Satmap Active 10

[JeffH]

Does anyone on WAB have experience of using the Satmap Active 10 GPS?

It's a fairly unique product in that it uses OS map cards.

I've read numerous 'independent' reviews but would like to hear from someone with extended experience of the product before committing myself.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[Hobjob]

No experience - but it looks expensive. Many phones will run Sat Nav
and Memory Map and Anquet maps seems a bit cheaper.

(and don't forget the paper mapand compass even if you have sat nav!!)

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

No experience - but it looks expensive. Many phones will run Sat Nav and Memory Map and Anquet maps seems a bit cheaper.
(and don't forget the paper mapand compass even if you have sat nav!!)

Yes, they're certainly not cheap Hobjob (and nor are the mapcards!) but, as I said in my opening post, they are a fairly unique piece of kit and have generally been very highly regarded in outdoor mag/forum reviews.

The problem with using a mobile or PDA for the same purpose is that they simply aren't sufficiently robust or weatherproof for use 'on the hill', especially in poor weather conditions. Also, many of the newer smartphone style mobiles use touchscreens which are simply not rugged enough for outdoor use.

I agree that MemoryMap (which I'm familiar with) is cheaper than the Satmap mapcards but downloading onto a GPS can be fiddly and requires access to a computer - not always available if on holiday in the Highlands!

Jeff

[Richard G.]

Don't have one myself Jeff, but have looked at them a couple of times now.

There are a few users and reviews over at Outdoorsmagic.com, if you look at the forums and some of the editor reviews. General opinion seems to be that it's improving from the initial version, which had a few problems and they do seem to be listening and acting upon user feedback.

Personally I've already been burned by the OS licensing scam, having being a digital map user from Anquet v1 days, now using some bits of Memory Map too and really don't want to pay for the same maps again at this point in time.

[poschiavanus]

I'm using a Garmin eTrex with Open Street Map generated maps. Certainly not an out of the box approach, and not much use for many parts of Scotland as yet, but very impressive and ultimately very flexible.

However, it requires a fair bit of technical knowledge to get maps downloaded onto the GPS. I think its easier with the ones with a removable card.

I'll write a more detailed account some time real sooon now!

[JeffH]

Thanks Richard - I've already seen pretty much all the reviews on the outdoor websites (including Outdoorsmagic) and have been following the development of the Satmap since its launch. As you say, the developers certainly seem to be responding to customer feedback and I'm sure they'll get there in the end but I'm not yet convinced that the product is living up to current user expectations.

And thanks also poschiavanus but I'm looking for a simple, reliable and ready to use OS map based product.

Jeff

[Mike_C]

I recently acquired a Satmap Active 10 and have used it extensively in the Lake District in the last few weeks. For anyone who wants a serious GPS handheld with built-in OS mapping, this is - currently - the device to get. I say currently because I suspect other manufacturers will be onto the OS mapping capability in the near future and Garmin Oregon is already there I believe.

The Active 10 is extremely rugged and tolerant to harsh conditions, its waterproofing is excellent (this is based on a sodden day on Skiddaw and Blencathra yesterday which soaked everything).

The singular advanatge of the Active 10 is the ability to both plan routes, and trail (track) actual walks independently of a PC. It is a complete solution in this respect and both the planning and GPS modes are extremely intuitive and easy to operate. There's a wealth of capability that should satisfy the most demanding opf GPS user expectations.

Some of the early reviews highlighted battery life as a particular problem. I've started a 12-hour walk on two recent occasions with fully charged batteries and have got to the end with 3 of the 4 battery-life bars still OK so I'm pretty confident they have addressed that concern.

The map packs are, apparently, pricey, but that is only a reflection of the OS pricing strategy and not a reflection of Satmap's policy as far as I can tell. The cost of a National Park OS map for the Satmap is probably fairly comparable with that for, say, Memorymap and my Lake District map (which comes on an SD card) cost about £10 less than the same map direct from the OS guys at Explore. Satmap do also provide a PC-based option for route planning and printing of trails, which provides extensive map coverage built in.

I have avoided GPS devices for walking/hiking in the past simply because they have lacked the robustness of having the OS map incorporated - I won't go anywhere without this level of mapping. Satmap's device is the bee's knees in my opinion and I'd delighted with it. I would definitely recommend it.

Mike

[Boddie]

I just got the Satmap Active 10 Plus and find it to be superb. Cheap it aint but it is super rugged, a nice size, and the mapping is clear as a bell. The screen is viewable even in strong sunlight, unlike the Oregon, and the screen itself is larger than the Oregon.

The processor is quick and the features and benefits plentiful. In my opinion it beats the Oregon hands down (I have both but only because the Oregon couples with my Garmin Forerunner)

The Oregon is OS but its not a patch on the 1:25000 explorer maps on the Satmap.

You wont be disappointed by this piece of kit. It really is excellent. In my opinion go for the Plus, and benefit from the rechargeable lithium battery. Mine loses 1 bar after about a 5 hour walk, with the screen on constantly.

PM me if you need more info Jeff

[nigel_b]

Is the Satmap Active 10 able to report your position in OS grid ref format?

[Boddie]

It is yes. It is shown on a icon bottom left of the screen when a certain button is pushed