+KaiserKlan Posted August 9, 2004 Share Posted August 9, 2004 I have the Garmin GPSMap 76s with the electronic compass built in, I've got it set to take over when I stop moving for 15 seconds or more. But It doesn't really seem to work all that well, I can't help but think I'm using it wrong. I get the "hold level" warning, but getting it level is another thing, no matter how I hold it it seems to still give me that warning. I'm curious about how others are using this feature, do you have it turned on and if so do you use it frequently, seldom, not at all? Will the arrow still point to the waypoint I'm after if I stand still long enough? Quote Link to comment
CenTexDodger Posted August 9, 2004 Share Posted August 9, 2004 This may sound overly obvious, but do you have it calibrated? Mine GPSMap 60cs seems to do the same thing until I calibrate it. Then it works flawlessly. You might try it anyway! Quote Link to comment
Vlad Posted August 9, 2004 Share Posted August 9, 2004 in order to save battery power i have mine set to zero mph in the compass setup page - i don't want it to turn on EVER unless i manually do it myself. How? Press and hold the Page button and the ecompass turns on and off. You can improve the hold level problem by calibrating the unit - keep an eye on being as level as possible (i suggest rotating it while resting it on a tabletop). Quote Link to comment
+Latitude 26 Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 FWIW, I recalibrate my gpsMAP 76S compass each time I replace the batteries. It only takes a minute. It always seems to work OK that way for me... "Bassmedic" Quote Link to comment
+KaiserKlan Posted August 10, 2004 Author Share Posted August 10, 2004 I did calibrate the compass the first time I set up the GPS but never after that, so I'll try it each time I change the batteries too and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for the tip. I'm glad to see others are at least trying to use the feature, I've never had much luck with an electronic compass and usually carry a small real one with me for quick direction finding. Quote Link to comment
daetripper Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 The manual does state that it is necessary to calibrate it with each battery change. Like you, I wish it didn't need this step but, it does. I really enjoy the 76cs however. It is the best handheld yet by Garmin. Quote Link to comment
+KaiserKlan Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Recalibration after I change the batteries seems to be the answer. I'm not real sure why this should be needed but it does make the difference, maybe I'll feel a little more comfortable using the compass feature now. Thanks. Quote Link to comment
Peregrine007 Posted August 13, 2004 Share Posted August 13, 2004 Recalibration seems to work well, but it's strange that they'd incorporate the compass in such a way that you have to hold the unit horizontally to get accurate compass readings, and yet you lose satellite reception unless the unit is held vertically. That's my only 'complaint' about it though - otherwise the 76S is a great little unit! Quote Link to comment
+Moe the Sleaze Posted August 13, 2004 Share Posted August 13, 2004 (edited) you have to hold the unit horizontally to get accurate compass readings, and yet you lose satellite reception unless the unit is held vertically. I hold my 76CS more or less horizontally 90% of the time and rarely lose signal except when under heavy tree cover. Edited August 13, 2004 by Moe the Sleaze Quote Link to comment
Peregrine007 Posted August 13, 2004 Share Posted August 13, 2004 you have to hold the unit horizontally to get accurate compass readings, and yet you lose satellite reception unless the unit is held vertically. I hold my 76CS more or less horizontally 90% of the time and rarely lose signal except when under heavy tree cover. Hmmm... I guess maybe we just have bigger trees out here (or more of them or something). Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.