Papa3 wrote:

I had the same issue as you and couldn't justify spending another
$800-$1000 for a "backup" (equal to one family vacation). So, I went
and bought a Garmin GPSMap76 for $130 on eBay. Best investment I ever
made!

That works very well for me, too. Get the GPSMAP 76-S, with the
barometric sensor and compass. A few bucks more but better altitude
readings.


Advantages:

- Self-contained logger and display. So, no interface issues,
cables, software conflicts, etc.
- If you spend the time to get familiar with it, you can input a task,
set arrival radius, etc. It's easy to zoom in our out, and you can add
various maps to the background if you want to get fancy.
- Compact, so easy to mount. I molded a small cradle from plexiglas
and used the camera mounting holes provided in my LS8. RAM makes all
sorts of very slick mounts if you want something more elegant.
- It has been 100% reliable over the last year. In fact, it has been
so much easier to use when submitting OLC claims (given the recent VALI
issues) that it has been my primary logger for that purpose.
- As Marc cautions below, you need to be aware of the altitude
differences between barometric altitude and GPS altitude on anything
other than an ISA day. I have mine set up to show GPS Altitude on the
pointer screen itself; that way you have access to it in case you find
your Cambridge has gone down.
- You will need to have SeeYou, G72Win, or an equivalent program to
download and create an IGC format file.
- I use 2 rechargable 2500mAh rechargeable AA batteries which are good
for at least 6 hours each. I just swap 2 pairs each day during the
contest and I'm all set. I keep a spare pair of alkalines in the side
pouch just in case.

Hope this works for you.

Erik Mann (P3)