Re: GPS watch (like Garmin ForeRunner) and tree cover
From: SR (sallyjr_at_juno.com)
Date: 11/17/04
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Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 14:58:04 GMT
I have a Garmin Etrex Vista. This is a hand-held GPS, not one of the
new wristband ones. I tried to use this to measure my distance while
biking. It works fine on open roads, but not under long stretches of
tree cover. I have similar difficulties while hiking in the woods -
generally, whenever I am in the shadow of a tree, the GPS receiver
cannot get a reading from the satellites. Once I move out from the
shadows, it takes from one to several seconds for it to locate the
satellites and get a reading.
I have carried the Vista in my hand while jogging in wooded areas, and
it has worked just fine. The paths I jog on, however, are wide enough
that they are generally not shadowed.
You may not have a problem if you are running straight paths with
occasional trees - the unit will take a reading every x seconds (with
the Vista, you can set the time interval for readings), and will
interpolate the distance traveled from those data points.
One problem I've had: I run in the very early morning, and find it
difficult to read the screen while running in semidarkness, even with
the backlight. I believe the numbers displayed on the wrist-style
receivers are much larger, probably for just this reason.
Another problem: The point on the receiver which communicates with
satellites needs a clear view of the sky. I've found that even my
clothing can interfere with the signal, e.g., if I try to clip it to
my belt or hang it around my neck, my shirt or jacket can cover it up
enough to be a problem. I don't know if you would need to pay more
attention to your forearm position while running in order to maintain
the signal.
A suggestion: find out the store's return policy, in case it doesn't
do what you want. I got mine from REI, which does not have a time
limit on returns.
If you get one, I hope you will post here to say whether you are
satisfied - I've been thinking I'd like to get one of the wristband
models myself!
On 17 Nov 2004 13:56:29 GMT, Ignoramus24825
<ignoramus24825@NOSPAM.24825.invalid> wrote:
>I run to improve my long distance running performance. I am thinking
>about buying a GPS watch like device, such as Garmin ForeRunner. I
>would like to know the exact distance of my run, to figure out my
>training progress or lack thereof. I googled this group and checked
>epinions.com, it looks like forerunner s a reasonable device, but does
>not work well with tree cover.
>
>I usually run on sidewalks in suburban areas. Most of my runs involve
>long stretches of relatively straight roads. No tall buildings, but
>some areas have quite a few overhanging trees. I am concerned that GPS
>reception would not be great in those places and that would mess up
>all the distance and mpm measurement.
>
>Any thoughts on whether it would be a waste of money to buy such a
>device. If you like any particular model, let me know also.
>
>thanks
>--
>Running Log: http://igor.chudov.com/weightloss/exercise.txt
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