Garmin Rino 520HCx GPS Review

Hit the trail in style with the Garmin Rino 520HCx, which combines a FRS/GMRS two-way radio along with a GPS navigator. This compact waterproof unit offers 22 channels and 5 watts of transmission, so you can contact friends or rescue crews from up to 14 miles away. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver positions quickly and accurately and is able to maintain its location even in heavy cover. Whether you're making your way through thick woods or surrounded by buildings and trees, the Rino 520HCx will help you find your way.

Like the rest of the Garmin Rino models, the 520HCx lets you send your exact location to other users in your group so everyone can see your position on the map. In addition, the 520HCx is a standard FRS/GMRS radio, and can be used to communicate with other FRS/GMRS radios in the area.

The Rino features a sharp, easy to read color TFT display, along with a built-in Americas Recreational map that locates U.S. rivers, lakes, cities, and towns, major interstates, airports, and highways. Rino 520HCx users can also increase the mapping range with MicroSD cards preloaded with MapSource data. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps and the Rino 520HCx will provide detailed directions to your destination.

Other great features include a USB interface, 500 waypoints and 50 routes, a hunt/fish calendar, hands-free voice activation (requires separately sold headset), a voice scrambler, and external temperature recording. The Rino 520HCx, which includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 14 hours per charge, measures 2.3 by 5.1 by 1.8 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

The Garmin Rino 520HCx is a more sensitive GPS receiver than its previous version. Its weatherproof, durable, lightweight and offers decent battery life for long excursions. Despite having no external antenna, this GPS handheld is powerful enough to keep people connected in large areas.