Re: GPS

From: John V. Morris (jmorris@cup.hp.com-DeleteThis)
Date: Tue Aug 08 2000 - 13:23:52 PDT


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Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000 13:23:52 -0700
From: "John V. Morris" <jmorris@cup.hp.com-DeleteThis>
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Subject: Re: GPS
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> There have been a couple of letters to the editor in Windsurfing about
> using eTrex GPS receivers to measure maximum speed. Has anyone actually
> tried it? I'm thinking about doing it but it seems my eTrex loses
> satellites easily.

I've been using mine to measure speed while kayaking. At first I was
disappointed with the accuracy - which was as much as 3-4 knots off. But
the government recently removed the deliberate 'randomness' from GPS
signals, so now the speed is much more accurate. Note the GPS does not
show instaneous speed, but rather a moving average over the last 30
seconds or so.

The eTrex is water resistent but not water proof. A pouch is necessary.
I've found the eTrex works well if held in a horizontal position. If
held vertically, say hanging from a cord, then it tends to lose
satellites.

Unfortunately, the eTrex is not bear proof. Mine was recently destroyed
when a bear attempted to eat it.

On the plus side, the eTrex is:
   - Very small
   - Inexpensive
   - Water resistent

On the negative side:
   - Must be held horizontally for relible readings
   - Can be destroyed by bears.

  John Morris
  Menlo Park



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