping is very pricey...Is it easy to download GPX routes etc
Hi. I've been using a Satmap Active 20 for a couple of years. There are a couple of minor niggles that I've become used to, but I wouldn't be without it.
Niggles:
1. The battery pack is a pain to pull out. On the other hand, I've only swapped the battery for a backup a couple of times in 100s of outings. The pack needs to be removed to swap map cards, but I bought the 1/25k GB card some time ago and so that's not an issue now.
2. If I switch the unit on to check the battery level the evening before a walk then switch it off again the battery occasionally drains overnight. I think switching it off before it's properly booted up causes the problem. Leaving it for a couple of minutes before powering it off seems to have sorted that issue.
3. The small rubber flap covering the USB connector is tricky to put back if it comes loose. But if handled carefully, it doesn't. (I mention the flap because I know many people complain about it!)
I paid £154 for the new GB card from Satmap; they often do special offers. BTW, I bought the GB card because I started with a Kent card, then I bought a Cotswolds card... and a few more. I figured I'd end up spending a lot more than £154 if I kept that up!
It's extremely easy to transfer GPX routes to the Active 20. Both the internal memory and the card appear as drives on a PC and files are copied in the usual way.
I love the Active 20. It's tough, waterproof and extremely easy to use.