[Paddlewise] Size DOES matter!

I am talking about the portability of my new GPS, what were you
thinking? :-)
    I wrote this at work tonight, imagine my surprise when I opened my
email and found the discussion already in full swing!
    As you may remember from a previous post, I was considering buying a
Garmin Etrex.  Well, I decided to go for it.  I have had the chance to
play with it for a bit over a week now, but here in the icebound
northeast I haven't had a chance to try it in paddling conditions.  Yet.

    My initial impressions;  I love the size! The Etrex is about the
same size as a pack of cigarettes (not that anyone here would know how
big that is! :-)), fitting comfortably in a shirt pocket.  It is the
smallest parallel receiver GPS that I have seen to date.  The receiver
works well, locking on to the satellites quickly under most conditions.
The controls (all five buttons) are logical and easy to understand.
Everything can be done with one hand.  the software is user friendly,
all functions are within three levels of a main page.  The main
functions are on a main page or one level down.
    The specs on this unit claim that it is submersible to one meter for
thirty minutes.  I don't think that the battery compartment is included
in that spec.  The battery compartment cover is rubber coated, it looks
like it seals well enough for an occasional dunking.  I wouldn't do more
than a couple rolls before checking for leaks.  Or you can do what is
usually recommended and keep it in a waterproof bag.
    Shortcomings;  Although the Etrex will store the same five hundred
waypoints as its (double the price) brothers, it is limited to one route
of up to fifty waypoints.  I really don't see this as a big deal.  I can
always clear today's route and set up tomorrow's from my stored
waypoints while waiting for dinner to cook.  After all, I only follow
one route at a time.
    I use Terrain Navigator software by Maptech to plan my paddles.
Maptech does not have a driver to upload and download data to the Etrex
yet.  They told me that they will make a driver as soon as Garmin sends
them the code and an Etrex.  Until then I was told to try the drivers
for other Garmin units and see if they work.  This sort of hang-up is to
be expected with a new product.
    The owners manual is not real helpful.  You can almost learn
everything in the owners manual just from playing with the unit.  If you
really want to get the most out of your Etrex either download or order
the Etrex Advanced Users Guide.  That will give useful information like
how to change the map datum to match the chart that you are using for
greater accuracy (page 18), and other truly useful information.
    That is about all the nits I have to pick with the Etrex so far.  If
anyone would like I can give them an update as I use it more.
    Remember, in the confined world of kayak storage, size DOES matter!

Mike

--
    Paddling along through fog so thick that only one's thoughts are
visible, your reverie is abruptly shattered by the ancient cry of a
great
blue heron as she lifts uncertainly from the brilliant blue of a
mussel-shell beach witnessed only by the brooding, wet spruce....your
passage home seems as much back through time as it does through space.
Mark H Hunt


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