By Claire Reilly
SYDNEY, NSW: Following on from Magellan’s eXplorist GPS release, Garmin has joined the outdoor adventuring fray with the release of the Rino 650 – a handheld two-way radio with integrated GPS.
According to national sales manager for Garmin Australasia, Ian Edwards, the device is perfect for those who love the great outdoors.
“Whether you’re heading out on a camping trip, a hike or taking to the bush for a weekend trek, the new Rino helps you make the most of your time in the outdoors” said Edwards.
The Rino 650 UHF radio offers a communication range of up to 32-kilometres, as well as a 3-axis tilt compensated compass and a barometric altimeter. It also boasts a position reporting capability which allows hikers, campers and families to send their exact location to other Rino users to stay in touch.
According to Edwards, “The ability to know where your fellow outdoor adventurers are at all times and being able to communicate freely with them provides a new level of safety and fun only found with Rino.”
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The device is compatible with all other conventional UHF radios, and includes a feature for sending unit-to-unit text messages.
“The Rino 650 is ANT+ compatible, allowing you to share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Garmin GPS devices. Additionally the Rino 650 can support a heart rate monitor or cadence sensor for those wanting to measure the results of their outdoor exercise.”
The high-sensitivity GPS receiver features HotFix technology, which automatically calculates and stores satellite information for quicker access. The Rino also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and TOPO Australia and New Zealand maps, as well as Garmin Custom Maps which allow a user to transform paper maps into downloadable maps for the device.
The device features a 2200mAh lithium-Ion battery that can be recharged via USB, the universal mains charger or the included folding solar panel.
The Rino 650 will be available from late August for RRP $599.