Compass/Heading Questions

[myrrh]

I bought several different receivers to test which one would best suit my needs when it comes time to really need one.

I have a Garmin eTrex Summit and Vista. They both have compass inaccuracies. And, they are not consistent. For example, once I tried the Summit pointing all four directions. North, west, and south were right on, but east was off by about 10 degrees. I took the unit for a walk and when I returned, north, west and south were off by about 10 degrees and east was now off by 20. I was not near any structure or vehicle, I was holding the unit level, and I had properly calibrated it.

Similar things are going on with the Vista and the Magellan SporTrak Topo I have. All units are set to true north.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Dave]

From a compass point of view, you will find a GPSMap76S much better, a little more pricier, but worth the money (IMO) and Yes, I have one!

Some receivers require you to be moving in a direction and they use the GPS guidance to plot which direction you are facing in (not that accurate), others like the GPSMap76S have a much better and accurate style compass. Also some prefer being held horizontal, some stationary some vertical. You do have to calibrate them too and it depends on how far off you are on your calibration depending on it's accuracy.

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