Etrex Vista - Compass Question

[Jazzhands]

Hi, can you tell me if it is possible to get a bearing displayed on the Etrex Vista compass screen that shows degrees from North?
For example, I would like to use it to line up my protable satellite dish, but the satellite alignment is always quoted in degrees i.e Astra 2D 28.2 E is 28.2 degrees East of South i.e 151.8 degrees from North (give or take a few for declination).
It is the 151.8 degrees reading that I want it to display. When I select bearing on the compass screen it just shows N, NE, E, SE S etc.

Cheers

[GerryC]

to the forum.

I'm not exactly sure how the Vista works but GPS devices normally work out the direction you are travelling in by taking several readings and working out which direction they go in. Some have options to show the degrees, others don't. It's not a static compass which is what you would require.

There are satellite finders available - you may be able to hire one from where you bought the dish if you don't want to buy one outright. I have no idea how much they are.

Alternatively, as I also don't know how accurate you need to be, a hand-hand compass - that plastic thing with a magnetised needle in the middle that spins - from a outdoors activity shop may be all you need.
_________________
Gerry
TomTom730T
Cameralert for Android
Brodit ProClip mount

[Facade]

The Vista has an electronic compass built in.

First calibrate the compass

main menu - setup - calibration - compass. Turn two full circles whilst holding it level.

Then call up the compass page.
Press the left option button, and select "sight N go"
rotate the etrex untill the number reads 152 degrees, and press enter.
select set course.

The etrex has set a course of 152 degrees, when the red arrow lines up with the top mark the white sighting dots on the etrex body will point to 152 degrees.

Another use for the etrex, thus further justifying your purchase to 'er indoors

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