Mounted search and rescue

["Sherry C. Hicks" <shicks@nwinc.net>]

We went to a land nav cource a couple of months ago with a highly qualified
teacher. He said that the military sometimes purposely makes the GPS give
false readings. It is a security thing. I agree that you need to know the
basics.

Sherry
Chattanooga, TN

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of IRVIN
LICHTENSTEIN
Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 12:08 AM
To: 'Mounted search and rescue'
Subject: Re: [MSAR] GPS and field navigation

One should never get dependent on technology, even with spare batteries. GPS
units are fairly rugged today and can function in limited satellite service
areas. The major problem is that you cannot lock a unit into one set of
parameters. The user can still mess with them after you select the datum and
the start point. I prefer software defined radios versus crystal or channel
element units because they are much cheaper to maintain and re-channel as
needed. But I keep the clone cables and programming enabling plugs locked up
at the CP. If this was available for GPS I would be much happier. 

The problem with map and compass is that most people make it too magical. 
Guess what-- we are all using magnetic compasses and the same map so most of
the "correcting" goes away.  The point is to be able to see, identify and
locate. And the briefer must select visually identifiable points on the
ground for the task team. 

Irv Lichtenstein   

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