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Cellular forums Home > Archive > GPS > February 2007 > GPS to use in the desert to map archelogical sites
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| Author |
GPS to use in the desert to map archelogical sites
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Hello,
can anyone reccomend me a good GPS to be used in the desert (so sand,
wind...).
I need to collect waypoints and put them on a PC to calculate
distances, but also use it to get orientation between the waypoints.
No maps available of that areas, I will have only the waypoint I
collected to be displayed.
Thanks!
| |
| Duracell Bunny 2007-01-26, 7:33 am |
| none wrote:
> Hello,
> can anyone reccomend me a good GPS to be used in the desert (so sand,
> wind...).
> I need to collect waypoints and put them on a PC to calculate
> distances, but also use it to get orientation between the waypoints.
> No maps available of that areas, I will have only the waypoint I
> collected to be displayed.
>
> Thanks!
>
Whatever you get, put it into a re-sealable plastic bag. Desert sand is
exceedingly fine & gets everywhere.
I'd recommend the Garmin 60CSx myself though. Wish I'd had one when I was
working in Yemen a while back ...
--
Karen
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.'
Catherine Aird
| |
| Arecibo 2007-01-26, 7:33 am |
|
Duracell Bunny wrote:
> none wrote:
>
> Whatever you get, put it into a re-sealable plastic bag. Desert sand is
> exceedingly fine & gets everywhere.
>
> I'd recommend the Garmin 60CSx myself though. Wish I'd had one when I was
> working in Yemen a while back ...
There are PDA based GPS models available which would be ideal, if sealed in
something like an Otter Box. You could take notes at the same time.
http://www.mio-tech.be/en/gps-navig...ew.htm?minisite
http://www.otterbox.com/
--
Arecibo
| |
| Durduran 2007-01-26, 10:33 am |
|
Probably something with some sort of "breadcrumbing" ability would help
you too. Garmin Venture CX seems alright too. The number of waypoints you
want is important since there are limitations. I assume you would be able
to download your stuff and work with them on the computer during your trip
too.
You will need to seal it against sand. layers of zip-lock should suffice.
| |
| Don B 2007-01-26, 12:33 pm |
| none wrote:
> Hello,
> can anyone reccomend me a good GPS to be used in the desert (so sand,
> wind...).
> I need to collect waypoints and put them on a PC to calculate
> distances, but also use it to get orientation between the waypoints.
> No maps available of that areas, I will have only the waypoint I
> collected to be displayed.
>
> Thanks!
>
Some of the Lowrance models such as the iFinder Hunt will let you add
audio notes to your waypoints which might be handy in the type of work
you're doing.
| |
| John Tyson 2007-01-26, 3:33 pm |
|
"none" <none@none.com> wrote in message
news:9omjr2ht6he1nq9
se8hn4qf55qehbg1a06@
4ax.com...
>
> Hello,
> can anyone reccomend me a good GPS to be used in the desert (so sand,
> wind...).
> I need to collect waypoints and put them on a PC to calculate
> distances, but also use it to get orientation between the waypoints.
> No maps available of that areas, I will have only the waypoint I
> collected to be displayed.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
You didn't mention the accuracy that you need. If you only need to get
within 10 to 20 feet, then all the consumer grade GPSr's mentioned would be
satisfactory (my choice would be a 60Cx or 60CSx, but that's just my
bias:-)). But if you want to reliably mark points to within 2 or 3 feet or
better, then you will need to step up to a survey grade GPSr, such as one of
the Trimbles.
John
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| Pieter Litchfield 2007-01-26, 10:33 pm |
| It's interesting nobody has asked where you are. If in the US, WAAS enabled
units would help the accuracy. In in other parts of the world,
compatibility with other DGPS systems might be useful.
"Spam Catcher" <spamhoneypot@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:Xns98C4ACAB33B8
8usenethoneypotroger
s@127.0.0.1...
> "Arecibo" <arecibo@invalid.net> wrote in
> news:c2nuh.50322$RL5.27677@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net:
>
>
> PDAs crash! I would get a hardware GPS to be safe.
| |
| Wayne R. 2007-01-26, 10:33 pm |
| On Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:46:08 +0100, none <none@none.com> wrote (with
clarity & insight):
>
>Hello,
>can anyone reccomend me a good GPS to be used in the desert (so sand,
>wind...).
>I need to collect waypoints and put them on a PC to calculate
>distances, but also use it to get orientation between the waypoints.
>No maps available of that areas, I will have only the waypoint I
>collected to be displayed.
>
>Thanks!
Any of the Garmin handhelds, intended for field work (not cars),
should do very well. They're all waterproof, so should be good at
keeping the bad stuff out. I understand using heavier freezer Ziplock
bags pretty much applies to everything, not just GPS doodads.
Don't forget to take lots of batteries &/or solar rechargable gear.
Consider RoboGEO software to tie GPS coodinates to your digital camera
shots. http://www.robogeo.com/
| |
| Marc Brett 2007-01-26, 10:33 pm |
| On Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:13:45 GMT, "John Tyson" < johnatyson@earthlink
.net>
wrote:
>
>"none" <none@none.com> wrote in message
> news:9omjr2ht6he1nq9
se8hn4qf55qehbg1a06@
4ax.com...
>You didn't mention the accuracy that you need. If you only need to get
>within 10 to 20 feet, then all the consumer grade GPSr's mentioned would be
>satisfactory (my choice would be a 60Cx or 60CSx, but that's just my
>bias:-)). But if you want to reliably mark points to within 2 or 3 feet or
>better, then you will need to step up to a survey grade GPSr, such as one of
>the Trimbles.
An intermediate solution is to use a suitablle (older model, RS-232 data
connector) consumer-grade Garmin receiver and a PC to collect pseudorange data
(via GRINGO or ASYNC, etc. software), add historic orbit and DGPS RINEX data
from a CORS (or similar) station, and post-process with GRINGO, SKI-Pro (or
similar) software.
With care, accuracies up to 10 cm are possible with this rig. Lower cost, but
greater hassle than a dedicated survey-grade receiver.
| |
|
| Thanks, but we don't need such accuracy!
>On Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:13:45 GMT, "John Tyson" < johnatyson@earthlink
.net>
>wrote:
>
>
>An intermediate solution is to use a suitablle (older model, RS-232 data
>connector) consumer-grade Garmin receiver and a PC to collect pseudorange data
>(via GRINGO or ASYNC, etc. software), add historic orbit and DGPS RINEX data
>from a CORS (or similar) station, and post-process with GRINGO, SKI-Pro (or
>similar) software.
>
>With care, accuracies up to 10 cm are possible with this rig. Lower cost, but
>greater hassle than a dedicated survey-grade receiver.
| |
|
| Hello,
I'll use the GPS in northern Africa, Algeria.
What are WAAS and DGPS?
I found the Garmin 60csx very interesting, will it work there?
Thanks.
>It's interesting nobody has asked where you are. If in the US, WAAS enabled
>units would help the accuracy. In in other parts of the world,
>compatibility with other DGPS systems might be useful.
>
>"Spam Catcher" <spamhoneypot@rogers.com> wrote in message
> news:Xns98C4ACAB33B8
8usenethoneypotroger
s@127.0.0.1...
>
| |
| Simon Slavin 2007-01-28, 10:33 pm |
| On 26/01/2007, Arecibo wrote in message <c2nuh.50322$RL5.27677@newsfe2-
gui.ntli.net>:
> Duracell Bunny wrote:
>
Two layers of ziplock bags. And once you've done that, make sure the
temperature of the device doesn't get too high since the batteries will
drain faster both in-use and out of use. Leave a spare pair of batteries
/inside the bags/ so you can change them without opening the bags.
On the other hand, a properly-made high-end GPS receiver (e.g. Garmin's
GPSmap models) is pretty-much a sealed unit with a shell made of various
kinds of plastic which fit together with nary a crack. The days of double-
bagging may be over.
[color=darkred]
>
> There are PDA based GPS models available which would be ideal, if sealed
> in something like an Otter Box. You could take notes at the same time.
>
> http://www.mio-tech.be/en/gps-navigation-products-h610-
> overview.htm?minisite http://www.otterbox.com/
PDA-based GPS models have their place, but it's not in the desert.
They're designed to have lots of functions which you don't need and
keeping these functions going they use battery power like there's no
tomorrow. They also get hotter than necessary. If you don't need any
other functions of the PDA then I don't think they're the right thing for
you.
Simon.
--
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk
| |
| Spam Catcher 2007-01-28, 10:33 pm |
| none <none@none.com> wrote in news:316qr2hjmqov88k
43aokt881fnml3bag5h@
4ax.com:
> What are WAAS and DGPS?
WAAS is a type of DGPS (differential DGPS). These systems increase the
accuracy of a GPS signal with the use of ground based repeater stations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wide_...br />
on_System
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DGPS
GPS itself works anywhere around the world. However, there different DGPS
systems out there depending on where you are in the world. (WAAS is north
America, EGNOS in Europe, etc etc).
| |
| Arecibo 2007-01-28, 10:33 pm |
|
Simon Slavin wrote:
> On 26/01/2007, Arecibo wrote in message <c2nuh.50322$RL5.27677@newsfe2-
> gui.ntli.net>:
>
>
> Two layers of ziplock bags. And once you've done that, make sure the
> temperature of the device doesn't get too high since the batteries will
> drain faster both in-use and out of use. Leave a spare pair of batteries
> /inside the bags/ so you can change them without opening the bags.
Wow. That's a neat trick if you can do it.
> On the other hand, a properly-made high-end GPS receiver (e.g. Garmin's
> GPSmap models) is pretty-much a sealed unit with a shell made of various
> kinds of plastic which fit together with nary a crack. The days of
> double- bagging may be over.
My Garmin Legend C has withstood some pretty rough weather perched on my
shoulder. Including a 40 metre unplanned float down river.
--
Arecibo
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| Holger Issle 2007-01-29, 4:33 am |
| Hi none,
On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 22:39:50 +0100, you wrote:
> I'll use the GPS in northern Africa, Algeria.
> What are WAAS and DGPS?
Corrections to the position, distributed by another sat for free.
However, both will be of no use in Algeria since you are out of their
coverage region. If you still choose to use them your position
accuracy will actually degrade.
> I found the Garmin 60csx very interesting, will it work there?
Why not? For that purpose I would prefer the Garmin over any other
approach (like PDA for example). And I would still see if you can get
an otterbox for this model rather than using zip lock bags (since
Otterboxes prevent not only the dirt but as well provide a lot of
additional mechanical protection).
--
Ciao,
Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
cu @ http://www.issle.de
| |
| Helene 2007-01-29, 4:33 am |
| > Otterboxes prevent not only the dirt but as well provide a lot of
> additional mechanical protection).
> --
I presume that Otterbox is north american terminology.
Will someone pls explain to a non american what an "otterbox" is.
I presume it is "everything proof"
Thanks, H from Tasmania, Oz
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| Arecibo 2007-01-29, 4:33 am |
|
Helene wrote:
>
> I presume that Otterbox is north american terminology.
> Will someone pls explain to a non american what an "otterbox" is.
> I presume it is "everything proof"
http://www.otterbox.com/
--
Arecibo
| |
| Poul B-H 2007-01-29, 3:33 pm |
| Many Garmin such as Etrex Vista are waterproof, so they are sand proof too.
Maybe just add a self adhesive protection plastic for the screen, that will
scratch easily, subjected to quarts sand.
Mine has been on a kayak in Greenland, a bike in Morocco through small
sandstorms in the Sahara and on my bike through Cambodias red dust. no
problem.
Forget extra plasticbags, otters, ziplocks or ......
For use in water and against battery leakage corrosion, I always smear a
layer of silicone grease in the battery compartment, on the battery contacts
there and on the USB plug.
Poul B-H
"Arecibo" <arecibo@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:%Ravh.83741$Qa6.61316@newsfe6-gui.ntli.net...
>
> Simon Slavin wrote:
>
>
> Wow. That's a neat trick if you can do it.
>
>
> My Garmin Legend C has withstood some pretty rough weather perched on my
> shoulder. Including a 40 metre unplanned float down river.
>
> --
> Arecibo
>
>
>
| |
| John Tyson 2007-01-29, 3:33 pm |
|
"Holger Issle" <Holger@Issle.de> wrote in message
news:ht4rr292tllu224
1gphu07ldncm6bf9kn5@
4ax.com...
>
>
> Why not? For that purpose I would prefer the Garmin over any other
> approach (like PDA for example). And I would still see if you can get
> an otterbox for this model rather than using zip lock bags (since
> Otterboxes prevent not only the dirt but as well provide a lot of
> additional mechanical protection).
> --
While the 60CSx is waterproof (and presumably dustproof), the SD card is in
the battery compartment and will be exposed to the elements when you change
the batteries. So the recommendatios of extra protection are well
considered, particularly when changing the batteries.
John
| |
| emmbeedee 2007-01-29, 3:33 pm |
|
On Jan 29, 2:05 pm, "John Tyson" <johnaty...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> "Holger Issle" <Hol...@Issle.de> wrote in messagenews:ht4rr292
tllu2241gphu07ldncm6
bf9kn5@4ax.com...
> the battery compartment and will be exposed to the elements when you change
> the batteries. So the recommendatios of extra protection are well
> considered, particularly when changing the batteries.
But there are no mechanical parts in the MicroSD cards or the card
holder (unlike the 76CSx) so what's the problem? In this case I'd load
a large card, perhaps 2 gig or so, into the 60CSx and put a piece of
tape over the card slot so there would be no reason for any dust to
get in to that part. The GPS is waterproof to IPX7 standard; it's not
going to get dust into it, except the battery compartment and that's
not big deal at all.
Emm
| |
| Jack Erbes 2007-01-29, 10:33 pm |
| emmbeedee wrote:
>
> On Jan 29, 2:05 pm, "John Tyson" <johnaty...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>
> But there are no mechanical parts in the MicroSD cards or the card
> holder (unlike the 76CSx) so what's the problem? In this case I'd load
> a large card, perhaps 2 gig or so, into the 60CSx and put a piece of
> tape over the card slot so there would be no reason for any dust to
> get in to that part. The GPS is waterproof to IPX7 standard; it's not
> going to get dust into it, except the battery compartment and that's
> not big deal at all.
>
The battery compartment is inside the IPX7 envelope. With the cover on,
the compartment is sealed against water entry. Anything that gets into
the battery compartment can get into the inside of the case. If you
look you can see that there are opening to the interior of the case from
the battery compartment.
But I'd consider a 76Cx or 60CSx to be equally suitable for use in a
desert environment. I'd just make a point to not open the battery cover
at times when sand or moisture could get into the battery compartment.
Jack
--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA (jackerbes at adelphia dot net)
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine dot com)
| |
| Helene 2007-01-30, 4:33 am |
|
"Arecibo" <arecibo@invalid.net> wrote in message news:O1kvh.83910$Qa6.72583@newsfe6-gui.ntli.net...
>
> Helene wrote:
>
>
> http://www.otterbox.com/
>
> --
> Arecibo
Thankyou for the info, much appreciated.
Cheers, H
| |
| emmbeedee 2007-01-30, 10:33 am |
|
On Jan 29, 4:48 pm, Jack Erbes <jacker...@adelphia.net> wrote:
> emmbeedee wrote:
>
>
>
[color=darkred]
>The battery compartment is inside the IPX7 envelope. With the cover on,
> the compartment is sealed against water entry. Anything that gets into
> the battery compartment can get into the inside of the case. If you
> look you can see that there are opening to the interior of the case from
> the battery compartment.
>
> But I'd consider a 76Cx or 60CSx to be equally suitable for use in a
> desert environment. I'd just make a point to not open the battery cover
> at times when sand or moisture could get into the battery compartment.
I don't think the battery compartment is within the IPX7 envelope. In
fact, the manual states that if the gps is submerged, you need to dry
out the battery compartment before using the unit again.
I couldn't find anything quickly on the 60 or 76 models but this is a
quote from the Garmin site on the Etrex models which have the same
IPX7 designation:
Q. Is my eTrex unit waterproof?
A. Most Garmin GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 529
IPX7. IEC 529 is a European system of test specification standards for
classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of
electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can
withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30
minutes. An IPX7 designation is given to all eTrex models. While the
case of the GPS unit is waterproof, the battery compartment is not.
Upon exposure to the elements, water may leak into the battery
compartment and could cause corrosion of the batteries, as with any
electronic devise. If water does enter the battery compartment, simply
dry the battery compartment thoroughly and install new batteries.
End quote
And, the spring type hold/eject mechanism in the 76x would be likely
to fail under sand/dust use, in my opinion. That's why I would prefer
the 60x. I have both here.
Emm
| |
| emmbeedee 2007-01-30, 10:33 am |
|
On Jan 29, 4:48 pm, Jack Erbes <jacker...@adelphia.net> wrote:
>The battery compartment is inside the IPX7 envelope. With the cover on,
> the compartment is sealed against water entry. Anything that gets into
> the battery compartment can get into the inside of the case. If you
> look you can see that there are opening to the interior of the case from
> the battery compartment.
I've never had a 60Cx model apart but I did take a GPSMap60C apart and
all the connections, be they cable (USB or Serial) or battery are
sealed. The battery compartment is not sealed to IPX7 specs, but the
connectors within are.
Emm
| |
| Stichting ST 2007-01-31, 4:33 am |
| On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:34:13 +0000, Simon Slavin
<slavins.delete.these.four.words@hearsay.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>On 28/01/2007, none wrote in message
>< 316qr2hjmqov88k43aok
t881fnml3bag5h@4ax.com>:
>
>
>http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/waas.html
>
>There are European equivalents (EGNOS) and Japanese equivalents (MSAS) but
>none of them cover Africa so those capabilities aren't relevant to your
>requirements.
>
>
>Yep. There are GPSmap 60Cx are used by archaeologists in former Persia,
>Egypt and South America. Various Garmin models in use in Iraq, with the
>forces there.
>
>Simon.
Yep, because of the very good environmental resistance (also for dust) the old
Garmin GPS12 is still in personal use in those quarters. At least with the
Dutch in Afghanistan.
Piet
| |
| emmbeedee 2007-01-31, 3:33 pm |
| On Jan 31, 4:40 am, Stichting ST <atar...@xs4all.nl> wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:34:13 +0000, Simon Slavin
>
>
>
> <slavins.delete.these.four.wo...@hearsay.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yep, because of the very good environmental resistance (also for dust) the old
> Garmin GPS12 is still in personal use in those quarters. At least with the
> Dutch in Afghanistan.
>
> Piet
What a coincidence: I have a 12XL for sale! :)
Emm
| |
| Simon Slavin 2007-01-31, 10:33 pm |
| On 29/01/2007, Arecibo wrote in message <%Ravh.83741$Qa6.61316@newsfe6-
gui.ntli.net>:
> Simon Slavin wrote:
>
>
> Wow. That's a neat trick if you can do it.
I learned it in circumstances where you either mastered the trick or you
died. The device concerned wasn't a GPS receiver, but was a little bigger
than one and used batteries like one. You need to be able to change
batteries without having to brush sand out of the battery compartment or
away from the battery contacts. Leave a spare set in the bag. Paint your
sets of batteries different colours so you know which set are drained.
Plan for one set of failed batteries.
Soldiers in Iraq put condoms on the front of the barrels of their
weapons for the same reason.
>
> My Garmin Legend C has withstood some pretty rough weather perched on my
> shoulder. Including a 40 metre unplanned float down river.
I agree. I was looking at my GPSmap 60 after an earlier post to this
thread. The plastic moulding, and the seating of the transparent display
cover, on that thing is little short of wonderful compared to the stuff
that was available 20 years ago. If you don't need to open the battery
compartment I'd be quite happy using the thing without bagging.
Simon.
--
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk
| |
| Simon Slavin 2007-02-01, 10:33 pm |
| On 30/01/2007, emmbeedee wrote in message
<1170164641.176990.154490@k78g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>:
> I've never had a 60Cx model apart but I did take a GPSMap60C apart and
> all the connections, be they cable (USB or Serial) or battery are
> sealed. The battery compartment is not sealed to IPX7 specs, but the
> connectors within are.
Just took my 60Cx battery cover off. A square piece where the cover joins
the body is sealed with a neoprene threaded surface on both pieces. I
would guess that when the cover is on (firmly, with the fastener locked in
position) the two pieces of plastic form a waterproof seal.
There's a way to test this: brush bright blusher or talc on one side of
the seal, close the lid, open it again, and see if it has come off on the
other side. I can't be bothered to perform the experiment.
Simon.
--
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk
| |
| emmbeedee 2007-02-01, 10:33 pm |
| On Feb 1, 6:01 pm, Simon Slavin
<slavins.delete.these.four.wo...@hearsay.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> On 30/01/2007, emmbeedee wrote in message
>
> <1170164641.176990.154...@k78g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>:
>
>
> Just took my 60Cx battery cover off. A square piece where the cover joins
> the body is sealed with a neoprene threaded surface on both pieces. I
> would guess that when the cover is on (firmly, with the fastener locked in
> position) the two pieces of plastic form a waterproof seal.
>
> There's a way to test this: brush bright blusher or talc on one side of
> the seal, close the lid, open it again, and see if it has come off on the
> other side. I can't be bothered to perform the experiment.
>
> Simon.
> --http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk
I've never had any water get into the battery compartment on my 60C,
the one I used for a couple of years prior to getting my most recent
60CSx. I usually had it mounted on the handlebar of my BMW R1150GS,
out in the wind and rain. I never tried to see if the batteries were
getting wet but I'm sure I would have noticed when changing them.
The battery compartment is sealed reasonably well, but it likely won't
prevent water getting in if you actually submerge the unit for 20
minutes.
Emm
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