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 KAYAK DIVERS > GEAR > NAVIGATION > GPS |
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 Overview:GPS is great, providing accurate positional data and navigation to within just a few meters. The only trouble is, most published data pre dates GPS and is not as accurate. You may have the marks for a wreck and the ability to park yourself right on them but all too often you'll find they're not quite right and end up swiming around for a while to find what ever it is you're looking for. GPS hardware and software has developed rapidly over the last few years. Small handhelds are now avaiable with TFT sunlight readable colour screens, onboard mapping, tide data and all day battery life. These mapping receivers are excellent but they come at a price. The alternative is to keep things simple and stick to a standard non-mapping GPS which is just as accurate but just have to use it with paper maps and charts to see where you are. |
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Garmin eTrex: Although this is one of the smallest, cheapest and most basic receivers available it's more than up to the job for kayak diving. It's compact, rugged, simple and is as accurate as any of the current crop. GOOD: Lightweight, small, rugged, simple, sub 10m accuracy and long battery life. BAD: Small screen and readouts can be tricky to see in rougher or wet conditions. The eTrex H is still serial port only and although serial/usb adapters are available for use with usb only (laptops) computers these adapters won't work with any Windows operating system after XP. REMEMBER: Simple is often best. Well, it would be if simple had a USB port. |
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Garmin GPS 60: An excellent standard GPS with a larger screen and very clear displays. GOOD: Compact and ergonomic case, rugged, very clear screen, keypad on the front, sub 10m accuracy and long battery life. BAD: Nothing. REMEMBER: 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the population. |
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Garmin GPSmap 60CSx: Technically this is one of the most advanced hand-held GPS receivers available, featuring a true sunlight readable colour screen, on board charts, tidal data and a barometric sensor. We usually say simplest is best but..... this could be an exception. GOOD: Compact and ergonomic case, rugged, very clear screen, keypad on the front, sub 10m accuracy, good battery life, on-board charts and a barometer. BAD: Loaded with charts it will cost as much as a kayak so don't lose it! REMEMBER: You can't compromise on safety (especially when it's a gadget you really want). |
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GPS Suppliers: www.hitchnhike.co.uk Garmin GPS Receivers & Accessories |
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