|
|
Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | Okay, so I just ordered a GPS so I can get somewhat updated with my technowledgy. What are some pointers you boys have for getting used to using them to their maximum potential. I think I'm getting the Lakemaster chip to use with it for some reference. Anything you would tell a newbie to get used to that you use more than other features? I'm using a Lowrance 3500c if that helps. I'm sure others will benefit from all of your info as well. Thanks in advance! (by the way, I have used GPS in the past, but only a handheld, so I am a little familiar with them already) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | If there's anything you're having problems with, holler. Its a good unit and if you're familiar with a handheld this thing should be easier to use.
Edited by Gander Mt Guide 4/17/2006 9:42 AM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Athens, Ohio | Best advice I was given was to take a day, leave the rods at home, and just spend a day out messing with the thing. Get to know it, practice pushing different buttons until you can get the screen you want 'in your sleep'. The time to learn your way around the unit is not, say, driving across Sab Bay at 45 mph looking for fishing spots. m |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Joel: On thing I did to learn my GPS when I got it was to go to spots that I knew very well and then studied how the screen relates to what I knew was fact, I even experimented with the various settings in the same manner going as far as tossing a marker bouy marking it as MOB ( Man Over Board ) driving away from the spot and then using only the GPS to navigate my way back to the bouy.
As Mikie said leave the rods at home one day and just go out and play
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Joel,
One day while up at Tippy (by myself) I took about 2.5hrs out of fishing time and marked around 200 waypoints on breaklines at about 15fow. Trip by trip I've added a few more and eliminated the ones that fall into a direct line with two other consecutive points. (eliminates clutter on screen). Tippy does not have breaks that run consistantly parrallel to shore and before you know it you've gone from 40fow to 5!
That doesn't happen any more in my boat. (unless I'm daydreaming  )
I practiced in the yard and neighborhood and also while driving around town. You'll have it mastered before you know it.
Oh, another thing I did was shut off the screens that I don't use. I only have 3 screens activated so when I move from one screen to another I don't have to scroll through 6-8 unwanted screens. I use the zoom funtion frequently too. It's very easy.
You'll love yours I'm sure.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 381
| please Read Doc's book here is a very helpful link!
http://www.midwestangling.com/news.php?item.8
|
|
| |
|
| The first thing I do is set the GPS so North is up top so it's like your reading a map. Another good tip is to use the zoom in and out feature a lot at first so you understand where you are and where you're going. I also like using just the built in map of the United States that comes with the GPS. The other optional maps like the city\recreation can be good but can be a bit too much to read when looking at the GPS.
When driving I set the GPS to around the 5 mile or the 8 mile scale so I can see the towns before they arrive. If you zoom in too far you won't see your next exit or turn. The GPS is so accurate you can see the turns in the road before they come.
I also recommend getting the 12volt outlet car charger for it. You can install one in your boat also. It sure beats channging out the batteries every day or two.
Once you get use to it you will wonder how you ever lived without it. I use mine for everything. My speedometer in my Pathfinder is off a lot so I use it for gauging my speed and I use it when trolling for muskies.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Just play with it - often! This is how you get to know the unit. You read or view videos, but if you don't put what you just read/seen into action, you might as well save yourself some time and skip it. |
|
| |
|
| Tuffy 1,
If you go to the Lowrance website you can download an emulator of the 3500C unit to run on you computer that will help you learn how to use it. |
|
| |
GPS for Dummys