What I have learned about my new GPS

[dakotashooter2]

I just bought a Garmin eTrex and since part of my job includes about a week of walking I have had it running in my pocket for several days. So far I have learned:
The more satellites you can pick up the more accurate the unit is. At least most of the time. Specific satellites or groupings tend to be more accurate than others. Some days it will show the difference between lanes of the road other days they are the same line. 20' is the best I have achieved with 30' being about average. As I hoped I am able to project a waypoint and navigate to that point from another direction fairly accuratly. The limiting factor being how accurate a bearing and distance I am able to provide. So far I have done this on ranges out to 200 yards and can get within 50 feet but know that will improve with practice. My unit has consistently tracked speeds as low as 1.4 MPH BUT this again depends on how many satellites and which ones. I have tried walking in the direction of the waypoint I want to project in order the get a bearing off the unit, but a compass seems to work better for this. I am finding that even this basic unit is going to be very usefull. Maybe some day I will want more bells and whistles but for the most part I like this unit and will KISS.

[Hcliff]

Accuracy also I was told has to do with sun spots.  Also ity depends too if you get the WAAS function to click on.  I have seen this not be able to be picked up they all of the sudden I get the WAAS satalite and get incredible accuracy.

Is it fun.  My 6 year old nephew and I were out in the woods this weekend and he was telling me which way to go  :eek:

Have fun!  :grin:

Hcliff

[daddywpb]

My wife bought me an Etrex for hunting last year, and I didn't know what I was missing. No more stopping constantly to get compass headings, just turn it on and go. It's nice to walk out of the woods at the end of the day, and see the truck right there - without even trying. Everyone who goes into the woods should have one!