Handheld Gps

[Benn]

I just bought a new Garmin etrex legend H, handheld gps.. Hopefully it arrives 2moro from the internet land.

Going away on a hunting trip this weekend, havnt owned or used a handheld gps while hunting b4.. So was wondering if you guys had a few handy tips if you have used one before. Basically bought one for the trackback feature, so if u ditch the car and off on foot into scrub dont have to worry so much about wear u came from.. Also to mark the campsite for further reference and just to get back to if out spotlighting.. Any other usefull uses they can be used for or what do u guys use them for..

Cheers

-Ben

Garmin etrex Legend H

[Rono]

I mark the car and turn it of mate and I will only switch it back on if I shoot a deer and mark the spot or I am have trouble finding the car..... Saying that when I first got it it stay on.... I use the GPS Map 60Csx you can Download Shonky maps for it as well

[Stalker]

If deer hunting, mark any wallows, scrapes, game-trail intersections, feeding/bedding areas, vantage points etc. I then plug the co-ordinates into google earth and a pattern will emerge.

[jindydiver]

Learning all the features and how to get the most out of them takes time. You don't want to be learning how it all works on the side of a hill in the pissing rain though. Go to http://geocaching.com.au/ and find a cache or two near you and go searching. Use all the bits of your GPS you need so you get familiar with it, then when you need the GPS in a pinch you will know you can trust it and yourself.

I take the kids out looking for caches every school holidays and we have a great time.

I use mine to mark all sorts of game sign and load the waypoints (and the track) into OziExplorer. It is a great reference that helps me to remember things so I can use the info for getting onto the game later. I also keep a hunting diary with all the info from each hunt so I know the differences things like water or the amount of feed make to the patterns.

[Curly1]

I bought one of those for the missus a couple of years ago and it's proven to be a very reliable, robust little unit.

Agree with what jindydiver said though. Take the time to get used to it and learn all the features because as mentioned you don't want to be doing it when circumstances are against you.

Oh yeah always carry at least one, preferably two sets of spare batteries for it on you at all times.

Cheers.

[Adios]

There is one issue with using the "Track back " feature that you need to know. It can cause some confusion to new users.

If you start out on a route and at some point decide to use track back you must make sure you don't move away from your course out as you engauge "track back ".

If you have moved toward your home position after engauging Track back what can happen is that the GPS unit will want to steer you back to the point that you left the going out course and then return you onto the coming home course.

Now this first direction may be in the opposite direction that you know home is. So confusion can result. Confusion can lead to believing that the GPS is wrong or broken or whatever.

So for a first time user you should always store seperate waypoints of camp the car whatever as a backup just incase you stuff up Track back.

If at any time you get unsure of what Track back is doing then it's time to dump it and go to straight waypoint navigation.

Once you get to know the little quirks that can happen it's not a big deal.

[Fireman_DJ]

Carry a paper map and compass AND mark the camp/car location on it and have a general look over it to get the big picture in your head.

Turn the GPS on and leave it on, most have at least 18hr's battery life and you should have two sets of spare batteries (Lithium's only. They store on the shelf longer, work better in the cold and pack a bit more punch so last longer in the GPS).

"Track-back" may seem like a great idea, but at times I've walked and walked, then looked on the GPS and found I've almost made a complete loop back to camp. Faster to find a new way home. Again, check with a map (unless you have the topographical data on your GPS) for the best route, because a direct line could take you over a cliff face.

I tend to mark anything I find. Also, I don't do this only because my camera isn't pocket sized (more like backpack sized) but you can set the clock on your digital camera correctly and take pictures along the way. At home, load the GPS track and your pictures into a folder and run some clever software that links the two together (based on time). Then you can load your pictures into Google Earth and see where everything is. Faster then taking hand written notes, sometimes gives more info and always allows outside help to analyse.

As the Mythbusters say, "Failure is ALWAYS an option". So plan for it and when your life is on the line, take a backup system AND know how to use that backup.

[sav]

hey ben im looking at getting a gps what was that unit worth, and is it a decent one .

cheers

[Farmgirl]

We've been using the GPS to mark the trails we have cut into the scrub. Every time we see a spot we like, we name it (eg Mum's Lost Marbles ) and then reference it with Google Earth. That is really awsome!

[Gadge]

hey ben im looking at getting a gps what was that unit worth, and is it a decent one .

cheers

This model is currently $229 + delivery from the two major local online GPS specialist shops, GPSOz and Johnny Appleseed GPS.

Good value, these units. I picked this one as the best bang for buck ratio too.

And they're all waterproof, except for the battery compartment. I also got a soft case for mine; good for protecting the display from scratches, and adds some impact protection.

Here's a good feature comparo chart for the Etrex range: http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin/garmin_etrex_h.htm

[sav]

This model is currently $229 + delivery from the two major local online GPS specialist shops, GPSOz and Johnny Appleseed GPS.

Good value, these units. I picked this one as the best bang for buck ratio too.

And they're all waterproof, except for the battery compartment. I also got a soft case for mine; good for protecting the display from scratches, and adds some impact protection.

Here's a good feature comparo chart for the Etrex range: http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin/garmin_etrex_h.htm

thanks for that, looking at getting into some state forests. dont wana go round in circles

[7mmmag]

Mate i have the basic Etrex model and have had no problems with it. It is basically used as a fall back if i become momentarily displaced. it is also great for marking points of interest as mentioned in this thread. saying that i also take maps and a good compass when i am heading outas well as you don't want to rely solely on electrical equipment.

[sav]

Was looking around to see whats available and came across the Garmin Decota 10 with FREE CARRY CASE . $235.normally $349 Its on special atm and for $6 more than the E trex legend H 25MB of internal memory At $229

Its a better deal . Decota 10 850 MB internal memory for loading detailed street, topographic or contour mapping ,sunlight-readable, colour, touchscreen display , and a few other thingy majigs.

Ill be going to pick up mine tomorow . nearlly forgot its at jhonny appleseed

Edited October 3, 2010 by sav

[Big Maxy]

I hate mine it freezes all the time, going to use it as a @#$%^% target

[sav]

Will it beep whem you shoot it