1.) How does this thing work, anyway? Over head, about 12,000 miles overhead, are 24 satellites. Originally put there by the military, they were opened up a few years ago for civilian use. they are in orbit in such a way that at any given time, there are four of them visible in the sky from any point on the planet. that "visible in the sky" bit is important, because if they drop below the horizon, or get behind a building or mountain, or even heavy clouds, the radio signals they transmit can't reach you, and then your GPS receiver won't work, as there is nothing to receive. (this also answers the question - Why won't the thing work inside?) the radio signal the satellites transmit is the atomically accurate time. Your GPS receiver has an atomic clock in it, too. It compares the difference between its atomic time and the satellite's atomic time, and then calculates that difference into distance. the distance is then translated into your position. (think 6th grade math class word problems about two trains traveling at different speeds and where they will meet and when, and you've got a pretty good idea of the mathematical calculations your little GPS is doing all the time.) 2.) Why does the accuracy vary so much as I use my GPS? The more of those satellites your GPS can receive transmissions from, the more accurate your readings will be. It needs to be able to "see" at least four of them to give you any kind of positioning at all. those satellites send out their signals in all directions. When your GPS picks up a signal from one satellite, it has no idea where in the signal's range it is. By receiving signals from at least three other satellites, it can more accurately pinpoint its location, because it can calculate the intersection point of all those signals. Technically, you only need three satellites to triangulate, or pinpoint, the intersection point, but the fourth one is needed to account for cloud cover, buildings, mountains and other terrain features. Most GPS receivers are only accurate to a ten square foot radius. If you're using it for ATVing or boating, that may be good enough. If you're trying to use your GPS for locating a geocaching site, it may not be. 3.) Why can't it work when I'm standing still? Basic GPS units don't have internal compasses. In order to work, they have to receive their satellite signals. the satellites are constantly moving, therefore the signals are constantly moving and the GPS can only tell you where you are in relation to the satellites if you're moving. Some more expensive models do come with an internal compass that can tell you where you are headed when you aren't in motion. If you want one with that feature, make sure to check the model specifications. 4.) Why is it so slow to start when I turn it on? Every time you turn your GPS off, it loses contact with the satellites. Every time you turn it back on, it has to find the satellites and reconnect with them. the longer you've had it turned off, the longer this will take. If it's only been turned off for a few hours or overnight, this could take just a few seconds. If you've had it in the closet for months, it could take 20 to 30 minutes. So, warm it up and get it in gear before you have to be. And be patient - it just needs a little time and a clear view of the sky. 5.) Why won't my GPS work in my car? Handheld GPS units don't do well in cars because the metal and glass of the vehicle block the satellite signals they need. that's why auto makers have GPS units specially made with antennas. 6.) What do you mean - I need software?!? Well, you may. Depending on the amount of detail you want in your GPS maps, or if you want your GPS and computer to be able to "talk" to each other, you may have to purchase some software. the software will give you the capability to upload and download tracking or waypoints. If your GPS shows maps, they probably won't be very detailed, or may not have the details you'll be needing. So, you may need the software. 7.) What do I need to learn to use first? Ahh, so many functions, so little time! there are three basic functions of every handheld GPS receiver that the novice user should master before heading off into the wild. a.) Entering a waypoint. this gives you someplace to go. Or, to put it another way - how you know when it's time to turn around and go home. b.) How to determine your position. Where you are in relation to where you want to be. You can use a GPS internal map, or use an old fashioned paper map, along with your GPS, to do this. c.) How to navigate. OK, you've figured out where you wan to go, and where you are in relation to that point. Now, you just need to learn how to use the thing to get from here to there. Remember that your GPS doesn't work unless you are moving, so get started going somewhere! Once you have these three things down, you can worry about other functions your GPS might offer, like altitude readings, distance and speed you're traveling, or automatic tracking of your route. 8.) this thing eats batteries!!! Ummmm, yeah. It will. It's a cool electronic gadget. If it didn't, it would break the electronic gadgets' First Commandment. Be sure to start your trip with fresh batteries. Pack extras. Invest in a recharger. Accept it. It comes with the territory. 9.) Anything else I need to know? Prepare for the worst. Learn to use a map and real compass. GPS units fall into streams, which isn't good for them and to which they take very adverse reactions. they jump out of boats and pockets and are lost forever to the lake bottom. their batteries die at the least opportune moments. Clouds and mountain valleys can suddenly render them blind and dumb. Being prepared with good old fashioned backup units like a map and compass won't leave you blind, dumb and stranded in the wilderness.
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