[Paddlewise] Misc GPS questions

>>>>Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 14:04:58 EDT
From: FoldingBoats_at_aol.com
Subject: [Paddlewise] GPS Question, the next one

In a message dated 8/5/2002 11:36:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
staehpj1_at_yahoo.com writes:

> Recommendations, observations, or comments?

Not directly ... actually another question: I've been using a Garmin eTrex
Venture for a couple of months. It works well and as advertised. (My only
bug
bear is the apparent fact that you have to buy a whole relatively expensive
Garmin software package even if you only want the little bit that allows
you
to download "tracks" from the unit to the PC.) Over the last two weeks I
noticed that when there were drops of water on the screen and the unit was
in
full sunlight, there appeared areas of condensation on the inside of the
screen -- or between two layers of the screen at least. Is this a common
problem? Is it worth discussing with Garmin?<<<<
--------------------
Regarding downloading tracks -- there are other software products (some are
free- or share-ware) that will do this for you at no cost.  I use GPS
Utility (http://www.gpsu.co.uk/) which is free unless you get the
full-featured version.  I believe Ossie Explorer (I think that's what it's
called) will also do this.

Regarding eTrex battery life and condensation leaks -- I recently returned
from a 7-day kayaking trip in the Nootka sound area and got by with one set
of alkaline batteries on my eTrex Summit (the unit with the electronic
compass but no charts), though I don't keep the GPS turned on all the time
(maybe it was on 25% of the time).  When I did have it on, I had my compass
turned on the whole time, but kept the unit in "battery-saver" mode which
seems to make a big difference.  I don't find the eTrex electronic compass
to be very reliable, so I usually just take the bearing from the display
screen and use that with the compass on my kayak deck.  However, based on
your comments about it being a battery drain, I will probably turn the
compass feature off and save further on batteries.

Regarding leakage, I tried the trick someone on this list mentioned (sorry,
whoever you are, your name escapes me) about using electrical tape around
the battery compartment (since I find it awkward to use, kept in a bag).
Worked great.  Despite one quick dunking and lots of splashing -- no water
at all got in the battery compartment.  If you do that, I recommend buying
the more expensive "professional grade" electrical tape.  BUT -- I also
have just a bit of condensation on the screen (the part that IS supposed to
be immersible).  It seems to go away quickly as it warms, but it bugs me
nonetheless.

Evan Dallas
Woodinville, Washington


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