Keeping A Signal

[+Gretel-]

I received a Garmin Legend for Christmas and have taken it out caching a couple of times this year. I know the antennae is a postage stamp sized pad beneath the logo. I've found several times that while it's hanging around my neck it loses the signal. I hold it face up and it busily begins picking up satellites again. So it works best horizontally - duh.

 

I don't like walking along with it in front of me like some geologic geiger counter/divining rod, but I want it to be ready when I look at it. What solutions have you tried, or is it not a problem for most users?

 

G

[umc]

The problem there is that its a patch antenna and needs to look up as you mentioned. I don't see a way around that unless you attach an external antenna and have that reside on your backpack or something.

[+Alphatexana]

I purchased the "Carry Case" for my Garmin and clip that onto the strap for my backpack, near my shoulder. Seems to keep the signal fairly well that way.

 

Carry Case

[+briansnat]

Well you are correct that you have to have it flat and face up, or upright. I recently purchased the carrying case that Alphatexana mentions and it rides flat on my shoulder strap and I rarely lose a signal. I've also had good luck with it in the mesh side pocket of my daypack, as long as it upright and facing outward.

 

The eTrex doesn't have a hookup for an external antenna, so that's out.

Edited January 14, 2004 by briansnat

[+º]

There's a similar discussion in the German speaking forum and most agreed that the solution with a case on the shoulderstrap is best.

 

[+The Blind Acorn]

I have a Garmin that I don't use that often, but with the neoprene case that I bought, I clipped it to the strap of my backpack and this worked great!