Garmin Geko 201

[Mark Rodgers]

I bought a Garmin Geko 201 Gps unit a couple of years ago. I am not sure if I have too high of expectations, but I have been extremely dissapointed with the performance of this unit. First it loses its coordinates even in light tree cover. Unless I am hiking in open fields, this is more or less useless. Second, it seems that every time I turn it on the batteries are almost dead, even when they have just been replaced.
I sent it back to Garmin and they returned it to me a month later saying the unit is fine.
Does anyone else have this problem? With all the good things I had heard about this GPS unit I found myself quite dissapointed.

[Patrick Baker]

Hey Mark,

There is some info you are asking already provided by Ryan in this
online review here …

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/garmin_geko_301_201_gps_review.html

The Geko 201 uses an older processor with higher battery drain and about 40% less run time than the 301.

Normal mode (GPS always on): 11 hr 10 min (tested);
Battery Save mode: 15 hr 12 min (tested).
Manufacturer reported 12 hr in Battery Save mode.

I believe the trouble you are having under trees would be expected behaviour for the 201/301 due to the type of antenna(patch) used and the size of the antenna (small unit you know).

[Mike Storesund]

Patrick mentions a good post on the Geko series. I have a Geko 301 and I have experienced spotty coverage (“Weak Signal”) under medium tree cover. I have learned not to keep the unit on, and only get good fixes when I have a clearing above, or move off trail a little to get a reading. Since each reading is not too far from the last, cold readings are not an issue so acquiring a signal is fairly quick.
Using the UTM setting also makes transferring to the map much easier and faster.

[Douglas Frick]

I have had similar experience of spotty reception under jungle/tree cover with my Garmin Legend’s patch antenna. Not really unexpected, but still annoying. Also, because it hangs upside down and tends to turn and face my body, my track log is rather spotty and jumpy. I have better track results when I slipped it under a strap on my shoulder strap so it faces up all of the time.

A friend has a Garmin GPSmap 60 and a Gilsson MCX external antenna which he tucks into his watchcap. He has rock-solid reception and tracks, at the cost of several more ounces. The new GPSmaps claim 30 hours of battery life on a pair of alkalines, which on a longer trip would save on battery weight if you’re trying to map a trail (as opposed to just occasionally locating yourself or marking waypoints).

[Mark Rodgers]

Thanks for all the information. It is a great resource to have so many usefull viewpoints to a discussion.
I think I will probably be leaving it at home for most trips. I have struggled with the weight vs. usefullness issue of a GPS unit since the beginning. Leaving the frustrations of hand-held technology behind have always made for the best adventures. Maybe in a few years I will find the reliability I am looking for.
Thanks Again.

-Mark

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