Thanks to the new $50 rebate, I recently upgraded my Garmin GPS II+ to a Vista. I am generally happy but I have some questions & observations.
1) The reception is not good at all compared to my II+. Even in moderate tree cover it may lose the signal. Is there anything that can be done to improve reception? Also, I have the Garmin case and it covers most of the unit. I'm not sure where the antenna is located inside the machine but I wonder if the case is negatively effecting my reception. Any thoughts?
2) I read on here that the electronic compass needs to be recalibrated whenever the batteries are replaced. In order to avoid looking like a complete fool in doing so, I put it on a flat table and turn it around twice. I figure that will also increase the accuracy since its not relying on me holding the unit perfectly flat.
That said, do I also need to calibrate the altimeter when I replace the batteries? I know my altimeter is off right now (never calibrated since I have not yet been in a place where I knew either my exact altitude or pressure) but I was wondering about the battery/altimeter relationship.
3) The electronic compass confuses me a little. By default I believe that the electronic compass takes over from the satellites when your speed drops below 10 MPH. I understand that, but does this also happen on the map page?
For example, I'm looking for a geocache. I'm running at 12 MPH and according to the map page of my Vista the cache is up ahead on my right. As long as I'm moving I always know where the cache is relative to my position. Now lets say I stop moving completely and I just stand still. I'm still looking at the map page...
1) It still shows the cache up ahead on my right because that's where it was relative to my position the last time I was moving, or
2) Does the electronic compass takes over? The Vista knows where the cache is and my exact last position. So if I stay in place but begin to turn left or right, will the map show the cache move relative to the new direction in which I'm pointed?
Without an electronic compass the GPS has no idea which direction I'm facing unless I'm actually moving. This makes it hard to find something when you're really close and not moving very much. But does the e-compass work on only the "compass" page or also on the map page?
I'm not sure if I'm explaining this clearly but hopefully someone will understand what I'm saying.
I appreciate any help on these questions.
Thanks!