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quote:Originally posted by jfitzpat: quote:Originally posted by Bagbug: http://www.gpsinformation.net/mgoldreview/sportrak-pro-rev.html Amazing reception under tree cover ! Bag I think you might reading too much into the review. The reviewer noted that sensitivity was primarily subjective observation. The review also notes that the lack of scatter on the plots is principally due to "auto averaging", which cannot be disabled. As Kerry has pointed out, with some good data, in the past, averaging can actually decrease accuracy in many circumstances. The data does seem to show that the unit tested has a much improved WAAS implementation. (Pros and cons of WAAS have been covered in other threads). Certainly it is a nice ergonomic improvement over the Map330. But, if I am reading the review correctly, some users may still be better off with either the Meridian or an eTrex model. -jjf I performed many of the GPS surveys for the WAAS reference stations around the country. Using fancy dual-frequency surveying receivers, differential techniques, and post-processing software, we determined the antenna locations to within 1cm horizontal and 2cm vertical (95% probability). So that's the kind of accuracy I'm used to squeezing out of GPS. But I personally own a Garmin eTrex Vista, and I understand that until the government launches another "Geo" (WAAS communications satellite) or other ways to get the signal to those of us in urban or forested environments, we handheld users will have our gripes about the reception, apparently misleading "accuracy" values between GPS-only and WAAS-enabled modes, etc. But be patient. The future is bright for WAAS. I tend to think that support for it will grow among aviation, marine, agricultural, and (yes) even recreational users to the point where the government will keep improving our ability to receive the signal using our handhelds. Gosh, not too long ago we were complaining about 100m accuracy from Selective Availability, remember? Enjoy! Randy Van Steen

... although it's still in development. Outages are rare, and they're usually planned (for special tests). It's not yet certified for safety by the FAA for passenger aircraft, but that's expected in 2003. Please see the FAA's WAAS page: http://gps.faa.gov/programs/index.htm and click on WAAS Good Luck! Randy Van Steen