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GPS Expertise Requested
- JibberD
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- Randito
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- Jeff Huber
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- JibberD
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- powscraper
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I use the eTrex (basic kind, $110). It has long battery life (important when you take into account the diminished power of batteries in the cold), provides very accurate and precise altitudes with 5+ sattelite signals, and does everything that the more pricey models do, except that it has basically no mapping capabilities. It has a little "map" display but it is a joke. But that's not a problem, because you shouldn't be using your GPS as a map anyway. I just program a few critical points into the GPS, and the GPS will tell you the direction and distance to any of those points.<br><br>If you get an eTrex, you can interface it with your computer using free software (www.lexicon.net/firstwaypoint/gps/links.htm) and you can even save $30 by making your own interface cable. I recommend GPS Trackmaker.
A couple more thoughts-
Never rely on GPS for navigation if you will be in the woods. GPS signals do not penetrate tree cover.
Don't forget to mark the location of your car before you head out.
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- peaceriver
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- ron j
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- Jeff Huber
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<br><br>I also greatly enjoy reviewing my maps in Topo!/National Geographic upon trip return. I find that it has improved my topo reading skills. <br><br><br>I leave the gps on during tours so that I can bring it back home and upload the track into the Topo! software and study the track on the computer map. I find it fascinating to review the trip that way and it helps me become more familiar with an area quicker.<br>
<br><br>Good idea, I'll have to try it. Since the lithium's battery life drops so abruptly do you ever find it difficult to detect when they're about to die?<br><br>Ron, since you leave your GPS on all the time, where do you store it? I was concerned that putting my GPS in my pack would adversely impact it's reception so I always store it in a pouch on one of my shoulder straps. It makes me look ultra geeky as I have a camera in a pouch on the opposite shoulder strap and sometimes even a pulse oximeter on my sternum strap.<br><br>Gaper Jeffey<br>AA lithiums (roughly twice the cost of Alkalines) maintain their voltage at 1.5 volts until almost dead, plus they store more energy, so they last a long time. I usually get 3 or 4 trips out of a set. So they work better and last at least 2 ore 3 times longer. <br>
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- ron j
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It can sneak up on you... but if you're looking at the battery charge icon, say at least hourly, you'll pick up on it.<br><br><br>Since the lithium's battery life drops so abruptly do you ever find it difficult to detect when they're about to die?<br>Gaper Jeffey
I think you're right; I think carrying it in your pack will affect the reception. I'm of a similar geekiness, 'cept I don't have the oximeter. Where do ya get 'em <br><br>Ron, since you leave your GPS on all the time, where do you store it? I was concerned that putting my GPS in my pack would adversely impact it's reception so I always store it in a pouch on one of my shoulder straps. It makes me look ultra geeky as I have a camera in a pouch on the opposite shoulder strap and sometimes even a pulse oximeter on my sternum strap.<br>Gaper Jeffey
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- powscraper
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