Re: [Paddlewise] GPS

In responding to a post on the eTrex GPS, Bill Hansen wrote, "yes, I'd be very interested in knowing if the unit is truly waterproof. My personal luck with Garmin (RE: both water-resistance of their "waterproof" units, and also RE: repairs) has been poor, though I know that others have had much better experiences."

No first hand data on the eTrex's waterproofness, yet, Bill.  (But there is a real "navigation" problem in using this navaid, I've found.  Putting it down on my typically cluttered desk at home resulted in the apparent loss of the unit for two weeks.  Just found it last night after the third, rather extensive search of the desk top.  Did I mention it was cluttered?  Bright yellow is good, but the blasted thing is tiny!)  As to its submersibility: one piece of anecdotal information (from a retailer of eTrex, suggesting his source was Garmin) is that, while the electronics portion of the unit is submersible, the battery container may not be.  I'd be surprised if Garmin is weasle-wording its watereproof statement, however, and the battery case does have a thin "O" ring seal on it, but I'm going to test this bit out now and will provide some feedback.  If the battery compartment leaks, it goes back for a refund.

Any other eTrex owners have water problems yet?

Jack Martin, getting a six foot long, international orange streamer for his eTrex

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