>>>>>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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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