What GPS Settings Do You Use?

Share navigation tips, discuss map-reading, compass use etc.

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Dizzy
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What GPS Settings Do You Use?

Post by Dizzy »

Hi everyone, as I'm sure most of you are aware I've recently invested in a GPS or to be precise a Garmin Etrex (the yellow one). After 12 years of using a sighting compass on Dartmoor, I decided to get with the times. The GPS is only for the occassional use, as I feel it takes a lot of fun out of the 'searching' part of letterboxing.
One thing I'm not to sure about is what the setting should be, I've read through the handbook but it's not that clear which one's I should be using for the moors. By the way, it worked ok yesterday on Dartmoor, shame it threw it down with rain most of the time though. :(

Ok, here are the settings I have got so far:

Position Frmt: British Grid
Map Datum: ord srvy GB
Units: Statute
North Ref: Magnetic
Variance: 004°

Are any of the settings wrong? I tracked a couple of boxes down with the GPS so everything seems to be working okish.

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ghostbusters&mountain
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Post by ghostbusters&mountain »

I,ve got the same settings works for me fine you must have it set up right for the moors. hope this helps
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Brinnie
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Post by Brinnie »

Mine is the same and it works fine, try it again.
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Fulchet
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Post by Fulchet »

same here

good luck with it Dizzy

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NUMBER 70
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Post by NUMBER 70 »

Thats interesting variance dont think my Garmin 12 has that on will have to check.

I use it for 8 digit boxes as well just add a nought to the back of the four digits then when you get there dig your compass out and check the bearings off the clue, (that might keep Nic happy :D :D )
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Dizzy
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Post by Dizzy »

Thanks everyone, at least I know that I've got the setting correct! :)

I found it gets you in the right area for the boxes, but as mentioned I do prefer using my sighting compass, old habbits die hard. I think when it's foggy, or it's those boxes which no matter how hard you look you don't even find an empty site, the GPS will come off my belt clip.

Cheers
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wires
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Post by wires »

the only differance to mine is that i use metric, just relates to the os maps that bit better for hights etc. but that is personal preferance
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Post by wires »

oh yeah somthing to rember, the grid referance you read off the screen is to one meter, but the normal accuracy is only to 5 meters
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Post by Nik - KOTM »

You could try turning it up the other way so that it is the correct way up :lol:

Just kidding mate - I hope you gain faith in it soon
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Station Master
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Post by Station Master »

Your settings r fine.

But do you have to buy a cable to link in with your computer?
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