GPS

[Islandlaker]

Ok so I hope I am posting this in the right spot. In this weeks paper Gander has some GPS's for like 100 bucks. I don't care if my GPS has a built in map. I just want one that is accurate. They seem to all say accurate within 3 meeters, is this good? Also what exactly is WAAS mean? I have never thought of getting a GPS before but since seeing this add my interest has been sparked. I think they would be great for hunting and fishing. Any info and advice you guys could give me would be appreciated, thanks!

[Ed Carlson]

If it's a Garmin, it's accurate with good satellite coverage.

Even the lower end Garmin can often reach 15' or less accuracy, often less than that.

[BobT]

If you've never owned a GPS, I'm not sure how you can say you don't care that it can have mapping capability. I would find it surprising that you could purchase a GPS and not want mapping within a couple months of using it. Especially, if you happen to be with someone that does have it.

Since this may be your first purchase of a GPS, give mapping capability some serious thought. It'll cost less to get it up front than to buy two units, one without then one with.

As far as accuracy goes, I will echo ed carlson's statements. Three meters (about 10 feet) accuracy is a common specification with handheld GPS units. From my experience you'll find the Garmin products to be some of the more accurate units. Mine often shows accuracy to within 6 or 7 feet.

What is WAAS enabled and do I want to have the ability to use it? A unit that is WAAS enabled means that you will have the potential for much better accuracy than one that is not. Here's a little explanation from Garmin's HSOforum. They have more information about WAAS if you're interested.

Quote:

WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Hope this is helpful.

[Northlander]

Go mapping otherwise you could regret it and wind up spending more in the long run.

[Islandlaker]

Well it sounds like I need mapping. All of the Units that I have looked at have accuracy of 3 meters, I haven't seen any that are higher, I guess I thought with all of the GPS's in cars that they were a lot more accurate then that.

[CJH]

Definitely get one with mapping. I think the B&W H20's are around $170. That's what I have and its been great. Not sure what the comparable Garmin would be.