[pct-l] GPS batteries

[Rod]

I used only three sets of Lithium AA batteries for the entire 5-month CDT 
with the Garmin eTrex vista CX.

- only turn it on when you are using it (typically a few times a day)
- never turn on the compass
- rarely turn on the backlight
- I do have a full 1GB card installed, which I suppose consumes power

I think the whole question is whether you want the unit on at all times or 
not. Battery consumption is a big deal if you do, and essentially irrelevant 
if you don't.

Were I doing it again, since the battery usage turned out to be so low, I'd 
experiment with leaving the barometer function turned on while the unit is 
powered off, so that I have a better weather tracker/forecaster.

Steady


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lon Cooper" <loncooper at gmail.com>
To: "jeffreyn" <jeffreyn at sonic.net>
Cc: "PCT" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Slightly OT - GPS Waypoints for Sierra High Route?


Jeffrey,

Just as Trail90 suggest, lithium batteries in a Garmin GPSMap 60Csx.

I would typically get 3 1/2 days with the unit on all the time I hiked
from 2 AA lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are lighter too. Eight
AA lithium batteries weigh 4.1 ounces, so you can log a long time with
only a little extra weight.

Of course, normal hikers who only turned on the GPS an hour or two a
day would get may more days/weeks use from a set of batteries.

The new Garin eTrex Vista Hcx seems like an impressive unit and has
even better battery life than the 60CSx (about 35% longer).

-Lon

On Jan 4, 2008 8:26 AM, jeffreyn <jeffreyn at sonic.net> wrote:
> Lon, how did you handle the battery power?  My GPS will go through a pair
> of AAs in about two days of trail time, less of course if I use the
> light.  The receiver really powers up and sucks those AAs when I'm beneath
> a forest canopy.  I can imagine rotating three sets of batteries through a
> solar charger (four in the charger and two in the receiver) mounted on the
> outside of my pack, or I can imagine carrying a few pounds of AAs (not).
> What's your secret?
>
> Jeffrey
>