Finding a Signal

With some older GPS receivers satellite reception can be adversely affected by a combination of climatic conditions and physical environment. In particular, reception in locations adjacent to high objects can drop, or be lost completely. Trees, canyons and cliffs, all common features in the outdoors could cause one of these receivers to lose signal reception. In these cases a slight change in position may be all that is required to re-locate the satellites.

• It will take longer to get a 3D fix the first time you use your GPS or if you have moved more than about 600 miles from your last GPS location
• Look around you before you switch on your GPS and choose the most open location
• Stay as far away as you can from trees, buildings, hills & high sided vehicles
• Give your GPS time to log on by placing it on top of your car as you put your gear on
• Do not start moving until you have 3D signal. Look at the status bar at the top of the satellite page to see this

Tips on getting the best possible position fix
If you want to be as certain as possible of your position, perhaps to mark it so you can return later, you need to follow these simple rules:

• Make sure you have a 3D position fix
• Give your GPS time to settle in a stationary position and you will find that the accuracy improves
• Use the 'averaging' function, if your GPS has one, to give the best possible position fix

False Signals
Occasionally through no fault of your own a GPS may receive a false signal and therefore give an error in position and/ or speed. This can be caused by poor satellite geometry, multipath error, or ionospheric distortion. If a GPS starts doing strange things when receiving a poor signal always question your position, check your map &, if necessary, move to a location where you can get a clear view of the sky and re-establish a good signal before proceeding.

More on getting a signal
Although detailed information is available on the satellite page/screen (terminology depends on the manufacturer) it is primarily for reference purposes only. As you cannot change the position or angle of the satellites, all you can do with this information is use it to monitor the strength of signals.

To get the best reception with a Quadrifilar Helix aerial (GPS 60 Range) hold the unit upright; for a Patch aerial (eTrex Range) hold it flat.

With the latest batches of high sensitivity enabled-receivers, such as the Garmin Vista HCX, Colorado and new Oregon Series, this is less of a problem and reception can often be achieved without any direct line of sight to the sky.

• The Basics of Navigation
• GPS Basics
• GPS Facts
• More Help With GPS

• Set Up
• Finding a Signal
• What the Buttons Do
• Basic Functions

• Types of GPS
• Functions and Features
• How to Choose Your GPS

• Marks
• Waypoints
• Tracks
• Routes

• Connecting your GPS to Your Computer
• Mapping Software Explained
• Garmin Topo Mapping
• Digital Mapping Software
• GPS Compatible Routes and Route Sharing