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Holux gps do we want maps sea grids 10.000 waypoints maps of the stars well i got to thinking exactly what do we use the gps for and
what features do we really want and use. I
want from a gps the ability to pinpoint my location gps co-ordinates if I need to tell the coastguard where I am.It needs to be waterproof so I can mount it on the kayak I don’t
want to be fiddling about in a pocket for it.I
would like to know how far I have paddled on the day.I would like to have about 30 /50 waypoints should I find a hot bed of fish I want to mark that position so
I can return.I want a compass and a
way of retracing my steps should a fog appear.And
I would also like a clock so I can see what time it is.Having looked at all the most common gps modules and realising how expensive they are I decided to go have
a play with them at maplin .Once there
I soon worked out that the purpose designed ones are quite complicated and really a bit over specked for what I wanted but
having noticed in the bargain bucket a box with Holux gps tracker I decided to have a look at it and this is what I found
bear in mind this gps tracker is really meant primary for bicycles. Waterproof to ip6Built in re-chargeable 28hour battery Compass direction, speed, distance, clock,Gps co-ordinates simple menus and mounting bracket .
That is basically
all I wanted from a gps but there is more this unit is supplied with free subscription software included
in the price which when registered allows you to upload your gps activity to a computer which then shows you a detailed map
of where you been with times and gps co-ordinates and it allows you to save and print this info if you wish to .so if I go
out for a days fishing I can track where I was and go back to that spot if I wish I can save that map and add my own comments
on that day in effect I am building a log with maps and gps co-ordinates I can even add pictures to that log .
A simple layout with easy to read display information
and simple operation buttons shown here is speed direction time battery life ect
With a single button press I can see max speed
and current speed
This unit comes with a small snap mount that
I have attached to the front of the console on my kayak
Seen here the bit hanging down that looks like a wire is in fact a wrist strap This
unit seams to do everything I could want from a gps it is supplied with both mains and USB chargers software and free subscription
and mounting kit really intended for bicycles but easily adapted to the kayak it is priced at £49.00 I think it’s
brilliant
Article by Terry Jackson (zebra)
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