Buying a GPS unit? | Eachthing You Need To Know

Guide Buying GPS Device

F geocaching, expensive elaborate GPS device necessary. A simplest level, you'll GPS device which y easily enter waypoints. A device should y , accessible, durable.

Device Feature Considerations Geocaching

Basemap. T highly recommended. T O A Oy additional marginal, increase equipment's usefulness substantial. Driving directions cache incredibly useful, consider feature higher device.

Channels. M GPS units today 12 parallel channels. Channels p acquire GPS satellite signals faster accurately. I y looking older GPS devices, consider models built after 1997. Older, single-channel receivers slower y accurate.

External antenna j. W GPS devices become important since newer chips sensitive enough acquire signal inside vehicle. However, always possible obtain g satellite coverage through front windshield; external antenna p. E backpackers benefit ability safely store receiver inside p antenna attached backpack shoulder straps. I p outdoor places, heavy cover, where signals .

Interface j. I y using receiver computer, includes interface cable y quickly p waypoints y device. Newer GPS units often support USB while older devices generally serial attachments. I y purchase older GPS device newer computer, y y purchase USB serial p adapter . I y M, y should check ensure supports M operating system.

Memory. T detailed topographic maps, street-level maps, additional waypoints receiver. Detailed p great memory y device. Consider internal storage capacity. Higher devices usually accept memory additional storage.

Power source. I preferable device support external power, cigarette lighter power cable. D power requirements device should support standard batteries (AA AAA) y replacement trail. Lithium batteries recommended newer GPS models ensure longer battery life, power geocachers should consider rechargeable batteries.

Rocker keypad touchscreen. Using receiver without rocker keypad using computer without mouse. S newer GPS units touchscreens which helps immensely navigating using p.

Screen . F visual operation, device biggest screen realistically carried. Screen measured diagonally. Color great helps define p features backlight important, although features additional battery power. A screen protector important preventing scratches trail.

Waterproof. Sooner later y device g submerged. G device least water-resistant, although IPX7 designation preferred. A IPX7 designation means GPS withstand accidental immersion meter water p 30 minutes. Plastic g boxes recommended added protection.

Geocaching Features. A increasing number higher GPS devices functionality specifically created geocaching store information Pocket Queries. S store field notes p y g y caches after .