powdork
Site Admin
Joined: 12 Feb 2004
Posts: 494
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 Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Sternsoft,
Hopefully this gets to you before you make your choice. I don't know anything about GPS's. The last navigational device I used was a loran when I lived in Florida and used to take boats to the bahamas. So I asked my techie hiking geek mark to help out. This is what he said.
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Here are the relevant features to consider for GPS- Backcountry use.
1.) 12 channel receiver ( 12 satellites can be locked in at any moment)- works best
3 channel multiplexer-( cheaper, but has to switch between satellites constantly) works great on boats, or in rural, flat areas, but DOES NOT work in the mountains- because it does not lock its signal.
2.) Number of Waypoints available(try to find 500 min.)- these are your points to mark a trail, on site or from a map, computer etc.
3.) Maps built in? Can they be loaded? Computer interface- to upload way points into maps or database on your computer? Map software included?these are all great features, but you pay for them with size, weight, and price-
4.)Selective Availability- the Gov't method for scrambling troop positions- ~1995 SA was about 120 ft now its closer to 25 ft. some units tell you the variance.
5.) Track back feature- the unit will synthesize Waypoints to lead you back to where you started-
Personally I love my Garmin, and it is unbelielably accurate- best use (go to topozone .com pull up a map, set the coordinates to UTM, put your cursor over a peak,pass, campsite, etc. input the UTM coodinates into a waypoint in the unit, then go out and use the GOTO feature to track distance, estimate time of arrival etc. |
And he is looking into particular units you are looking at now.
Thanks Mark
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