GPS questions

[Fastmarc]

Hi. I'm looking to get a GPS for my diving, but as I have no experience with one, I was hoping to get some help.
Are there any that is more suited for diving? Maybe waterproof and floats?
Do these things need a subscription?
Thanks.

 

[AndyNZ]

GPS signal doesn't penetrate water more than a couple of inches, so not much use underwater.

I've seen a cheap way of using GPS though - there's one model that maintains a display when it loses a signal (most lose the display). So you put it in a water proof case and when you want to know where you are, pop it to the surface on a reel to get a signal then wind it back down.

I'll see if I can dig out what model it was...

 

[Fastmarc]

Oh, I didn't even know that could be possible. I was actually looking to get one for marking dive spots on the surface, but I would be interested in that possibility as well.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

There are several rugged handheld water-resistant GPS units suitable for use in a wet environment. They, and the GPS system, will not work underwater but they will get you to the dive site.

They do not need a subscription.

Most geologists use garmins - check out their models here.

Cheers,
Rohan.

 

[Nemrod]

I have a Magellon SporTrack. They have several versions. One has a marine daabase. They can accept limited uploads via a PC. Mine is "water proof" and has served well. I think these are being phased out but can be found on discount. I am not sure which model replaces it. Garmin and Magellon both make excellent small GPS units. Look for one that has a PC link cable, uploadable database, removable protective cover, accesory tray (after market) that can be fixed to your car or boat to cradle it. I love mine. It is a simple unit, dead on accurate. I have hit wrecks/dive spots with my anchor.

I am a geologist, though no longer professionally.

This lap top has GPS and an exensive data base but, alas, it is not water proof. N

 

[bajashack]

I use the garmin vista, with Topo maps. Although the topo maps are for land the program also includes shoreline detail, waterways. I have used it 4-6 miles out to sea and it will give me everything I need to know as far marine navigation goes. I have a current United States Coast Guard's Operator license and I feel that the information is sufficient to navigate. The program also will pinpoint certain wrecks.

 

[SwimJim]

I use an old Magellen 300 handheld to get me to the target and then locate it with my Eagle Ultra fish locater. This works very well. At least in the Great Lakes you can get GPS #'s off the net and I also get them from my diving friends. If the numbers are a little off I throw a marker where it zero's out and then run a simple grid search. I haven't miss one yet. I have my GPS velcro'ed next to the wheel on my boat, just over the graph. This way, if I'm out fishing and I see an interesting lump on the bottom(lake Michigan's bottom is mostly flat) I hit the mark button on the GPS. I have found a few cool dive spots this way. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable GPS. Even a cheap one will get you where you want to go. Good Luck.

Jim

 

[tkring]

Hi. I'm looking to get a GPS for my diving, but as I have no experience with one, I was hoping to get some help.
Are there any that is more suited for diving? Maybe waterproof and floats?
Do these things need a subscription?
Thanks.

Are you looking for a gps to help you locate a dive spot on top of the water OR to locate the boat when you are underwater? If the latter then you may want to look at the "Dive Scout" by Desert Star. The transmitter emits a sonar signal which is picked up by the receiver that is clipped to your BC. It works up to 1,000 feet.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Are you looking for a gps to help you locate a dive spot on top of the water OR to locate the boat when you are underwater? If the latter then you may want to look at the "Dive Scout" by Desert Star. The transmitter emits a sonar signal which is picked up by the receiver that is clipped to your BC. It works up to 1,000 feet.

I didnt know this existed....that is SO cool!!

 

[tkring]

I didnt know this existed....that is SO cool!!

Yes, it actually works very well. We used it for the first time last season and it got us back to the boat every time. I use a compass and keep track of my bearings but still have difficulities locating the boat at times. This device helps to lower the stress level of when you in the "where's the boat?!?!?" mode.

Here is a link to the Desert Star web site. http://www.desertstar.com/newsite/sport/sportscout.html