Re: Compass Question From Newbie

From: Peter (prathman_at_comcast.net)
Date: 06/23/04 

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 22:13:18 -0700

murph wrote:
> Do any receivers use the digital compass to help direct you to a waypoint
> when you are stationary? ...The 12XL doesn't have a digital compass and I'm
> trying to decide if I should upgrade to a Magellan Sport Trak or Garmin 60C
> or something to be able to accomplish what I'm trying ... or the better
> question ... am I making things too difficult for myself because there is an
> easier way? Sorry for the long post. Any input would be greatly
> appreciated.

There are units with an electronic magnetic compass that will do what
you want, but the SporTrak and 60c are not among them. The Magellan
Meridian Platinum and the Garmin 60cs do have this feature as well as a
number of other models.

However, since you already have the 12XL, a cheaper solution would be to
use it in conjunction with a regular compass. The 12XL will give you
the compass bearing in degrees from your current location to the
waypoint. So take that reading and then use your compass to move in
that direction. Make sure you have the 12XL set to give you bearings
relative to magnetic north (rather than true north) - that way you don't
have to worry about correcting for local magnetic declination.

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