Re: [Paddlewise] GPS

From: Jochen Grikschat <grikschat_at_surfeu.de>
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 08:57:28 +0200
Hello!

>. The "waterproof" ratings on all of them do not include the battery
> compartment. I keep mine in a GPS dry bag and it works perfectly through
it.

I got an 12V Accu inmy kayak and wanted to use this for my GPS, just to safe
expensive battery and to use the GPS longer. So I place the GPS like Steve
in a Aquapac bag, but put in the 12V adapter, glue in a cable and the cable
I could fit to a flat and waterproof plug connection, fitted to my rear deck
left side behind my cockpit.
So, the GPs is floatable, it is fixed by the cable and I could use it
NONSTOP WITHOUT changing the batteries. Now I got a pic from this special
bag (where I have to put on a little bit more glue to the cable) and the
Aqua Signal plug connection.

I think this is solution, which must be interesting for more paddlers. I
could send the pics out...
=========
I also got some negative experience with GPS in general. Not because of the
GPs, but on my preparation for the tour.
I was paddling from Borkum (island) through an almost unused waterway
towards Ameland (NL). I follow the buoys and when the waterway ended above
Schiermonnikoog I wanīt to check out the distance to the Island. But I
couldnīt. I got a chart, for sure. But I made a copy and forget that I need
the chart-sides to get the exact coordinates. So, my GPS give me the exact
position, but without a waypoint from the island, this was totally useless.
It was a warm and slightly foggy day, now wind, now waves.
So I decided padling on 180 degree until I could see the island. But I
landed on a beach and the fog was so thick, I couldnīt see the lighthouse. I
took out my kayak cart and do something for my legs :-)) walking around this
huuuuge sand. Afterwards it became clear, I miss the waterway to the island
inshore area within about 5 or 10 minutes of paddling to the west. Ugh!

Sh*t happens! Keep smiling, it was a nice trip and Iīve learned a lot.

all the best
Jochen

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Received on Fri Apr 27 2001 - 00:31:37 PDT

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