Suggested Hardware & PC Software

ILEGA Program
MAC PAGE

The following suggested items are used in all our GPS classes. We have tried several different GPS units and have narrowed it down to two units. These units have been student tested as well as teacher tested. We have used them in several different classes and all our trainers feel the following units will go the distance.

GPS Units & Cable

Over the years, we have been using Magellan units in our classes as well as suggesting them to schools. The last series we worked with was called the Meridain Gold - a real workhorse. However the company has stopped the production of them. They switched to a new series that will not work with our program for a couple of reason. One major issue is that it will not work with the software that we use to download the GPS data. As teachers we see technology changes, some good, some bad.

In looking for a replacement unit we discovered Garmin has developed a new series that fits right into our program. The Garmin unit we are suggesting is great for fieldwork, scavenger hunts, geocaching and all round activities. The GPS 60 is your trusted guide to the great outdoors. The GPS 60 along with the GPSMAP 60 are packed with several of the features found in the 60 series color units, but sport an affordable, high-resolution, monochrome display for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. The units come with a USB interface as well as serial interface (cable is optional).
The regular cost for the GPS 60 is $192.84 & the regular cost of the GPSMAP 60 is $321.42.
A Garmin dealer has worked a real good deal on these units
which we can pass along to schools.
Please contact us for more information about the discounted prices.

Suggested Software

The last item you will need is one piece of software that will do the work of uploading and downloading data to and from the GPS unit. We have designed our program with this software since it is easy to use. It is called TOPO! GPS USA - a product of National Geographic. We have been using it with much success as well. We suggest buying one copy for each station you want to set up. The suggested cost for this software is $24.95.

National Geographic has worked a deal on this software
which we can pass along to schools as well.
Please contact us for more information.

Suggested Free Software for Geocaching

One additional item you might need is a piece of software that will do the work of uploading and downloading LOC files to the GPS unit. At the Geocaching.com site, you can download a "loc" file which contains the geocache location and name. Then you can open it in one of the following programs and upload directly to the GPS unit without keying it in. This software is free and there are two versions. one for Windows and one for MACs.

EasyGPS for Windows and click on "download".

GPS Connection for Mac OS X and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the team directly.
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