GPS Tune-up for your fall hunt.

Hunters, this is a great time to tune-up and practice with a GPS receiver.  There are several things that one can do before leaving home.   Here are a few recommendations to consider.

Setup

• Dump those old AA batteries, put in new ones.  If you leave your GPS on all day in the

  

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     field expect to change the batteries nightly.  Consider using lithium AA’s, they last longer and work better in cold temperatures. 

• “Match the map” with the receiver’s navigation selection options. Specifically, match the coordinate system (e.g., UTM or Latitude/Longitude) and map datum that are found on the map.  Consider shifting the receiver’s compass to degrees true.  Further, let’s have everyone in a hiking or hunting group use the same settings too; let’s all be on the same page.

•  Keep you navigation simple.  It’s easier to work with a handful of waypoints rather than list of 300.  Dump the Junk - Delete the old waypoints, the ones you will never use again.  Log important waypoints (e.g., that lake side camp site) on your PC or in a notebook.  Visit www.easygps.com or www.garmin.com for a place to store waypoints.

• Install maps on your GPS receiver.  Maps on the receiver are a natural complement to your paper field map.   Quality maps are available from onxmaps.com and GPSFiledepot.com (free).

• Adjust your map pages’ zoom setting to see what works best.  For general trail hiking I  keep my zoom setting at 800 feet.  This setting allows me to view trails, water sources, roads and elevation contours.

• Visit the manufacture’s web site to see if there are any firmware updates.  I do this every couple of months.

• When batteries are replaced calibrate the electronic compass.

Tune-up

• Verify that you are receiving enough satellite signals.  Check this on the satellite status screen.  Four satellites are the minimum.  Give older receivers the time to collect satellite data; don’t rush the navigation process.

• Give key waypoints names.  When marking a waypoint enter names like “camp” and “truck.”  It’s easier and more meaningful to find “truck” in the list of waypoints than is waypoint 542; or was it 245.  

·        After marking a waypoint, verify that it has been saved to the receiver's memory by checking either the map page or in the waypoint file (select “where to” or “find.”)  If the waypoint is on the map or in the list of waypoints, the hiker is ready to go.  If the waypoint is not found, start over.

·      

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 When it’s time to return to a destination chose “Where To” or “Find” on your keypad or menu.  Select the waypoint from the list provided.  Press the “Page” button and rotate through the many displays to the “Compass” page.  A large red arrow should appear on the face of the compass pointing to the selected waypoint.  When on course to the destination the arrow points to the top center of the receiver.  Practice this specific process at home before heading to the field.

• Navigation is a perishable skill.  I recommend that two weeks before an outing take the GPS receiver everywhere.  Add waypoints, delete waypoints and find a saved waypoint.  This process develops familiarization with the unit and allows the user to develop confidence with the receiver      and personal ability.

• Compliment GPS skills with a good review of map and compass fundamentals. Learn to back up electronic position fixing with bearing triangulation.   Worst case, a broken GPS becomes a paperweight for your map while afield.  For more information visit www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com .

·         When on the trail compare GPS position data with a map.  Compare what is presented electronically with what is on the map.

I suggest checking out Lawrence Letham’s book GPS Made Easy from the library.  This book compliments the owner’s manual.  An excellent reference for map and compass use is June Fleming’s Staying Found.

Taking a class can further enhance you GPS knowledge.  Classes are frequently offered through the local community college’s continuing education program or at local retailers such as  REI.

A map and compass always goes with me into the field.  I carry a Silva Ranger compass and get my maps from Caltopo.com  (their maps are free.)

Have fun while building on your fundamental navigation skill sets.  Consider setting up a treasure hunt or a geocach for a family get together.  Make it fun, make it simple and explain that these skills could one day make a huge difference if the ever got lost in the woods. 

Power For Your Gear in the Backcountry

A few years ago I posted a short article about power for your gear: (.e.g. GPS receivers.)  Here is an update.

A frequent question that I get is how long do batteries last?  What can be counted on for GPS battery power.

From my experience the answer is about 12 hours when used continuously.

I have noticed that the electronic "battery power meter" provides OK information. The four  power bars last reasonable well initially.  But after the receiver has been on for most of the day, I have noticed that the GPS battery power goes from three bars to two and then one quite quickly.

I keep my GPS powered on all the time.  I l do this to evaluate track data later.  For example, when I am in the field hunting I discard the batteries at the end of the day, replace with new one, and calibrate the compass. I find it handy to replace batteries at camp rather than going through the process in the morning's darkness.  I like to just grab and go in the morning.

I particularly like the Duracell and COSTCO batteries. Rayovac batteries but do not last nearly as long as the others.

For short duration hikes I will use the rechargeable ENELOOP batteries.  I bought my set at COSTCO. I find that the ENELOOP batteries are very versatile, retain the charge a long time, are simple to charge and quickly recharge.

Small sets of 4 are available at some of the big box stores too but they are not cheap.

 I recommend that if your gear uses AA batteries predominately then stick  to those rather than having a mix of AA, C and AAA.