What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon.
73, Zack KD8KSN -------------------------------------------------- From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" <amsat...@wd9ewk.net> Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 1:33 AM To: <amsat-bb@amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GPS for dx-expedition > Hi Rick! > >> The number of satellites isn’t the main factor in accuracy, it’s the sat >> geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher >> altitude >> will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around >> the >> same area of the sky. > > I understand that. I was only stating that about the VX-8GR as a > reason why I don't use that device for establishing my location > when working on grid boundaries etc. > > When I drove out to the DM23/DM24 grid boundary a couple of > weekends ago, I was able to easily get the VX-8GR and GPSMAP > 76S to line up on the grid boundary line (34 degrees North). In fact, > my VX-8GR was chirping away with APRS data on the boundary as > I was taking the photos with the GPSMAP 76S sitting with my radios > for the VUCC documentation (and the QSL cards). I also have a > photo or two of the VX-8GR with 34 degrees North on its display, as > additional proof I was out there. > >> That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I’ve rarely had a >> position >> error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily >> get under 10’ most times. > > You're right again. It should be easy to get that 20-foot accuracy, > and this is stated in the VUCC rules. If the GPS is in good > working order, and you're not concerned about having all the latest > bells and whistles, an older GPS is certainly capable of meeting > the VUCC documentation requirements. My GPSMAP 76S is 7 > years old, and I don't have any need to replace it. Its firmware > has been updated to the final version released by Garmin before > it was discontinued, and the only thing I have to do with it is > periodically replace the 2 AA batteries that power it. > > 73! > > > > > > Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK > http://www.wd9ewk.net/ > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
