GPS and Foliage

[Bearblade]

Maybe this will be a dumb ?, but I'm new to GPS. I have a Garmnin e-trex Legend model and I'm becoming pretty familiar with it. I'm well aware that the owners' manual states you need a clear view of the sky - but I found it pretty pitiful with the leaves still on and was glad to have a compass too. Are most of the handheld GPS units like this or do the more expensive ones perform any better in the foliage?

[swamptromper]

Using a Megallan Meridian, have had it for years 6-7. It tracks me everywhere. Some of the worst was, some heavy maple canopy during the summers. NO problem.

[hitechman]

The Legend is a great entry level GPS--been around for at least 5 year, but it uses OLD technology (and that's why it sells for bargin prices). I still use my GPS 72 (another older unit) when I go fishing.

These units do lose signal in heavy leaf cover (intermittant signal at best), but try to keep it out of your pocket, and hold it in front of you to get the best signal possible under the present conditions.

I invested in a Garmin GPSMap 60CS and a GPSMap 76CSx a year ago (BTW the Garmin GPSMap 60Cx is Garmin's best selling unit). Both are color and hold a removeable micro SD card (for maps). I get a signal on both of these units while in my house. At the worst, I occasionally get lower accuracy in heavy leaf cover, but have yet to lose signal. They incorporated a new chip based on SiRF III technology which greatly improved the receiver sensitivity.

Steve

[tokenfinn]

One thing to remember if you are having issues with signal loss. A majority of the GPS satellite constellation is in the southern sky. If you are walking north your unit isn't "seeing" that many satellites and your body is blocking the ones to the south. Holding the unit to your side or pointing it toward the south can cure alot of problems.

[hitechman]

One thing to remember if you are having issues with signal loss. A majority of the GPS satellite constellation is in the southern sky. If you are walking north your unit isn't "seeing" that many satellites and your body is blocking the ones to the south. Holding the unit to your side or pointing it toward the south can cure alot of problems.


Actually only 1 satellite has an equatorial orbit, and only 1 has a polar orbit..............all 24 orbit in 6 different planes.

This page will give you more information than you want, but it is pretty interesting.................http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

Steve