Gps Distance Meter
GPS Basics for Boating and Cruising
GPS Basics
If you are thinking about buying a new GPS for your yacht and are unsure how it works or how to even use it, no problem. These units constructed as of late are simple to run.
Where do We Start
What is a GPS? GPS stands for Global Positioning System. Created for the military, a GPS can function anyplace in the world. It uses satellites in orbit to give you the latitude and longitude for your precise position on the ground or water. There are a number of makes on the retail market; Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno to name a couple. They all do the same thing, but several have more features. It’s all related to your individual preferences. If the GPS has a built-in antenna, it is all set to work once you hook up the power connections. You need to have a clear view of the sky as a yacht hardtop will prevent the GPS from receiving satellite signals. If your GPS has a remote antenna, install the antenna on the hardtop, radar arch or rail. Since a GPS antenna is “looking” up, there is no advantage to mounting it high. In fact, putting it high can produce course and speed variations resulting from the boat rolling.
First Startup
Once you run your GPS receiver, it will begin to get signals from all satellites in its view. It will require a few minutes to recognize and lock on to the satellites that will offer the greatest fix for its location. If you are turning the machine on for the first time, or if it has been moved a good distance since it was last operating, it might require a little longer than normal as the GPS must “find” its position. The GPS receiver will grab on to at least three satellites to triangulate its location. A good number of GPS monitors will show some variety of status screen at the same time as the receiver is amassing information from the satellites. Some GPS devices also provide you with the satellite position. When the GPS locks on to the satellites, it will automatically indicate the latitude and longitude for your current position. If you have bought a Chartplotter Gps, it will also place your position on the graphic chart. Keep in mind however, that electronic charts are made to be an aid to navigation and not replace NOAA paper charts. As your boat moves, the GPS will routinely update you with your present location in addition to moving your boat on the chart.
Waypoints
If you want to mark your location for upcoming course-plotting, you are able to have the GPS store your present position. We identify those as waypoints. By saving waypoints you are able to return to that good fishing ledge offshore anytime in the future. The procedure for saving is different for every GPS, but storing a waypoint is as simple as pressing the WAYPOINT button on the receiver. Let’s go on a hypothetical trip to see how this works. After powering up our GPS we head out to do some offshore fishing. As we go by the number 5 buoy on our way out of the inlet, we depress WAYPOINT to save as our initial position. The GPS gives the waypoint a numerical designation-001. We travel offshore to the coordinates of a reported sunken vessel where we expect to locate some grouper. As soon as we find the vessel utilizing our fish finder, we again press the WAYPOINT button to remember that location. The GPS designates the number 002 to that location. Now, after a good fishing day when we are ready to return home, we depress the GOTO button on the GPS and it shows a number of of waypoints. We pick 001, and the monitor shows us the course (bearing) and distance to this starting waypoint on our route. As we cruise towards that waypoint, the GPS constantly updates the bearing and distance, and shows what course corrections are needed to compensate for current or the captain’s steering. In a week when we want to return to the submerged ship, all we will have to do is select waypoint 002 and we will be routed back to it. You are able to also enter a waypoint by entering the coordinates directly into the receiver. The GPS will designate a number to it and you are able to direct the GPS to go to that position.
Precision of the GPS
The accuracy of a GPS fix is usually within a hundred meters. That is enough to get you to that sunken ship, but it isn’t enough to try navigating a narrow canal in thick fog. This is where differential GPS comes in handy. Differential GPS utilizes a land-based receiver to determine the standard GPS mistake and transmits corrections to your differential GPS-outfitted receiver. A differential GPS-equipped receiver has an accuracy of about ten meters-30 feet. Keep in mind, the military has jurisdiction over the satellite signals and differential transmission, and in time of a nationwide crisis may switch them off.
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Powering up the unit and getting a fix is easy. Storing waypoints while you are cruising is also easy. By using your GPS and messing with it, you will soon get good at all of the features that will make your cruising enjoyable and safe. Have fun on the water.
About the Author
Mike Dickens, the author, is a boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts. Paradise Yachts is a Yacht Brokerage offering used yachts to customers worldwide. Visit our website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats .
Interact with us at our Paradise Yachts Blog
National and international sales. We ship Used Yachts and Used Boats worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431
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