Could the Rino 530HCx by Garmin be used for geocaching as well as travel?

Question

I have never used any kind of GPS. I know that the Rino 530HCx has the walkie talki features and you can find members of your group, but what about other functions? Can I use it my car to find the closest McDonalds? What if I already know the address or waypoint?

We want to try geocaching but also need a GPS for travel, would this be a good choice or what would be?

Answer 1

The only thing the Rino series has going for it is the FRS and GMRS radio that is built in.  Do note that to use the GMRS radio, you have to have a license.  The FRS radio can be used by anyone.  The Rino is much more expensive than other GPS receivers with similar capabilities without the radio.

To look up addresses and points of interest, you have to purchase the City Navigator NT maps separately.  That's about $70-100.  Handheld GPS receivers can give turn-by-turn directions but they do not talk.  They just beep when you approach the turn.  The automotive units like the nuvi and StreetPilot talk, but most of them are poorly suited for outdoor use.

The Rino would also work for geocaching.  You would just send coordinates from the computer or manually enter the cache's coordinates.  If you wanted to get fancy, there are tricks for loading geocaches with Garmin's POI Loader program.

If the radio is not essential, you can save money by getting a Garmin GPSmap 60Cx or 76Cx or an eTrex Legend HCx.