Just got 2 of the 120's from Cabela's. Garmin finally got around to combine a FRS/GMRS radio & gps in one unit. Hunting partners within 2 miles can send each other their location on the gps (FRS mode) and view it on the map. GMRS radio band is good for up to 5 miles.
1.5x1.5" screen, 3 AA batteries, vibrate mode when you want to be quiet, 7"x2.25"x1 5/8" size.
Going to read up on it and try it out this weekend.

Dave,

I'd love to hear more about how you like it. Did you get any of the map SW packages along with it? Any other accesories?

I need to start dropping Christmas hints .

Thanks!!

-Steve

I have been drueling over those for the last week. My brother just ordered one through Cabela's. Let me know how you like it. I'm planning on getting my Dad one for Christmas, and I suppose I'll have to break down and get one for myself too. Ahh shucks. I hate it when that happens.

Because I hunt in Idaho and Montana, I would be concerned about violating the � Fair Chase� provisions of the big game hunting regulations with a two-way radio intergraded into my GPS. I believe that you would be in the gray area of the law any time you used the radio while hunting for a non-emergency communication. CP.

They sure sound nice but in many areas deer will have no chance and I think it should be regulated state to state.

In the midwest landscape I would say this combination unsporting in a drive type hunt whereas in the southeast the cover is so thick and vast the devices would be of small consequence.

How much are you shucking out for them?

I assure you, the deer have plenty of chances where I hunt. Just because you know where you and a hunting partner is, sure doesn't mean that you're guaranteed a buck. I think it would be extremely helpful in making sure someone doesn't get shot out there. That's something the hunting commmunity sure doesn't need fueling the anti's fire.

On page 13 in the 2002 Montana Big Game Hunting Regulations, the section entitled Two-Way Communications maybe of interest. It states that �two-way communication may not be used to; 1) hunt big game animals. (�Hunt� means to pursue. shoot, wound, kill, chase, lure possess or capture�) OR 2) avoid game checking station� It does not prohibit two-way radios for safety or other legitimate purposes. I believe that you can find similar language in most of the western states big game regulations. CP.

[ 10-21-2002, 16:19: Message edited by: CP ]

Besides,
It's not like we're strapping the GPS on the deers ass or something. Just because you know where the hell you are and your buddy is, sure doesn't guarantee you any success.

After playing with them over the weekend, I can say the following: I have a GPS III and a 12CX that I used for comparison. The 120 cost $250.00 at Cabela's.
The 120's are very accurate and pick up the satelites quickly. No problem with satelite reception in thick oak timber. Battery life (3 AA's) has been impressive using energizer lithiums, so far I have about 13 hours on them with 25% remaining life (combined gps and radio use). FRS mode radio works well at the 1 to 1.3 mile range we tried on the bike trail and 2.4 mile range on the interstate by car. Being able to send coordinates back & forth was quick and handy and worked as intended. Haven't tried the GMRS channels yet, supposed to have a license for them.
I have yet to load topo maps into the unit. The Rhino 120 comes with a data cable. The cable fitting is smaller than other Garmin units I have and does not work with them.
The 120 is easy to operate once you get your screens configured the way you want. There is a small joy-stick like switch that is used by your thumb for selecting fields and other operations. It takes a little getting used to, but works well. Vibrate mode would be handy while hunting and it worked well.
One feature that I have yet to find is a detailed compass bearing screen that shows the direction you are heading in degrees. I found this handy on my other units.
I still have a lot to learn with it before I will have it down pat.
You can turn off the radio and still use the gps to save battery life or vice versa, turn off the gps and use the radio only.

As with anything (rifle, 4Wheeler and spot light) these units can be abused and used illegally. However, when used responsibly, they could be a great asset to the individual or a group. As long as you don't discuss game movement or direction, I don't think that you would be in violation. FRS band radios are easy to monitor and their short range would gaurantee that a violator would be caught.
I will be using them duck hunting this weekend and will post results next week.

Dave,

Thanks for the "review". I really appreciate it.

I've looked at the specs and was unable to find out if either of the Rino's had a electronic compass built in, so that you don't have to be moving in order to determine the direction the unit is facing.

Since you're still trying to find any "compass" feature on it, it is probably premature to ask you if can tell me if the box does/doesn't have this feature. If you find out can you tell us?

And in regards to you comments about ethics, I heartily agree with you. I already carry a radio and GPS. I'd simply like to consolidate. Personally, in this day and age, if you are in any area where you could get lost, it's irresponsible to not at least carry a radio, compass and map.

Besides, I might actually use mine for other things besides hunting (GASP!).

I'll now step down off my horse .

Thanks Again!!

Thanks for the review DaveC. I played with the Rhinos at the SHOT show in Feb but haven't had them in the field yet. Would you mind if I added your commetns to our Rhino review webpage?

Only 2 states that I know of outright ban radio possession while hunting, Iowa and Ohio. It IS legal to use a cellphone in Ohio, go figure, since a cellphone is a radio.

Many states do not address radio use or possession in their hunting regs. From the many wardens and state offices I've talked to you can and WILL be cited under the "Fair Chase" intent of the game laws. Most states say it is illegal to "Herd or Pursue" game with radios. "Herd or Pursue" has been defined as calling your buddy to let him know a deer is coming, using radios while conducting drives and talking a buddy onto game like during a stalk.

I know of two recent cases that were prosecuted, 1 in Alaska where a guy talked his buddy in to a moose abd the other in New Mexico.

If you possess a radio while hunting you will also be excluded from entering any animals into P&Y and B&C because of their fair chase rules.

Think there's no chance of getting caught? I'm seeing more FRS radios in warden's vehicles and any scanner can pick up FRS, CB, Marine and HAM channels. How can they know it's you? Two years ago while I waited for some help dragging a bear off a ridge in another state I flipped on my radio and listened to several groups around me. In 1/2 hour I knew who had seen deer, who couldn't shoot straight and who had deer down. All by their radio conversations and the way they were moving or locations they described. It's flat amazing what you'll hear on those channels during hunting season. (hint, hint).

I've got more info and review of radios at

http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/radios.html

spectr17,

Thanks for the link.

I went to the GPS section and found the Rino review. In the spec's section I found that the Rinos have neither electronic compasses nor barometric altimeters.

Thanks!!

-Steve

The 120 does have a compass in it, but you need to be moving for it to be accurate. The feature I have yet to find is the screen for the detailed compass heading in degrees. On my other units, it is a wide bar that show the degrees of a compass (ie. 270*,285*) that scroll along with your direction.
The Rhino also has a elevation screen for altitude and a verticle rate for up or down travel if you want to measure it. These features are based on the gps satelite system and do not rely on barometer or magnets.

After some more use, the 120 is getting better all the time. Have found the setting for compass bearing in degrees, it is not quite like my other units, but will work. I been using some of the other features like sending a meeting point to other rhino user so that we can meet in 1 to 2 hours. It worked well.
All in all, very nice units.