Hiking with PDA GPS

nb23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 3

Hi,

I've had a good go at search this forum, but don't quite get a clear answer... sorry if it's already here!

I've got a PDA and I'd really like to use something like memory-map when out walking, but I don't want it on all the time - battery doesn't quite last as long as my legs do!

Theres obviously a range of suitable CF / BT GPS devices and the merits are argued elsewhere. What I really want is a BT GPS that will log it's location and updated the PDA when I turn the PDA on. It seems to me a BT logging GPS can do this - is this true, and is it really as easy as I'd like - turn the PDA back on, and the map updates automatically?

If this is so, what are my options - don't seem to be many out there? Any suggestions on which model?

Two final questions that bug me also
1. Why dont BT GPS use disposable batteries - i.e. carry spares when it needs charging?
2. Why is xtrac2 exciting - what does it do over my old garmin etrex?

Thanks for reading.

lbendlin · Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:27 am Post subject:

You will want to use a BT data logger. Not much choice here, just two or three models

1) There are receivers that use disposable batteries, just none of them are dataloggers

2) XTrac augments the sensibility in difficult terrain like under heavy foliage or in narrow canyons.
_________________
Lutz

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nb23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 3

Excellent - thanks for the straight answer.

Now finally then, can anyone offer the choice of theses 2/3 BT loggers and where I can buy in the UK?

lbendlin · Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 3:18 pm Post subject:

http://www.jactron.co.uk/pretec/io/bt-gps/bluetoothgps.htm

http://www.totalgps.co.uk/Emtac-Trine-II-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver.aspx

the third one is not available in the UK
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Lutz

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nb23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 3

OK seems both of these do what I want... how about importing from the US ? the $ rate is nice enough that it seems like a good idea even with postage. Any suggestions on a reputable international shipper for either product above?

Will the RBT-3000 or the earthmate bluelogger do what I want too?
At $150+ say $50 shipping the blue logger would be about £110 - significantly cheaper than the previous 2 mentioned?

Thanks for any advice.

Nick

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:39 am Post subject:

If you can get your hands on the blue logger then do it - it is superior in the number of data points (50K) and it also has a replaceable battery.
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Lutz

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Baldlygo · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:25 pm Post subject:

Blue Logger sound really good. Would there be any problems using it in the UK with iPAQ1940 and Memory-Map? Is there any way of getting sub-meter readings from it without buying their extra kit ($ 349 ish)?

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:49 pm Post subject:

You can get SBAS, but you won't get sub meter accuracy. Let's be honest - you do NOT need sub meter accuracy for hiking
_________________
Lutz

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Baldlygo · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject:

I looked up the details of Blue Logger and saw the sub meter accuracy mentioned. You are right Ibendlin - not hiking - I'm thinking of surveying large archaeological sites and I can't afford the £8K the professionals use. Sorry for jumping on your thread nb23.

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