[Paddlewise] GPS Units

>>>>>Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2003 10:39:07 -0400
From: "Ally Pike" <ally_at_thepikes.org>
Subject: [Paddlewise] GPS unit

I would love to hear about the GPS units that some of you use and what you
love and hate about it.<<<<<

I won't comment on specific units, but on key features, based on my
previous GPS's:
-- Built-in electronic compass:  I thought this was a cool feature
initially and one of the reasons I bought my current GPS, but I've been
disappointed in the accuracy.  Generally it needs to be almost exactly
level to work and even then the electronic compass can be off by 20 degrees
or so.  I generally take the bearing from my gps and then use my
much-more-reliable deck compass to navigate

-- Waterproof:  someone correctly pointed out the problem with the
"waterproof" claim for the eTrex.  I also had this problem, but unless I'm
mistaken, leaky battery compartments is a problem with virtually all
"waterproof" GPS's, not just the eTrex.  I use the suggestion of another
list member (from a year or two ago) and use _good quality_ electrical tape
to seal the battery compartment and since then I've had no leakage (even
though I don't use a waterproof bag for it).

-- Downloadable maps:  VERY nice for kayaking and, imho, well worth the
extra money

-- Built-in altimeter/barometer:  This is another feature I thought was
pretty nice, since if you want (at least on the Garmin Summit) you can turn
off everything else except the barometer and keep a log of changing
barometric pressure to potentially predict changes in weather/storms.
Yeah, it's potentially a nice feature, but you can usually get better and
more reliable weather info from your weather radio.  However, if you plan
to also use your gps for hiking, I'd definitely recommend this feature.

I'd also suggest thinking through how you expect to use it.  Do you expect
to have it on most of the time, say to log your path, keep track of average
speed, using most of the special feature (or even just for "entertainment")
etc? Or do you plan to mostly use it just to get a bearing or figure out
where you are?  Depending on your answer, you may not need a really high
end unit.

Evan Dallas
Woodinville


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