New PNA ...at least to me

Ben (and others) -

I bought the "V1" version of this device early this year and LOVE it.
I stopped using my old iPAQ hx4700's and use the Vertica exclusively.
Its super-readable in sunlight and runs LK8000 very well. I used that
combination successfully at both the Region 8 contest and the US
Nationals at Montague, CA.

The only downside to the Vertica (and indeed *all* of the new bright-
screen devices) is battery-life. I highly recommend wiring your PNA
up for ship's power and/or getting an external/extended battery pack.

Also, the V1's GPS was OK; but nothing special (like most PNAs).
Purpose-built Loggers (such as an EW MicroRecorder or LX Nano) will
provide a more-accurate position fix than almost all of the built-in
GPS chips on any PDA/PNA. So if you are willing to run an extra cable
or two, I recommend piping your logger's GPS data to the PNA.

--Noel

Having the "V1" and "V2", and Holux 61CS, for the purpose of testing , let
me add that also the Holux 61CS is good as the V2 under sunlight.
In fact at my club some people bought 61, some V1, some V2. They are all
equivalent under sunlight.

The very best device I have seen so far is the LX MiniMap II , which also
offers full integrated and supported buttons, rotary switches etc. , at a
different price of course. Got that one also, for development, so I could
compare.





"noel.wade" wrote in message
...

Ben (and others) -

I bought the "V1" version of this device early this year and LOVE it.
I stopped using my old iPAQ hx4700's and use the Vertica exclusively.
Its super-readable in sunlight and runs LK8000 very well. I used that
combination successfully at both the Region 8 contest and the US
Nationals at Montague, CA.

The only downside to the Vertica (and indeed *all* of the new bright-
screen devices) is battery-life. I highly recommend wiring your PNA
up for ship's power and/or getting an external/extended battery pack.

Also, the V1's GPS was OK; but nothing special (like most PNAs).
Purpose-built Loggers (such as an EW MicroRecorder or LX Nano) will
provide a more-accurate position fix than almost all of the built-in
GPS chips on any PDA/PNA. So if you are willing to run an extra cable
or two, I recommend piping your logger's GPS data to the PNA.

--Noel