Selecing a GPS Unit
First see if you can find a GPS unit to use initially for getting your feet wet. Here are common ways to find one to borrow.
- Your own Pack - Most likely an adult (or two) in your Pack has a GPS unit and would be more than willing to help out with this program.
- Your Troop - The Scoutmaster of your associated Troop is sure to know if they have one, or could probably point you in the right direction of an adult that does.
- Contact your local orienteering club
Here are some guidelines if you would like to purchase one because you can't find one to borrow or you are already addicted to the sport without having been out to try it !
- Consider a used one. Look on eBay or in the local paper. While the starting price for a new GPS unit is $100, the cost quickly increases as you add features. You can probably get a 1-2 year old unit with lots of features and mapping software for $100.
- Color is not necessary unless you have another GPS application in mind, like boating. A gray-scale display is nice though.
- Make sure the unit has 12+ channels, meaning it can process 12+ satellite signals at the same time.
- The unit should have some level of waterproof rating. It does not need to have a rating for being under 10 feet of water though....
- A connection to our PC or Mac for uploading/downloading information
- If you unit supports Maps, make sure to check how much the Map Software is and add that to your total for comparison purposes. This is the one feature you might want to pay more for. Maps are invaluable out in the wilderness, especially electronic topographical maps!
- The unit should support at a minimum
- Points of Interest (POI) - The ability to mark a location for later use. These are also sometimes called Waypoints. Some units have a special version of these for geocaches
- Routes - Plotting of a number of Waypoints in series to form a hike route
- Track Logs - Keeps track of where you have been.
The two larger manufacturers of GPS units are: