M. Wagenbach wrote:
(Mike Wagenbach) writes:
Trying to chose between these units, primarily for sailing.
Other question: If mounted right against the boat's window (about 6"
high x 2 feet long) will the unit be able to aquire satellites well enough
to use the anchor drag alarm, or will an external antenna be needed?
Hard to say, but I'd expect that it would usually get decent reception
(I've never had problems getting reception when placing my GPS near an
airplane window). It also depends on what the boat construction is -
metal will totally block the signals but they'll penetrate a fair amount
of fiberglass, plastic, and dry wood.
But why risk it? Murphy's Law will conspire to have your anchor drag
just when the satellite constellation is particularly bad on the window
side of the boat. You can get a good external antenna from Gilsson for
$20 that can be mounted where it has a good skyview and you'll have a
much more reliable signal lock.
BTW, unless you already have another GPS receiver with mapping
capability I'd recommend the Map76 over the 76, especially if you'll
load the detailed map software such as MetroGuide.