Gps Bs!!!

W

Wild Bill Bucks

New member
Since GPS locators require a masters degree in computer science, why hasn't someone come up with a simple homing device that will tell you WHERE THE DAMN TRUCK IS ?

I am NEVER lost when I am at the truck, it is out in the woods when I am lost, trying to find the truck.

Does anyone know of a device such as this?
 
I know exactly what you mean. I bought my first GPS 15 years ago, and besides burning through a set of 4 AA alkaline batteries in 3-4 hours, it took half an hour just to mark where you were! I also tried to help a friend with his new GPS, and after 2 hours, he wasn't any closer to knowing how to use it. Fortunately, most of the new crop of GPS are a lot easier to operate than even a few years ago. The new Magellan even has a button for marking where your truck/camp/home/dog/beer cooler is.
 
You can buy homing devices at spy gadget stores, but dunno how well they work. I feel your pain, but like he said, they are easier to use now - easy to mark the location of the camp or pickup - that feature is now recognized as much needed and made very user friendly. Is yours an older or newer model?

And this probably goes better over in "Hunting".
 
GPS receivers definitely aren't something you can take out of the box and use with any degree of proficiency. I spent several weeks working with my Magellan Meridian Gold before I actually relied on it.

One feature that most have though is fairly easy to use, and is perfect for finding your truck or hunting camp is the MOB (Man Overboard) feature. Check the instructions for your individual unit, but it basically involves simply pushing the MOB at your truck or camp which memorizes the coordinates. Then just call up the coordinates from the database and hit "goto".

There is one problem with MOB though. The return route will be a straight line only. This could be a problem if you're traversing treacherous terrain, especially at night.

The answer to that is the "backtrack" feature that most have. That allows you to re-trace your exact route within about 30 feet to either side.

I fish a lot at night, and around here, fog can come up on the water in a heartbeat, and it's often so thick that I can't see the bow of my boat. GPS is a lifesaver when that happens.

(Edit) Interesting subject, but this probably is more appropriate for the Gear & Accesories Forum, so, off we go.
 
My Garmin

works fine. I use it on the boat. The only feature I've learned besides turning it on is the MOB function
Go To
Go To
Enter
makes a waypoint where we are right then.
Good luck.
 
My personal favorite is the Basic Garmin Etrex (the yellow one). It's simple to use, aquires quickly, relatively inexpensive ($99) and has no frills. I use it to do route surveys for work, to mark the postion of my vehicle when I leave it and basic navigation to back up my map and compass.
 
Truck alarm system, just push the panic button on you key ring.:D Then follow the noise.;)

Get a GPS, I use the magellan and a compass. Learn how to use it, it could save your life. Quality batteries last 8 hours but carry an extra set.
Bill
 
I've used a gps extensively while offshore fishing. I've never had one fail me. On the otherhand, even if it did, I still had a compass and chart. I wouldn't rely on a gps only. I've never bothered to take one hunting. A compass and map are too light and the batteries don't fail. I have an old handheld eagle that works great. I just don't take it.

I hear you about the college degree. The early models were about as intuitive as programming a vcr. You actually had to read the directions, throughly, and practice with them in your hand. The newer ones are much easier to use. Some of them have a "demo" mode where you can try out the different features, in your livingroom. The lowrance I have on my boat will show you your position on a chart. Not much good offshore, but very handy when approaching an inlet or harbor. I've also got one that plugs into a laptop, via usb, and will show you your position on a roadmap. I've actually used this a couple of times while traveling. I'm not really a geek, it was a Christmas present. :D

If you've got an older one, like my eagle, try out a newer one. They are not that hard to use. Always carry a compass and map though. I've dead reckoned out to the Rockpile more than once, then checked myself with a gps or loran. You'd be suprised how close you can come with just a plain old map and compass. Mr. Murphy doesn't mess with them as much as electronics, either.

Have Fun
 
i've been using GPS since they first came out 10+ yrs ago. still, when in the
backcountry, the GOTO feature I use is topo map, compass and altimeter.
was on Mt Rainier in near whiteout conditions and the compass was not
that useful. no big....switch to altimeter and topo. boo-yah!.....back to
the truck with minimum stress.
 
I guess the ease of use depends if you are part of the point and click generation. I must admit that some brands have much better user interfaces and are much more intuitive.

I have a Garmin Emap that I've had for over 8 years already. It has a basic map of the US preloaded and area specific maps can be down loaded. The best accuracy I've seen is about 15 feet, which is more than sufficient. This model does not have routing capabilities though so I bought a Garmin GPS V which does. This model has the routing and is WAAS enabled which allows for even greater accuracy. The best I have seen so far is 8 feet.

Garmin has an excellent user interface and is very easy to use. I didn't read the manual for either of them initially and pretty much figured them out by playing with them for a little while. The more advanced features are discussed in the manual which shows you neat tricks and tips.

For setting a waypoint on these models, you just have to press and hold the enter button until the waypoint screen somes up. You can then choose the icon you want (such as fishing hole, car, etc.) from the list and enter a name (if you choose to do so). Just select ok to confirm and your waypoint is saved. Now if you are concerned about finding your way back, you must have a mapping GPS such as either of the 2 models I have. The direction only ones are not as useful in my opinion. The mapping GPS units have a feature which shows the path you have taken by leaving "electronic bread crumbs" if you will. Just follow your track back out and you should end up right back where you have started using the same route in reverse.

For those of you not of the point and click generation, read the manual first. It will make it much easier to use. A GPS unit is a valuable tool and can be a real life saver. Be sure to always pack extra batteries just in case.
 
I have the Garmin iQue and have been pretty happy with it. It does require a little bit of work to keep things working (its on a Palm operating system), but I've been able to figure it out and make it work pretty well. Then again, I'm working on a PhD in Instructional Technology, so I may not be a fair judge:rolleyes:
 
Since GPS locators require a masters degree in computer science, why hasn't someone come up with a simple homing device that will tell you WHERE THE DAMN TRUCK IS ?

I am NEVER lost when I am at the truck, it is out in the woods when I am lost, trying to find the truck.
Click to expand...

:confused:

Are you using a GPS correctly?

Park your truck
Store its location in the GPS
When lost, compare your current GPS location with the stored truck location
Head towards stored truck location

If you have (technologically challenged) problems recalling the stored truck location on the GPS, write it on a piece of tape and tape it to the GPS which would be showing you your current location before you head out.
 
I have a Garmin Etrax. When I get out of my truck I turn the Etrax on and Mark the location of my truck.

Then I turn it off and head into the woods.

I have only used it once to get back to my truck. I always try to use my memory in the woods. But on a return I took what I thought would be a shortcut and got way off track. This is in the mountains in Colorado.

So I broke out the etrax, turned it on and hit the go to button. Then I started walking that way. I was about a mile off course.

Garmin has, in my opinion, the easiest most user friendly software of any gps. I have never opened the manual.

Sometimes I turn it on and leave the tracking feature turned on. Then I can just backtrack. But it is a good idea to bring a spare set of batteries. If I am going on an extended trip into the woods I always bring a map and I use the gps as a back up or to mark places on the map.

Next time you are in a sporting goods store, try a garmin.
 
Wild Bill find your local REI store. Go to www.rei.com, click on store locator . They have a class that helps you figure out your GPS (not the one you wish you could afford). I've had mine a year now, and I am still figuring it out. My problem comes that I work nights, when REI gives the classes.:(
 
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