Operating your handheld GPS |
|
|
|
Operating Garmin 201 handheld GPS device is easier than reading a map, but of course does not entirely replace the use of map reading and compass skills.
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and is a network of satellites that broadcast signals down to the ground. These signals allow GPS units to work out their position on the Earth to an accuracy of a few yards. We will have programmed the unit with the your chosen route by marking it out as a series of "Way points". These way points are a set of coordinates marking out a position on the ground. We placed these way points at significant spots along the trail, such as a gateway or stile, or at a sharp turn. The GPS works like an electronic compass that will point you from one way point to the next in a sequence called a "Route". The route will be divided on a daily basis. Please remember that although a GPS unit is a useful tool it does have certain limitations and cannot entirely replace a good old fashioned map and compass. It requires a clear uninterrupted view of the sky to receive the satellite signals and can become confused in dense woodland. | To switch the GPS on for the first time:press the on off switch.
1. Press the red power button once . The title screen will appear. |  Power On | | 2. This will then change into "Wait tracking satellites". Watch this for a few minutes while the machine works out where you are. |  Tracking Satellites | | 3. When it displays the message "Ready to Navigate" you are ready to use the machine. |  Ready to Navigate | | 4. Press the page button twice. An arrow will appear. |  Press the Page Button twice | | THIS ARROW ONLY WORKS PROPERLY WHEN YOU ARE MOVING. So you will have to start walking and the arrow will point you towards your first waypoint. This is a pre-programmed spot at a grid reference and the GPS arrow will point you in straight lines, as the crow flies, between these waypoints. These waypoints are positioned at major changes of direction but clearly you have to use the map and a degree of common sense when walking between these waypoints. |  Follow the Arrow | 5. Looking at the screen, the figure at the bottom is the number of miles per hour you are walking and the figure at the top is the distance to the next waypoint. This will be expressed in miles, but when the distance is less than 0.1 of a mile this distance will be expressed as feet. 6. It doesn't matter if you turn the machine off or need to change the batteries as it will remember which route it is supposed to be navigating and will not need to have the route reset except at changeover points i.e the next days walking. To switch the GPS on again, simply repeat the above steps. | Top Tips:
1. If you inadvertently press the wrong buttons and something clearly goes wrong simply turn the machine off by pressing the power button and then turn it on again.
2. If you get an instruction like "need clear view of the sky" then ignore it until you are out in the open again. It will disappear as soon as you get back out of the woods into open country.
|
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 02 July 2007 )
|
