So why should I upgrade to GPS2?

[Necroscope]

Ok, I have a 450L that I am setting up with a 720be with GPS1 on a 450.
This is simply for "bail out" save me some $$ please.
Is it worth me upgrading to GPS2 , and what benefits would I get?

[jemeyers]

Except that the GPS2 has much improved ability to detect and hold satellite signals there is no big difference. The feature set is the same. If you have a clear view of the sky where you fly you should have little problem with enjoying the GPS1. I own both and out in the open and away from obstructions they are essentially identical.

[Xrayted]

+1 for me too. Both my GPS1 units work as advertised. Yes, I get the occasional sat drop for brief moment during flights, but this has never had any real effect on anything or any rescue.
It may be a better choice for some who live in areas where the GPS1 suffers from very poor sat lock issues.

I'm also not a fan of the giant antenna on the GPS2 which is not very aesthetically pleasing hanging off the back of a helis boom. The GPS1 can be hidden quite well on the heli or under the canopy.

I view it the same way I do comparing my iPhone 5S to the new 6S. Yes, it will have the latest processor hardware and some new features which aren't important to me, but the one I have now works perfectly fine and does exactly what I need it to while still in a smaller package

[Necroscope]

Ok, thanks for that guys. I think I will keep an eye out for a GPS1 unit for my 550.

[Luvmyhelis]

Am I mistaken? I think Skookum says the second gen gps has a faster recovery? Much better ground measuring or height control while upright at least with the Lzr than the gen 1? I do agree it is bulkier.

[Xrayted]

Originally Posted by Luvmyhelis

Am I mistaken? I think Skookum says the second gen gps has a faster recovery? Much better ground measuring or height control while upright at least with the Lzr than the gen 1? I do agree it is bulkier.

Recovery comes from the altimeter not the GPS. Yes, the LZR is supposed be more accurate at detecting the deck than the barometer that is built into the GPS1, but it's only helpful within a certain distance from the ground (30ft I believe) and only within a certain angle of tilt of the heli, so essentially upright and close to the ground.

Otherwise the system reverts back to using the barometer in the GPS unit again, so no better than GPS1. The GPS2 claim to fame is much better sat lock without dropping out, but I personally don't have this issue that affects anything anyway. Others experience may vary so it might be worthwhile for them.

The LZR might be great for a scale ship that flies low and upright all the time, but won't help at all when you are inverted into the deck

[rickn816]

Originally Posted by Necroscope

Ok, I have a 450L that I am setting up with a 720be with GPS1 on a 450.
This is simply for "bail out" save me some $$ please.
Is it worth me upgrading to GPS2 , and what benefits would I get?

The GPS2 may be a little large for a 450
R

Rick

[Luvmyhelis]

Originally Posted by Xrayted

Recovery comes from the altimeter not the GPS. Yes, the LZR is supposed be more accurate at detecting the deck than the barometer that is built into the GPS1, but it's only helpful within a certain distance from the ground (30ft I believe) and only within a certain angle of tilt of the heli, so essentially upright and close to the ground.

Otherwise the system reverts back to using the barometer in the GPS unit again, so no better than GPS1. The GPS2 claim to fame is much better sat lock without dropping out, but I personally don't have this issue that affects anything anyway. Others experience may vary so it might be worthwhile for them.

The LZR might be great for a scale ship that flies low and upright all the time, but won't help at all when you are inverted into the deck

Got it and thanks for the insights!

[Necroscope]

Originally Posted by rickn816

The GPS2 may be a little large for a 450
R

Rick

I am thinking about a second GPS unit for my 550. Tested the 450 with position hold and it seemed to work fine, about a meter variation in altitude, but that is no concern for me, and if a GPS1 does what I want, I don't see the need to part with the extra cost of a GPS2.