Just bought a Eagle FishElite 500c the instruction are not clear where to install GPS+WAAS receiver/antenna never owned a GPS before does anybody have any suggestions I have a stratos single console

Put it face up and where you will not worrie about it being knocked off. I have mine on my rail above the windshield(center console)and my buddie has it mounted on flat on the dash. I also seen a guy post about using velcro on top of the unit and put it their. You will love the gps and if you can afford it get a navionics card for it.

most of 'em I've seen have been installed in one of two places, either right beside the driver's windshield or right behind the driver's seat. I'd say the position right behind the driver's seat is less likely to be bumped or damaged. Another interesting location if it doesn't need to be flat would be on the side of the console which out to keep the wiring nice and neat under the console. Don't know why it would need to be horizontal, but check that first.

Thanks for the replies didn't know if it could be mounted face up or horizontal? And yes I'm buying Map Create6 for christmas.

Stratos275,
I have Map Create 6, it is designed for highways streets and traveling. It does give a lot of detail for driving in your vehicle but does not give much detail for lakes etc. I would definently go with the Hot Maps or other fishing oriented map card if you are going to use your unit in a boat.

It needs to be mounted flat to see satellites horizon to horizon. It will work mounted horizontally but for best accuracy mount it flat.

Mapcreate is great, it allows you to really clean up your GPS info on your computer. Maybe I'm wrong, but the hot spot chips are just background maps with topo lines and some structure, they can't be used on a PC. To me, being able to save a fishing trip on a blank chip and loading into map create on your computer is taking full advanatage of your GPS unit and is really what it was designed for. I will say this, if you know someone that has mapcreate you can burn it for free.... to test for educational purposes of course, then you have to buy it.

I agree that Mapcreate is good for viewing/editing your waypoints on your computer but the there is NO topographical datail like on other products. Idealy it would be nice to have both but if you have the money for one product take JV's suggestion and get a Navionics or other card with lake detail.