Tracking speed via GPS

[tracerbob]

I've had this Garmin Etrex handheld GPS for a couple of years when it dawned on me that I could use it to track how fast my boats are going. Has anybody out there ever done this? If so, how do you attach it in the boat and protect it from getting wet. I've got some basic ideas but would like to hear from someone who has some experience in doing this.

 

[Hap Mulvany]

We have been doing this since the Etrx has been on the market ,just put it in a zip lock bag and wrap it in flotation will clock you to the tenth of a mile.

 

[Kevin_R_Clark]

Is not using one of these things not practical? Say in a rigger would not haviing that extra weight in the back make a difference. If you went to all the trouble to set you boat up with it in their and then took it out would not their be enough weight removed to mess things up. I have been told they are cheaper than a radar gun but after looking at one I just could not see any value in this system.

 

[Guest]

I have seen these used in scale hydros ... either tucked into the air scoop or under the deck behind the sponson .... they worked fine

 

[Bart Drieghe]

Here u can find what several europeans are using

http://www.aquapac.co.uk/

Works really nice

 

[Russell Bear]

I didn't see anything. Somehow my screen woul dnot go past that bikini. It's like the computer locked up at that spot.

 

[Mark Walter]

Like Hap said, put in a plastic baggie and wrap in flotation. it works great for us, but try to cushion it so it doesnt take a beating in the boat. MARK

 

[tracerbob]

Not really using it in a rigger, but I can see how it would be impractical. I run monos for right now and I was just going to stuff it under the front deck. My main concern is waterproofing the sucker with some kind of bag.

 

[Russell Bear]

Isn't the etrex waterproof already?

 

[casey]

yes, they just don't float. trust me i know. :wacko:

 

[Mike Bontoft]

The etrex is not as waterproof as advertised. I use both the Etrex and the Geko, the Geko only weights 3 oz. The aquapacs are now available at REI http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?sto...y=*&cat=4501504

Mike

 

[Bart Drieghe]

NOOOOOO , they claim they are but it's not , i got a few friends who had problem with theirs after a while , water came inside and that means no garanty anymore

and the aquapac floats , i experienced it myself .

(and to russel lol , she sure looks nice lol ,but she isn't phoning me grr lol )

bart

 

[Mike G]

There water proof for using in the rain or dropping it in the water, but as for going in at 50 mph, the force will push water past the seams. I put mine in a baggie and then in a Can cooler, Stubby holder for those who know!

It works better than Radar in a couple of ways,

1. You can use it alone.

2. It holds top speed

3. you do not have to drive any special way

Disadvatages

1. It will read higher than Radar ( it will give you an instintaneous top speed reading, not a sustained top speed neccesarily)

2. It only tells you your Top speed (ie. no cornering speed)

 

[TimD]

I asked my friend about this issue - he's a radio tech that worked on Garmin stuff until recently. They class them as "splash proof" - in other words water can be poured over the case no drama - but for it to sit in a puddle of water - not good. Generally the etrex will die and they need to replace the innards as they are non-repairable.

 

[nitrotoys]

I have the Garmin Geko 101 i beleive it is. Now they said it was 100% waterproof, but it just didnt float.

So i nylon tie it in the boat and away i go, been through 50+ Dunks,

So far so good.

Its real nice unit.

 

[tracerbob]

Nothing is 100% waterproof. Mike, thanks for the link! I looked throught it and found it very interesting. Just what I was looking for.