GPS question...

medicnick83

medicnick83

Paramedic
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I have a Garmin eTrex H GPS which I bought for use with the VWS.

It's the basic type GPS that can do the basics very well.

My question is this;

It takes 2x AA batteries, when I'm not using it, I turn the GPS off, does this 'use' the battery at all?

Now, logically, I know, it shouldn't because the GPS is off, but I've heard rumors that if I don't plan to use the GPS for say a week, I should take the batteries out.

I'm wondering why etc...
 
Surv0 said:
can you actually turn the GPS device off?
if so then it shouldnt use any power. Some devices just go into sleep mode but still transmit signal which obviously eats power.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I can turn it off, or it is supposed to be off.

It's weird though because let me explain;

If I turn my GPS on now, it'll do it's thing, the thing will say "please wait, tracking satilittes" and take about 1 minute.

Then I turn it off, wait say, 5 minutes or so, and turn it on and that same procedure will be done in like 10 seconds.

But if I leave it off for a few hours, then turn it on, it does the whole "please wait" thing and takes as long as normal.

So, my logic is, it turns off, but not 'completely' sorta like a semi-standby mode.
 
gdiza said:
Yeah, I can turn it off, or it is supposed to be off.

It's weird though because let me explain;

If I turn my GPS on now, it'll do it's thing, the thing will say "please wait, tracking satilittes" and take about 1 minute.

Then I turn it off, wait say, 5 minutes or so, and turn it on and that same procedure will be done in like 10 seconds.

But if I leave it off for a few hours, then turn it on, it does the whole "please wait" thing and takes as long as normal.

So, my logic is, it turns off, but not 'completely' sorta like a semi-standby mode.
Click to expand...

maybe it remembers the satellites position if you turn it on after 5 mins, which is why it doesnt take as long to make the connection. A few hours later and the position is more off than before...
Just a thought, not really sure if it works like that.

Any GPS developers?
:p
 
I'm just curious, because I'm sure during GPS training, I was told that, when I'm done with it, remove batteries and charge if need be... but I'm one of those okes who like the easy way out, if I don't need to remove the batteries, I don't want too. haha. :)

I don't know that much about GPS's so that's why I'm asking.

I have the basic model as well, so I don't need to know much but I love knowing all the little tips and tricks when it comes to 'toys' that I'm using.
 
Perhaps its just a precaution against battery leaks.
 
Hi. You can safely leave the batteries in, but do watch out for battery leaks.

Regarding the switch-on:
A GPS will remember some settings like last satelites used, etc. That is why you have things like cold start and warm start in GPSes. That is not a standby.

I use my gps only some Saterdays (sometimes once in 2 months) and I always leave the batteries in. Never had a problem.
 
Duracells leak?

Really?
Any like... proof of this? (Other than your SLR)
I'm just really curious about this now...
 
I have the etrex, i use it for geocaching. I have never had to replace its batteries in the two months that i have had it.
 
FSB said:
If the battery is low on juice it's a certainty.

It happened once, I then went around checking everything, which is when I found the SLR and a small radio.

I didn't keep the batteries. That chemical smell is nasty. Check all of Duracel's advertising. Not a mention of no leaks anymore.
Click to expand...
There is also the possibility that you were supplied with counterfeit batteries.
 
bwana said:
There is also the possibility that you were supplied with counterfeit batteries.
Click to expand...

Nope, I wasn't given any batteries, even though, on garmin.co.za it says i'm supposed to get 2.

Funny you say that, because I sent them (garmin.co.za) a snotty e-mail about how it SAYS I am supposed to get 2x AA batteries but never got them.

Yesterday, I got my 'missing' batteries delivered via courier ;)

Energizer Lithium AA batteries (only 2) but at least I got them.
 
gdiza said:
Nope, I wasn't given any batteries, even though, on garmin.co.za it says i'm supposed to get 2.

Funny you say that, because I sent them (garmin.co.za) a snotty e-mail about how it SAYS I am supposed to get 2x AA batteries but never got them.

Yesterday, I got my 'missing' batteries delivered via courier ;)

Energizer Lithium AA batteries (only 2) but at least I got them.
Click to expand...
I was addressing FSB - after all he had the leaky. Duracells ;)
 
JUGGY said:
Is it pretty easy to GeoCache with a Garming Nuvi 200W? I know the handheld GPS' are better for walking navigation.
Click to expand...

I think you can, you need to set it to offroad navigation. Not entirely sure how you do that on the Nuvi as i have a tomtom that i use in the car and a garmin etrex h for geocaching. If you use a car navigator just be careful as they are a lot more delicate than the hand held ones and wont survive a few drops.
 
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