<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=windows-1252"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;">There seems to be a lot of general confusion about the set up and operation of GPS units (Garmin Etrex in particular)<div>In the next couple of days I will put together a basic breakdown of step by step procedures to load data (waypoints, POIs, Maps and tracks)</div><div>I will post NEW set-up info on my “Web Site" soon: <a href="https://www.sites.google.com/site/frankgilliland/">https://www.sites.google.com/site/frankgilliland/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Go to my Info page of some basic definitions: <a href="https://www.sites.google.com/site/frankgilliland/information">https://www.sites.google.com/site/frankgilliland/information</a></div><div><br></div><div>For purposes of setting up a handheld gps for CDT hiking you need:</div><div><br></div><div>1) Purchase a GPS unit (I prefer a Garmin Etrex 20 or 30)</div><div>2) Purchase a Micro SD card (4 or 8 gb) </div><div>3) Purchase a Garmin topo map DVD (either the TOPO 24k West or the TOPO 100k US)</div><div>(you can purchase the SD card version but it complicates things IMHO)</div><div>4) install Gamin’s Free software on your computer: BaseCamp, MapInstall, and WebUpdater</div><div>5) update the GPS units Firmware using WebUpdater (need to do this at purchase and check once a year)</div><div>6) install the needed Garmin topo maps on to your GPS using MapInstall from your computer</div><div>7) download and install the FREE Bear Creek POI file.</div><div>8) Optional: install Tracks I have posted</div><div><br></div><div>Some definitions for clarity:</div><div><br></div><div>1) <u>Waypoint</u> is a stored point. (name, coordinates, elevation, etc) It can be downloaded from another source usually saved as a .gpx file</div><div>(the Etrex 20/30 is limited to 2000 of these loaded or field created points)</div><div><br></div><div>2) <u>POI</u> point is an un-editable “waypoint” that can be loaded on to your Garmin GPS</div><div>(I have not found the upper limit of the total number that can be stored on a GPS</div><div><br></div><div>3) Loaded/stored <u>TOPO Map</u>: A USGS based map that is installed and viewable on your GPS screen and Computer.</div><div>(You must get the Garmin TOPO 24k west or 100k US)</div><div><br></div><div>4) <u>Tracks</u> are no more than "line segments” between “track points" that are drawn on software or they can be “active” tracks created in the field.</div><div>(i turn off the “active” track creation feature on my GPS)</div><div><br></div><div>( For the purpose of hiking the CDT if you choose to load tracks I would only use the tracks I created roughly following the Bear Creek Waypoint/POI points)</div><div><br></div><div>5) <u>Routes</u> are generally reserved for lines showing “routes” on roads. So, for hiking purposes using the phrase “routes” only confuses the conversation.</div><div><br></div><div>*********************************</div><div><br></div><div>Garmin does a really poor job of documenting basic operations of there handheld units and instead focusses on the bells and whistles…..</div><div>I feel your pain on the jumble of words and operations. Call Garmin on there Help line and ask for better documentation. </div><div><br></div><div>*******************************</div><div><br></div><div>If you just can’t figure it out the set-up of your GPS I am willing to set up your Etrex 20 or 30 sent to me via USPS Priority mail. I have done several setups already. Contact me for mailing instructions. (You need to have the TOPO map file loaded onto either the GPS internal memory or the SD card)</div><div><br></div><div>Contact me off line at frankgilliland <@> gmail <dot> com</div><div><br></div><div>I am in the middle of planning my own Summer hikes, so I am busy and can not walk you thru “BASIC” GPS loading operation questions. </div><div>I would prefer to just load your GPS up with data and set it up once. But, you need to decide soon…...</div><div><br></div><div>If you prefer Bear Creek will also do some GPS or SD card set-up for you for a nominal fee:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com/Reroutes.htm">http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com/Reroutes.htm</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>********************************</div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line: this is what I do in the field (on-trail) once I load the TOPO Map, POI point file and optional Track files:</div><div><br></div><div>1) Turn on your GPS and and you will see your location on your GPS screen as a digital USGS topo map </div><div>(this is helpful by itself and then you can find or verify your location on your paper map)</div><div>2) you should also see the <u>loaded</u> Bear Creek Way-point or POI point(s) near you.</div><div>3) if you have <u>loaded</u> and turned on the track viewing feature you will see the trail location as a line(s).</div><div>4) If you are “Off Trail” walk towards the closest or most logical Waypoint/POI point.</div><div>5) Walk to the next Waypoint/POI in your direction of travel</div><div>6) If it is obvious that you are on the trail then turn off your GPS to save your batteries until the next time you are “Off Trail"</div><div>(or you just want to see what the next POI point is and your physical location on your paper map)</div><div><br></div><div>*****************************</div><div><br></div><div>Final Words of Wisdom:</div><div><br></div><div>You are responsible for learning the operation of your GPS. In the field in the <u>Middle of Montana</u> is to late…..</div><div>GPS units are known to fail, batteries die and you should always have Paper Maps and the skills to use them.</div><div><br></div><div>Get an Etrex 20, load your TOPO map, load the POI and Track files…….Stay Found!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>StarMan</div></body></html>