I had been using a Garmin GPS II+ with data cable and PCX5 software for a couple of years. It allowed me to upload tracks, routes and waypoints to a PC, convert them to CAD files (.dxf), import them into GIS projects (I use ARCView), where I could convert them to shapefiles and integrate them into mapping projects. Great way to document trips, prepare presentations-- only your imagination is the limit. When I added an eTrex, I got a $70 credit as a PCX5 user towards the purchase of MapSource CDs. I got the US Topo package. Very nice, easy to use, but lacking the CAD conversion. I like being able to create waypoints and routes with a mouse click, and download them to the eTrex, then later to upload track log data and superimpose it on the topo map. That's the feature you omitted in your post-- the ability to graphically display "where did I go" on a real map, not just a little LCD "breadcrumb" track. I'll probably get the forthcoming CD featuring aids to navigation. But for serious mapmaking, I'm keeping the GPS II+. Dan Harrison >Steve Posti wrote: >Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 11:57:43 -0700 (PDT) >From: Steve Posti <steveposti_at_yahoo.com> >Subject: [Paddlewise] eTrex >I bought the Garmin eTrex GPS over the weekend and >really like it. One question for those of you using >it....Is the data cable really useful for anything? >Yes, I know that I would need it to download the new >software from Garmin, and that I could use it to >download waypoints from the Mapsource CDs. >I understand the data cable's necessity with a GPS >with map capabilities, but don't see a real compelling >use with the eTrex. Am I missing something? I figure >I can just manually enter in waypoints when I'm >actually there, or from the long/lat numbers from a >website like http://www.maptech.com/. Are there other >sources of (free)data out there that would make it >worthwhile? >[snip] *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
One of the other uses for a data cable is to connect the GPS to a lap top running a mapping program like Delorme. This will show you your position on a street level map. Not useful for kayaking but possibly for driving or boating. The applause was definitely for you! -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Steve Posti Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 2:58 PM To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] eTrex I bought the Garmin eTrex GPS over the weekend and really like it. One question for those of you using it....Is the data cable really useful for anything? Yes, I know that I would need it to download the new software from Garmin, and that I could use it to download waypoints from the Mapsource CDs. I understand the data cable's necessity with a GPS with map capabilities, but don't see a real compelling use with the eTrex. Am I missing something? I figure I can just manually enter in waypoints when I'm actually there, or from the long/lat numbers from a website like http://www.maptech.com/. Are there other sources of (free)data out there that would make it worthwhile? On a paddling note, I took a paddling skills class last weekend, and I learned a lot. Bob Denton (whom I had the pleasure of paddling with a couple of weeks ago) will be happy to know that I put the paddle float he recommended to good use and can now pretty easily do a paddlefloat self rescue. As we were finishing the paddle and heading to the boat ramp, Bob suggested I try my first wet exit to see if I could get back in the boat. I had a hand pump but no paddle float. After many ugly attempts I finally made it back into the boat. I'm not sure if the cheers from the kids on the boat ramp were for me, or Bob's numerous rolls. Steve West Palm Beach, Florida Get Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I bought a Standard 350S vhf radio recently and would like to learn some general rules and guidelines about using it. What is the proper syntax when making a distress call? What kinds of talk goes on in the non-emergency (not 16) channels? If you want to talk to a nearby ship, what channel do you use? There are so many channels! Is there a short book, or a chapter in a book, that would answer these questions? The user's guide that came with my Standard 350S is of little use to a beginner. It assumes you already know the answers to my questions. PS: The unit survived a dunking in the sea fine. I lash a 2.5-inch section of swimmer's "noodle" to it to make it float. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Jack Fu wrote: > > I bought a Standard 350S vhf radio recently and > would like to learn some general rules and guidelines > about using it. > > What is the proper syntax when making a distress > call? > > What kinds of talk goes on in the non-emergency > (not 16) channels? If you want to talk to a nearby > ship, what channel do you use? There are so many > channels! Try this URl for the accepted Mayday protocol, and some of the other info you seek: http://www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/boater.htm Re: channels for ship-to-ship communication: hail them first on the hailing channel (16 or a local alternate/substitute), and then switch to whichever of the "chat" channels is open. Do not use the channels you hear them talking on for hailing. (They should not be using 16 for idle chatter -- only hailing and emergency use.) In addition, do not disturb large vessels or shipping traffic unless you have an emergency (i.e., are about to get run down). In restricted waters, especially, whoever has charge of the vessel is normally pretty busy piloting. In isolated locations, there is some leeway on these "rules." This is one place where YMMV. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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