GPSrChive Discussion Forum

I wanted to compare the GPSMAP 67 and GPSMAP 66sr accuracy at a known location, and today that location was Benchmark DV2041 (CHOLLA).

The coordinates for Benchmark DV2041 (N 33 53 26.95021, W 112 18 20.65753) are listed as Adjusted. Location Adjusted coordinates are considered to be very stable, reliable, and accurate. This Benchmark is a Triangulation Station Disk set in a rock outcrop, and was monumented in 1924.

NGS Data Sheet and Photos

NGS Data Sheet Snippet.png

DV2041-CHOLLA-1-20151024.jpg

DV2041-CHOLLA-3ENE-20151024.jpg

I had with me a GPSMAP 67 and GPSMAP 66sr, both with Multi-GNSS and Multi-Band enabled, and an eTrex SE, which does not have Multi-Band capability. All devices had been tracking my progress for more than an hour when arriving at the Benchmark location.

DV2041 Photos

DV2041 - A.png

DV2041 - B.png

DV2041 - CHOLLA - NE - 02.png

Upon arrival, I placed each device at the Benchmark location, one at a time, and recorded the displayed coordinates. I was not expecting the following results:

The GPSMAP 67 displayed coordinates of N 33 53 26.86, W 112 18 20.59 - This is 3.27 meters (10.75 feet) from the published location.

GPSMAP 67 at DV2041

DV2041 - GPSMAP 67 - 02.png

Benchmark Distance - GPSMAP 67.png

The GPSMAP 66sr displayed coordinates of N 33 53 26.97, W 112 18 20.73 - This is 1.95 meters (6.42 feet) from the published location.

GPSMAP 66sr at DV2041

DV2041 - GPSMAP 66sr - 02.png

Benchmark Distance - GPSMAP 66sr.png

The eTrex SE displayed coordinates of N 33 53 26.98, W 112 18 20.67 - This is 0.97 meters (3.18 feet) from the published location.

eTrex SE at DV2041

DV2041 - eTrex SE - 02.png

Benchmark Distance - eTrex SE.png

Somehow, the less capable and least expensive budget minded eTrex SE recorded the best result today by a pretty substantial margin, and it did so without the aid of Multi-Band technology.

Absolutely fascinating!

Although I have several, much more expensive GPS receivers including the 66sr and soon to be 67, my eTrex SE has been the most fun and easiest to use right from the get-go. No frustrating bugs, PHD level learning curves and, of course, no great expense.

Interesting indeed, in the other thread the 67 seems to be quite accurate in its tracking, a bit better than the eTrex SE, but not by much.

In this stationary test, are the displayed coordinates stable, as in they do not vary during time? I remember seeing some traces where the 66sr would drift when stationary, and in the 67 it seems less.

Each GPSr was in place over the Benchmark only for a couple minutes, if that. I took several photos each time and the displayed coordinates were the same in each photo. For this exercise, I did not observe any drift, but it was a very short sample period. Perhaps not the most ideal setup for checking absolute accuracy, but probably a good 'real world' example.

luvvinbird wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2023 6:41 pm Although I have several, much more expensive GPS receivers including the 66sr and soon to be 67, my eTrex SE has been the most fun and easiest to use right from the get-go. No frustrating bugs, PHD level learning curves and, of course, no great expense.

The eTrex SE continues to impress me also, almost always a joy to use! Quite a bargain for the price. Available now is the GPSrChive Store.

I have been considering a Garmin handheld GPS. Someone suggested that I should consider the Garmin GPS MAP 67 because it would be more accurate than others, but perhaps I should look at the Garmin eTrex SE.

Jim1348 wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 2:10 am I have been considering a Garmin handheld GPS. Someone suggested that I should consider the Garmin GPS MAP 67 because it would be more accurate than others, but perhaps I should look at the Garmin eTrex SE.

Have you compared the specifications and capabilities of both devices? These are two different navigations. GPSMAP67 is definitely a more advanced device. Firstly, it has the ability to handle maps.

Jim1348 wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 2:10 am I have been considering a Garmin handheld GPS. Someone suggested that I should consider the Garmin GPS MAP 67 because it would be more accurate than others, but perhaps I should look at the Garmin eTrex SE.

The GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE will have about the same accuracy, they are both using the same chipset supporting multi-GNSS and multi-band.

To decide between either is more about budget and features you’re looking for. The GPSMAP 67 is Garmin’s top of the line outdoor handheld while the eTrex SE is much cheaper and aimed at more recreational use.

The Etrex SE cannot read cards; it replaces the Etrex 10, more modern and more precise.

JungleJim wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 8:25 am The GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE will have about the same accuracy, they are both using the same chipset supporting multi-GNSS and multi-band.

While they both use very similar GNSS chipsets (AG3335M in the GPSMAP 67, AG3335MN in the eTrex SE), the eTrex SE version does not support Multi-Band.

The GPSMAP 67 is a full featured and complex device while the eTrex SE is extremely basic in function and capability. They both have their place, and I enjoy using both of them for what they are.

For those considering a new Garmin device, I would suggest waiting a few weeks to see if they release anything new in time for the quickly approaching holiday season.

Additional information and details for these models can be found at GPSrChive > GPSMAP 67 and GPSrChive > eTrex SE.