Garmin Rino 530 Handheld GPS Receiver

It is easy to learn the screen pages and menu page. Simple controls and very easy to use. The GPS is very accurate, compass and altimeter also very accurate after easy calibration. The color screen is easy to see. I haven't tried the radio yet except for the weather channel. I just got back from a
10 day trip to Montana and Wyoming trout fishing and the Rino 530 came in very handy while traveling and in the woods. I downloaded the Map Source topo maps that covered my route from Minnesota and back and all the areas that we planned to be. Transfer from the computer to the Rino 530 is very simple to do. I enter several waypoint for geocaches and we found them all. I would recommend this unit for anyone who likes to get off the road and into the woods in areas that are new to you..Thanks..

I purchased two of the Rino 530's to use deer hunting. We have a big lease of 7500 acres of land and is comprised of 11 1/2 sections of land. I have no idea if the radio's work for 14 miles or not but I talked to a hunting buddy of mine who was in the cabin and I was in a deer stand 4 miles away. We never had to even search for another channel and had a clear conversaton. This is a new lease for us an we had to mark the locations of deer stands and how to get to each and that was the only way we could have found them again. These work GREAT. We were able to utilize the tracking option and follow the dirt roads on our four wheelers without a problem. We also, could locate each other either by polling the other person or by mere conversation. This let us know when the other person had arrived at their deer stand without talking to them and help us locate their location when they had a deer down. This was a wise investment for our situation. The radio's do not work that great in a urban area, but I did not buy them for that. I would not want to be without these if for no other reason than safety of a lost or injured hunter. I could tell at any time exactually how far apart we were just by measuring the straight line distance. We can mark locations where we find tracks, where we locate deer, or the area where we clean them. If you have this type of situation I would highly recommend these.
Thanks,
Terry

Why I bought it:
I bought this item because it covers everything a person needs while outside. It has a powerful radio that transmits on both GMRS and FMS bands, a weather radio for NOAA weather broadcasts (with weather alert capability), and a pretty decent GPS that displays on a highly visible color screen. There is also a good number of accessories available, such as headsets, a car charger, handlebar mounts for ATVs and bikes, a cool holster, a cell phone-style belt clip, lanyards, etc.

Things I like:
Most features are easy to use and can be accessed fairly quickly. You can send your location to another Rino user and can keep track of others on your screen. The battery is INSANE! I left this thing scanning on all radio freqs as well as the gps trying to obtain a lock for over 24 hours and the battery was still around 50%! It's also waterproof up to 3ft for up to 30 minutes. There are a lot of other things I like, but these are the main ones that made me want to get it.

Things I dislike:
My biggest problem is that the gps isn't as sensitive as I'd hoped for, especially with an external antenna! It has difficulty maintaining a lock while clipped on my side, but does good when left in the open for a couple miinutes. Of course, this is the Rino 530, not the Rino 530HCx. The difference is that the 530 is discontinued and nowhere near as sensitive as the HCx. Also, the HCx has a microSD slot, but no internal map memory. The regular 530 has 50-something megs of internal memory but no memory card slot. I found this to be ample space for the maps I use, however. Another downside is that I find using the little joystick to navigate the onscreen keyboard to be somewhat sluggish and cumbersome. The maps also take a little too long to redraw and can sometimes be difficult to read, even though the screen is well above average when it comes to visibility. Even though I haven't been able to fully test the GRMS functions, I have noticed that it picks up a considerable amount of interference from my dad's pickup truck. The noise is speed-related, leading my to believe it has to do with either the speed sensor for the speedometer or an ABS sensor. I have also noticed a good deal of call tones being received, even though the squelch is up pretty high and no transmissions are audible. Maybe the call tones just go through better? The electronic compass is a good idea, but it doesn't work that well. When held perfectly level, it gives a good reading, but when angled upward as you would normally hold it while in use, the compass will drift off quite a ways. Another useless item is the temperature sensor. It updates VERY slowly and is inside the battery compartment! Therefore, it is totally inaccurate if the unit has been charging or in your hand for very long.

Final thoughts:
Get the 530HCx model. It is a little more expensive, but it should be better. I have no experience with it, but after using the 530, I wish I had gone with the 530HCx. I didn't realize there were 2 different models until after I had already bought this one. Also, go ahead and get a GMRS license from the FCC if you have any desire to use the GMRS service because it's just the right thing to do.

More final thoughts:
Sadly, I haven't gotten a chance to test the GMRS and FRS portion too much since no one in my house has GMRS radios. I can say that the FRS radio works good, but I haven't been able to do a range check. The weather radio has good reception, however.

Works like a charm, downloaded all the charts and soundings from SO Cal.
I marked all the ship wrecks. I just use the software to plot my trip, put the zodiac in the ocean and it takes me to the wreck for a great Scuba Dive. My Wife has another VHF and We talk to each other from the shore while I scuba dive alone and travel.

I would recomend it 10+.

Now just to get a cigerite charger for the Auto or boat and I will be in heaven.

AND YES YES you can see the display in color during the day, I swam with it for 10 min in the ocean and workes perfect.

Get one for the wife.. forget the Cell if you live in a small town.

Kind Regards,
Barend

I owned a 130 before my 530. I love garmin equipment it the best. I took it elk & deer hunting and the guys that I was with said they could not hear me. They said it would click like it was transmitting but there was sound like the mic did not work. I called Garmin they said they have had a number of mic problems. So I need to get it in the mail back to Garmin. I think Garmin will repair it and return back to me. I dont know that the seller had any idea there was a problem? I hope not we need to be able to trust them. Other than the mic problem I love the 530 it's the best. That is what worries me that they will come out with one better than the 530.

This is the cadillac of outdoorsman toys...its FRS/GMRS radio gives you peace of mind in the case of an accident and a way to communicate with your family/friends that are in the woods with you. Its Weather Radio with alert feature keeps you informed of the rapidly changing weather conditions that can catch you by surprise in the wilderness. Its compass and GPS are very accurate and easy to use, and its tons of extra features like hunt/fish prediction calendars and games are icing on the cake. I would highly recommend this unit over any other I've used in the military and civilian life alike...the only caveat is that additional software is required for you to see the topo detail that is shown in the picture...I shopped around and found it for $75, but for a unit retailing near $500, that's still a bit pricey. The magic you can do with the unit and software make it worth it for me, though--I can track every step I take, keep routes for next time, mark where I see abundant wildlife, points of interest, and scenic views, etc--in addition to planning my trip and marking known points of interest and goals before I leave home. I love this unit and don't go anywhere outdoors without it anymore. Choose this unit with confidence and excitement!!! You'll get what you pay for!!!

There's not a lot to dislike about the Garmin Rino 530. It does everything it's supposed to do. It's small enough to be unobtrusive yet big enough to have a readable screen. I'm doing a primitive firearm hunt out of Marble Colorado this fall and this gives me the confidence to wander where ever I wish and know that I can find my way back to my tent in the evening even if it's after dark. I do wish it had more memory. 56 MB will only do a few counties from Topo 2008. Not a big deal but you have to have access to your computer if you were doing an extended cross country hiking/camping trip. All in all it's well worth the money. One other thing, the battery in the 530 is awesome. I used it for three days, on and off, and still had 83% battery life left. Go for it.

The first 530 that was sent to me, the speaker was non functional. But I was lucky to be able to exchange it at a local REI and the next one was fine, only that the GPS tracking is almost awfull! The sattle lights fall off way too often for a having spent $500! And the "go to" feature is just awfull! Oviouslly it all boils down to the fact that this product just can't keep a sattlelight for the life of it! And for a hunter, this is very important being that I spend lots of time in deep woods and very often become disoriented with directions! I don't know what to do with it now, but if you have this much money, spend it on a good GPS unit and buy a radio on the side! That way you get good tracking which is what's most important. As for two way radios, they're not that hard to find or expensive. The only downfall is the extra bulk. I hope this helps. VM.

I own several GPS units, it has become quite the hobby. I purchased my RINO 120 a couple years back and it has saved me several times. I ride ATV's and we have had several instances of getting lost and the sun setting and not being able to find our way back not to mention a couple of major injuries requiring getting out in a hurray. I simply got my RINO out, first contacted via radio my other riders to let them know our situation and used the RINO to get us to the trail head directly. This unit never missed a beat except in heavy tree cover, but once we moved through it locked right back in and got us out.

In fact I took my current unit to Disney World and used both the radio to keep in touch with family in the park who were using just your basic FRS radios you might pick up at any electronics store or WalMart and also used the GPS to Mark off the attractions and where we parked the car in that massive parking lot.

I just ordered a RINO 530 and can't wait. The added features this unit provides is simpy great. If you Hunt, Fish, Camp, Hike, Ride ATV's, Boat or even just want to take a drive to a town you've never been to this unit has got it all. Turn by Turn directions shown on a real map (How can you get lost with that) as well as NOAA weather (Great when I'm out in the mountains)

Way to go Garmin !! Cant wait to see what you come up with next.

Ok, I have to start off by saying I don't have this specific unit. However, I own lower end Rinos and I'm very much coveting these new Rinos! They have really added some great functionality with the color GPS, greatly increased memory, faster download, different software, etc. If you have the money, the 520 is the unit to buy. The 530 is also nice, but I'm not sure the few added functions are worth the price difference.
See my reviews on the Rino 110, 120, or 130 for comparisons.
Now I just need to see if I can justify the $400 to get one of these fun toys!
Regardless which model you get, the Rinos can be a great lifesaver. ALWAYS make sure you have one whether hunting, camping, boating offshore, etc. You have seen all the news reports of someone lost in the wilderness again. These units could almost eliminate that as long as the person is conscious and able to use the radio, and the person on the other end also has a Rino.

I purchased the Rino 530 for the radio as well as the gps. I like the functions that it has, but it is quite complicated. I downloaded my state map onto it (I like that part) so that I can find where I am and how to get where I want to go. I purchased a 12 volt charger, but when I wanted to use it, I didn't have the little clip that goes on the battery so I was unable to use it. For that reason the battery went dead during a recent hunting trip. I don't like the little clip to charge the battery. It is small and easy to lose. I like the radio function and it works quite well as long as the volume remains up where you can hear it. For some reason when I shut it off, the volume reverted back to low. Overall I like the product and I would recommend it to anyone.

I love the product, but there are some warranty issues that need to be fixed. i used the product alot this past hunting season and the screen froze up on me alot, and the rubber protecting the antennas is comming off. The radio doesn't work as far as I thought it would. But if I can get those few things fixed, then I think its one of the coolest products around.

I liked the amount of memory it has, and the ability to use the radio, and see where the rest of my group is.

I bought the 530 for the color screen and the ablity to have locatuion of other 530 users. We also like the built in radio capability. It is a big hit with our snowmobile club for safety reasons.

We have bought 3 of these great GPS devices, We travel alot by boat and snow machine, this model has a radio range of 14 miles as shows where your companions are on the map. The seller was great, very fast and Garmins arrived in perfect condition, new. We live in Alaska and travel well away from roads, My husband will be using these garmins when he hunts too.

There are alot of features on this GPS, you can check them out by just looking up the Rino 530 GPS on the internet. Too many to write here. Great product!

Let me preface my statments by saying that this unit is used primarily in Search and Rescue work with a local Sheriff's office. Having said that I think this unit is outsatanding. With the lithium battery pack I can reach out to any of the repeaters in our area and make contact with other members of the unit. A one second transmission from any other member of the team and I have his location pinpointed.Down load the tracks to a PC and you have a total picture of the area that has been covered making planning for future sorties tht much easier.Small, cocmpact, and powerful, what's not to like.

I LOVE TO HUNT AND KNOWING WHERE YOUR PARTNER IS GREAT YOU CAN HUNT AREAS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WITH CONFIDENCE OF THE TERRAIN YOUR ABOUT TO GO INTO.

The unit works superbly and will serve my needs well. It almost looked brand new. I have already used it extensively and has been a lifesaver. If I had the money I would buy another one for effective communications.

GPS locatgion of the other radios is awsome. Networked with other rino 110 and worked great. Great for camping, driving, walking, biking and many other outdoor activities.

An excellent tool for the river. Coupled with the topo software it is everything I wanted. It appears to be very accurate. It is user friendly, though it is complex. I was able to obtain a AA battery pack so it is also versatile for power needs.

Idoes what i want it to do . as a GPS and a radio the price was right and it had extra stuff with it they are fantastic GPS and radio units after you get them adjusted right .

This is a easy to use unit and its the first one I've bought and I am very happy with it. The handbook is easy to read and understand. I like the color feature that lets you track different people and satalites. The battery has a long charge life and recharges fast.

After purchased those devices (2 Rino 530 Hcx) I went to Big Bend National Park. There is no signal any for cell phones from Terlingua (Ghost City) to Alpine. If you have some problem or get in some trouble you can not find any aid, help and no body can be found with in 300 miles as a radius. My brother and me could easyly communicate with each other and could find each other even in the deep of the canyons.
Believe me so usefull and functioned GPS and wireless in GMRS. Also weather radio is fully help for your jurney.