[NLRS] Rovers & GPS

[flowersa@alltel.net]

I have used a garmin GPS III+ for a few years in the car and I really like it.  I haven't used it for serious contest operation, but it has served me well on my MS dexpeditions in NE/IA/SD.  It has a screen where it gives you 6-digit square, time, direction, speed, and other possibly useful information.  Mine came with an extra plug so that I could plug it into 12V through the cigarette lighter.  The pins are clearly marked inthe manual (two for power, two for data I think). I haven't tried this myself, but it can be an accurate timebase for your logging software as you won't need to worry about your clock drifting.

One thing worth mentioning is that some of these things tend to throw out some RFI.  I've found it best if I turn my GPS on only when I need it.  With with all your sensitive radio equipment and preamps, part 15 acceptance doesn't mean squat :-)   I've found that this is dependent largely upon where the unit is placed in relation to other stuff, and perhaps a better choke on the power chord would help this.  Someone may want to comment on their experiences with another model, since RFI is a potential problem for us.

Andy K0SM/4 (vacation in EL98, looking for y'all on 6m)