sat-nav dilemma

[psmiffy]

A modern phone wont report a GPS signal without a mast as they rely on communication with the network to report your location . A stand alone GPS like the Etrex doesnt need it.

???? mine does

 

[CopperBrompton]

A modern phone wont report a GPS signal without a mast as they rely on communication with the network to report your location

That's not the case. A GPS receiver doesn't start needing phone masts just because you put it in the same box as a mobile phone.

You can easily test this by switching off mobile data and GSM and continuing to use the GPS.

 

[doog]

That's not the case. A GPS receiver doesn't start needing phone masts just because you put it in the same box as a mobile phone.

You can easily test this by switching off mobile data and GSM and continuing to use the GPS.

my mistake - bloody hell im out of touch

edit ...Im thinking of GPS tracking..that still needs GSM im sure. You can see where you are but if you want someone else to follow your location on a platform , it needs GSM.. probably going off topic now

 

[CopperBrompton]

Almost ... that needs mobile data (GPRS/3G/4G). :-)

 

[HorTs]

I have a 2nd hand Garmin 800 Edge and it lasts me 10-11hours constant use. I use it in conjunction with a paper map on my bar bag. If I know I'm on the same road for ages then I will turn it off to save charging it as much for the next day.

 

[steveindenmark]

Get something compatible with i pad if you are talking one.

Garmin is not compatible.

Steve.

 

[CopperBrompton]

It can be, but it is a bit of a faff.

 

[bof]

GPSs rely on statellites. Mobile phones on phone masts. There are not always phone masts in remote areas so coverage issues. Plus mobile phone batteries don't last so long and cannot be readily replaced as most GPSs can use AA batteries.

Why not laminate your cut up paper maps to make them even more durable?

I was suggesting (a little unclearly) that the the GPS be a backup. Laminating needs a laminator. Also if you have masses of map bits, they tend to get in the way as they dont fold nicely like paper does. I laminated an old AA atlas as my Lejog backup (the Extrex was my primary tool) and in retrospect I wish I hadnt bothered as they filled up my bag - I was travelling v lightweight - and I barely referred to them outside of the hotel room at night.

 

[spen666]

Sat Nav's are rubbish. I got one and used it to get me to Whipsnade Zoo. Once inside the zoo, it said "Bear left". When I looked, there was a monkey there and it looked nothing like a bear.





I'll get my coat

 

[benb]

If you go for paper maps, then having a handlebar bag or map holder is essential. It allows you to constantly monitor the route as you ride, and really limits the delays. All the satnav options have significant battery weaknesses in my view, and evening if recharging every day at a hotel or campsite, getting a full 8+ hours out of any device seems an impossible holy grail.

My Edge 605 lasts way over 12 hours, as long as I don't cane the backlight.
You could also top it up during breaks with an external battery pack like the Pebble

 

[jay clock]

My Edge 605 lasts way over 12 hours, as long as I don't cane the backlight.
You could also top it up during breaks with an external battery pack like the Pebble

When touring and stealth camping the 12 hrs is not great

 

[benb]

When touring and stealth camping the 12 hrs is not great

True, and in that situation I'd make sure I had paper maps as backup in case I couldn't get power.

 

[psmiffy]

I could not help myself

 

[PpPete]

I could not help myself

LOL

BTW.... Etrex Vista HCx (and likely a Etrex 20 also) running on Lithium AA = well beyond 500 km / 24 hours of navigation. And Lithium AA are approx half the weight of NiMh or Alkaline.

 

[CopperBrompton]

I could not help myself

Though he got a couple of the technical specs wrong: the device is not suitable for use in all lighting conditions, and they are not compatible with British Weather versions 1.0 to 10.9.