I am looking into purchasing a Garmin "eTrex Vista HCx" GPS to use for dxexpeditioning in working different grids.
Has anyone got any reviews on this gps?
Does anyone suggest a better one to use for dx-expeditioning?
I appreciate all info and suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
Ke4kol
KE4KOL wrote:
I appreciate all info and suggestions.
Lately I'm all about reduction in pieces of gear. You can get a fairly good GPS position out of most smartphones. I use a free app for my Iphone to determine what grid I'm in, whereas I used to use a Garmin 2XL? purchased on one of my first grid trips to the midwest 10 years ago.
The Garmin Nuvi the wife had (before it's midnight liberation from my rental car in Dayton) also would give you a lat and long if you knew where to look in the menu. The minor inconvenience of having to convert to the maidenhead coordinates was small compared to having a GPS that was easy to use for highway navigation and finding Shoney's breakfast buffets.
73, Drew KO4MA
Hi Jim!
I am looking into purchasing a Garmin "eTrex Vista HCx" GPS to use for dxexpeditioning in working different grids.
Has anyone got any reviews on this gps?
Does anyone suggest a better one to use for dx-expeditioning?
This looks like a viable GPS for grid expeditions. It has a screen with both the latitude/longitude and the accuracy figures, so it could be used to satisfy VUCC documentation requirements. Maybe a little on the expensive side, but it would work.
I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76S to find the grid boundaries. I can quickly go between latitude/longitude and Maidenhead locator, and can show that accuracy figure on the same screen as the latitude/longitude or Maidenhead grid. It is capable of having updated maps loaded on it, to augment the base map it comes with - something I have not done with mine. On the QSL cards you've received from me, you see photos of the latitude/longitude display of this GPS. It has been discontinued, but the GPS 72H is a successor to my unit.
The GPS 72H doesn't have all the bells and whistles that my unit has, but the price is not as steep as the unit you are looking at. It does have the same sort of display as my unit has, with the latitude/longitude and accuracy figure on one screen. If I needed to replace my current GPS for my grid expeditions, I would probably go with this unit to avoid separating myself from more of my money to get another GPS. With the mapping capabilities in GPS- equipped smartphones, I do not see a huge need to have a GPS with detailed mapping.
There is some advantage in making use of smartphone-based GPS applications for reasons like those Drew mentioned, but I still like having the GPS that will meet all requirements for VUCC documentation. None of the GPS-related apps on my two phones (Nokia N900, iPhone 4) nor my VX-8GR show that accuracy figure. The VX-8GR will show a count of the number of GPS satellites it is using to determine my location, but I have not seen any documentation that could translate the satellite count to an accuracy figure in feet or meters. I've never been asked by ARRL to provide documentation for my grid-boundary activities, but I want to be able to meet those requirements if I am ever asked to provide the photos and other proof I have.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Patrick,
I have not seen any documentation that could translate the satellite count
to an accuracy figure in feet or meters.
The number of satellites isn't the main factor in accuracy, it's the sat geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher altitude will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around the same area of the sky.
That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I've rarely had a position error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily get under 10' most times.
73
Clear Skies
Rick Tejera
Editor SACnews,
Public Outreach Coordinator
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix, Arizona
www.saguaroastro.org
K7TEJ
_______________________________________________
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Hi Rick!
The number of satellites isn’t the main factor in accuracy, it’s the sat geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher altitude will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around the same area of the sky.
I understand that. I was only stating that about the VX-8GR as a reason why I don't use that device for establishing my location when working on grid boundaries etc.
When I drove out to the DM23/DM24 grid boundary a couple of weekends ago, I was able to easily get the VX-8GR and GPSMAP 76S to line up on the grid boundary line (34 degrees North). In fact, my VX-8GR was chirping away with APRS data on the boundary as I was taking the photos with the GPSMAP 76S sitting with my radios for the VUCC documentation (and the QSL cards). I also have a photo or two of the VX-8GR with 34 degrees North on its display, as additional proof I was out there.
That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I’ve rarely had a position error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily get under 10’ most times.
You're right again. It should be easy to get that 20-foot accuracy, and this is stated in the VUCC rules. If the GPS is in good working order, and you're not concerned about having all the latest bells and whistles, an older GPS is certainly capable of meeting the VUCC documentation requirements. My GPSMAP 76S is 7 years old, and I don't have any need to replace it. Its firmware has been updated to the final version released by Garmin before it was discontinued, and the only thing I have to do with it is periodically replace the 2 AA batteries that power it.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon.
73,
Zack KD8KSN
-------------------------------------------------- From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" [email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 1:33 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GPS for dx-expedition
Hi Rick!
The number of satellites isn’t the main factor in accuracy, it’s the sat geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher altitude will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around the same area of the sky.
I understand that. I was only stating that about the VX-8GR as a reason why I don't use that device for establishing my location when working on grid boundaries etc.
When I drove out to the DM23/DM24 grid boundary a couple of weekends ago, I was able to easily get the VX-8GR and GPSMAP 76S to line up on the grid boundary line (34 degrees North). In fact, my VX-8GR was chirping away with APRS data on the boundary as I was taking the photos with the GPSMAP 76S sitting with my radios for the VUCC documentation (and the QSL cards). I also have a photo or two of the VX-8GR with 34 degrees North on its display, as additional proof I was out there.
That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I’ve rarely had a position error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily get under 10’ most times.
You're right again. It should be easy to get that 20-foot accuracy, and this is stated in the VUCC rules. If the GPS is in good working order, and you're not concerned about having all the latest bells and whistles, an older GPS is certainly capable of meeting the VUCC documentation requirements. My GPSMAP 76S is 7 years old, and I don't have any need to replace it. Its firmware has been updated to the final version released by Garmin before it was discontinued, and the only thing I have to do with it is periodically replace the 2 AA batteries that power it.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Zack,
I used to have a old Garmin GPSIII that would display maidenhead grids. Used it when I would rover in the VHF contests. Very simple to use and very very cheap now on the used market. It's OLD technology but I don't think anyone will fault you for using it even if it isn't as accurate. It'll get you close enough and to me as long as it shows the grid that you are passing out on the screen then you've made a "good faith" effort to do things right.
BTW: Nice to work you on SO-50 the other night. QSL will be in the mail.
73 Matt W5LL
On 9/2/2010 8:27 AM, Zachary Beougher wrote:
What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon.
73,
Zack KD8KSN
From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)"[email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 1:33 AM To:[email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GPS for dx-expedition
Hi Rick!
The number of satellites isn’t the main factor in accuracy, it’s the sat geometry. A position fix with 4 birds spaced evenly and at a higher altitude will give a better position than 8 birds near the horizon bunched around the same area of the sky.
I understand that. I was only stating that about the VX-8GR as a reason why I don't use that device for establishing my location when working on grid boundaries etc.
When I drove out to the DM23/DM24 grid boundary a couple of weekends ago, I was able to easily get the VX-8GR and GPSMAP 76S to line up on the grid boundary line (34 degrees North). In fact, my VX-8GR was chirping away with APRS data on the boundary as I was taking the photos with the GPSMAP 76S sitting with my radios for the VUCC documentation (and the QSL cards). I also have a photo or two of the VX-8GR with 34 degrees North on its display, as additional proof I was out there.
That being said, once SA was turned off in 2000, I’ve rarely had a position error greater than 20 feet, even with my older Garmin II+. My HCx, easily get under 10’ most times.
You're right again. It should be easy to get that 20-foot accuracy, and this is stated in the VUCC rules. If the GPS is in good working order, and you're not concerned about having all the latest bells and whistles, an older GPS is certainly capable of meeting the VUCC documentation requirements. My GPSMAP 76S is 7 years old, and I don't have any need to replace it. Its firmware has been updated to the final version released by Garmin before it was discontinued, and the only thing I have to do with it is periodically replace the 2 AA batteries that power it.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Hi Zack!
What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76S is a discontinued GPS receiver:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=183
I can make its main display show either my latitude/longitude or a grid locator. No need to convert latitude/longitude to grids or vice versa. Many Garmin GPS units, and some from other manufacturers, have this functionality.
In a quick scan of the PDF manual for your Venture HC GPS, the word "Maidenhead" - the fornal name of the grid-locator system - did not appear. It doesn't look like you can make your GPS display the grid locators directly. It does have a screen where it shows the latitude/longitude and accuracy figure, so it could be used if you took the pictures to document your location on a grid boundary or 4-grid intersection.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
All,
Thank you for the responses to my email this morning. Thanks to Nick (KB1RVT) for doing a little bit of legwork and discovering that the Venture HC has the Maidenhead display! Yay!!! It was one of those things I needed, I had, but never to the time to investigate it.
73!
Zack KD8KSN EN80sd
-------------------------------------------------- From: "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" [email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 10:22 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: GPS for dx-expedition
Hi Zack!
What is this 'GPSMAP76S'??? If I am understanding correctly, it plots grids on the GPS screen? If so, is this software or a separate GPS receiver? I have a Garmin Venture HC, would it be applicable to it? It would be a lot easier to look down and see what grid you are in on the display rather than calculate it using lat/lon.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76S is a discontinued GPS receiver:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=183
I can make its main display show either my latitude/longitude or a grid locator. No need to convert latitude/longitude to grids or vice versa. Many Garmin GPS units, and some from other manufacturers, have this functionality.
In a quick scan of the PDF manual for your Venture HC GPS, the word "Maidenhead" - the fornal name of the grid-locator system - did not appear. It doesn't look like you can make your GPS display the grid locators directly. It does have a screen where it shows the latitude/longitude and accuracy figure, so it could be used if you took the pictures to document your location on a grid boundary or 4-grid intersection.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
My G-5500 AZ rotor is up to its old tricks. It is reading out the wrong angle clear across the entire range of motion. At physical north, it reads about 40 degrees and everywhere else noisy between 100 and 400 degrees. I assume a bad pot. Can someone guide me to the instructions for disassembling the rotor and fixing this problem?
Larry W7IN
More on this. Last I send an item to Yaesu to fix, they kept it 3 months and did not fix the problem. I'd prefer to tackle it myself if possible.
On 9/2/2010 1:55 PM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote:
My G-5500 AZ rotor is up to its old tricks. It is reading out the wrong angle clear across the entire range of motion. At physical north, it reads about 40 degrees and everywhere else noisy between 100 and 400 degrees. I assume a bad pot. Can someone guide me to the instructions for disassembling the rotor and fixing this problem?
Larry W7IN
Hi Patrick...
For historical reference...somehow I don't think you would ever be questioned about your locations ala the DXpeditions by Don Miller in the 1960's. Technology has come too far...
Roger WA1KAT
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) wrote:
Hi Jim!
I've never been asked by ARRL to provide documentation for my grid-boundary activities, but I want to be able to meet those requirements if I am ever asked to provide the photos and other proof I have.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Hi Roger!
For historical reference...somehow I don't think you would ever be questioned about your locations ala the DXpeditions by Don Miller in the 1960's. Technology has come too far...
Several have reported to me that some of my grid-boundary expedition QSL cards were questioned by VUCC card checkers, even with the GPS latitude/longitude readout printed on the card. I have never been contacted by ARRL to provide any documentation regarding my grid expeditions, but there's always a first time for that in the future. I prefer to be safe and have all of that with me, than not have it for the one time I may be called upon to provide the documentation.
As for Don Miller, yes - I am familiar with his escapades. When the VUCC rules were updated in late 2008 to coincide with the new Fred Fish award for 6m, I made sure to understand them and comply with them for anything I did after that point. I don't want other satellite operators to lose credit for grids they worked me in and have my cards for.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Jim,
I've had the Vista HCx for several years now and am quite happy with it. It compact ( a plus when packing a lot of other gear) but quite functional. I use mine for Geocaching & general navigation. I have Garmin city navigator & Topo 2008 on it along with a free version of Arizona topo. Plenty of room on the SD card for all the maps you can load. This model also has the magnetic compass and barometric altimeter as well.
One nice thing I noticed when starting to work bird is that it has a datum for maidenhead. You can read your grid square right off the screen.
My only beef with it is the screen is hard to see during the day without the backlight on, which needless to say cuts into battery life.
I believe it's still in production and is a bargain if you get the bundle from Cabelas. (GPS, Case, SD card, & Topo).
Hope this helps.
73
Clear Skies
Rick Tejera Editor SACnews, Public Outreach Coordinator Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org [email protected] K7TEJ
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KE4KOL Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 18:41 To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] GPS for dx-expedition
I am looking into purchasing a Garmin "eTrex Vista HCx" GPS to use for dxexpeditioning in working different grids.
Has anyone got any reviews on this gps?
Does anyone suggest a better one to use for dx-expeditioning?
I appreciate all info and suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
Ke4kol
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I have one; what would you like to know about it (never having been on a DXpedition myself)?
I find it is a very good all-in-one GPS. I use it in the car, on hikes, etc. It's small enough to fit in my pocket, and big enough to see what's on the screen when driving. I found that one of those big black spring clips works well on the dash air vent, with the GPS back's clip carefully threaded through the spring handle. Battery life is pretty good (I use 2450mah NiMH batteries in it). I bought mine a number of years ago, swallowed hard and bought the maps too; the base map that comes with it is NOT sufficient for most navigation purposes. Recently I found an on-line site that has a number of topo maps that work with it too, so it appears to be actively supported by the community. Also a lot of "points of interest" that you can download. There's a GeoCaching "app" built in, for those into that sort of thing.
The interface to the outside world is USB only (no serial or bluetooth), so that's a big downside if you want to do APRS with it. I decided that the advantages of the unit far outweighed that negative, meaning I'd have to buy another GPS something for APRS. (Ended up buying a little GPS module from Sparkfun for APRS work with my D7).
The only problem I have with it is that the glue that holds the rubber band that rings the unit has failed, and the rubber is sort of floating around the outside. It seems to have stretched, though I have no idea why. Maybe the rubber and the glue were incompatible. Oh, also the internal barometric altimeter is great when it's calibrated, but the automatic calibration often gets confused and puts me at some really wacko elevation. I wish the priority went to the GPS Altimeter, with the analog one only coming into play on request.
Enjoy the new toy,
Greg KO6TH
From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:41:10 -0400 Subject: [amsat-bb] GPS for dx-expedition
I am looking into purchasing a Garmin "eTrex Vista HCx" GPS to use for dxexpeditioning in working different grids.
Has anyone got any reviews on this gps?
Does anyone suggest a better one to use for dx-expeditioning?
I appreciate all info and suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
Ke4kol
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I want to thank everyone that made comments, suggestions, and information to my original post. I really appreciate it. What I found out, is that there are a lot GPS on the market and most of them will do what I want. I just have to make up my mind on which one.
Thanks again to everyone. Jim Ke4kol
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KE4KOL Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 9:41 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] GPS for dx-expedition
I am looking into purchasing a Garmin "eTrex Vista HCx" GPS to use for dxexpeditioning in working different grids.
Has anyone got any reviews on this gps?
Does anyone suggest a better one to use for dx-expeditioning?
I appreciate all info and suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
Ke4kol
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (10)
-
Andrew Glasbrenner -
Greg D. -
Jim Bennett -
KE4KOL -
Larry Gerhardstein -
Matt Patterson -
Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) -
Rick Tejera -
Roger Kolakowski -
Zachary Beougher