Have you ever been totally lost and wished that you had brought a GPS system with you? It would be even worse if you were stranded by sea! Indeed, the Global Positioning System, an unrivaled U.S. achievement, is a satellite-based technology that transmits microwave signals to users all over the world, allowing them to learn data related to time, date, velocity and location.
The GPS device communicates through a constellation of about 24-32 satellites that are orbiting out there somewhere in medium earth. (That's medium, not Middle for all you Tolkien fans out there) The technology of marine GPS and land-based GPS systems is very similar. The primary difference is that the marine GPS is usually created with many exceptional features that would not be needed on an ordinary system. Marine GPS systems are created for boaters and yachters and come with the same quality assurance that people have come to expect from top selling traditional GPS's like Garmin or Tom-Tom.
First of all, you will notice that many marine GPS's today will feature special color displays (either CRT or LCD technology) that offer protection against the sun. If you have ever tried to use your GPS system outside of your car but couldn't get a good view because of the bearing sunlight, you will appreciate this feature. Other features to look for in today's marine GPS systems might include waterproofing. Why would you need to waterproof a GPS system? Not only might waves increase and flood your boat and electronic equipment, but the worst case scenario could happen and you could drop the GPS unit into the ocean! Ordinarily, you would have to kiss your GPS goodbye and spend the next few days wandering aimlessly. However, new sea-friendly GPS systems are so sealed and protected, they will actually function after being dropped into a body of water.
Other features worth noting for modern marine GPS includes special data on tide as well as prime fishing times. You could benefit from planning your traveling according to tide time, while enhancing your fishing expedition with GPS fish finders. A GPS fish finder may have numerous features; some that are as simple as tracking location, others that actually use sonar technology to locate fish and track the water depth. Generally, the more channels the GPS systems offer, the better, as this will allow for faster communication. Another handy new feature is that of a collision avoidance system that can track up to 10 objects that are near to you.
When taking a GPS system with you on a long oceanic journey remember to plan cautiously. Take several backups of batteries with you. Make sure the GPS is secured. Do not simply keep the GPS unattached in a lightweight bag or it could easily be tossed from the ship, giving you a true Castaway-Tom Hanks moment. Make sure there's weight on the unit for your own protection. After all, when your miles out to sea, you are on borrowed time and the GPS is your one dependable guide home.
| Price : $149.85 | Post Date : Oct 31, 2011 09:42:13
