Att Tilt Pocket PC for Geocatching - Problem or normal?

[+crjb1]

Hello folks,

 

I'm now using my ATT Tilt for geocaching. I'm using the included gps and GeoScout.

 

Today I went searching for a cache in quite deep forest (I'm in Portland, OR where we have incredibly thick canopy). I wasn't able to get the tracking to better then 18 yards and couldn't find the cache.

 

Would an external bluetooth GPS (say something like http://www.semsons.com/qsbtblgpsre3.html) help me get a better signal deep in the woods (the gps works fine in open sky).

 

Any comments/help would be much appreciated! I spent an hour looking for this thing, couldn't get a good fix at all deep in the woods. Wondering if I need to buy a "real" gps, but hoping not!

 

Thanks much!!

 

Charles

Edited July 21, 2008 by crjb1

[ryleyinstl]

I have found that performance of GPS units in wireless phones is usually subpar, Especially when obstructed.

An eTrex H, HC or HCx will solve this issue for you immediately. Prices starting at less then $100.

[+Barnie's Band of Gold]

I have found that performance of GPS units in wireless phones is usually subpar, Especially when obstructed.

An eTrex H, HC or HCx will solve this issue for you immediately. Prices starting at less then $100.

 

What ryleyinstl said PLUS a real GPS such as the Garmin e-Trex units are rated water resistant to IPX7 standard. You'll wish you had invested the $100 the next time you have to sacrifice your HTC Tilt to get out of the bush in inclement weather. Just not a good idea to use a phone/gps for more than casual or back-up purposes.

 

Just my opinion...

[+Leaky Spoon]

I use my Tilt, but only use it for the paperless function with Cachemate. I had an external, Bluetooth Garmin for my previous 8525 phone, but it was not good at all for Geocaching. I have found that my Tilt loses signal far faster than my etrex, so I carry both.

[+Night Stalker]

I have cache in the Portland area with my older 60CS and found it very challenging to say the least. There are areas where the tree canopy is so thick that I could not get a decent signal. I can't imagine how difficult this would be using your cell phone.