Garmin is not unknown to those interested in GPS (Global Positioning System). Her new product, the Garmin Rino 120, is a unique combination of a GPS receiver and a radio. The only pity is that it's not on amateur radio bands...
Za cenu pod desaťtisíc korún sa konštruktérom podarilo zlúčiť 22 kanálovú vysielačku (1-14 FRS, 15-22 GMRS) s CTCSS and a GPS receiver with 8 MB of map memory that can be uploaded from a computer. The range of the radio is stated to be 3 to 10 kilometers. Outside the USA and Canada, it is necessary to check with the telecommunications authority whether it is possible to use such a device. At first glance, the design will definitely catch everyone's attention. It is not only effective, but also ergonomic and, above all, waterproof. It dominates the front part LCD obrazovka, pod ktorou je kurzorová „guľôčka“ (ako napr.na mobilných telefónoch). Vedľa nej sú tlačidlá na nastavenie hlasitosti a ovládanie zoom-u v mape. Pod nimi je reproduktor. Na boku sú tlačidlá výzvy (vyzváňania), PTT a nastavenia stránky mapy. Na vrchu je anténa a tlačidlo na zapnutie/podsvietenie/vypnutie.
The Rina 120 is supplied with a database of marine buoys and a map of US highways. The accessories also include a cable for connecting to a PC, which allows you to upload any map to the memory according to your own requirements. These can be obtained on various CDs (they are not part of the delivery). It only consists of a wrist strap, a belt clip, a user manual and a short guide. GPS WAAS receiver determines position, altitude, speed and latitude. Of course, it is possible to create a route record and program points on the map.
The twenty-two-channel radio is quite comfortably equipped: 38-channel CTCSS, VOX, voice scrambler (voice concealer, more precisely, spectrum inverter), vibration ringing and "position reporting", which is the sending of one's own coordinates to another device.
In my opinion, the Garmin Rino 120 is an extremely successful product. The advantages of GPS receivers and their use (even among radio amateurs) is increasing. I probably don't need to mention the advantages of radio communication. It remains only to hope that one day it will be possible to integrate the handheld at 2 m and the GPS RX into one unit.