GPS

[fdrd...@gmail.com]

What electronic device does the USDA-FS/WRNF/DRD (DRD) recommend using
for GPS reporting purposes ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

Garmin eTREX Legend® (Part Number: 010-00256-00)

[fdrd...@gmail.com]

What electronic device does FDRD use for GPS reporting purposes ?

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[FDRD - JoeC]

Garmin eMAP (Part Number: 010-N0167-00)

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[fdrd...@gmail.com]

Why is there a difference between what DRD recommends and what FDRD
uses ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

A detailed review of available FUNDING, quantity NEEDED, & performance
REQUIREMENTS.
Think of it this way . . .
FDRD uses older technology (e.g. 1987 Pontiac Fiero) and
DRD uses newer technology (e.g. 2007 Pontiac Solstice).
Either tool will get you where you are going . . . but the cost and
the features are different.
FDRD had $780.00 in the budget for GPS devices in 2007, and all (15)
2007 volunteer
rangers were interested in using GPS devices for reporting purposes.
One volunteer
ranger volunteered to use her Suunto GPS watch so the need was reduced
to 14.
So FDRD purchased 14 Garmin eMAP GPS receivers from EdgeGSP, Inc. of
Parker, Co.
who is a Garmin dealer of factory refurbished GPS units, as that got
FDRD the NEEDED
quantity. The difference between eTREX Legend® and eMAP (like the
Fiero and the Solstace) is
age and performance. FDRD and the DRD use GPS for different reasons.
DRD uses GPS for GIS and that requires a high-degree of precision and
functionality.
FDRD uses GPS to communicate locations of report events, of which the
precision of the Garmin eMAP GPS receiver is adequate.

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What electronic device can I use for GPS reporting purposes ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

You should use a GPS device that you are accustomed to using and not
be required to use any particular brand and/or model. If you already
have a GPS device and you want to use it, use the one you have and
talk to Joseph H. Casselberry, Data Processing Consultant, FDRD's
Information Services Provider, about getting setup for electronic
reporting. For electronic reporting purposes you must have a data
cable, which can be purchased from the device manufacturer. Joe will
support any device that is supported by http://GPSBabel.org .
GPSBabel converts waypoints, tracks, and routes from one format to
another, whether that format is a common mapping format like Delorme,
Streets and Trips, or even a serial or USB upload or download to a
GPS
receiver such as those from Garmin and Magellan.

[fdrd...@gmail.com]

How do I record a waypoint using the Garmin eMAP ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

To set a waypoint,
(1) Press and hold the "ENT" key until the "MARK WAYPOINT" screen
displays. If audio is on, you will here two separate beeps.
(2) The "MARK WAYPOINT" screen is displayed. Write down the 3-digit
waypoint number (e.g. 001) on the report.
(3) Press the "ENT" key.

[fdrd...@gmail.com]

WOW, IS THAT ALL THERE IS TO RECORDING A WAYPOINT ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

Not exactly. Before you do (1-3) above, you need to make sure GPS
reciever is powered on, set for outdoor use,
is receiving satellite signals, and has enough satellite locks for a
quality (3D) reading. The receiver will tell you all this on one
screen.
On a Garmin eMAP, the screen name is "GPS INFO", and you navigate
screen by pressing keys "MENU | MENU | GPS INFO | ENT".

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What are the tools required for transmitting GPS data ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

3 tools:
(1) A datasource, in this case the GPS receiver that contains
waypoints that you recorded.
(2) An internet computer with a USB or SERIAL PORT.
(3) A data cable that can be used between (1) and (2). In this case, a
USB or SERIAL cable to connect your datasource (GPS device) to your
computer.

For Garmin eMAP and eTREX series, the SERIAL data cable specification
is Garmin P/N 010-10206-00 or equivalent.
You must use the proper cable to download data.
Failure to do so may damage the GPS receiver.
ANALOGY: The Energizer Bunny runs off AA-Batteries.
If you install D-Batteries or a 9-volt square battery, you will damage
the bunny.

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When do I need to transmit GPS data ? Do I need to download it at
every report ?

[FDRD - JoeC]

You do not need to download at every report.
If you have tools (1-3) above, you can do the downloads when you
want,
as you are the only player. Troy Wineland, FDRD Volunteer Coordinator
can perform data downloads for you, so if you would rather that Troy
perform the downloads, you and Troy are the players and need to work
together to come up with a schedule.

Scheduling factors should incorporate the waypoint capacity of the
GPS
unit and the age of your GPS data.

FOR Garmin eMAP receivers, the waypoint capacity is 500, so you want
to
offload the data before you reach 500.

FOR age of your GPS data, the reporting system will not merge GPS
data
with report data older than 60-days.