[UK-CONTEST] GPS

[John Lemay]

A short while ago I sought advice on this reflector about my prospective
purchase of a handheld GPS. The advice was mixed! Many thanks to those who
responded.

I visited Waters and Stanton, prepared to part with cash if they were able
to answer my queries. They were not. I wanted to be sure that the model I
chose would display location in the Maidenhead format, as used for
VHF-and-up location exchanges. W and S promised to call me back with the
information but I heard nothing.

A website "gps4less" proved a useful source of information, as well as
offering good prices. It looks (and my search is not exhaustive) as though
most of the eTrex series do show Maidenhead locators. I opted for a mid
range unit, the eTrex Summit, and it turned up in just a couple of days. My
reason for not buying the most basic model was to have an electronic compass
included.

I am thoroughly impressed with the little unit. I've got the basics running
within just a few minutes and almost without reading the manual. Location
systems include lat/long, OS grid and Maidenhead locators. It also does
MGRS, which stands for Military Grid Reference System and must not be
confused with Maidenhead! The compass is good, and the altimeter is
outstanding, even without so far using the calibration feature. My qth is
apparently 160ft asl, and from my OS map I believe it to be 52m. Close
enough for me.

Just a note; the OS Grid display shows the full 10 figure reference, such as
TL 59123 23456 and implies a greater accuracy than can usually be achieved
with such a device (just think - that's a reference to the nearest meter).
However, the Maidenhead display is in the form of JO01KW. This is quite
conventional but may not be adequate for microwave enthusiasts, where the
system can be extended to JO01KW25 for example. Maidenhead squares like
JO01KW are several km across.

Thanks again for your advice. Maybe in turn, this little note will help
someone else.

Regards

John G4ZTR