GPS systems?

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FourWinds F
FourWinds Nov 23, 2006 22:07:07
Replying to The Eternal

The Eternal wrote:
take a map and compass as well.
Always!

If your experiences of dodgy GPS readings was during the Gulf War there might be an explanation. The US army owns the GPS satellites and in times of war they scramble the signal and send out dodgey readings and a code. Their own equipment can use the code to correct the readings.

I have only once had a way off reading. Fortunately I wasn't near to any cliff tops :-)

H Hob
Hob Nov 23, 2006 23:45:00
Replying to FourWinds

It could be the E-trex effect. Set to American system of calculating the curvature of the earth (or somesuch). Mine consistently produced an error of about 50m east, 200m south for yonks until I worked out how to set it to the same system the OS uses.

My E-trex has the compass feature you mention above, and it's not actually all that hot. It only works if you're moving. Apart from that. I think it's fine, got me to a few small panels of RA in the middle of heather moorland I'd probably never have otherwise found. One of the best things about it is that it lends a sense of comfort on foggy nights on moors. Less chance of getting lost as you can always retrace your steps.

T The Eternal
The Eternal Nov 25, 2006 02:36:21
Replying to FourWinds

FourWinds wrote:
The Eternal wrote:
take a map and compass as well.
Always!

If your experiences of dodgy GPS readings was during the Gulf War there might be an explanation. The US army owns the GPS satellites and in times of war they scramble the signal and send out dodgey readings and a code. Their own equipment can use the code to correct the readings.

I have only once had a way off reading. Fortunately I wasn't near to any cliff tops :-)

4W,

Unfortunately, the GPS in question was new. It worries me how many people new to the hills rely on it, and they have never used a map or compass. An error of a dozen yards on a hill, in winter, with a cornice a few feet away is a major concern - especailly for the mountain rescue teams.

Regards,
TE.