Motorcycle GPS 101
Motorcycle GPS Receiver:
A
GPS unit is a receiver of radio signals that originate from a series of
26 satellites and 25 land-based ground reference stations. Your GPS unit itself
does not transmit any signals, it’s a simply a receiver. Your GPS unit’s primary
function is to locate your current position anywhere on planet Earth.
GPS Accuracy:
Modern GPS unites have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters with 95%
certainty if there are no obstructions to the sky. Many of the newer GPS models
are designed to receive WAAS corrections, resulting in accuracies of 3-4
meter 95% of the time.
Basic GPS:
Simple designs and ease of use make these units the most popular addition to
an adventurer's gear. But don't let "basic" fool you - many models provide
enhanced information as standard features or through the addition of MapSource
details.
GPS Mapping:
The
beauty is in the details - map details. Many GPS models have built in (or
uploadable) maps that allow you to view your current position on the map
displayed on the GPS unit’s screen. These popular units can provide you with
street-level (or trail-level) mapping that helps you find the safest or most
adventuresome route to get from point A to B.
2-Way Communications:
The newest Garmin GPS units are taking communication to a whole new level by
integrating proven wireless, radio, and GPS technologies to offer 2-way
communications with your riding partner(s).
Satellite Signal:
To
be accurate, GPS units need a clear shot to the sky without trees, a roof, or
other obstructions. In dense woods, there will be some signal degradation. This
can be resolved by locating your GPS unit in a clear area where you’ll again
receive a strong GPS signal giving you your location on the map. For best
results with a motorcycle GPS, make sure your gps has a solid lock on all the
satellites, for about 10 minutes before you take it into the woods. Your GPS
unit will then hold a GPS signal better and re-acquire them a bit better. GPS
units with WAAS are more susceptible to inaccuracies due to tree cover than non-WAAS
units.
Waypoints:
Waypoints are locations or landmarks that you deem worthy of recording and storing in your GPS. These are locations you may later want to return to. They may be check points on a route or significant ground features for example…
* A camp
* Your truck
* A fork in a trail
* Your favorite view point
* Your pit stop for lunch
* Etc.
Waypoints may be defined and stored in your unit manually while you
are out on your ride, or by using GPS mapping software on your computer like
Garmin’s MapSource program. This can be done before ever leaving home!
Routes:
A
route is a series of waypoints entered in the order that you want to
navigate them. For example, you can use a GPS mapping software program on your
computer to “build” a route for your ride. To do this you will program a
series of waypoints on your map, connect the waypoints to build your
“route”, download the route to your handheld motorcycle GPS unit, and
then go ride the route!
Tracks:
The track log in a Garmin GPS unit are points automatically stored
while you are moving. It is the electronic equivalent of laying down a
"breadcrumb trail" to mark your path. These points will be shown strung
together on the map page of your unit so you can see where you have been.
When you go riding, simply turn on the tracking which memorizes your "track"
you took during the ride. When you get home, import that into your computer
or laptop that has the GPS mapping software installed. This “track” creates the
exact route of your ride which you can then turn into a route on the software,
and save as an “.mps file” with highlighted way points and meeting points.
TIP: These .mps files can be downloaded
and shared by anyone owning a compatible motorcycle GPS unit. Equipped with
a GPS unit, when you go riding with a group of people that have GPS’s, you can
share that map file by loading it into everybody's GPS unit. So in 5 minutes,
our whole group now has the exact same route, maps, and waypoints in all GPS's.
This handy “breadcrumb” tracking feature makes it amazingly simple to keep your
group on the right track, avoid the chances of anybody getting lost, and allow
you to go anywhere, turn around and literally follow the "arrow" back to camp.
Other cool motorcycle GPS features: Motorcycle GPS units also have other
features that can be handy on the trail or road such as a speedometer, clock,
compass, altimeter, and other advanced features.
Motorcycle GPS Power:
Most GPS units use 2 “AA” batteries for power, but some take 4 or 6. Most
will last from 8 to 12+ hours on 2 new “AA” batteries, and rechargeable
NiMh batteries do quite well also. Be sure to always bring an extra 1-2 sets of
batteries just in case your batteries wear out unexpectedly, or you get lost in
the woods for a long time.
Advanced Tip: You can also have your motorcycle GPS unit externally wired for
power from your motorcycle itself (instead of using batteries). An external
powered antenna also helps to maintain satellite lock in deep woods.
Engine Vibration:
Motorcycle GPS units and battery connections can be negatively effected by
engine vibration. A common problem is "vibration induced shutdown", which
is when your motorcycle engine literally shakes the life out of your GPS
rendering it dead and useless. This happened to my first GPS unit, which was
quite disappointing after spending the $200+ dollars for the unit!
To avoid this, do the following 4 things...
1. Purchase a "Mil-Spec" (military specification) GPS like the
Garmin GPSMAP 76 for resistance to vibration and rugged long-lasting durability.
2. For motorcycle GPS use you absolutely must use a
vibration-isolated mount such as RAM mount or
TouraTech GPS mount.
3. Use dielectric grease on your battery connections to stop any “arcing
and sparking”.
4. Use duct tape or silicon between the batteries and the GPS case
to dampen and even eliminate the vibration problem completely.
Warning: To avoid crashing from being
distracted, do not look at your motorcycle GPS unit while riding unless you are
stopped or moving slowly. Otherwise, use it as a speedometer that you glance at
only.
Next Section: How to Select a Motorcycle GPS Unit
Motorcycle GPS Section Index:
Motorcycle GPS Intro
Motorcycle GPS 101
How to Select Motorcycle GPS Unit
Motorcycle GPS Software
Motorcycle GPS Mounts
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