subject: Utilizing Marine GPS Units, Garmin Fishfinders and Garmin Fish Tracking Devices [print this page] Utilizing Marine GPS Units, Garmin Fishfinders and Garmin Fish Tracking Devices
Marine GPS units, like normal GPS units help us to locate. Marine GPS helps us to perceive obstructions in water like rocks during our voyage. They were first used by coastguard folks for tracking ships while these ships moved through different coasts. The basic purpose here was to know the direction (in which they were heading) and in indirectly have a rough idea about their speed of travel.
Now coming to some misconceptions related to marine GPS units, it is a common delusion that only users who have good sea knowledge can use these kinds of GPS units effectively. But the fact is that modern marine GPS devices are very easy to use wherein even a lay man can use it efficiently.
There are many types of marine GPS devices so the prices also vary, depending upon the brand, utility and features. The handheld marine GPS is quite convenient but doesn't offer mapping capabilities. For mapping, marine GPS receiver is a better option and it often comes with certain preloaded maps as well.
Using GPS for boating and fishing, it is advised to check if your GPS unit meets the necessary standards. Garmin marine GPS are better suited for sea travel.
Other facilities in marine GPS units and marine receivers include mariner navigation and barometric altimeter. Many marine receivers have electronic compass, color TFT screens and they even comprise of microSD card slots. Portability is major factor while selecting a marine GPS device.
Fishfinders are nothing but devices which locate fish using sonar technologies. They might appear luxurious but are not that expensive. Fishfinders have a display-screen (supported by a keypad) displaying depth and sonar information in a graphical format. Popular Garmin fish tracking devices and Garmin fishfinders can be used effectively in rough weathers as well.
Installing fishfinder devices is easy if proper procedure is followed. Garmin fish tracking devices come with a guidebook along with instructions. It is advised to test the device after the installation is done and in case of problems, make a note of the error message as many a times error message itself suggests what is to be done further (errors like transducer disconnected' gives a direct hint).
With time, marine GPS devices moved a step further to be considered as emergency devices (as the form a bridge between user and its parent vessel) in case of crisis.
