Magellan GPS 315 GPS Receiver

The Magellan GPS 315 or 320 is the best inexpensive handheld GPS in existence. Why? Features.
I use it exclusively in aviation, even as a backup to onboard GPS units. With over 1350 hours in the past two years as a freight dog in all kinds of weather, it worked always. The "highway" feature guides from FAF to MAP with very tight precision, just like a pictorial Localizer.
The only drawback is that up-to-date data does not exist. That is, the database of NDBs, VORs, Intersections, etc. is not current. No problem, voilà: User-defined waypoints! I code in such things as "kIPT27" for the beginning of Runway 27 at Williamsport, PA. Then fly to that user waypoint.
Not having up-to-date database has one other minor drawback. Some airports have recently changed from an alphanumeric old identifier to an all alphabetical identifier, and only the old one shows on the moving map. Again, no problem if you create a user waypoint for that airport. (Example: Wings field by Philadelphia. Formerly something else, now "LOM". I created "kLOM" and fly to it just as if it were always identified that way. Special use airspace is not depicted, though, so you're on your own for circumnavigating if need be. However, don't let the DC ADIZ scare you off, either. I fly VFR as often as possible through it, just to make a point. I usually fly to LNS (or its VOR: LRP) to Vinny or Belay (intersections) then over BWI (VOR or airport) then to Deale then Whino then Colin, and I don't let ATC screw me over with out-of-the-way routing. If it's a VFR day (or night), and they try to route me wide (as VFR traffic), I convert to IFR, get to where I want (usually BWI) then cancel IFR (with prior request to convert to VFR WITH flight following). As long as I stay on a discreet squawk and make radio calls to whomever is appropriate, there's nothing they can do about it, and that's the point I like to make. Obviously this is made easier with the Magellan GPS 315 or 320.
Tips: I use rechargeable batteries and the data cable. I also store about 15 frequent flight plans (routes). Usage is intuitive; I have never read the manual. Pretty easy to choose which data from several database options available. Covers navaids, intersections, & airports for over half the USA with aviation-only data.
Price via eBay ranges from about $40-$80, shipped. A great, I think best, and at least an optimal deal.
Wanna use it for fishing? Naw. That'd be cheating. Leave this GPS on eBay for Pilots. It'll save us from getting lost or at least embarrassed!
Review submitted by ATP/CFI/MEI/IA & member of AOPA.

I have simple needs for my handheld GPS. I do a lot of hiking. When I'm on a trail hike I simply want to know distance traveled and elevation. When hiking without trails I want to make sure I can find my way back to the starting point. My new Magellan serves these uses very well. It also finds and maintains satellite lock extremely well...even indoors. My old one (not Magellan) would lose signal if I held my hand over for a few seconds. And the battery life is twice as long as my old one. Overall I'm very happy with this GPS.

I bought my 315 in 1999 and it worked great for a number of years considering the little use I put it through. 4 months ago I hooked it up to my XR (motorcycle) and started using it more. After about 100 hours (total use since 1999) it stopped picking up the satellite signals and is now useless. Research on the internet shows this is a very common problem and I have yet to find a solution. I would like to rate it higher but it's not much use as a paper weight.

Follow up to earlier review: Since that review I decided to take apart my expensive paperweight and find out what the problem was. This meant cracking open the case and taking a good look inside. I found the problem to be the antenna wires had come loose. I don't think this unit was made to ride on a motorcycle or anything else besides walking. I tried to fix the wires but when I put the unit back together...blank screen. Oh well. I have since purchased the garmin gpsmap 60cs which had it's own problems on a motorcycle but was a simple fix. It has worked perfectly ever since even with my banging it around the desert for two years.

An earlier reviewer gave you a detailed use of the Magellan 315 for his aviation uses that was excellent. I started years ago using the Magellan 320 which I bought new for $60.00 when a local pilot upgraded to a panel mount GPS. All I need in my flying is information on direction and distance to a user defined waypoint and estimated time enroute at my ground speed to the waypoint. Using this information, I have an accurate way to estimate risk in completing any given flight.

The only problem I have is entering waypoints since I usually have to fly over them at least once before they are in the database. I carry two of these receivers which I have purchased from ebay sellers since they are reliable and cheap enough to own several and they work very well, These receivers are also a great light weight addition to emergency kits for light airplanes. They require the pilots to do a bit of thinking and keep their minds active. In older airplanes with 12 volt systems they work fron car adapters but I use batteries and I do not leave the receivers on for the entire trip once I am established on an accurate course.

Protect the screen from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight since this can destroy the screen on a hot summer day.

Another excellent use in the car on a trip to the airport is as a substitute for the automobile speedometer. (One of mine is broken.) Is is less expensive than the automobile repair for older vehicles and it works just as well.

Why would anyone buy a GPS unit with six year old technology? No bells, whistles or talking heads to direct you, are you daft? No, I purchased this unit because it is dependable, accurate enough for my needs and works every time.

This GPS unit was purchased to compliment the one I got back in 2000. I have used them on search missions, search training and world travel. It has also been used as a speedometer in my car to check the accuracy of the factory speedo.

If you need basic information like where am I, how did I get here, which way is it back to my vehicle, this is your ace in the hole. It needs batteries, a little time in your hand to assist you in its functions, and a local map if you plan to leave the yard.

My training and certification as a Search and Rescue Technician should be enough to get you to think about buying a unit like this one. My multiple years of Scouting and back country experience on three continents using one should make you trust one. My frugal nature should encourage you to give this veteran unit a chance.

I own two Magellan 315 GPS units and have no intention of “upgrading” to a unit that has more fluffy stuff you do not need.


Don Ascher MS

NASAR SAR TECH II
NREMT-B
Vice President Nicolet Search Team, Inc.