Questions about GPS

[Misty Blue]

Dear csu:

I am always glad when I hear about boaters not trading in their seamanship skills for a GPS. It's a tool. A great one, but just a tool.

Mine is a Standard Horizon with Bizer C-map of the Lake and Portsmouth-North.

I findit to be the best speed indicator around. It is also the best compass.

I use it annualy to create a deviation chart for my compass. Nutz on.

An other great quality is being able to give a Lat/Long position when you are in trouble. I do many assists both on the Lake and Portsmouth, NH every year and I can't tell you how much time it saves. Give me a position and I am there. No search paterns needed. Great tool.

I'll let you in on a dark secret. Like upthesaukee I was also out on the July 4th 2004. Heading home around 1 AM. I was flying IFR. Man I have a GPS and I'm styling in the dark at 18 knots. My training got the best of me though and I decided to throttle down and act like a seaman. About two minutes later Steam Boat island loomed up before me!

I came to a dead stop, had a bite of humble pie and cruised on home with my tail between my legs.

There is a lesson there.

Good luck with your class!

Misty Blue

[JoeP]

I also have the Standard Horizon with the C-Map chip of the Lake. Sure makes driving on the lake with the Mrs. much more enjoyable!! Now she can find the markers without continously asking - LOL

[ApS]

A slow-to-load, but interesting site to chart the GPS satellites' course through the heavens:

http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/JTr.../JTrack3D.html

Select the GPS (or any other of lots!) satellites from the drop-down menu. Rotate at 100% or 1000%.

[csuhockey3]

Thank you all for your replies. My presentation went just fine, thanks for your insight. Heads up Misty

Now it's on to more important things -- like spring break!