November 27, 2002
Garmin Rino 120 GPS Unit and 2-Way Radio
"Made for the ultimate outdoor enthusiast, Garmin's Rino 120 features the latest GPS technology, both FRS and GMRS 2-way radio frequencies, patented technology, a built-in basemap of North and South America, 8 MB of memory and much more."
I've been seeing the Garmin Rino 120 GPS Unit and 2-Way Radio advertised in some of the outdoors magazines I read, and am pretty impressed.
I've not gotten my hands on one, but the screenshots and list of features are mouth-watering, e.g.
- Voice scrambler for secure communications
- Vibration mode for "silent" calls to other Rino users
- Patented Peer-to-Peer Positioning lets you send your exact location to another Rino user within a 2-mile range
- Clear reception with a range of up to 2 miles using FRS, 5 miles with GMRS
- Each channel has 38 sub-audible squelch codes for semi-private conversations
I've not read the specs on the actual implementation of the claimed security features, but they're certainly worth investigating. If any readers have tried a Rino, please feel free to add your comments.
Oh, and do check out the Tactical Radio Communications series we've begun to syndicate on this website.
Posted by Russell Whitaker at November 27, 2002 05:51 PM | TrackBackMark: this is great feedback - a real use report - and I really appreciate it. Many thanks!
Posted by: Russell Whitaker on January 13, 2003 02:33 PMI picked up this unit from CasanovasAdventures, which they include nRoute and some other excellent software. I am able to use my RINO 120 with several map programs i also purchased including ALL TOPS MAPS: from Casanova’s. I mark locations on USGS TOPO 24K Quad maps and move the waypoints into my RINO 120, then use the RINO to guide me to the very spot! Or I also use the RINO 120 to mark locations I want to remember and to view on Google Earth. Later with the MapSource program and ALL TOPO MAPS:, I am able to see my marked locations on the USGS 24 detailed map and also on Google Earth for free! Casanova's includes the Garmin MapSource program with the Google Earth viewing tool. Excellent! The wireless radio communications is about the same as any Motorola FRS radio I have tried, but it built much stronger. The best benefit is the obvious fact that I have purchased a high grade 2-way radio and a full featured GPS system all in one package....makes less things to carry while I am out hiking! If you are about to purchase the RINO, the 120 offers the Garmin basemap feature over the 110 which did not have the basemap... they are the same systems as far as radio and GPS quality and function goes... The best place I found to get the system and real customer support from real outdoor GPS users was CasanovasAdventures.com explore your world!
Posted by: Adventurer on February 7, 2006 04:24 PM