GPS - Purchase or not?

In a recent message <[email hidden]>,
Flat Earth Society <[email hidden]> wrote.

[...]

Quoted message said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

GPS would be a piece of cake if the earth really was flat <g>.

Speaking as a member of the Iron Ships Won't Float Society, I'd suggest
that for walking all you need is a simple, non-mapping GPS receiver. I
use the Geko 301, which has a barometer and a magnetic compass built in,
but if you don't need these features the Geko 201 might suit you. But
not the Geko 101, this doesn't connect to a PC.

Regards,
Nick.
--
Nick Hopton and Anne Hopton
Caversham, Reading, England
<[email hidden]>

On 15 Jul 2004 04:34:42 -0700, [email hidden] (Flat Earth

Society) said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

I don't see why it would be more or less useful. There is a lot of
opinion surrounding GPS. Some of the opinions can become very very
very boring but here's mine!

I have a Garmin Etrex (ie the basic yellow Etrex). So far, I have
used it for two main purposes: finding out exactly (give or take a few
metres) where I am and superimposing my track on a map in Oziexplorer
so that I can see where I went when I get back.

The Etrex is perfect for this. It is relatively small; takes two AA
batteries (and I am using rechargeables); was relatively cheap
compared with some other receivers and I like it.

I keep intending to properly plan a route *before* I go for a walk and
upload the route into the GPS. However, I tend to not leave enough
time for planning and end up manually entering planned waypoints and
routes using the buttons on the GPS. This is tedious with the Etrex
but I can't comment on any other receivers.

Usually I am a map and compass walker but, if you can afford it, I
would say get one.

Judith

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful person
Nick Hopton <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

In a recent message <[email hidden]>,
Flat Earth Society <[email hidden]> wrote.

[...]

Quoted message said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

GPS would be a piece of cake if the earth really was flat <g>.

Speaking as a member of the Iron Ships Won't Float Society, I'd suggest
that for walking all you need is a simple, non-mapping GPS receiver. I
use the Geko 301, which has a barometer and a magnetic compass built
in, but if you don't need these features the Geko 201 might suit you.
But not the Geko 101, this doesn't connect to a PC.

of if you prefer a slightly larger display, the Etrex (also by Garmin)
... I bought the Venture, simply because it comes with the PC attachment
cable, which Garmin otherwise want to charge silly prices for.

Connecting to a PC is key .. so you can load in routes/waypoints before
you start, and so you can download where you've been when (if!) you get
back. Even a non-mapping GPS (like my Venture) has those facilities.

And yes, I find the thing damn useful (except under tree cover, when it
loses satellite lock and gets all snarky), to the point where the map
and compass sometimes just stay in the bum-bag for emergencies.
Certainly does a good job of telling me how far I went (and during the
walk 'how much further to go' and 'when might you finally get there'😉.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
Outgoing Msgs are Turing Tested,and indistinguishable from human typing.

"Flat Earth Society" <[email hidden]> schreef in bericht
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

With good views/clear skies a GPS isn't really necessary but when visibility
is poor it is a good safety device for knowing where you are (if it's a
non-mapping GPS in combination with a map/compass).

Theo

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

I always carry my Etrex, be it in the mountain areas, or the South
Downs/Dorset. Why? Well, in say The Lakes, it is usful in emergency if I
want to check my position in poor visibility. I also upload the route from
Anquet Mapping so I can use it for navigating, if required. It does not,
however, replace my map and compass. I always keep track on the map as to
where I am in the walk.

Secondly, it records my distance travelled and time taken, no matter where I
walk. Useful for my trip notes/walk records when updating my website.

Quoted message said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

Have used mine in southern Spain, again as a back up plus recording
distance/time .... but no more useful than in UK.

It is find it usfull to download the track log to overlay in Anquet, so a
rough comparison can be made as to where I walked, and what my planned route
was.

Quoted message said:

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

The Garmin Etrex is a basic version, but it provides all that I need. Good
size screen for viewing in all weather, also small and light to carry.

--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk

"Mountains or Mole Hills ..... reaching the
summit still brings the same excitement"

In message <[email hidden]>, theo <[email hidden]>
writes

Quoted message said:

"Flat Earth Society" <[email hidden]> schreef in bericht
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

With good views/clear skies a GPS isn't really necessary but when visibility
is poor it is a good safety device for knowing where you are (if it's a
non-mapping GPS in combination with a map/compass).

Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
used my compass in anger for years.

--
Martin Richardson
239/284 Munros - 15% to go 34/34 'Furths' & 439/439 Nuttalls - 0% to go
42/89 Donalds - 53% to go 0/? Himalayans - 100% to go
442/1552 Marilyns - 72% to go

[email hidden] (Flat Earth Society) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

Keep it in your pocket.. That way if you lose your rucksack you still have
the gps to track back....

Not that anyone would be foolish enough to lose their rucksack though! :-D

Quoted message said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

I'm pleased with my Garmin Geko 201. Small compact, and lightweight - runs
on AAA battery, apparantly has 12hr run time from a pair of AAAs.

Never had to use it in anger to help navigate off a hill in a pea souper,
but like to use mine to create track logs so when I get home I can analyse
how far I walked, altitude gained, total time, distance etc.

Hope this helps.

--
Brian

My Magellan Meridian Platinum took me straight to the trig point on
Ingleborough and straight to the right path down to Horton in almost zero
visibility a couple of weeks ago. Whilst I always carry a map and compass I
would no be without the GPS now. Thanks to Anquet and whoever submitted the
3 Peaks route for download!

By the way the Meridians, although slightly larger than the Etrexes, have
larger screen and are better able to pull in a signal under trees. Will take
512Mb SD cards as well.

Jon

"Brian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (Flat Earth Society) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

Keep it in your pocket.. That way if you lose your rucksack you still have
the gps to track back....

Not that anyone would be foolish enough to lose their rucksack though! :-D

Quoted message said:

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

At the moment I'm swayed to purchasing one, any models/makes
better/worse than the others (?)

I'm pleased with my Garmin Geko 201. Small compact, and lightweight -

runs

Quoted message said:

on AAA battery, apparantly has 12hr run time from a pair of AAAs.

Never had to use it in anger to help navigate off a hill in a pea souper,
but like to use mine to create track logs so when I get home I can

analyse

Quoted message said:

how far I walked, altitude gained, total time, distance etc.

Hope this helps.

--
Brian

In article <[email hidden]>, JRS
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

My Magellan Meridian Platinum took me straight to the trig point on
Ingleborough and straight to the right path down to Horton in almost zero
visibility a couple of weeks ago. Whilst I always carry a map and compass I
would no be without the GPS now. Thanks to Anquet and whoever submitted the
3 Peaks route for download!

My Garmin GPS 12 did the biz for me over 1.5 kM of moorland to a two
feet high small cairn by an aircraft wreck site which I had previously
logged with a good grid ref.

--
Bill Grey
http://www.billboy.co.uk

Martin Richardson said:

Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
used my compass in anger for years.

Which is why you wandered off in the wrong direction coming off Foel
Grach. :-)
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"

"Martin Richardson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
used my compass in anger for years.

They are an utter waste of time. Especially in a whiteout.

Ian.

--
Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG

On 15/7/04 12:34 pm, in article
[email hidden], "Flat Earth Society"

Quoted message said:

Althought I don't see GPS as a replacement for the good old map &
compass, it may be a good addition to the walkers rucksack (?)

Is it a fair assumption that a GPS could prove to be even more useful
if walking in Europe e.g. Switzerland, than just walking in the
England/Scotland/Wales.

I bought a GPS simply because I got badly lost in the Pyrenees last year; a
GPS would have simply given me the chance to know where I was!

Ordinarily, I don't use them on walks although I carry it with me.
Strangely enough, I find that they are mostly useful on English country
walks where the guide books - or the maps - seem very different to how
farmers have played around with paths, etc.

--
Andy Howell
Birmingham, UK

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 07:23:37 GMT, Andy Howell
<andy.howellNOSPAM@ecotrendDOTorgDOTuk> wrote:

| I bought a GPS simply because I got badly lost in the Pyrenees last year; a
| GPS would have simply given me the chance to know where I was!

I have just purchased an Etrex partly because I was in the usual mist on
the top of Ingleborough, and, with a 1:25,000 OS Explorer map, I took the
wrong track off the top. This became clear when I got below the cloud,
and I had to go back to the top to get on the right track.

Many thanks to those who provided information on my previous GPS. I went
with what I first thought of.

Dave F

"Brian" <[email hidden]> schreef in bericht
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (Flat Earth Society) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Not that anyone would be foolish enough to lose their rucksack though! :-D

In a previous thread someone ;-) confessed losing a rucksack.

Theo

Ian Dainty <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"Martin Richardson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
used my compass in anger for years.

They are an utter waste of time. Especially in a whiteout.

Ian.

Trouble is - inexperienced members of the public can be misled into
thinking that if they go out and buy a Silva magnetic compass (pshaw!)
that they can just go off and do Ben Goch.

They should first learn to use a basic GPS, IMNSHO.

Later, given some experience, they may find it worthwhile acquiring a
posh mapping GPS like mine, and maybe take a map-reading course.
--
Gordon

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 09:36:19 +0100, Gordon <[email hidden]>
wrote:

| Ian Dainty <[email hidden]> wrote
| >"Martin Richardson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
| >news:[email hidden]
| >
| >> Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
| >> you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
| >> used my compass in anger for years.
| >
| >They are an utter waste of time. Especially in a whiteout.
| >
| >Ian.
| >
| Trouble is - inexperienced members of the public can be misled into
| thinking that if they go out and buy a Silva magnetic compass (pshaw!)
| that they can just go off and do Ben Goch.
|
| They should first learn to use a basic GPS, IMNSHO.
|
| Later, given some experience, they may find it worthwhile acquiring a
| posh mapping GPS like mine, and maybe take a map-reading course.

Wrong sequence.
Learn to read a map, and get a large scale local map
Buy a compass and learn to use it.
Get a basic GPS.

Dave F

Andy Howell <andy.howellNOSPAM@ecotrendDOTorgDOTuk.?> wrote

Quoted message said:

I bought a GPS simply because I got badly lost in the Pyrenees last year; a
GPS would have simply given me the chance to know where I was!

Ordinarily, I don't use them on walks although I carry it with me.
Strangely enough, I find that they are mostly useful on English country
walks where the guide books - or the maps - seem very different to how
farmers have played around with paths, etc.

I let my companion follow the route description, ignore it myself, and
look at the map I've printed out with way points.

When she comes to the bit which was written up incorrectly from the
author's rough notes from 10 years earlier, I rescue us. :-)
--
Gordon

Dave Fawthrop <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 07:23:37 GMT, Andy Howell
<andy.howellNOSPAM@ecotrendDOTorgDOTuk> wrote:

| I bought a GPS simply because I got badly lost in the Pyrenees last year; a
| GPS would have simply given me the chance to know where I was!

I have just purchased an Etrex partly because I was in the usual mist on
the top of Ingleborough, and, with a 1:25,000 OS Explorer map, I took the
wrong track off the top. This became clear when I got below the cloud,
and I had to go back to the top to get on the right track.

We turned back before the summit of Ingleborough on a day when it was
wrapped in cloud and rain, for similar reasons, finding the path down
would be difficult when my 2-channel GPS refused to lock in the heavy
weather.

The other reason was that there would be nil visibility from the top,
and there is little point in reaching a summit where there is no view!
--
Gordon

In message <[email hidden]>, Dave Fawthrop
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 09:36:19 +0100, Gordon <[email hidden]>
wrote:

| Ian Dainty <[email hidden]> wrote
| >"Martin Richardson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
| >news:[email hidden]
| >
| >> Leave the map and compass warm and snug at the bottom of your rucksack -
| >> you'll hardly ever use them, particularly the compass. Don't think I've
| >> used my compass in anger for years.
| >
| >They are an utter waste of time. Especially in a whiteout.
| >
| >Ian.
| >
| Trouble is - inexperienced members of the public can be misled into
| thinking that if they go out and buy a Silva magnetic compass (pshaw!)
| that they can just go off and do Ben Goch.
|
| They should first learn to use a basic GPS, IMNSHO.
|
| Later, given some experience, they may find it worthwhile acquiring a
| posh mapping GPS like mine, and maybe take a map-reading course.

Wrong sequence.
Learn to read a map, and get a large scale local map
Buy a compass and learn to use it.
Get a basic GPS.

You should always assume a smiley
--
Martin Richardson
239/284 Munros - 15% to go 34/34 'Furths' & 439/439 Nuttalls - 0% to go
42/89 Donalds - 53% to go 0/? Himalayans - 100% to go
442/1552 Marilyns - 72% to go