<< I am intrigued by the accuracy you say you get with your GPS. Would
you please tell me what the make, model and so on is for your unit.
Why did you buy this one instead of another? Can you upload and
download data (way points/lat-log etc.) from your PC?
>>
Russell,
I use a Garmin GPSIII handheld receiver. I have been extremely pleased with
this units performance. It has a 12 channel parallel receiver (which has
become the standard. Some models 2 years and older have 4 channel receivers.)
I have used it on foot in the mountains (well ok, hills), attached to the
dashboard of my vehicle, and out on the boat. I haven't had the chance to
take it on a plane yet, but due to the metal shell, it may or may not get a
good enough signal to work properly.
All of the Garmin models from the 12 series, 48, II, III, Street Pilot etc
etc. Have a serial output (part of the DC plug) that can communicate with a
PC via the NMEA 0183 protocol. You can d/l and u/l waypoints, routes, and
current position at refresh rate of once per second. (To use your own
tracking software such as Delorme Street Atlas, Nobeltek charting software,
etc.)
Garmin isn't the only manufacturer of gps units. Magellan is another popular
make which boasts many of the competetive features. I chose Garmin simply
because I got more bang for the buck. The GPSIII has built in base maps
(coastal lines, lakes, rivers, freeways, highways, cities, major roads, metro
areas, etc.) along with all the other 'standard' gps goodies (digital
compass, speed, distance, etc, etc.) The Garmin 12's,II,and III are software
upgradeable via the Garmin website. I hope this doesn't sound like a sales
pitch. I am just really happy with my unit.
I think I answered your question, but maybe I went a little overboard....
Russ de Ment
borrowed grandpa's P-19
Silverdale, WA