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msar-riders - [MSAR] Compass or GPS?

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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Chronological Thread  
  • From: Karen Nesbitt <spanishequines@yahoo.com>
  • To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [MSAR] Compass or GPS?
  • Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:13:18 -0800 (PST)

Repsonding to:

Message: 2
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:12:03 -0700
From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
Subject: [MSAR] Compass for SAR
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <20100123001203.GA27274@att.net" ymailto="mailto:20100123001203.GA27274@att.net">20100123001203.GA27274@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I have no idea what a "$5 WalMart special" is.  In any case, a compass
should not be judged by its price nor where it comes from, but by its
features and its balance (or lack thereof) for the part of this planet
in which it will be used.

A compass that is entirely adequate for SAR can be had for about $10,
and has a lanyard, liquid filled rotating capsule, glow in the dark
points, and clear base plate with distance ruler matched to the most
commonly used map scales.

    Una Smith
    New Mexico

QUESTION:  Most everyone is carry a cell phone these days.  And YES!  They can be lanyarded to hang around your neck.  Some have GPS features.  What are the practicalities using that in leiu of the compass?
 
Also, I would think any compass that might be liquid filled would have some issue in freezing weather.... any issued encountered there?
 
Disadvantages though would be prolonged use of the cell phone and running a battery down. Inability to recharge if out for extended time.  Some cells do not function well in cold weather.  Other problems, signal blockage etc.  Any one suffing these problems?  I have had several cells fry.  I have been told there is a possibility that my own body chemistry may have something to do with that. 
 
There are also small hand held GPS now.  Seems things are getting all the time!  What are brand favs?  Is technical really better than the simple compass?
 
As far as that goes too, what is the best carrier for cell service?  Dropped calls, grey areas, bad service is a deciding factor.
 
 
        Karen
Some trust in chariots, and others in horses: but we will always remember the name of the Lord our God.  Psalms 20:7..and the bay went forth,  and sought to go to and fro that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth.  So they walked to and fro through the earth. Zec 6:7
 
 




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