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1.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
What's the latest and greatest on this these days? I know a lot of people are using their cell phones even for hunting GPS, but I think handheld dedicated GPS units still have their place. What say you? I have a couple of apps on my phone that are pretty cool, but I need to explore them a lot more if I ever intend to make them a serious tool.
I'm a little more likely to try to get up to speed with a dedicated GPS and something like MYTOPO, which I have an old version of but am not married to if something better comes along. Thoughts?
++++
Also:
I haven't been using a handheld GPS a lot in recent years since it's so often useless where I could possibly get any benefit out of it, but I dragged my two units out the other day for a special project and one of them has mysteriously died. It won't power up.
Unfortunately, it was the more reliable of the two I own (long story, there) and I'm 90% sure most of the data on it never got downloaded anywhere. That probably means I'll never be able to find one of my tree stands that I've needed to chop out of a tree for about 10 years, and maybe I'll need to re-scout and re-learn a couple of old stomping grounds if I ever go back to them. But otherwise it's not a particularly great loss.
I thought the contacts might have gotten dirty so I gave them the white vinegar treatment, but that didn't help. I might try lemon juice. Garmin doesn't offer repair services for this unit any more, and I suspect that no one else does either, but if anyone has had an old Etrex repaired or brought back to life recently, let me know.
Alternately, if someone can think of a way to repurpose the unit (a Vista) [ [COLOR="#FF0000"]Edit:
It's a Legend.[/COLOR] ] for parts or something---or perhaps DP could use it for something in his mad scientist electronics laboratory---I'll let it go for the good buddy price.
I'm a little more likely to try to get up to speed with a dedicated GPS and something like MYTOPO, which I have an old version of but am not married to if something better comes along. Thoughts?
++++
Also:
I haven't been using a handheld GPS a lot in recent years since it's so often useless where I could possibly get any benefit out of it, but I dragged my two units out the other day for a special project and one of them has mysteriously died. It won't power up.
Unfortunately, it was the more reliable of the two I own (long story, there) and I'm 90% sure most of the data on it never got downloaded anywhere. That probably means I'll never be able to find one of my tree stands that I've needed to chop out of a tree for about 10 years, and maybe I'll need to re-scout and re-learn a couple of old stomping grounds if I ever go back to them. But otherwise it's not a particularly great loss.
I thought the contacts might have gotten dirty so I gave them the white vinegar treatment, but that didn't help. I might try lemon juice. Garmin doesn't offer repair services for this unit any more, and I suspect that no one else does either, but if anyone has had an old Etrex repaired or brought back to life recently, let me know.
Alternately, if someone can think of a way to repurpose the unit (a Vista) [ [COLOR="#FF0000"]Edit:
It's a Legend.[/COLOR] ] for parts or something---or perhaps DP could use it for something in his mad scientist electronics laboratory---I'll let it go for the good buddy price.
2.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48591]What's the latest and greatest on this these days? I know a lot of people are using their cell phones even for hunting GPS, but I think handheld dedicated GPS units still have their place. What say you? I have a couple of apps on my phone that are pretty cool, but I need to explore them a lot more if I ever intend to make them a serious tool.
I'm a little more likely to try to get up to speed with a dedicated GPS and something like MYTOPO, which I have an old version of but am not married to if something better comes along. Thoughts?
++++
Also:
I haven't been using a handheld GPS a lot in recent years since it's so often useless where I could possibly get any benefit out of it, but I dragged my two units out the other day for a special project and one of them has mysteriously died. It won't power up.
Unfortunately, it was the more reliable of the two I own (long story, there) and I'm 90% sure most of the data on it never got downloaded anywhere. That probably means I'll never be able to find one of my tree stands that I've needed to chop out of a tree for about 10 years, and maybe I'll need to re-scout and re-learn a couple of old stomping grounds if I ever go back to them. But otherwise it's not a particularly great loss.
I thought the contacts might have gotten dirty so I gave them the white vinegar treatment, but that didn't help. I might try lemon juice. Garmin doesn't offer repair services for this unit any more, and I suspect that no one else does either, but if anyone has had an old Etrex repaired or brought back to life recently, let me know.
Alternately, if someone can think of a way to repurpose the unit (a Vista) for parts or something---or perhaps DP could use it for something in his mad scientist electronics laboratory---I'll let it go for the good buddy price.[/QUOTE]
Don't know if this helps or not, but I have a Seiko clock that I've owned for 20 years. It just stopped. Tried new batteries, nothing. I finally took it to a Seiko dealer the other day just to see if it was repairable. I was 99% sure it wasn't as it was electronic and they probably didn't make that model any more. The lady took a pencil eraser and rubbed the contacts in the clock. Put some batteries in and it's working perfectly again.
She said a film develops on those contacts as you already understand. I just never would have thought to use a pencil eraser.
I have a Vista too. Great little unit.
I'm a little more likely to try to get up to speed with a dedicated GPS and something like MYTOPO, which I have an old version of but am not married to if something better comes along. Thoughts?
++++
Also:
I haven't been using a handheld GPS a lot in recent years since it's so often useless where I could possibly get any benefit out of it, but I dragged my two units out the other day for a special project and one of them has mysteriously died. It won't power up.
Unfortunately, it was the more reliable of the two I own (long story, there) and I'm 90% sure most of the data on it never got downloaded anywhere. That probably means I'll never be able to find one of my tree stands that I've needed to chop out of a tree for about 10 years, and maybe I'll need to re-scout and re-learn a couple of old stomping grounds if I ever go back to them. But otherwise it's not a particularly great loss.
I thought the contacts might have gotten dirty so I gave them the white vinegar treatment, but that didn't help. I might try lemon juice. Garmin doesn't offer repair services for this unit any more, and I suspect that no one else does either, but if anyone has had an old Etrex repaired or brought back to life recently, let me know.
Alternately, if someone can think of a way to repurpose the unit (a Vista) for parts or something---or perhaps DP could use it for something in his mad scientist electronics laboratory---I'll let it go for the good buddy price.[/QUOTE]
Don't know if this helps or not, but I have a Seiko clock that I've owned for 20 years. It just stopped. Tried new batteries, nothing. I finally took it to a Seiko dealer the other day just to see if it was repairable. I was 99% sure it wasn't as it was electronic and they probably didn't make that model any more. The lady took a pencil eraser and rubbed the contacts in the clock. Put some batteries in and it's working perfectly again.
She said a film develops on those contacts as you already understand. I just never would have thought to use a pencil eraser.
I have a Vista too. Great little unit.
3.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
Huh. Thanks for that. I'll give it a whirl.
I actually typed the story up wrong. The unit that has crapped out on me is the Legend, and performed like a champ. My other unit is the Vista.
My Vista used to have a lot more trouble acquiring satellites than the Legend, which is weird because the Vista was the top of the class. In a head-to-head, there was no comparison, though, which is why the Legend became my primary, even though I had the Vista first and wanted its altimeter. (Not much of a gap in manufacture dates, as far as I know.)
But I rolled the Vista off the top of my vehicle out in the boonies after coming out of the woods one day, dehydrated and apparently too delirious to stow my gear properly before driving away. This was on Day One of a four-day scouting trip, so I drove to the nearest decent-sized town and bought the only thing they had as a replacement, which was the Legend.
(Three months later, I got a phone call from a guy who had just found my unit in a roadside ditch---this is absolutely out in the middle of nowhere--and I got it back from him the next time I was in the area. He had no idea how to work the unit, but my contact info came up on the screen when he powered it up. That was actually the first of two recoveries like that. I lost one out the open back window two miles from home one time as well, LOL. I got the call six hours later when I had almost arrived at my destination. Of course, until that point, I had no idea anything had fallen out of the truck. :tap:)
Yesterday, I had the Vista out and it did better than I remembered. Under a canopy of trees, I still lose signal so forget about moving from Waypoint A to Waypoint B, but I could get signals through trees while stationary that I couldn't get years ago, so at least I could mark new waypoints. I haven't done any firmware updates, so I have to guess something has changed with the satellite situation.
I actually typed the story up wrong. The unit that has crapped out on me is the Legend, and performed like a champ. My other unit is the Vista.
My Vista used to have a lot more trouble acquiring satellites than the Legend, which is weird because the Vista was the top of the class. In a head-to-head, there was no comparison, though, which is why the Legend became my primary, even though I had the Vista first and wanted its altimeter. (Not much of a gap in manufacture dates, as far as I know.)
But I rolled the Vista off the top of my vehicle out in the boonies after coming out of the woods one day, dehydrated and apparently too delirious to stow my gear properly before driving away. This was on Day One of a four-day scouting trip, so I drove to the nearest decent-sized town and bought the only thing they had as a replacement, which was the Legend.
(Three months later, I got a phone call from a guy who had just found my unit in a roadside ditch---this is absolutely out in the middle of nowhere--and I got it back from him the next time I was in the area. He had no idea how to work the unit, but my contact info came up on the screen when he powered it up. That was actually the first of two recoveries like that. I lost one out the open back window two miles from home one time as well, LOL. I got the call six hours later when I had almost arrived at my destination. Of course, until that point, I had no idea anything had fallen out of the truck. :tap:)
Yesterday, I had the Vista out and it did better than I remembered. Under a canopy of trees, I still lose signal so forget about moving from Waypoint A to Waypoint B, but I could get signals through trees while stationary that I couldn't get years ago, so at least I could mark new waypoints. I haven't done any firmware updates, so I have to guess something has changed with the satellite situation.
4.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
You know, they make little straps on those units that attach to belts, packs, Bronco cargo racks...just sayin. LOL!
5.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
I'll have to look into that...LOL
Let me tell you about the time I got a call from the sheriff's department after someone turned in my toiletries bag that fell out on the highway...:bang:
Let me tell you about the time I got a call from the sheriff's department after someone turned in my toiletries bag that fell out on the highway...:bang:
6.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
Yeah, I'm not surprised. Lipstick, pantyhose, hatchet, spent shell casings, picture of you. Probably not a good combination. How much time did you serve?
7.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
Several days debating "Didn't I pack it?" with myself after arriving at camp...LOL
I think I got the call something close to a week later.
I think I got the call something close to a week later.
8.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48591]I know a lot of people are using their cell phones even for hunting GPS, but I think handheld dedicated GPS units still have their place.[/QUOTE]
In the case of my Garmin eTrex that place is at home, in a basket full of other old stuff that I no longer use. Given a GPS-enabled smart phone and any one of the many mapping/hunting apps available and all but the most specialized dedicated GPS units become completely superfluous. I can't think of a single use for mine that can't be served...better...by my S7 and whatever software is most appropriate to the task. And the same can be said of many other things as well. Honestly, I don't know who's still buying limited-use devices like that anymore (though someone must be, since they're still available for sale).
In the case of my Garmin eTrex that place is at home, in a basket full of other old stuff that I no longer use. Given a GPS-enabled smart phone and any one of the many mapping/hunting apps available and all but the most specialized dedicated GPS units become completely superfluous. I can't think of a single use for mine that can't be served...better...by my S7 and whatever software is most appropriate to the task. And the same can be said of many other things as well. Honestly, I don't know who's still buying limited-use devices like that anymore (though someone must be, since they're still available for sale).
9.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
I think where the dedicated GPS is superior is in ruggedness, battery life, and--from what I can tell --storage capacity for maps.
Also, the Etrexes are pretty tiny, while newer GPS units have gotten a little bulky. There are the ones that are shaped kinda like smart phones and those that look a bit more like medium-sized walkie-talkies. Once a guy ruggedizes his smartphone with a beefy case, he's probably pulled close to even with the newer huskier GPSs, but the little ETrex beats his smartbrick like a drum.
My smart phone is a ruggedized model from the get-go (I'm not sure I'd ever buy one that wasn't) and I still wouldn't use it for GPS in anything but the tamest conditions. Not only would I be putting a lot of drain on the battery (nowhere near a wall outlet or car charger, etc.) but think of all the valuable data and trivia I'd lose if I sent my phone to the bottom of the lake or dropped it on the trail. If I destroy or lose my GPS, all I'm out is some waypoints and some custom map data (which hopefully I've already downloaded to a secondary location, LOL---Remember, do as I say, not as I do.).
Based on the issues I've had with storage on various devices, I would also think the avid GPS user wouldn't want his maps hogging his smart phone. I don't really use maps on my GPS, but if I hunted differently, or hunted a different part of the country, I could see where I might want to.
Also, the Etrexes are pretty tiny, while newer GPS units have gotten a little bulky. There are the ones that are shaped kinda like smart phones and those that look a bit more like medium-sized walkie-talkies. Once a guy ruggedizes his smartphone with a beefy case, he's probably pulled close to even with the newer huskier GPSs, but the little ETrex beats his smartbrick like a drum.
My smart phone is a ruggedized model from the get-go (I'm not sure I'd ever buy one that wasn't) and I still wouldn't use it for GPS in anything but the tamest conditions. Not only would I be putting a lot of drain on the battery (nowhere near a wall outlet or car charger, etc.) but think of all the valuable data and trivia I'd lose if I sent my phone to the bottom of the lake or dropped it on the trail. If I destroy or lose my GPS, all I'm out is some waypoints and some custom map data (which hopefully I've already downloaded to a secondary location, LOL---Remember, do as I say, not as I do.).
Based on the issues I've had with storage on various devices, I would also think the avid GPS user wouldn't want his maps hogging his smart phone. I don't really use maps on my GPS, but if I hunted differently, or hunted a different part of the country, I could see where I might want to.
10.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
Plus, if the idea of leaving a GPS footprint with your cell phone creeps you out the way it does me, problem solved. Turn the damn thing off.
11.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48603]I think where the dedicated GPS is superior is in ruggedness, battery life, and--from what I can tell --storage capacity for maps.[/QUOTE]
Negative, Ghost Rider. My S7 has 32GB of internal storage and another 64GB of SD storage, which I could easily expand to a 200GB SD card (for a total of 232GB) for less than the cost of a decent dedicated GPS unit. And even with the hundreds of MP3s, photos and other stuff I have stored on it I still have a little over 52GB of available space on that SD card (so long as I clean out old dash cam videos on a regular basis, which I've guaranteed happens automatically via an automated script). And when I hunt the S7 goes into "airplane mode", which shuts off all transceivers (cell phone, bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc) and extends the available battery time to well more than I will ever spend in the woods at one time. Besides, I also bring a small external battery pack, which is about as small and light as my old eTrex...just in case. This allows me to more than double the running time of the average GPS unit (for instance, the newest eTrexs I've seen advertise "up to" 25 hours of battery life.) Sure, you can bring more batteries too...but so can I. And if I'm stumbling around lost for more than 48 hours then my GPS isn't of any value to me anyway.
And ruggedness, comparative loss if something happens to the device, etc aren't issues either, because I'm bringing my cell phone with me no matter where I'm going anyway. Don't you?
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48603]Based on the issues I've had with storage on various devices, I would also think the avid GPS user wouldn't want his maps hogging his smart phone. I don't really use maps on my GPS, but if I hunted differently, or hunted a different part of the country, I could see where I might want to.[/QUOTE]
See above. The most memory-equipped GPSs I've seen lately provide no more than about 4GB to hold all your maps. My phone's SD card...or even the available space in its internal storage...laughs at that amount of demand.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48604]Plus, if the idea of leaving a GPS footprint with your cell phone creeps you out the way it does me, problem solved. Turn the damn thing off.[/QUOTE]
Well, when I'm somewhere remote where I could potentially become injured and need help...the thought of someone knowing where I am or have been doesn't really creep me out all that much. Besides, keeping the phone in airplane mode eliminates that anyway.
Negative, Ghost Rider. My S7 has 32GB of internal storage and another 64GB of SD storage, which I could easily expand to a 200GB SD card (for a total of 232GB) for less than the cost of a decent dedicated GPS unit. And even with the hundreds of MP3s, photos and other stuff I have stored on it I still have a little over 52GB of available space on that SD card (so long as I clean out old dash cam videos on a regular basis, which I've guaranteed happens automatically via an automated script). And when I hunt the S7 goes into "airplane mode", which shuts off all transceivers (cell phone, bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc) and extends the available battery time to well more than I will ever spend in the woods at one time. Besides, I also bring a small external battery pack, which is about as small and light as my old eTrex...just in case. This allows me to more than double the running time of the average GPS unit (for instance, the newest eTrexs I've seen advertise "up to" 25 hours of battery life.) Sure, you can bring more batteries too...but so can I. And if I'm stumbling around lost for more than 48 hours then my GPS isn't of any value to me anyway.
And ruggedness, comparative loss if something happens to the device, etc aren't issues either, because I'm bringing my cell phone with me no matter where I'm going anyway. Don't you?
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48603]Based on the issues I've had with storage on various devices, I would also think the avid GPS user wouldn't want his maps hogging his smart phone. I don't really use maps on my GPS, but if I hunted differently, or hunted a different part of the country, I could see where I might want to.[/QUOTE]
See above. The most memory-equipped GPSs I've seen lately provide no more than about 4GB to hold all your maps. My phone's SD card...or even the available space in its internal storage...laughs at that amount of demand.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48604]Plus, if the idea of leaving a GPS footprint with your cell phone creeps you out the way it does me, problem solved. Turn the damn thing off.[/QUOTE]
Well, when I'm somewhere remote where I could potentially become injured and need help...the thought of someone knowing where I am or have been doesn't really creep me out all that much. Besides, keeping the phone in airplane mode eliminates that anyway.
12.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
I'm inclined to agree with your assessment Swampy. The etrex's are getting info from satellites where your smartphone is using cell towers? So if you are in the boonies, I'd rather have an Etrex for finding my way home. I would want both smartphone and Etrex. I think I'm understanding how they work anyway.
13.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
I think the idea is that phones are using towers *AND* satellites, so they could potentially be more accurate where there is cell coverage. But that doesn't mean anything in the middle of nowhere.
Let me digest DP's post and I'll be back.
Let me digest DP's post and I'll be back.
14.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
I just know that where I deer hunt in Nebraska there is no cell phone coverage. I'm glad I have an Etrex along.
15.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;48607]I'm inclined to agree with your assessment Swampy. The etrex's are getting info from satellites where your smartphone is using cell towers? So if you are in the boonies, I'd rather have an Etrex for finding my way home. I would want both smartphone and Etrex. I think I'm understanding how they work anyway.[/QUOTE]
Quite the opposite. Your phone (assuming it's not terribly old) has a built-in GPS receiver too, and can (depending on how you set things) use BOTH that and cell tower information (if available) to more precisely fix your location.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]I think the idea is that phones are using towers *AND* satellites, so they could potentially be more accurate where there is cell coverage.[/quote]
Correct.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]But that doesn't mean anything in the middle of nowhere.[/quote]
Well, it means that your phone has AT LEAST as much capability as your eTrex (or whatever).
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]Let me digest DP's post and I'll be back.[/QUOTE]
Let me know if you need any virtual Tums.
Quite the opposite. Your phone (assuming it's not terribly old) has a built-in GPS receiver too, and can (depending on how you set things) use BOTH that and cell tower information (if available) to more precisely fix your location.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]I think the idea is that phones are using towers *AND* satellites, so they could potentially be more accurate where there is cell coverage.[/quote]
Correct.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]But that doesn't mean anything in the middle of nowhere.[/quote]
Well, it means that your phone has AT LEAST as much capability as your eTrex (or whatever).
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48609]Let me digest DP's post and I'll be back.[/QUOTE]
Let me know if you need any virtual Tums.
16.) bluecat - 05/03/2017
So even if I don't have cell phone coverage I'm accessing/can access satellite information? Didn't know that.
17.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]Negative, Ghost Rider. My S7 has 32GB of internal storage and another 64GB of SD storage, which I could easily expand to a 200GB SD card (for a total of 232GB) for less than the cost of a decent dedicated GPS unit. And even with the hundreds of MP3s, photos and other stuff I have stored on it I still have a little over 52GB of available space on that SD card (so long as I clean out old dash cam videos on a regular basis, which I've guaranteed happens automatically via an automated script).
[/QUOTE]
Is that type of supplemental storage potential typical of most phones?
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]... Besides, I also bring a small external battery pack, which is about as small and light as my old eTrex...just in case. This allows me to more than double the running time of the average GPS unit (for instance, the newest eTrexs I've seen advertise "up to" 25 hours of battery life.) [/QUOTE]
Tell me more about supplemental battery packs in that size, please.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]And ruggedness, comparative loss if something happens to the device, etc aren't issues either, because I'm bringing my cell phone with me no matter where I'm going anyway. Don't you? [/QUOTE]
Actually I try to avoid carrying it whenever I can get away with it, plus it wouldn't do me any good in a lot of areas anyway. As far as losing it or breaking it goes, it won't happen if I'm not playing with it. That is, if I carry a phone with me, I am not going to be using it. It'll stay in a pack or a pocket all day. A GPS, on the other hand, is in my paws all the time, or dangling from a pack or tied or loose in a boat, or something. I put it at risk much more than a phone outdoors.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]See above. The most memory-equipped GPSs I've seen lately provide no more than about 4GB to hold all your maps. My phone's SD card...or even the available space in its internal storage...laughs at that amount of demand. [/QUOTE]
8 is available on a fair number units, plus I think most are SD card-capable for extra map capacity. So I don't think the issue is that GPS units can't handle all the maps you want. It's more whether or not your cell phone can, and what you have to do to it to make an even comparison.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]Well, when I'm somewhere remote where I could potentially become injured and need help...the thought of someone knowing where I am or have been doesn't really creep me out all that much. Besides, keeping the phone in airplane mode eliminates that anyway.[/QUOTE]
Good point!--LOL
[/QUOTE]
Is that type of supplemental storage potential typical of most phones?
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]... Besides, I also bring a small external battery pack, which is about as small and light as my old eTrex...just in case. This allows me to more than double the running time of the average GPS unit (for instance, the newest eTrexs I've seen advertise "up to" 25 hours of battery life.) [/QUOTE]
Tell me more about supplemental battery packs in that size, please.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]And ruggedness, comparative loss if something happens to the device, etc aren't issues either, because I'm bringing my cell phone with me no matter where I'm going anyway. Don't you? [/QUOTE]
Actually I try to avoid carrying it whenever I can get away with it, plus it wouldn't do me any good in a lot of areas anyway. As far as losing it or breaking it goes, it won't happen if I'm not playing with it. That is, if I carry a phone with me, I am not going to be using it. It'll stay in a pack or a pocket all day. A GPS, on the other hand, is in my paws all the time, or dangling from a pack or tied or loose in a boat, or something. I put it at risk much more than a phone outdoors.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]See above. The most memory-equipped GPSs I've seen lately provide no more than about 4GB to hold all your maps. My phone's SD card...or even the available space in its internal storage...laughs at that amount of demand. [/QUOTE]
8 is available on a fair number units, plus I think most are SD card-capable for extra map capacity. So I don't think the issue is that GPS units can't handle all the maps you want. It's more whether or not your cell phone can, and what you have to do to it to make an even comparison.
[QUOTE=DParker;48606]Well, when I'm somewhere remote where I could potentially become injured and need help...the thought of someone knowing where I am or have been doesn't really creep me out all that much. Besides, keeping the phone in airplane mode eliminates that anyway.[/QUOTE]
Good point!--LOL
18.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;48611]
Well, it means that your phone has AT LEAST as much capability as your eTrex (or whatever).
[/QUOTE]
Okay, I see your point. Don't know how I missed it earlier, LOL.
Well, it means that your phone has AT LEAST as much capability as your eTrex (or whatever).
[/QUOTE]
Okay, I see your point. Don't know how I missed it earlier, LOL.
19.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;48610]I just know that where I deer hunt in Nebraska there is no cell phone coverage. I'm glad I have an Etrex along.[/QUOTE]
Look at a phone app called Huntstand. Very cool. I only use it intermittently and haven't checked in in a while. So it's probably even better than the last time I looked. Unless they've been bought by AT&T.
I have another thread on here talking about hunting apps and it came up in conversation.
Here's something I just found. I have to say one of the the apps they mention-- called PowderHook-- is completely worthless unless you're a marketer and want to advertise in social media "stealth" mode. Puh-lease! At least I haven't figured out how it's good for anything else. I gave it a few hours of cruising around and came to the conclusion some 25 year-old from San Francisco thought it was a good idea.
Best Hunting Apps:
[url]http://www.outdoorlife.com/tested-best-hunting-apps-for-hunters[/url]
Somebody educate me if they see something else in it.
Look at a phone app called Huntstand. Very cool. I only use it intermittently and haven't checked in in a while. So it's probably even better than the last time I looked. Unless they've been bought by AT&T.
I have another thread on here talking about hunting apps and it came up in conversation.
Here's something I just found. I have to say one of the the apps they mention-- called PowderHook-- is completely worthless unless you're a marketer and want to advertise in social media "stealth" mode. Puh-lease! At least I haven't figured out how it's good for anything else. I gave it a few hours of cruising around and came to the conclusion some 25 year-old from San Francisco thought it was a good idea.
Best Hunting Apps:
[url]http://www.outdoorlife.com/tested-best-hunting-apps-for-hunters[/url]
Somebody educate me if they see something else in it.
20.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;48612]So even if I don't have cell phone coverage I'm accessing/can access satellite information? Didn't know that.[/QUOTE]
Yes...although my representation of that capability has been a little over-simplistic. Here's a good discussion on the matter that, while nearly 4 years out of data (which is an eternity in the consumer tech industry) most of it is still valid: [URL="http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever"]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever[/URL]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Is that type of supplemental storage potential typical of most phones?[/quote]
It depends on how we loosely we define "typical". Some manufacturers like Apple insist that you pay ridiculous amounts of money (on a per GB basis) for their built-in storage, and don't allow you any expansion options. Samsung made this same mistake with the S6 line, and quickly reversed itself with the next generation of phones after VERY loud howling from consumers. Most other manufacturers support expansion via microSD card, so it's no problem to give just about any decent phone as much storage capability as you could realistically want. And even though iPhones don't, they're available in storage configurations ranging from 32GB to 256GB of internal memory, so the issue there is just cost...which most Apple fanboys don't seem to care about...or else they wouldn't be buying iPhones to begin with.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Tell me more about supplemental battery packs in that size, please.[/quote]
Are you sure you wouldn't rather hear about using sheeps' bladders to prevent earthquakes? OK, suit yourself. Here's just one source of reviews of such battery packs (though it doesn't even scratch the surface of the makes and models available). Note that sizes and capabilities vary greatly, but there are quite a few that are small and light, and yet pack enough juice to fully recharge your phone multiple times before needing recharging themselves: [URL="http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/"]http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/[/URL]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Actually I try to avoid carrying it whenever I can get away with it, plus it wouldn't do me any good in a lot of areas anyway. As far as losing it or breaking it goes, it won't happen if I'm not playing with it. That is, if I carry a phone with me, I am not going to be using it. It'll stay in a pack or a pocket all day. A GPS, on the other hand, is in my paws all the time, or dangling from a pack or tied or loose in a boat, or something. I put it at risk much more than a phone outdoors.[/quote]
Yeah, I guess that particular variable is going to be quite different from hunter-to-hunter, and even from situation-to-situation even for the same hunter. All of the public land I'm able to hunt is relatively well serviced by cell towers, so I never go out without my phone so I can scream to someone for help if worse ever comes to worse. As for in-hand time, that's minimal for me even when I need GPS. If I'm marking way-points or other locations of interest I just stop, pull my phone out of a readily-accessible zippered pocket, mark the spot and then put it away. And if I'm using it to find my way someplace I look at it briefly to figure out which direction to head and then put it away until I need to pull it out later to get another fix on where I'm at/headed. The last thing I want is a gizmo in my hand all the time when I'm stumbling around in the woods where every step means I might fall on my face.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]8 is available on a fair number units, plus I think most are SD card-capable for extra map capacity. So I don't think the issue is that GPS units can't handle all the maps you want. It's more whether or not your cell phone can, and what you have to do to it to make an even comparison.[/quote]
Any decent modern phone can be configured with at least as much memory as even the most pricey dedicated GPS unit, and unless you're keeping detailed topo maps of a couple of the largest U.S. states on your device at all times I don't think memory is going to be an issue either way.
Yes...although my representation of that capability has been a little over-simplistic. Here's a good discussion on the matter that, while nearly 4 years out of data (which is an eternity in the consumer tech industry) most of it is still valid: [URL="http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever"]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever[/URL]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Is that type of supplemental storage potential typical of most phones?[/quote]
It depends on how we loosely we define "typical". Some manufacturers like Apple insist that you pay ridiculous amounts of money (on a per GB basis) for their built-in storage, and don't allow you any expansion options. Samsung made this same mistake with the S6 line, and quickly reversed itself with the next generation of phones after VERY loud howling from consumers. Most other manufacturers support expansion via microSD card, so it's no problem to give just about any decent phone as much storage capability as you could realistically want. And even though iPhones don't, they're available in storage configurations ranging from 32GB to 256GB of internal memory, so the issue there is just cost...which most Apple fanboys don't seem to care about...or else they wouldn't be buying iPhones to begin with.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Tell me more about supplemental battery packs in that size, please.[/quote]
Are you sure you wouldn't rather hear about using sheeps' bladders to prevent earthquakes? OK, suit yourself. Here's just one source of reviews of such battery packs (though it doesn't even scratch the surface of the makes and models available). Note that sizes and capabilities vary greatly, but there are quite a few that are small and light, and yet pack enough juice to fully recharge your phone multiple times before needing recharging themselves: [URL="http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/"]http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/[/URL]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]Actually I try to avoid carrying it whenever I can get away with it, plus it wouldn't do me any good in a lot of areas anyway. As far as losing it or breaking it goes, it won't happen if I'm not playing with it. That is, if I carry a phone with me, I am not going to be using it. It'll stay in a pack or a pocket all day. A GPS, on the other hand, is in my paws all the time, or dangling from a pack or tied or loose in a boat, or something. I put it at risk much more than a phone outdoors.[/quote]
Yeah, I guess that particular variable is going to be quite different from hunter-to-hunter, and even from situation-to-situation even for the same hunter. All of the public land I'm able to hunt is relatively well serviced by cell towers, so I never go out without my phone so I can scream to someone for help if worse ever comes to worse. As for in-hand time, that's minimal for me even when I need GPS. If I'm marking way-points or other locations of interest I just stop, pull my phone out of a readily-accessible zippered pocket, mark the spot and then put it away. And if I'm using it to find my way someplace I look at it briefly to figure out which direction to head and then put it away until I need to pull it out later to get another fix on where I'm at/headed. The last thing I want is a gizmo in my hand all the time when I'm stumbling around in the woods where every step means I might fall on my face.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48613]8 is available on a fair number units, plus I think most are SD card-capable for extra map capacity. So I don't think the issue is that GPS units can't handle all the maps you want. It's more whether or not your cell phone can, and what you have to do to it to make an even comparison.[/quote]
Any decent modern phone can be configured with at least as much memory as even the most pricey dedicated GPS unit, and unless you're keeping detailed topo maps of a couple of the largest U.S. states on your device at all times I don't think memory is going to be an issue either way.
21.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE]The smartphone has become [B]as vital[/B] a piece of gear for most hunters as our guns and bows. These little devices are good for texting buddies from the stand, playing games to stave off boredom, taking those annoying camo-centric selfies, and—yes—*actually helping us to kill more critters.[/QUOTE]
[Emphasis mine.]
This is why no one reads [I]Outdoor Life[/I] anymore.
The old-school outdoor writers and old-school outdoorsmen are spinning in their graves.
Boredom?
Selfies?
:omg:
[Emphasis mine.]
This is why no one reads [I]Outdoor Life[/I] anymore.
The old-school outdoor writers and old-school outdoorsmen are spinning in their graves.
Boredom?
Selfies?
:omg:
22.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
23.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;48616]Yes...although my representation of that capability has been a little over-simplistic. Here's a good discussion on the matter that, while nearly 4 years out of data (which is an eternity in the consumer tech industry) most of it is still valid: [URL="http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever"]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/28273/smart-phones-with-a-true-gps-reciever[/URL]
It depends on how we loosely we define "typical". Some manufacturers like Apple insist that you pay ridiculous amounts of money (on a per GB basis) for their built-in storage, and don't allow you any expansion options. Samsung made this same mistake with the S6 line, and quickly reversed itself with the next generation of phones after VERY loud howling from consumers. Most other manufacturers support expansion via microSD card, so it's no problem to give just about any decent phone as much storage capability as you could realistically want. And even though iPhones don't, they're available in storage configurations ranging from 32GB to 256GB of internal memory, so the issue there is just cost...which most Apple fanboys don't seem to care about...or else they wouldn't be buying iPhones to begin with.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather hear about using sheeps' bladders to prevent earthquakes? OK, suit yourself. Here's just one source of reviews of such battery packs (though it doesn't even scratch the surface of the makes and models available). Note that sizes and capabilities vary greatly, but there are quite a few that are small and light, and yet pack enough juice to fully recharge your phone multiple times before needing recharging themselves: [URL="http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/"]http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/[/URL]
Yeah, I guess that particular variable is going to be quite different from hunter-to-hunter, and even from situation-to-situation even for the same hunter. All of the public land I'm able to hunt is relatively well serviced by cell towers, so I never go out without my phone so I can scream to someone for help if worse ever comes to worse. As for in-hand time, that's minimal for me even when I need GPS. If I'm marking way-points or other locations of interest I just stop, pull my phone out of a readily-accessible zippered pocket, mark the spot and then put it away. And if I'm using it to find my way someplace I look at it briefly to figure out which direction to head and then put it away until I need to pull it out later to get another fix on where I'm at/headed. The last thing I want is a gizmo in my hand all the time when I'm stumbling around in the woods where every step means I might fall on my face.
Any decent modern phone can be configured with at least as much memory as even the most pricey dedicated GPS unit, and unless you're keeping detailed topo maps of a couple of the largest U.S. states on your device at all times I don't think memory is going to be an issue either way.[/QUOTE]
It depends on how we loosely we define "typical". Some manufacturers like Apple insist that you pay ridiculous amounts of money (on a per GB basis) for their built-in storage, and don't allow you any expansion options. Samsung made this same mistake with the S6 line, and quickly reversed itself with the next generation of phones after VERY loud howling from consumers. Most other manufacturers support expansion via microSD card, so it's no problem to give just about any decent phone as much storage capability as you could realistically want. And even though iPhones don't, they're available in storage configurations ranging from 32GB to 256GB of internal memory, so the issue there is just cost...which most Apple fanboys don't seem to care about...or else they wouldn't be buying iPhones to begin with.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather hear about using sheeps' bladders to prevent earthquakes? OK, suit yourself. Here's just one source of reviews of such battery packs (though it doesn't even scratch the surface of the makes and models available). Note that sizes and capabilities vary greatly, but there are quite a few that are small and light, and yet pack enough juice to fully recharge your phone multiple times before needing recharging themselves: [URL="http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/"]http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g602/portable-external-battery-packs/[/URL]
Yeah, I guess that particular variable is going to be quite different from hunter-to-hunter, and even from situation-to-situation even for the same hunter. All of the public land I'm able to hunt is relatively well serviced by cell towers, so I never go out without my phone so I can scream to someone for help if worse ever comes to worse. As for in-hand time, that's minimal for me even when I need GPS. If I'm marking way-points or other locations of interest I just stop, pull my phone out of a readily-accessible zippered pocket, mark the spot and then put it away. And if I'm using it to find my way someplace I look at it briefly to figure out which direction to head and then put it away until I need to pull it out later to get another fix on where I'm at/headed. The last thing I want is a gizmo in my hand all the time when I'm stumbling around in the woods where every step means I might fall on my face.
Any decent modern phone can be configured with at least as much memory as even the most pricey dedicated GPS unit, and unless you're keeping detailed topo maps of a couple of the largest U.S. states on your device at all times I don't think memory is going to be an issue either way.[/QUOTE]
24.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48617][Emphasis mine.]
This is why no one reads [I]Outdoor Life[/I] anymore.
The old-school outdoor writers and old-school outdoorsmen are spinning in their graves. Boredom? Selfies?
:omg:[/QUOTE]
Yeah, the game-playing and selfie stuff is a little cringe-worthy. And while I wouldn't use the term "vital", except in the event that it became a life-saver in an emergency, my phone has become an important piece of outdoors gear. From the subject of this thread, to emergency communications (or even just the convenience of being able to silently contact a hunting buddy for whatever reason), to the ability to get weather updates if I'm not certain what those incoming cloud formations hold, etc...I can't justify leaving all that functionality behind when I head off down the trail.
This is yet another illustration of why I insist that the term "smartphone" is a thoroughly inaccurate misnomer when it comes to these gizmos.
This is why no one reads [I]Outdoor Life[/I] anymore.
The old-school outdoor writers and old-school outdoorsmen are spinning in their graves. Boredom? Selfies?
:omg:[/QUOTE]
Yeah, the game-playing and selfie stuff is a little cringe-worthy. And while I wouldn't use the term "vital", except in the event that it became a life-saver in an emergency, my phone has become an important piece of outdoors gear. From the subject of this thread, to emergency communications (or even just the convenience of being able to silently contact a hunting buddy for whatever reason), to the ability to get weather updates if I'm not certain what those incoming cloud formations hold, etc...I can't justify leaving all that functionality behind when I head off down the trail.
This is yet another illustration of why I insist that the term "smartphone" is a thoroughly inaccurate misnomer when it comes to these gizmos.
25.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
DP, your link re. cell tower vs. satellite tracking seems to make a strong case for the superiority of a dedicated GPS unit in some cases, still, especially when cell coverage is unreliable or non-existent. I read down into it about half-way and skimmed the rest.
Am I coming away with the wrong impression?
[url]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussi...e-gps-reciever[/url]
Am I coming away with the wrong impression?
[url]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussi...e-gps-reciever[/url]
26.) DParker - 05/03/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48621]DP, your link re. cell tower vs. satellite tracking seems to make a strong case for the superiority of a dedicated GPS unit in some cases, still, especially when cell coverage is unreliable or non-existent. I read down into it about half-way and skimmed the rest.
Am I coming away with the wrong impression?
[url]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussi...e-gps-reciever[/url][/QUOTE]
Well, it depends on what your needs are. Even the absence of cell coverage only becomes an issue if you go into said cell-less area with your phone completely "blind" to begin with. Keep your GPS location function active on the way there and, when you arrive your phone will already know where you are, so it won't need to do go through the extra effort involved in narrowing down the general area you're in before getting a better fix on your location. But even if it DOES have to go through that phase, it will still figure out where you are. It will just expend some extra time and battery doing so. And if you find your phone's GPS receiver isn't sensitive enough for your liking, you can turn that up to 11 with a Bluetooth-capable external GPS receiver for mobile devices (they're very small, and wearable on your arm, stuck to your backpack, whatever). Just one example: [URL="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80"]https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80[/URL]
So now you're asking yourself, "Self...why not just go with a dedicated GPS then?" Because then you still have another piece of gear to haul, but without nearly the capabilities of your phone/BT receiver combination. Don't like the software you're using on your phone to do GPSing stuff? No problem...replace it with something else (often for free). Don't like your Garmin's interface? Tough! Want to be able to integrate your mapping software with other functionality on your phone, there's almost certainly an app for that. Dedicated GPS: What other functionality?
Am I coming away with the wrong impression?
[url]http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussi...e-gps-reciever[/url][/QUOTE]
Well, it depends on what your needs are. Even the absence of cell coverage only becomes an issue if you go into said cell-less area with your phone completely "blind" to begin with. Keep your GPS location function active on the way there and, when you arrive your phone will already know where you are, so it won't need to do go through the extra effort involved in narrowing down the general area you're in before getting a better fix on your location. But even if it DOES have to go through that phase, it will still figure out where you are. It will just expend some extra time and battery doing so. And if you find your phone's GPS receiver isn't sensitive enough for your liking, you can turn that up to 11 with a Bluetooth-capable external GPS receiver for mobile devices (they're very small, and wearable on your arm, stuck to your backpack, whatever). Just one example: [URL="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80"]https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80[/URL]
So now you're asking yourself, "Self...why not just go with a dedicated GPS then?" Because then you still have another piece of gear to haul, but without nearly the capabilities of your phone/BT receiver combination. Don't like the software you're using on your phone to do GPSing stuff? No problem...replace it with something else (often for free). Don't like your Garmin's interface? Tough! Want to be able to integrate your mapping software with other functionality on your phone, there's almost certainly an app for that. Dedicated GPS: What other functionality?
27.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017
DP, you ignorant slut...
LOL
Good points about the "booster" and changing the interface, though. I would have never thought of either of those. As far as coordinating GPS on your phone with other stuff on your phone, someone would have to show me something useful. That could be a hard sell, but I'm starting with a full load of ignorance. All I know is a lot of this coordination stuff makes my eyes roll up in my head.
I mean, who needs to know their heart rate and the latitude and longitude as they're snowboarding down a mountain with a Go Pro or Garmin camera and/or video cell phone, stoned out of their gourd?
LOL
Good points about the "booster" and changing the interface, though. I would have never thought of either of those. As far as coordinating GPS on your phone with other stuff on your phone, someone would have to show me something useful. That could be a hard sell, but I'm starting with a full load of ignorance. All I know is a lot of this coordination stuff makes my eyes roll up in my head.
I mean, who needs to know their heart rate and the latitude and longitude as they're snowboarding down a mountain with a Go Pro or Garmin camera and/or video cell phone, stoned out of their gourd?
28.) DParker - 05/04/2017
I'll look for more goodies tomorrow, but here's the first thing I found. It's a mapping app that uses your phone's camera to implement what's come to be referred to as "augmented reality:
[URL="http://www.viewranger.com/en-us/skyline/bring-your-maps-to-life"]http://www.viewranger.com/en-us/skyline/bring-your-maps-to-life[/URL]
Now, you likely know all of the visible features in your area, but it's still a good illustration of the possibilities created on a device with so much computing power and so many sources of sensory and other information.
[URL="http://www.viewranger.com/en-us/skyline/bring-your-maps-to-life"]http://www.viewranger.com/en-us/skyline/bring-your-maps-to-life[/URL]
Now, you likely know all of the visible features in your area, but it's still a good illustration of the possibilities created on a device with so much computing power and so many sources of sensory and other information.
29.) Swamp Fox - 08/16/2017
Bumping this up for all our new readers...LOL
30.) Wild Bob - 08/16/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50908]Bumping this up for all our new readers...LOL[/QUOTE]
Thank you. :-)
Now I know what you're talking about in your other thread.
I agree with what Parker has stated earlier - the GPS in your phone is working via satellite. I've been using an S-7 and I deal with the conditions you mentioned in your earlier post - I've got cell coverage around town and in some areas that I hunt, but many areas I hunt don't have cell service.
I probably shouldn't advertise this :re:...but this is the way I operate: I have both my Lowrance GPS unit and I use OnXmaps app on my Samsung phone. I have found that both still have their place, depending on the application, although that being said, I have been using OnX more and more.
The primary reason for that is: weight reduction and dual use. Why tote an item around adding almost a pound to my pack if I don't have to? Where I hunt and the way I normally hunt (especially for elk, mule deer and antelope); that means a lot. Now, when I'm hunting whitetails for an afternoon out of a stand on the rivers bottom - not only do I really not need the navigation component, but I'm also not wandering too far in unfamiliar territory. And, in that situation, if I do need to mark an exact spot in thick cover, my phone GPS with OnX will do that just fine.
While hunting more remote open or back country, I have been utilizing my OnX more and more as I can store maps in my S-7 and utilize them off line and where there is no cell coverage. (As Parker mentioned, the data storage in these newer smart phones is an awesome improvement.) This has been a nice advantage to me in not having to carry a phone (which is also my camera) and a seperate GPS unit (and incidentally extra batteries for that GPS unit). The other huge advantage in using the OnX is that in areas with checkerboard private / public land...it helps keep me on course and off places where I don't need to be. Once I am reasonably familiar with an area, I don't hesitate to rely completely on my phone.
Now, if I am in a really big, unfamiliar remote area (and land ownership is not an issue), then I will some times rely only on my hand held GPS. But with the advent of being able store my maps for use offline...I find use of my hand held GPS only less and less.
As far as Big Brother and tracking...I got nothing to hide, and if there are powers to be out there that feel the need to keep an eye on what this 'little old back woods chicken' does...then I don't think there is anything that I can do to alter that sad state of affairs. Lastly, all this modern tech is great; but I'm still an old fashioned map guy, so I've always got a copy of the BLM or Forest Service map for the area I'm hunting with compass tucked in my pack.
Thank you. :-)
Now I know what you're talking about in your other thread.
I agree with what Parker has stated earlier - the GPS in your phone is working via satellite. I've been using an S-7 and I deal with the conditions you mentioned in your earlier post - I've got cell coverage around town and in some areas that I hunt, but many areas I hunt don't have cell service.
I probably shouldn't advertise this :re:...but this is the way I operate: I have both my Lowrance GPS unit and I use OnXmaps app on my Samsung phone. I have found that both still have their place, depending on the application, although that being said, I have been using OnX more and more.
The primary reason for that is: weight reduction and dual use. Why tote an item around adding almost a pound to my pack if I don't have to? Where I hunt and the way I normally hunt (especially for elk, mule deer and antelope); that means a lot. Now, when I'm hunting whitetails for an afternoon out of a stand on the rivers bottom - not only do I really not need the navigation component, but I'm also not wandering too far in unfamiliar territory. And, in that situation, if I do need to mark an exact spot in thick cover, my phone GPS with OnX will do that just fine.
While hunting more remote open or back country, I have been utilizing my OnX more and more as I can store maps in my S-7 and utilize them off line and where there is no cell coverage. (As Parker mentioned, the data storage in these newer smart phones is an awesome improvement.) This has been a nice advantage to me in not having to carry a phone (which is also my camera) and a seperate GPS unit (and incidentally extra batteries for that GPS unit). The other huge advantage in using the OnX is that in areas with checkerboard private / public land...it helps keep me on course and off places where I don't need to be. Once I am reasonably familiar with an area, I don't hesitate to rely completely on my phone.
Now, if I am in a really big, unfamiliar remote area (and land ownership is not an issue), then I will some times rely only on my hand held GPS. But with the advent of being able store my maps for use offline...I find use of my hand held GPS only less and less.
As far as Big Brother and tracking...I got nothing to hide, and if there are powers to be out there that feel the need to keep an eye on what this 'little old back woods chicken' does...then I don't think there is anything that I can do to alter that sad state of affairs. Lastly, all this modern tech is great; but I'm still an old fashioned map guy, so I've always got a copy of the BLM or Forest Service map for the area I'm hunting with compass tucked in my pack.
31.) DParker - 08/16/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50911]I agree with what Parker has stated earlier[/quote]
I always knew you were a smart guy, Bob. :grin:
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50911]I have both my Lowrance GPS unit and I use OnXmaps app on my Samsung phone.[/quote]
This is the first I've heard of OnXmaps. I just looked it up and am fiddling around with a free trial version, and I'm liking it so far...especially the private land boundaries and owner information feature. There are public land units I hunt regularly where some of the boundaries are not well indicated on the TWPD maps, nor are there any obvious fence lines, tree markings, etc, so it's always been a bit difficult to know when I'm in danger of trespassing. Pretty cool. Thanks for the tip.
I always knew you were a smart guy, Bob. :grin:
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50911]I have both my Lowrance GPS unit and I use OnXmaps app on my Samsung phone.[/quote]
This is the first I've heard of OnXmaps. I just looked it up and am fiddling around with a free trial version, and I'm liking it so far...especially the private land boundaries and owner information feature. There are public land units I hunt regularly where some of the boundaries are not well indicated on the TWPD maps, nor are there any obvious fence lines, tree markings, etc, so it's always been a bit difficult to know when I'm in danger of trespassing. Pretty cool. Thanks for the tip.
32.) Wild Bob - 08/17/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;50914]This is the first I've heard of OnXmaps. I just looked it up and am fiddling around with a free trial version, and I'm liking it so far...especially the private land boundaries and owner information feature. There are public land units I hunt regularly where some of the boundaries are not well indicated on the TWPD maps, nor are there any obvious fence lines, tree markings, etc, so it's always been a bit difficult to know when I'm in danger of trespassing. Pretty cool. Thanks for the tip.[/QUOTE]
No problem, glad to be of assistance.
I really like OnX and the land ownership is where their product really shines IMO. Also, they have a really good way-point system with a myriad of symbols which is useful. I'll also mention that where this whole system really comes in handy is during scouting as well as record keeping because on all those way-points you can attach individual notes that come in really handy in keeping up with information.
No problem, glad to be of assistance.
I really like OnX and the land ownership is where their product really shines IMO. Also, they have a really good way-point system with a myriad of symbols which is useful. I'll also mention that where this whole system really comes in handy is during scouting as well as record keeping because on all those way-points you can attach individual notes that come in really handy in keeping up with information.
33.) Swamp Fox - 08/17/2017
HuntStand is charging now when you exceed 10 property ownership look-ups. That's relatively new, I think. I never knew about a limit previously. I haven't figured out if that applies to boundary line research as well.
Do you know if OnX limits this type of thing? I think OnX has been around longer, too. Seems to me I remember some of the western hunters talking about it 3-5 years ago. I don't recall anything but good stuff said about it.
Do you know if OnX limits this type of thing? I think OnX has been around longer, too. Seems to me I remember some of the western hunters talking about it 3-5 years ago. I don't recall anything but good stuff said about it.
34.) Wild Bob - 08/17/2017
Yea, its been around for a while; this will be my 3rd year using it. Not sure exactly when it came out, but that sounds about right. The first year I used it it was pretty good, but at two years ago, if I remember correctly, they really improved it IMO.
No limit on that info - it just shows up on the map when you have that base layer turned on (property ownership)... now some times it will take a little time to refresh the ownership info when you are traveling through an area, but it's not a big deal and usually pretty fast. But as I mentioned previously, if you are going to be in an area where you can't access data readily, you'll want to save the map for use off line, and as part of that saved area, it will save the ownership layer as well.
Oh and BTW, you can have multiple base layers turned on at once so you actually see ownership, roads, county or state boundaries, hunting units, topo or arial views, etc...
No limit on that info - it just shows up on the map when you have that base layer turned on (property ownership)... now some times it will take a little time to refresh the ownership info when you are traveling through an area, but it's not a big deal and usually pretty fast. But as I mentioned previously, if you are going to be in an area where you can't access data readily, you'll want to save the map for use off line, and as part of that saved area, it will save the ownership layer as well.
Oh and BTW, you can have multiple base layers turned on at once so you actually see ownership, roads, county or state boundaries, hunting units, topo or arial views, etc...
35.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2017
Hey, Wild Bob---
Is there anything you can do with OnX for free? I went to the website and it looks like they want some moolah for every level. But I have a short attention span, so I could have missed something.
I'm used to looking at satellite maps online, using a map database like MyTopo, and/or ordering topos from the gubmint, so I'm trying to figure out why I want OnX if they're after me lucky charms just like everyone else.
Is there anything you can do with OnX for free? I went to the website and it looks like they want some moolah for every level. But I have a short attention span, so I could have missed something.
I'm used to looking at satellite maps online, using a map database like MyTopo, and/or ordering topos from the gubmint, so I'm trying to figure out why I want OnX if they're after me lucky charms just like everyone else.
36.) Wild Bob - 08/18/2017
Swampy...nothing worth anything is free anymore....silly rabbit, don't you know that tricks are for kids??? :-)