GPS Training Podcast

Accuracy, iPhone SOS, updated videos and Andy's top tips

How accurate is an Outdoor GPS unit/ GPS watch and what settings can you adjust to make it better and also what other factors affect accuracy?

New videos in the GPS Training online resource – what new videos have we added and a special discount code

Apple iPhone 14 SOS facility, initial thoughts?

Andy’s top tips

   

How accurate is an Outdoor GPS unit/ GPS watch and what settings can you adjust to make it better and also what other factors effect accuracy.

Currently in Orbit

GPS – 31 with 24 operational 95% of the time – Dual Frequency L1 & L5

In March 2021, about 52% of GPS satellites had L5. By 2023, we expect about 71%

GLONASS – 23 Operational – Single Frequency L1

GALILEO – 30 with 24 operational – Dual Frequency E1 & E5

Accuracy

We tend to find using  GPS & Galileo we achieve approx.. 10ft (3m) Glonass similar

We have seen with GPS & Galileo / WASS & EGNOS on with a high sensitive antenna GPS Device e.g. GPSMap 65,66,86 Montana 700 Series accuracy down to approx. 8ft (2.5m)

We tend to find with Multi Band + GNSS  using a GPSMap65s or 66sr unit accuracy approx. – 7ft (2M) we have seen this down as low as 5ft (1.5m)

Things that affect accuracy - How are you holding the device, view of sky, tall buildings cliffs etc.

A handheld Device needs to lock onto 4 x Satellites locked to determine both your location and GPS height data.

 

Etrex 10,22x,32x, Touch 25 & 35 use GPS or GPS & Glonass + Waas / Egnoss

Oregon 700– use GPS or GPS & Glonass + Waas / Egnoss

GPSMap66s uses GPS or GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss

GPSMap66i uses GPS or GPS & Galileo + Wass Egnoss

Montana 700 uses GPS or GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss

Montana 700i / 750i uses GPS or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss

GPSMap65s & 66sr – GPS or Multi GNSS or Multi GNSS + Multi Band

Multi GNSS Picks up GPS, GLONASS & Galileo

Multi GNSS + Multi Band (Dual Frequency) - GPS, GLONASS & Galileo L1 (e1)  & GPS & Galileo L5 (e5)

When the 65 or 66sr receives multi-band from a satellite, it can use those multiple signals to do quality analysis and correction, reducing the error introduced by bouncing signals (multi-path error) and the earth's atmosphere.

What Advantages Do Multi-Band Devices Have Over Other Models?

More consistent tracklogs and improved positioning when using the device in challenging environments (e.g. around tall buildings in urban canyons as well as tree cover).

Can achieve accuracy within about +/- 2 meters or 6 feet under ideal conditions versus the +/- 3 meters or 10 feet accuracy of other models.

Detect (and reject) reflected satellite signals better than a single frequency receiver which improves accuracy.

Better equipped to account for and correct errors that can be introduced by atmospheric effects (e.g. ionosphere errors).

 

WAAS - Wide Area Augmentation System

WAAS consists of multiple ground reference stations positioned across the U.S. that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through 1 of 2 geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Who benefits from WAAS?

Currently, WAAS satellite coverage is only available in North America. There are no ground reference stations in South America, so even though GPS users there can receive WAAS, the signal has not been corrected and thus would not improve the accuracy of their unit. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine applications. WAAS provides extended coverage both inland and offshore

EGNOS - European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service

The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is Europe's regional satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) that is used to improve the performance of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), such as GPS and Galileo. It has been deployed to provide safety of life navigation services to aviation, maritime and land-based users over most of Europe.

The services will be progressively extended to the European Neighbourhood countries. Funding has already been allocated by the European Commission through the European Neighbourhood Instrument for infrastructure and technology development. Learn more about the EGNOS extension to the Eastern European Neighbourhood here.

EGNOS uses GNSS measurements taken by accurately located reference stations deployed across Europe. All measured GNSS errors are transferred to a central computing centre, where differential corrections and integrity messages are calculated. These calculations are then broadcast over the covered area using geostationary satellites that serve as an augmentation, or overlay, to the original GNSS message.

As a result, EGNOS improves the accuracy and reliability of GNSS positioning information, while also providing a crucial integrity message regarding the continuity and availability of a signal. In addition, EGNOS also transmits an extremely accurate universal time signal.

 

New videos in online resource

What new videos have you added over the past few months?

Discount code landing page - https://mailchi.mp/gpstraining/youtubeoffer

To find out more about our GPS Training online resource please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > then click on ‘online resource’ on the top menu bar

AND you will find a link to the discount code in the Podcast show notes - https://mailchi.mp/gpstraining/youtubeoffer

  

SOS feature in the new iPhone’s – iPhone 14’s

In mid-September 2022 at the launch of the iPhone 14 the world was introduced to the function of sending a SOS signal via satellites from your iPhone in the very near future.

Initially, this was just going to be in the US, but on the 13th December 2022 this was also rolled out for UK users, at the same time it was rolled out for France, Germany and Ireland.

How did we first discover this was in place?

The first question we need to ask listeners, has anybody in the UK used it?

So, the big question must be, is this a replacement for those using a current outdoor satellite communicator, such as a Spot, Garmin inReach or Zoleo user?

Globalstar – Traditionally been the ‘budget’ option but with a massive cash injection from Apple will this change?

According to Reuters, Apple will pay for 95% of the approved capital expenditure for the new satellites needed to support the service.

In the world we are in I have heard the phrase ‘Apple have literally bought Globalstar out’, but with Apple being the 6th richest company in the world in 2022, why not?

Iridium – Garmin inReach (inReach messenger, mini 1+ 2, GPSMAP66i, Montana 700i, 750i) and Zoleo

Used a lot by SatPhones etc but more expensive technology

Sending non-emergency messenges whilst off grid – Cannot be done by the iPhone, only SOS calls

Pressing the SOS buttons – track the satellites in the sky with the iPhone 14 and as well as sending your medical info (already on your phone) you can send other details i.e. location and details about accident.

BUT, these are automatically routed to local emergency services via text.

If you are outside the UK or it ends up at an emergency responder centre that does not receive emergency text messages these messages are routed through one of Apples Emergency relay centres. Apple have over 300 members of staff in these call centres and they will also deal with those requests that it may be unsure who the emergency messages should be routed to.

Pressing the SOS button on Spot, inReach or Zoleo

Once you press the SOS button on any of these products the signal goes to the Garmin IERCC centre (Garmin InReach Emergency Response Coordination Centre), it’s interesting that this is owned by Garmin but both Spot and Zoleo users also use the same facility.

Subscriptions – inReach, Zole and Spot

 

To find out more about this subject there is a new article online which has x 10 videos taking you through the whole subject. Just go to GPStraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > iPhone 14 SOS and tracking v Garmin inReach, Zoleo and Spot Outdoor trackers

 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips

We talked about satellite accuracy – using the Satellite page on your home screen – this will also display your grid reference.

Setup – System – Position format for GB BNG or research for country you are going to.

If Satellite not on homepage touch screens add page or push button press menu button once from home screen – select change item order – move cursor to add page – application - satellite.

 

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

  

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.

If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!

Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit

Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.

Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to

It’s our New Year edition and today we have a special guest, Toby Simms.

Toby this year has walked the length of Britain, from Cape Wrath the most northwesterly tip of the British mainland to Hastings, his home, in the southeast of England.

A journey of over 1,200 miles.

It's Christmas time, let's see what the world is talking about this year as we approach the festive season.

In this month’s podcast –

As it is our December podcast, we have to look forward to Christmas and the products everybody is wanting at this time this Christmas.

GPS Training courses – Gift for Christmas

Using your mobile phone as the temperatures start to plummet

Andy’s top tips

So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast

 

First of all, we look forward to Christmas and the products everybody is wanting at this time this Christmas.

Two-way satellite communicators – the big change over the past year

inReach messenger, Zoleo to compliment inReach mini2, 66i. 700i and 750i

It has certainly got us thinking the best way to communicate whilst off grid with the apps a. umber of these devices are now using

GPS watches

Best budget – Garmin Instinct

Best top end – Garmin Fenix 7

We have adjusted prices this past week so very competitive on price

Don’t forget you get Gold Support package

GPS Units

Best budget – 32x, 65s

Best top end – 66s, 66sr (mention stock of 66sr coming up to Christmas – Garmin no stock until Mid to Late Jan 2023)

Best large screen – Montana 700

Don't forget you get - Online resource and support packages from us from GPS Training.

Best accessories for presents – Stocking fillers

Headtorches – discussed in last month’s podcast

Aquapacks – for phones and rucksacks

GPS Training bobble hats!

GPS courses – Gift for Christmas

If people keep asking you what you want for Christmas, why not get that person to book you onto a place on our two-day training courses we have around the country.

Two ways of doing this –

Book onto a date/ course and if you can’t make it please give us plenty of time and we can move it – mention it’s for a present when they/ you book

Or buy a gift voucher for the value of the course – more here (GPS Store > Gift Vouchers)

£185.00 – two-day Garmin course

£99.99 – one-day SatMap course 

Course locations

Clayton, South Downs

Burley, New Forest

Ashleworth, Gloucestershire

Braybrook, Northamptonshire

Calver, Peak District

Mungrisdale, Lake District

Rothbury, Northumberland

Peebles, Scottish Borders

To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > then select either Garmin or SatMap courses

 

Using your mobile phone outdoors – now the UK temperatures have started to plummet

15% - 20% loss of battery life in winter in the UK

it’s possible for your iPhone to suddenly die despite indicating 30% battery lifetime left. So why is it that your iPhone battery dies in cold weather?

If your phone’s level of warmth drops below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) or gets above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) its function is likely to fail.

Use a High-Tech Thermal Protection Case in winter months. It will help maintain the temperature of your mobile phone in hot or cold weather.

Keep your phone in an internal pocket so it can maintain a constant temperature from your natural body warmth.

Try not to take many photos or record videos in extremely low temperatures. These are battery-draining activities that exacerbate the drain in cold weather.

Use an external charger to give your mobile phone battery a boost when it needs it. Also helpful when it’s extra cold just in case your phone unexpectedly dies on you mid-day.

 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips

Zoleo Two Way Satellite – if you are not paying for the Location Share + as an add-on (£4.50 per month) for live tracking, as Check-in messages are now free with all packages why not use the simple check in message (tick icon on unit) or from the app or from the app using the tick icon , if you want your location to also be shown goto cogwheel (Setup) on app – Check-in, Location & SOS settings – Check in Settings make sure Include Location with check-in messages selected

Manage your 5 x check-in contacts from website myzoleo.com

Garmin Outdoor watch great for quick check of Grid reference to cross refer with OS Map.

Make sure watch set to Grid system you are using e.g. British Grid

Middle left button couple seconds – Scroll down select System – Scroll down select Format – Scroll down select Pos.Format – Select British Grid

Hotkey – Middle left button couple seconds – System – Hotkeys – Hold Start Save Location or Dual Grid

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

 

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.

If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!

Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit

Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.

Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.

AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.

If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.

Many thanks to Andy for joining me on this month’s podcast.

What is going on at SatMap ..... head torches for the darker nights and who has been pressing the SOS buttons on Garmin's inReach devices?

In this month’s podcast –

SatMap - update

As we go into the darker night’s upon us we are going to look at head torches

With Garmin hitting 10,000 Garmin inReach® SOS Incidents we look at how they are broken down

Andy’s top tips

 

SatMap update

After we told the world what was going on at SatMap back in August it’s great to SatMap have chosen to now tell their customers.

In the last month, our phone has been hot with people asking what their options are going forward.

So who are SatMap Andy and what where the main benefits of this GPS unit?

So here we go lets quick fire a few questions –

Will SatMap Expedition continue? – SatMap software systems

Will their app continue

Have you got any spare batteries?

Will you be getting any more batteries in stock?

What will happen when my current battery fails?

Do you have any accessories? – Yes, carry cases, lanyards, backplates, quadlock accessories

Are SatMap/ or you going to be able to get any overseas mapping

Can you still get tech support from SatMap

Are SatMap still honouring their warranties?

 

Headtorches

With the clocks changing last weekend I see the Mountain rescue teams have, rightly, started a large campaign telling everybody they should be carrying a headtorch, as you can easily be caught out now the nights have drawn in.

We are not going to review headtorches (I will link to an article doing this in the show notes), but wea re just going to discuss the main things to think about when looking at headtorches –

Brand

2. Lumens – off set between brightness and battery life

Battery life

Battery type – rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries and hybrid

Boost mode – some headtorches have this feature

Weight

How waterproof – as they will be on your head, whatever the weather

Other extras some have – rear light on back etc

 

Best budget headtorch and price? Nebo 750 – 250 lumen weight 110g, IPX4– We like the boost of 750 lumen looking further down the trail – 250 lumens 5hrs £28.99

Best top-end headtorch and price? Trail Runner free 400 lumen – weight 119g , IPX5– We like the Unclip of battery pack when cold to increase battery life and takes weight away, red led on back when running, intelligent twin beam long and close, higher ip rating than Nebo, 400 lumens 2hrs - £68.99

Both have low setting to increase battery when not needing standard

Nebo 15hrs 80 lumens

Silva15hrs 50 lumens

Top tips for using a headtorch –

Practice – like anything the more you use it and get to grips with it, the more familiar you are with it

Have as low (brightness) as you can get away with

Carry spare batteries/ headtorch

Change/ charge your battery if you know you are going to be using it

Store it in your rucksack somewhere where you know it is, easy to get access to

6. Keep Spare batteries close to body to keep warm will improve performance

 

For more information read the full article online here

 

Garmin inReach – last month Garmin hit hitting 10,000 Garmin inReach® SOS Incidents – we look at how they are broken down

- What is Garmin inReach?

With inReach satellite technology from Garmin and a satellite subscription, you can stay in touch globally. You can send and receive messages, navigate your route (Not messenger ), track and share your journey and, if necessary, trigger an SOS to get help from a 24/7 global emergency response coordination centre via the 100% global Iridium®satellite network.

- What GPS units/ products have inReach technology built in?

Handhelds GPSMap66i, 86i, Montana 700i, 750i

InReach Mini1 & 2, New Messenger

What are people doing when they trigger an SOS?

An overwhelming 39% of SOS triggers come from adventurers who are out hiking or backpacking. Interestingly, the next highest number of SOS triggers (12%) comes from driving incidents, proving that you don’t have to be stuck on a rocky cliff or lost at sea to hit the SOS button. Many of the driving incidents involve people simply needing help while on the road and outside of cellphone service. Seemingly normal situations can become worrisome quickly depending on the location and if supplies are lacking or weather conditions are worsening.

The top five activities that people are doing when they trigger an inReach SOS are:

Hiking/Backpacking

Driving

Motorcycling

Climbing/Mountaineering

Boating

Why are people triggering an SOS?

Many people doing outdoor activities create the potential for many emergency situations. The top reason that inReach users trigger an SOS is for injuries, at 30%. An injury can refer to a variety of problems such as broken bones, lacerations or blunt force trauma from a fall. The second most popular reason to trigger an SOS, at 17%, is for medical issues, which can refer to concerns like altitude sickness, heart problems and gastrointestinal issues, among others.

The top five reasons people trigger an inReach SOS:

Injury

Medical issue

Vehicle accident

Stranded/Stuck

Vehicle issue

Who are people triggering an SOS for?

A frequent question we get is who an SOS can be triggered for. The answer is simple: Anybody.

While many SOS incidents are for the actual inReach subscriber, nearly two-thirds are for the subscriber’s party member or an unknown third-party individual.

An SOS can also be triggered to report emergencies, including wildfires or vehicle accidents. As such, we always try to reiterate that it’s important to carry an inReach because you never know who or what you might come across when outside of cellphone service.

 

To find out more about Garmin inReach devices please just go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-way satellite Communication

 

 

4. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips

Fenix Watches turn of lap key so back-button can be used as simple back to view watch face and standard glances etc then back to activity recording

Top right start button one press – scroll down until activity shown (Do not start activity) – hold middle left Menu button in – Select Hike Settings, Run Settings etc using top right button – scroll down to Lap key and select off

inReach Messenger – for the unit to leave a automatic track point every 10 mins for a 24hr period so you can use emergency track back arrow pointer you do not need to start tracking the messenger automatically does this when turned on juts leave turned on , only start tracking if you have subscription that has free track points or you want friends & family to be able to track you on your Mapshare (0.10p per track point if you are not on the mid ranger packages)

 

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

Two-way satellite communicators and GPS Training

In this month’s podcast –

A bit of a theme running through this month’s podcast with the launch of 2 new products in the last few weeks

Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicator

Garmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days

GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in it

GPS courses – 2023 dates in place

Andy’s top tips

So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast

 

Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicator

What is it?

ZOLEO connects with your phone or tablet to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile network coverage — plus added safety features you can count on worldwide including industry-leading SOS alerting features.

Message anywhere over satellite, mobile network and Wi-Fi

SOS emergency alerting with 24/7 monitoring and progress reports

Check-in to let others know you’re OK

Share your GPS location

 

Garmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days

Compact/ Rugged design

Two-way messaging

Garmin Messenger app

Check in messages

Trackback routing

On device display

InReach weather

Battery life – 28 days

Safety charging – for mobile phone

SOS

Location sharing

Comparing these two very similar products – which is best?

 

Garmin Positives against Zoleo

More standalone eg small screen allows selecting of pre-set messages, typing a message, viewing weather data , receiving & viewing messages – do not necessarily need phone paired

Screen has basic trackback arrow

Better Battery

Smaller lighter

No charge for preset messages

Messenger app works seamlessly for message to come either via mobile data or Satellite

Reverse charge to phone – make sure you have USB C to phone cable with you

 

Against compared to Zoleo

Min Safety package £12.99 annually contract or £14.99 for month by month freedom does not include tracking £0.10 per point need to really use tracking you would want to us recreation package £24.99 annual contract or £34.99 for month by month

Zoleo min package £18.00 + £4.50 location share

Zoleo min 3 months then can suspend but £3.50 a month for suspend

Costs £40.00 more than Zoleo

Harder to transfer between family members than Zoleo

To message you friends do need to install Garmin messenger app having said that easy to use app

 

Zoleo

Positive against Garmin

Designated email address and number, giving number to contacts they do not need any apps unless they want to track you

Very easy do unpair from phone and give to another family member to use and pair

£40.00 cheaper

With tracking you can use the £18.00 + £4.50 add on, although less messages than Garmins mid package you would save £2.50 per month

Less features potentially some customers my find easier to use – one simple check in button

Potentially bigger patch antenna in testing messages using satellite very quick need to test against Garmin to compare

Good range of accessories for carrying – car mount

 

GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in it

 

This course is for those who have been on our two-day Garmin GPS Training course.

If you have been on a course in the last 5 years and have not been given a discount code (which halves the price of this course) please do get in touch with us.

The week leading up to the course - Live Zoom tutorial taking you through the route planning process. If you are unable to make this there will be a recording available.

On the day- straight out onto the hill -

- Following the pre-planned route

- Looking at the different navigational experiences for a route, track, and course

- Trackback - we will do a trackback taking us back the way we came

- Creating a route directly on the unit

- Managing an emergency situation - what options do we have and how are we going to approach this

- Changing the ‘pre planned’ plans - what options do we have and how we do this

- Navigating in the dark, how to set up our GPS units

This will all be delivered during an 8 - 12 mile walk (depending on elevation climbed) and only people who have been on our 2-day course will be invited onto the course.

 

If you attend a course you also get free access to our online resource and you get email support for 1-year post-course (normally £80.00).

South Downs – last Friday

Lakes - Sat 1st Oct 2022

Lakes - Sun 2nd Oct 2022

Northumberland - Sat 29th Oct 2022

South Downs - Fri 29th Sept 2023

Lakes - Sat 21st Oct 2023

Northumberland - Sat 28th October 2023

 

To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > Garmin - GPS in the Hills - Nationwide

 

GPS courses – 2023 dates in place 

Two-day course – Garmin – Overview

One-day course – SatMap – Overview – Northumberland only for coming year

Course locations

Clayton, South Downs

Burley, New Forest

Ashleworth, Gloucestershire

Braybrook, Northamptonshire

Calver, Peak District

Mungrisdale, Lake District

Rothbury, Northumberland

Peebles, Scottish Borders

To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > then select either Garmin or SatMap courses

 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips

 InReach devices

If wanting to keep tracking cost down instead of mid package use safety package make sure you turn of tracking and utilize more the pre-set messages eg you could setup a preset message with Checking in all okay and have you location included then maybe send one manually every hour – downside is you have to remember to send but no costs for preset messages.

Presets setup from your explore.garmin.com account then you must sync your inreach Mini 2 , 66i, 700i with explore app, if using older inreach mini 1 remember to use inreach sync program to sync changes

Zoleo if you want to use tracking remember to add on £4.50 add on and then unlimited tracking every 10 mins as checking button will come of message allowance and then cost £0.55 per message whereas for £4.50 auto tracking to 5 x people

Recommend always doing one test message before you go non trip to make sure all setup fine

Clear view of sky to send messages using Satellites, to test satellite message working on new Messenger and Zoleo turn of mobile data and wifi on your phone temporarily when testing

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

This month I have a special guest Laura Briggs

Laura has just completed The Macmillan Way (23rd July) - 290 miles from Boston to Abbotsbury - run it in the fastest known time (6 days)

First of all Laura can you tell us a little bit about your previous running experience, what kind of running have you done in the past, and a little bit about yourself? 

And why did you set yourself the challenge to run the McMillan Way in the Fastest Time? 

Mo was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 40, and told the devastating news that she had only weeks to live.

That was back in 2017.

The cancer had aggressively spread from the breast to include the stomach, lungs, kidney, bowel, skin, bones and eye orbital and was categorised as a terminal stage 4 secondary cancer.

Her initial diagnosis was extended to a few months, with the onset of weekly chemotherapy. Six years on and amazing Mo is still undergoing palliative care treatment through Yeovil Hospital's Macmillan Ward, and is still able to enjoy a decent quality of life with her wonderful husband Ben.

As most of you will know, I love running. I've always wanted to run a challenge for a really good reason, and I couldn't really think of a better reason.

Mo can't run right now - she can't even walk up hills so well, but she still has a quality of life together with Ben, and that's been made possible thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support.

So, while Mo can't run, I can run for her. And I'm going to run The Macmillan Way - a 290-mile trail which runs from Boston in Lincolnshire, to Abbotsbury in Dorset.

I plan to run it in the fastest known time - which at the time of writing, I don't think is even recorded. So I'll take it as a first.

So you had the 23rd July in your diary to do this record attempt, what training where you doing building up to it? 

Let’s go through this epic journey

- What time did you start?

- Big send off?

- Nervous, excited, apprehensive

 

- Number of miles ran per day?

- Did you run it all or walk sections?

- How much did you sleep?

- Navigating – Garmin GPSMAP 65s

.gpx file of route

1:1 Zoom with Andy

what did he cover with you ahead of the challenge

piecing together the .gpx files yourself, top of the class for doing this

- High point/ low point

At any point did you think I am not going to complete this?

What kept you motivated

What did you eat? Planned out meals?

If you did it again, what would you do differently

Many thanks, Laura for joining me on this special GPS Training podcast, if people want to find out more about your journey please visit - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/briggsy1

One year on - the free OS route planning software, magnetic bands/ apple watches, Using your Fenix for walking, hiking, cycling, and what is going on with SatMap?

 

In this month’s podcast –

One year – GPS Training free route planning software

Magnetic bands/ apple watches and Outdoor GPS units

Using your Fenix for walking, hiking, cycling etc

What is going on at SatMap?

Andy’s top tips

So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast

 

The GPS Training free route planning software

It’s 1 year since we put this in place

What is it Andy?

It gives you the ability to plan in 1:25k maps, even if you don’t have 1:25k maps on your unit

Garmin and SatMap users, both handhelds and watches

Questions we get asked all the time –

Why is it free? 1 year in

How do I download it? You don’t

How do I get the .gpx file on my GPS unit/ watch? – Training videos

Can I use it on a tablet?

New feature reverse route – welcome screen

 

To find out more and to use the free OS route planning software go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on OS Planner on the top menu bar

 

Magnetic bands/ Apple watches and an Outdoor GPS Unit

Back story – Andy

Fenix watches – not a problem

Just be aware of this, it would be interesting to hear if anybody else has experienced something similar.

 

 

Using your Fenix for cycling, walking and hiking, with more to come

 

This is a series of videos we are releasing every other week.

Just x 3 to date, but lots more to come.

Hiking with navigation

Cycling

Running

Ultra event / Walk or Run

Using Fenix 7 with an inReach Device

In these, we are looking at the different data screens, navigational experiences, and data you can monitor whilst doing these different activities.

 

To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > Using a Garmin Fenix 7 for ……

  

What is going on at SatMap?We are getting a large number of people asking us – what is going on at SatMap?

People are telling us nobody from SatMap are responding to their emails.

They were looking for a 2 million pound investment to develop a SatMap Active 30 and 40, I did have an online meeting with them at this stage and everything was very exciting.

What will happen to –

Xpedition 2

Warranty claims

We still very much have communication with the parent company who are managing things on a day-by-day basis.

Accessories, batteries, bungs etc – Please do get them whilst they are still here.

Are we going to get any more units or accessories in?

Units – Unsure

Accessories - No

To look at the accessories etc for the SatMap Active 20 please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store > Accessories

 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips- We discussed it last month – Manage maps on the Montana – videos in the online resource – Garmin Devices – Montana 700 – Module 1 units 3 & 4

- Following on from Magnetic bracelet apple watch – calibrating compass on Garmin and SatMap tips

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

  

And Finally

Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.

If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!

Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit

Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.

Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.

AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.

If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.

Many thanks to Andy for joining me on this month’s podcast.

In this special 'mid-month' podcast we talk to Andy, from GPS Training after he participated in the 2022 Spine Challenger race.

I asked him the following -

What is the Spine Challenger race? 60 hours to complete? 109 miles in total?

How did you get on and how far did you get?

How much money did you raise?

What time did you start on Saturday morning?

Weather?

What did you mainly navigate with – GPS Unit, watch, map?

Sleep? – CP 46 miles in? – did you stop – Location of CP?

What was the High point - personal?

What was the Low point - personal?

Lessons learned from the walk?

Are you going to do it again?

Any different prep or events you will do as you build up to again i.e. next year’s event?

Many thanks for joining me on this special ‘mid-month’ GPS Training podcast

You can listen and read Andy's 'pre-walk' interview online here.

In this month’s podcast –

Grid reference finder, how to convert a reference from anywhere around the world

Garmin’s Topo Active maps – an recent update to solve a past problem for updating these maps

Wireless transfer and following a course – a new addition to our two-day GPS training course

Andy’s top tips

So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast

 

Grid reference finder

Website - https://gridreferencefinder.com/

What is it?

UK type in Postcode, address, or Grid ref , X Y Eastings Northings, Lat Long – it then displays all of the above eg just type in the postcode you then have Grid Ref info for GPS device

How can we use it?

Example Converting foreign ref’s for customers stops in Spain into easy-to-understand format for Garmin basecamp to create Waypoints – will run through the process of what I did

On our course, we look at finding Grid references etc. to get to the starting point for a Route

To find out more about Grid Ref Finder -  https://gridreferencefinder.com/

 

Garmin Topo Active maps

Preloaded on etrex22/32 GPSMap65s, GPSMap66i, GPSMap66Sr, Montana 700i & 750i

Fenix 7 sapphire range all have Topo Active Europe as well (+Ski Maps)Great Map to use when you are abroad, especially in conjunction with GPX files to follow overlayed on top of the map

Cover all of Europe- Free Updates, Latest updates earlier in the year have added more detail for some countries including Contour Lines – this is great but does take up more memory

Full Topo Active – Nearly 8gb

Now 3 x Regions

West – 2.50gb

East – 2.50gb

Central – 2.72gb

City navigator – Nearly 6gb

For etrex22/32 Montana 700i & 750i you need to really use a 16gb Micro Card

In our Tips, we will go into this in more detail

 

Wirelessly transfer and following a course

We discussed in last month’s Podcast the new feature – following a course

Andy, if people did not listen to last month’s podcast – What is a course?

Thanks to my participants on last weekend’s Garmin Course, Rothbury, for being my Guinea Pigs.

We have now brought it into our day one syllabus on our 2-day Garmin GPS course

Garmin GPS Training Courses (two day, nationwide) -

South Downs

New Forest

Northamptonshire

Gloucestershire

Peak District

Lake District

Northumberland

Scottish Borders

 

To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Training Courses (top Menu bar) > Garmin Classroom-based courses

 

The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips

New Feature in Garmin Express for windows / mac currently with Montana 700i / 750i after last software updates – Manage Maps

When you check for updates you as not enough memory now for all maps new Feature manage Maps

City navigator – Change Region – as well as full Europe split into 10 x Options

Topo Active Full Europe or either East, Central, West

West UK, Port, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, madeira, Canaries, Azores

East – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey etc

Central the rest

More flexible saves potential use of micro card

Other units etrex22/32 or if you want all on 700i, 750i separate 16gb card (max 32gb)

65s, 66u, 66sr standard Montana 700 for time being okay

When viewing Topo Active Maps for more details goto Setup – Map – Advanced detail level Normal change to More or Msot

 

To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

This weekend Andy heads out on an epic 109 miles as he participates in the Spine Challenger race, we catch up with him a couple of days before.