Zack, I used to have a old Garmin GPSIII that would display maidenhead grids. Used it when I would rover in the VHF contests. Very simple to use and very very cheap now on the used market. It's OLD technology but I don't think anyone will fault you for using it even if it isn't as accurate. It'll get you close enough and to me as long as it shows the grid that you are passing out on the screen then you've made a "good faith" effort to do things right.
BTW: Nice to work you on SO-50 the other night. QSL will be in the mail. 73 Matt W5LL On 9/2/2010 8:27 AM, Zachary Beougher wrote: > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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
