GPS For Dummies
Sunday 9th October 2005

Written by Fred Mayer.

It was an early start to arrive at the Golden Arches rendezvous at Lithgow, all clutching a small TOY.
After meet and greet, the convoy headed west to G4D 001, first waypoint. Fortunately, convoy procedure prevailed, so those who were at minus one of GPS comprehension got to this spot.

Matt then issued us with “Shorthand for UTM coordinates”, maps, crib notes and started to explain the basics of how to enter waypoints. Everyone seemed to have a different machine and instruction manual and widely different levels of understanding of how their GPS worked. Matt and Flash sure had their job cut out for themselves!!

Two courses were mapped out for us, and we had to choose between an easy or a more challenging route through the pine forest. Either way, waypointing was the REAL challenge.

Using the given information, we all tried to enter the waypoints for our route, with Matt and Flash roaming around calming the frustrated beasts. This took a good hour.

Once we thought we had got the waypoints entered, we set off on the course. At times the two routes intersected, so we were instructed to watch out for cross traffic, especially given the small electronic distraction beside the driver!!!

There were some gnarly spots along the way, with one vehicle caught at a very uncomfortable angle. Advanced recovery skills were put into action and all ended well, but a bit late for lunch.

I think Matt and Flash had a relaxed time waiting for the group to arrive at the lunch spot. They seemed to enjoy the comments over the radio.

Thank you Matt and Flash for this introductory session. You have certainly highlighted how much more there is to this navigational aide and to comprehending the background to navigation.

===============================================================

Trip leader’s note.
As this was a beginners’ guide to navigation and GPS, some of the participants did not have their own GPS receivers. By the generosity of Stuart Guy, from “Go Play Outside” we were able to borrow three GPS receivers from his hire stock, at no cost to the club.

Go Play Outside, is camping and outdoor equipment hire company situated in Castle Hill. Everything from ski boots to lamps, tents, mountain bikes, compasses, GPS and the list goes on, are available for hire or sale from overnight to several weeks at a time. On top of his help with the GPS’s, he has also offered members a discount on any of his products.

On behalf of myself, the club and the participants of the inaugural “GPS for Dummies” trip, a big thanks to Stuart, and I would urge all members to support the sponsors of such events, as without their support these events could not take place.

Go Play Outside can be contacted by phone on 1800643373 or by the net at www.goplayoutside.com.au

Matt Barnes