GPS Training Podcast

In this podcast, we look back at the past 99 episodes of the GPS Training podcast.

The first ever GPS Training Podcast went out on Sept 15th 2017 – 7 years ago

I had been on holiday that summer and first learnt about Podcasts and had got slightly ‘hooked’ on them, or one particular – Big Ideas for Small Business, which incidentally I was interviewed for 2 years later.

I loved the format of the podcast, long-form, which you invested in.

I remember the first ever day I pitched the idea at one of our staff meetings I was met by some interesting ‘blank stares.

Here it is –

In the first-ever GPS Training Podcast the lead piece was on the ‘all-new’ Sat Map Active 20 – 2 months on.

Quite ironic as SatMap went out of business in 2022, 5 years later

The Podcast has really gone through x 3 eras/ formats

Podcast 1 (2017) – 19 (2019) – with Andy and other guests

Streamed live on Facebook

Podcast 19 – 59 (Sept 2021) with Ian and other guests

Then Andy came back from then on to the present day

Podcast 60 to current day

Monthly except for

Podcast 33 (March 2020) onwards - Covid, we went to fortnightly podcasts

Recorded these at 7.45 in the morning then I could answer any calls in the office, as all the other staff were furloughed

It hopefully kept you all sane, I know it certainly did that with us – kept us sane – very hard time personally, working on my own and being upbeat on a podcast not knowing what was around the corner on the business front

As things started to get a little more ‘normal’ we had our 50th Podcast (March 2021) we had the whole team from GPS Training at the time on the podcast and we answered random questions, picked out of a hat.

Questions that are in the hat

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If you were going off today on a 15 mile walk what GPS unit would you take with you?

If you could make one thing change in this business overnight (no budget), what would it be?

AA batteries or built-in battery in a GPS unit?

Favorite workday of the week and why?

Favorite course location?

Favorite walk?

What one sneaky thing do you keep in your rucksack?

I know a number of you that I have spoken to over the years have gone all the way back to number 1 and listened to them all.

I am massively impressed, well done to you guys and girls!

Some of my - Highpoints –

I was first introduced to the Spine Race by Paul Freeman –

Podcast 31, back in 2020 – Spoke to Paul Freeman before he undertook the Spine Challenger south – I knew nothing about this race before I interviewing him

Quite ironic now as the Spine Race became such a large part of both mine and Andy’s life over the past number of years.

I remember doing a bit research before that interview and learning about the spine Race for the first time, all the different race options.

After I interviewed Paul again, after he had finished the race, I remember thinking to myself, I would love to do that one day and x 3 years later I finished the 108 mile spine challenger south, the race Paul had done.

Then the following year, this year, the 160 mile Spine Challenger North.

I am often humbled, when speaking to these people, how often the person I am speaking to really opens up and often you can see tears running down their faces as they share their thoughts and emotions with you.

Speaking about people who have done truly epic challenges my mind cannot get past – Duncan Hutchinson

On the 15th GPS Training podcast I interviewed Duncan, who had built his own rowing boat and then rowed across the Atlantic.

I had interviewed him again, but speaking to him in October 2018 after he had got so near to completing this adventure.

If you have not listened to this, he explains his dramatic rescue just off the coast of Ireland (699 miles away), the 100th day of his cross Atlantic crossing.

Duncan had borrowed a Garmin inReach messenger from us for his journey.

Duncan was a tough Scottish guy, who worked offshore, and during the interview he talked with no emotions, a true “Scottish mail’, but as I took him through the rescue it really just brought everything into reality, but for myself and also for him.

It is the most dramatic story I have personally heard as he explained his rescue, looking at the propellors as he had a rope attached to the super tanker – before the ropes broke.

His life kept going into slow motion as he looked at the propellor, he was thrown out of his boat and then on a massive wave lifted him up and he could grab onto the ladder.

At the end of that interview, whilst I was no longer recording, he stated reciting this rescue was the hardest thing he had ever done.

Some other of my personal favourites was - Podcast 67 (66) – Tommy Wilkinson – Feb 2022 (recorded this on my last day in work before Christmas)

Tommy was a downhill mountain biker

Spent two seasons on the World Cup circuit

After an accident in 2013 he had an accident, in which he fractured his skull, damaged his spinal cord, discs and permanently paralysed his right arm.

Tommy was a local person ‘I knew’ but getting the chance to speak with him was a true highlight of the podcast, a truly inspirational character.

I could go on all day here, but some other great episodes –

Episode 65 (January 2022) – Allan Knight – who was the oldest man to walk the length of Britain – Jon o Groats to Lands end

Episode 80 (January 2023) – Toby Simms who had walked the length of Britain, this time from Cape Wrath to his home in Hastings, in the South East of England

And off course – Chris the Coast Walker, who has been on the podcast a number of times. He walked 11,000 miles around the Coast of Britain, he started in late July 2020, when we thought the Covid Pandemic was over!

Episode 41 – August 2020

Episode 53 – Mid April 2021 as he had to bail out of Wales as it went back into lockdown

Episode 66 (really 65.5) – Feb 2022 when I walked a section of the Northumberland Coast with him

Chris has become a good personal friend and I have seen him, and his family, at a number of outdoor shows etc since then.

And more recently I must mention my chats with Andy, my current co-host, as we have discussed his Post Spine stories.

The environment of the podcast really does give people the opportunity to open up and tell their heartfelt story.

There are so many guests to mention of the years and the. More I think about the longer the list gets.

I know I have learnt so much that has improved my hill skills whilst hosting the podcast and I hope you have too.

Many thanks to everybody who has listened to the podcast over the past 7 years.

In the second of our x 4 Podcasts for August, we look back at the past 10 years of GPS Training.

Shepherds Walks bought GPS Training in 2014

Bought GPS Training from Peter Judd, Peter had his own business and retired to the Lake District.

He worked for George Fishers in Keswick and could see a space in the market for GPS Training.

The first ever GPS Training course was in Mungrisdale, Lake District.

First x 5 years very hard but we quickly learnt that a more informed customer made life a lot easier for us

The first GPS training Podcast came about in September 2017

In 2016 we got rid of our retail premises and went solely online, this was in the old Tourist Information Centre in Rothbury when we finally closed down the retail premises.

We set up Outdoor GPS Shop in Sept 2019, which is the 'budget' website for GPS units.

GPS training offers a post-sale training and support package whereas Outdoor GPS sells just on price.

March 2020 - Covid - this had a very large effect on the business. It was a real wake-up call.

We managed to fast-track a number of plans, as we needed to get our sales up very quickly.

In 2021 I created our first ever 'walk and talk' video for YouTube, to showcase to potential customers the final navigational experience you get on a GPS unit.

April 2023 - Moved into our current premises, look at our build here.

Many tahnks for all your support, not only from myself but from all the team here at GPS Training.

How is Shepherd's Walks made up? x 4 aspects of the business in 2024 – multi-million-pound turnover

Shepherds Walks – Events, courses, retailer and guided walks

Shepherds Walks Holidays – Guided and self-guided walking holidays

Capricorn Mohair Socks – 60 + trade accounts and retail

GPS Training/ Outdoor GPS Shop – largest retailer of Outdoor GPS units in the UK, I know what our competitors sell, not very professional to say what they sell

1999 – Shepherds Walks – Northumbrian Shepherds Walks

- But, let’s go a back a little further than that

I’m Jon Monks –

School – not academic, school just did not work for me - Dyslexic

But excelled and Cubs, Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh

Hiking competitions

Maps made more sense to me than text in a book

Career choice - work outdoors – farmer?

Career officer – School

Career office – St Helens

James Hayes

Lancashire College of Agriculture – Careers office

YTS x 2 years – Arable framing

College x 3 years – Dairy and finally sheep

 

Post college – Australia, Lord Carnarvon (Highclere Estate) and Northumberland x 2 jobs

1999 – Shepherds Walks – Wrote walking guides (from a Shepherds perspective)

The web was made for walking – marketing

Telegraph, Guardian, Radio 4 (Ramblings x 2), Countryfile, Country Walking Magazine

Country Shows, Farmers Markets – really learning how to sell – hard work

2005 – Went full-time – Health Walks

Barclays Bank, Local District Council (now dispended) – Small business adviser and Business Link

 

Hard to make money, as did not really have a viable business -

Had a small shop/ unit on a converted farm with coffee shop and 8 other small ‘more crafty’ businesses.

Guided walks, self-led walking guides, maps, local history books, postcards etc

2006 – Bought Capricorn Mohair Socks

Needing 36k to buy business

15k bank, 15k our own money but 6k VAT

Became VAT registered after this – 75k ish turnover

2006/ 2007 – Selling GPS units – Contacting Peter Judd and Sheep Trails

Started selling GPS units/ training courses

2008 – Shepherds Walks Holidays – part of Saddle Skedaddle

 

2014 – Bought GPS Training – doubled my turnover – not scared of talking figures (125k x 2 – ¼ million turnover) – But more about that in next weeks podcast

 

And what a story that is – GPS Training

Covid – First lockdown - March 2020

Started to understand that often less is more – My shepherding background was the more I went around the sheep at lambing time the more sheep I would have, but this was not the case with GPST

We had a great stable base to build the business on – 50k Bounce back loan

New website –

GPST Jan 2021 – Built in Christmas/ January lockdown

SWH – 2022 – invest or die after Covid

SW – Jan 2022

Moved to our current premises – April 2023 (got keys on 1st February)

If you have not seen the video of us building the new offices please do, I will leave a link in the show notes - https://gpstraining.co.uk/blogs/news/the-build-shepherds-walks-ltd

We took over an empty unit (2,250 sq ft, 209 sq m) on 1st February 2023 and in 10 weeks spent weekends and evenings building our new office, training room and warehouse.

This was literally a new start – as we were in charge of our own destiny and I think it really reflects what Shepherds Walks Ltd is all about.

So that brings you up to date with where we currently are.

The x 4 businesses really keep us busy.

Next week I look in depth at GPS Training – how it was started and what has happened in the business over the past x 10 years.

In this I will talk you through the biggest challenge I have ever set out on – But this subject is, i.e. the first 10 years of GPS Training

In this month’s podcast

1. We look back this year's Spine Race and how we each got on - 00:50

2. TwoNav software update – what has changed - 22:22

3. Apple's announcement – Two-way satellite communication - 28:06

4. Andy’s top tips - 36:10

 

1. We look back to this year’s Spine Event

Andy took part in

- Spine Challenger South – Started Saturday morning – 15th June –

108 miles

60 hours to complete

Edale to Hardraw

CP1 – Hebdon Hay, CP 1.5 – Malham Tarn

Jon took part in

- Spine Challenger North – Started Monday morning – 17th June -

160 miles

90 hours to complete

Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders

CP1 – Low Way Farm, Middleton on Teesdale

CP2 – Alston YH

CP3 – Bellingham

CP3.5 – Byrness

Completed it in 86 hours and 10 mins

Highpoints – First 37 miles to CP1 (Low Fell Farm, near to Middleton in Teesdale) and then section that follows River Tees, it’s truly stunning, especially as the sun set.

Low points – Eating, first part of Cheviot Hills

Jon’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/spinenorthjon

Andy’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger

 

2.   TwoNav software update

 

3. Satellite Texting Is Coming to the iPhone. Do I Still Need My inReach?

 

Apple’s new iOS 18 update allows its products to work off-grid. But are phones a suitable replacement for purpose-built backcountry communication tools?

Being released in the US late this year, but no price structures have been given to date.

I was speaking to a contact in the industry this week and he was saying there is a large problem metering and measuring the data that is being send from satellites, so it is hard to ‘measure a cost’ as the data request for this info costs more than sending the message itself.

Currently, free SOS Satellite capabilities from Apple since late 2022, using Globalstar satellite system (currently used by Spot)

Globalstar also does not cover full coverage of the world, but it has been utilised very well by the Spot outdoor communicators in the past, but Globalstar getting a massive cash injection from Apple.

Apple will pay for 95% of the approved capital expenditure for the new satellites needed to support the service for Globalstar to upgrade their satellite systems.

So let’s see what happens

Iridium (Garmin and Zoleo use) far better quality than Globalstar

But, we have Apple, the 6th largest business in the world supporting/ backing this

A little bias, but anything apple do will be good and have a good interface so time will tell.

 

4. Top Tips

If you Garmin came with preloaded Topo Active Europe but you also have OS map card how do you view them say for cycling or in a more urban environment

As OS maps take precedence over maps on memory you simply turn them off

Main menu – Setup – Map – etrex 32, GPSMap - Map information, GPSMAp66i, 67, Montana 700Map manager some older units  configure maps

Worldwide basemap should always be enabled

Disable Topo Pro 1:50k or for 1:25k Older North Scotland, South Scotland West England wales etc 5 x regions , newer map card 12 x regions

 

TwoNav – Main menu Maps – tap and turquoise Eye icon means in view – tap eye icon to hide

GB Topo is OS Maps

British Isles OSM – Open Source

GBrtn23q1TomTom

This year's Summer Spine Race series, GPS accuracy, getting the best battery life on a GPS unit or watch whilst participating in an Ultramarathon and Andy's Top Tips.

In this month's GPS Training Podcast 

1. We look forward to this year's Spine Race and how our race prep is doing - 1 min

2. GPS accuracy – What is good, settings and how have things changed over the years? - 26 min 35 seconds

3. Getting the best out of your battery – during an ultra event – both units and watches - 36 minutes 55 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips - 45 minutes 55 seconds

 

1. We look forward to this year’s Spine Event

x 4 distances

Sprint – Starts Saturday afternoon – 15th June –

46 miles

18 hours to complete

Edale to Hebdon Bridge

Spine Challenger South – Starts Saturday morning – 15th June –

108 miles

60 hours to complete

Edale to Hardraw

CP1 – Hebdon Hay, CP 1.5 – Malham Tarn

Spine Challenger North – Starts Monday morning – 17th June -

160 miles

90 hours to complete

Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders

CP1 – Low Way Farm, Middleton on Teesdale

CP2 – Alston YH

CP3 – Bellingham

CP3.5 – Byrness

Full Spine Race – Starts Sunday morning – 16th June –

268 miles

156 hours to complete

Edale to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders

Paul Turner, Byrness Hill – Walking an epic 1000 mile. His walk will include both the Coast to Coast & the Pennine Way (walking each twice) & finishing with the Yorkshire Dales Centurion Walk.

Paul’s Just Giving page - https://www.justgiving.com/team/pauls1000miletrek

- Training

- Doing anything different this year

- Thoughts ahead of this year's event?

Jon’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/spinenorthjon

Andy’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger

 

 

2.   GPS accuracy – What is good, settings and how have things changed over the years?

3 x Satellites show position 2d, 4 x Satellites 3d elevation

What is Multi GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite system)

Device picks up more than one set of Satellite Constellations

Main ones we use in devices such as Garmin, TwoNav, Coros

GPS – USA 1978 started Military - Global use 1994

31 Satellites

Glonass – Russian development 1976 – operational early 80’s

24 Satellites operational

Galileo – EU – 2016 started

26 Operational

Beidou – China – Started 2012

56 Operational

Twonav does not use duel frequency but multi-band uses 3 x satellite constellations at once, we have been using GPS, Galileo & Beidou and seeing under 10 feet and have seen down to 4 – 5 feet

GPSMap65,67 dual frequency have seen down to 6 feet

Generally we find other handhelds picking up either GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo around 10 - 12 feet

Garmin Watches do not show an accuracy screen

Coros has a Satellite screen where you can see how many are in view and how many are strongly locked on

What is Dual Frequency / Multi Band

Use Coros Article

GPS – 18 satellite transmit at L1 & L5

Glonass – older L1 & L2 no L5

Galileo – all E1 & E5

Beidou – all B1 & B2

Devices we sell with dual frequency Epix gen 2, Fenix 7 sapphire solar & pro models

GPSMap65,65s,66sr,67,67i 

How accurate is a GPS unit/ watch video - https://gpstraining.co.uk/blogs/reviews/how-accurate-is-a-gps-unit-and-which-is-the-most-accurate-gps-unit

 

3. Getting the best out of your battery – during an ultra event – both units and watches

We always talk about backlight if you have option to reduce, not leaving on map page, turning off HR on watches, coros turn off stress monitoring, nighttime coros use nightmode, gesture control vastly improved or just tap backlight button etc, map North up although we do prefer track up

Handhelds use battery save mode screen off

But carrying on from the discussion about satellites

My own Epix 2 Pro 51mm

GPS Only – 82 hrs

All Systems not dual ie Multiband – 61hrs

All systems + multi-band – 37 hrs

Auto select picks satellite so battery will go up and down – 58hrs approx.

Coros Apex 2 pro

GPS Only – 66hrs

All Systems – 41hrs

All System Dual – 24hrs

4. Top Tips

 View your 1:25k maps in BaseCamp - V3

Card reader on pc or adaptor like the one we stock makes maps so much quicker

Video – Taking you through the option – GPSTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > View your Garmin 1:25k Ordnance Survey maps in Garmin BaseCamp

In this month’s podcast 

1. Spot Gen4 – satellite communicator/ tracker - 1 min 30 seconds

2. Garmin backpack tethers -  has your cord become frayed? - 17 min 27 seconds

3. Free OS planner – many thanks for the donations - 25 min 27 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips - 30 min 54 seconds

 

Spot Gen4 – satellite communicator/ tracker 

Pricing - Plan prices are in Euros also in small print you do need to also add on 20% vat to all prices shown.

Unlimited messages-  Unlimited is only for email contacts if you send any messages including Check-in, Custom & help messages to a Mobile number you have a total allowance of 200 a year, hence for unlimited I would recommend using email addresses.If you go over the 200 you can purchase a bundle of 200 more messages otherwise you are charged 0.15 per additional message over the 200 per year.

Contacts - The maximum of 10 x contacts should really be named as 10 x slots i.e. you could not put 10 x mobile numbers in and for the same people 10 x email addresses at this would be 20.

If you put 5 x email addresses in and 5 x mobile numbers in this would your 10 x contacts slots used up.

Do you need a computer – A computer is required with USB connection to the device to sync and changes you make to tracking, tracking intervals and to install new firmware / software updates.

If you change messages and contacts a computer is not required for these changes.

Battery change – To change batteries there are 4 x screws to undo, advise customer to have small flat screwdriver in their backpack

Selling points

Peace of mind when off grid to have SOS and being able to send check-in messages to friends and family and have friends and family track you.

Lightweight robust weatherproof

Can use your own AAA Batteries

With 4 x AAA Lithium batteries excellent battery life – see PDF battery life chart

Unit itself cost effective to buy – cheapest physical unit that we sell.

Simple to use – but If you are not using tracking the monthly pricing is not as good when comparing to say a Garmin messenger that will allow two way messages and more functions on the device, but sometimes extra functions if not require could be more confusing.

The big selling point for me would be that the pricing includes 5, 10, 30 & 60 minute tracking at no extra charge, if you mainly want for SOS peace of mind and tracking it is more cost effective than others.

The Spot 20% discount code (only from GPS Training) is only for the annual messages not flex plans – must be activated by 30th June, we will include a discount code in with your SPOT

20% off activation

20% off annual plan

Normally £215.52/ year

Now £206.90/ year, so great way to see if it for you

SPOT GEN4 Tracker – Normally £149.99, now - £139.99 

This has 5, 10, 30 and 60minute tracking included in with it

 

To find out more about the Spot Gen4 please do to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-way satellite communication and you will see the Spot Gen 4 there at - £139.99

 

2. Garmin backpack tethers -  has your cord become frayed?

Just under 50 people answered the questions – 

Which rucksack strap are you carrying it on

I have found the cord has got caught - Yes/ No

Any other comments/ feedback

¼  wore it on right

¾  wore on left

86% experienced frayed cord on Right

56% experienced frayed cord on Left

- I wrapped black electrical tape around the part of the cord that sticks to the velcro thus solving the issue

- I replaced the strap with 3mm nylon paracord which works perfectly

- I am left-handed so it was natural to put it on the right strap and use my left hand. I have found if I stretch the cord out before placing it back on the velcro, it doesn't get caught as much.

 

3. Free OS planner – many thanks for the donations

A number of people have kindly donated

-       Go onto youTube - https://youtu.be/wHZ15WEnxpc?si=xVphw20tjyxiTUvN

Or search for video - FAQs - GPS Training Ordnance Survey Route Planning Software - your questions answered

You can do this by clicking on the ‘thanks’ button underneath the video mentioned above

 4. Top Tips

Updating topo active maps - Units with Topo Active Europe maps, current range etrex 22/32x, GPSMap67/67i, Montana 7** series

Update recently to 2024-10

Central, East, West

Other than GPSMap67 and Montana 700, etrex and I versions of Montana 7** not enough memory but Garmin express will prompt you to use separate card or use map manager to pick region

Make sure when updating no other Garmon software open, Computer is not set to go into any sleep , power safe modes

With GPSMAP67 series you can update via wifi as pwr online course videos although computer wuicker

Coros watches battery Save tips

Winter Spine challenger south 108 miles customer review started Saturday and finished on Monday morning… it still had 60% when I’d finishedApex2 40 Hours,Connects to GPS and QZSS Apex 2 pro 66 Hours Connects to GPS and QZSS

Most of the time I find not needing to select all satellites or dual frequency apex 2 pro only.in Satellite settings

Toolbox system settings – More settings gesture backlight off, Stress tracking off,

Tool box – system – sensors – optical HR – Daily every 10 min, if don’t want to record during activity turn off

When doing activity with route don’t leave on map

Finally main menu (new beta fw main menu control center) -Night mode backlight stays on until activity ends or 1 hour after sunrise

Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC, TwoNav Roc, Going overseas and Andy's top tips

In this month’s podcast

1. What was going on at Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC - 2 min

2. TwoNav Roc – a new edition to the range - 6 mins

3. Taking your GPS overseas, what should you do ahead of your trip - 23 min 15 seconds

4. Andy’s top tips - 34 min 30 seconds

 

1. The National Outdoor Expo – last weekend, Birmingham NEC

Many thanks to everybody who came along to say hello.

I was on the Zoleo stand and spoke to many listeners of the podcast including Kevin who has gone all the way back to episode number 1 and listened to every single episode of the podcast.

Zoleo – 2nd year we have been there with Zoleo

Amazed on how their profile has been increased over the last year, great product and it is really good to see how well it is now being received both online and at the show.

Key thing is the live tracking - £4.50/ month and this can be bolted onto any package

2. TwoNav Roc

In addition to existing range we stock –

- Cross Plus

- Terra

- Aventura 2 Plus

- And now TwoNav Roc

Videos comparing the TwoNav Roc with a Garmin eTrex 32x and Cross Plus

3. Taking your GPS overseas, what should you do ahead of your trip

Position format settings - changing the Position Format settings on your GPS device to suit the map grid system being use in the Country that you are visiting.

Mapping options – OSM or Topo maps if no pre-loaded topo active mapsAdvanced map setup – detail level higher

GPS settings, time settings and compass calibration – time settings set automatically, calibrate the electronic compass

Videos taking you through how you set your Garmin GPS unit up before heading overseas.

4. Top Tips

Fenix, Epix Lock Keys

Hold top left button Scroll down widgets unit you see padlock and select with start stop button – to unlock any button for a few second’s

If you cannot see padlock – hold top left button – hold middle left button – add controls – start stop button to enter – scroll down select lock device option

Coros

Setting Auto Lock set as Standby and activity hold to unlock

GPSMap67/66 – Lock Keys

On off button held in few seconds – status screen – lock keys – press Enter – power button to unlock

Touch Screen Montana 700 series all TwoNav

Montana default double tap power key screen off and locked – power key single tap back on

TwoNav – single power button tap screen off and locked – single power tap back on

Bullitt, TwoNav, PSMA map cards and Andy's top tips

In this month’s podcast

1. What is going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? - 2 min 31 sec

2. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air – quick update - 13 min 15 sec

3. Mountain rescue teams - PSGA map cards - Garmin - 26 min 33 sec

4. Andy’s top tips - 30.08

1. Bullitt – maker of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link

In late January filed for bankruptcy

Founders were paying for service to continue for 1 month

We are over that time period and everything is still working

19th February - Sky News understands that Exponent Private Equity, which has successfully backed companies including Quorn and Trainline, is expected to agree to a restructuring of Bullitt's finances in the coming weeks.

The change of control is expected to see the Business Growth Fund (BGF) - a £2.5bn vehicle set up by the UK's biggest high street lenders in the aftermath of the financial crisis - play a leading role in Bullitt's future.

People close to the talks said that an auction of Bullitt, which had been triggered by a large volume of unsold inventory, had resulted in a proposal led by the BGF, an existing shareholder in the business, and the company's co-founders.

If concluded, the deal would crystallise a rare disappointment for Exponent, which has seen each of its funds make impressive returns for investors since the firm was set up more than a decade ago.

So, As I understand it - Exponent have pulled out, this was the backer we talked about in last month’s podcast, who pulled out at the 11th hour.

And in conversations I have had with our contacts at Bullitt stated finance was being negotiated and it sounds like this is referring to the funding from BGF (Business Growth fund). The business growth fund was set up after the financial crisis and fingers crossed it can play a big roll in Bullitt’s future going forward.

BGF is an equity investor in the UK and Ireland that provides long-term, minority investment and value creation support to growing companies, it was set up.

So, let’s see what the future brings.

We were under the understanding that customers would be notified if anything was to change, but to date nobody has received any notifications, so no news is good news.

Motorola – they have not been discussed yet, what did you find out Andy with regard to this.

I am personally very disappointed by the scaremongering that has been online, as I said last time our thoughts have to be with all the staff at Bullitt around the world, who I know have worked very hard on this product and the other products they produce.

Read the full regard to what is going on with Bullitt online here

2. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air

Lots of SatMap users upgrading – it is a SatMap on steroids

We have put 75 units bicycles in UK, Spain and Italy for a cycle tour operator we work with

We ended up stocking x 3 models –

Cross Plus

Terra

Aventurer 2 Plus

Software update – last week

To find out more please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units

OR – GPSTraining.co.uk > Reviews > TwoNav – a breath of fresh air

Now 2 x walk and talk videos for the unit –

TwoNav Terra

TwoNav Aventurer 2 Plus 

3. Mountain rescue teams - PSGA map cards – Garmin users

Pleased to announce

GPS Training is now an official distributor of PSGA map cards.

These are the map cards that Mountain Rescue teams use and they rightly get at a discounted rate when bought alongside a Garmin GPS unit.

In the past, it was a very long-winded process for MR teams to get these, but now we can act far quicker and get the units and map cards into the hands of team members.

This week we shipped 5 x Garmin GPSMAP67i with this map card to the Cairngorms Mountain rescue team.

If you are a member of a mountain rescue team please get in touch and we can discuss you and your team's requirements.

 

4. Top Tips

Garmin Hike NP Profile when to use it

TwoNav perform trackback

Map page – start - route or if no route select free activity

Map page tap – 3 white dots bottom right – trackback - Go

(Back to start is just straight line)

Green circle start red circle end

TwoNav, a breath of fresh air and what is going on at Bullitt, the creators of the Motorola Defy - Satellite link

1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air - 2:00 minutes in

2. What has been going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? - 33:45 minutes in

3. Andy’s top tips - 46:51 minutes in

1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air

Backstory – TwoNav has been on our radar for several years.

6 or 7 years? OS teamed up with TwoNav to create a OS branded GPS unit.

We bought one at that stage and within 2 weeks it was on eBay, why?

This partnership did not work as OS do not have the expertise to build and grow this type of technology in the UK.

So late last year TwoNav kept coming up in conversation so

Just before Christmas, we bought 1 x of each of their models and that was our Christmas holiday sorted as we started to get to grips and understand this new manufacturer –

TwoNav are based in Spain

Very keen to listen to feedback and build on what they have

We ended up stocking x 3 models –

TwoNav Cross Plus

TwoNav Terra

TwoNav Aventurer 2 Plus

Map options available –

Pre-loaded European maps

1:50k

1:25k

1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k on Aventurer 2 plus

Summary –

SatMap on steroids – clarity of screen

Wireless transfer from phone/ tablet

Easy to use, intuitive

Made by someone who believes and is passionate about their product

To find out more please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units

OR – GPSTraining.co.uk > Reviews > TwoNav – a breath of fresh air

 

2. Bullitt - maker of Motorolla Defy - Satellite link

Thursday - buy out was in place by their largest invester

Friday - they pulled out on Friday and sadly Bullitt Group ceased trading and was handed to Lloyds as the receivers

Article - The Verge - Key manufacturer closes down

Motorola are the 'brand' behind Bullitt, to date no news of what they are wanting to do with regard to Bullitt going forward.

The founders of Bullitt have personally put money in place so subscribers can continue with their current service for at least the next month.

Bullitt are going to email customers to update them on what is going to happen, but to date nothing sent which has to be good news.

Good luck for the future of all the staff at Bullitt, the team here at GPS Training are thinking of you and your families

3. Top Tips - on using an outdoor GOPS unit/ watch

TwoNav - Backlight 50% rather than Auto – Main Menu – Settings – System – Display & Brightness – Auto Brightness off – slide bar 50%

Shutdown screen we have 30 seconds can change never and use single tap power button to take screen on & off

Garmin Epix – Fenix 7 – Disable Lap button easier when using device with touch screen on and on map page to come back out

Top right Button select Activity – Middle left button Hike Settings etc – scroll down – Lap key off

In this New Year’s Day Podcast, we look back on 2023 and ahead to 2024.

- The year that was 2023

January

February - Motorola Defy - Satellite link launched

March - eTrex SE launched

April - Coros watches

May - GPSMAP67/ 67i

June - Fenix 7 Pro launch - New Epix - Powerglass, improved power glass, new HR monitor, flashlight and updated statsSpine Challenge Race

December - Solar-powered eTrex

 

- Looking forward to 2024 – what would we like to see

Solar-powered GPS units

Two-Nav

Spine race

BaseCamp/ apps