Products | Reviews | FYI | Library | Delta Gear

Reviews \ Navigation

	Happy Camper Pace Count Beads These inexpensive plastic pace count beads can be purchased by the hundred for the price of one set of already-assembled-beads on 550 cord. This might initially indicate how they got their name, but believe us, you won’t be a happy camper. These cheap, crappy beads begin cracking, splitting, and falling off the cord while you’re using them. Didn’t your mother always tell you “you get what you pay for”? We would have given this product no stars but it's the hardcore thought that counts.	Price: $5.00 Rating:
	Army Issue Coordinate Scale and Protractor Like most Army-issued equipment, these protractors (GTA 5-2-12) were clearly produced by the “lowest bidder” when Uncle Sam was shopping contractors. (Remember the infamous Chou-Chou machine gun?) This scale and protractor set feature directional scales in degrees and mils and also have 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000. All good except that the plastic template itself is cut improperly, rendering the protractor virtually useless! Clearly, when millimeters matter, there must be a reason, but thanks to Uncle Sam the ultimate cheapskate, you could get lost or get your ass shot off when you end up 50 meters off course, thanks to their standard issue equipment. Yeah, they’re free, but considering the downside, even free doesn’t score any points with us!	Price: Free Rating:
	Commercial Map Treatments One way to waterproof and reinforce topographic maps is to use a commercial map sealer such as Map Seal, Map Proof, Map Life, or Stormproof. Generally one bottle of map treatment will coat 6-8 maps. The problem is that the treatment must be applied at least several hours prior to your outting so that it has sufficient drying time. Obviously, this isn't always an option in the middle of a field problem or when you buy a map “on the road”. Did we mention that we completely ruined two maps when the directions failed to mention how sticky the maps become after application? You can easily end up feeling like a fly trapped in a flystrip. If you must use these products, take this tip from us: Hang the map from a clothesline before applying the treatments with a brush and make sure you allow the full amount of drying time.	Price: $8.00 Rating:
	Suunto Clipper Wristband Micro-Compass Suunto's Clipper is a liquid filled compass featuring a jeweled bearing, hardened steel needle, and a ratcheting rotating bezel marked in 10° increments. Use with the included Velcro wrist-band or clip on to your own watch-band. The clipper will fit bands as thick as 3.2mm and as wide as 22mm. Also clips to the edge of a map or the sleeve of your jacket. Includes a nylon hook-and-loop strap. Extremely versatile in theory but what advertisers don't tell you is that the clip is relatively weak and if you have an active lifestyle it's almost guaranteed to fall off. At eight bucks a pop, these compasses shouldn't pop right off.	Dimensions: 30 x 24mm Weight: 54.5g Price: $8.00 Rating:
	BQM Survival Wrist Compass Liquid-filled precision compass is protected in a sturdy non-magnetic case and slides on most wristbands. This backup compass is a handy navigation accessory. The sealed liquid filled module is depth tested to 100 meters. It also features luminous cardinal points. We've gone through several of these and the plastic band that wraps around your watch band inevitably breaks.	Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 1.4cm Weight: 27.3g Price: $6.00 Rating:
	Brunton Nexus 40LU Wrist Compass This is the most durable wrist compass we have tested thus far. It sticks up a little higher than the other compasses in its class and we would have preferred glowing cardinal directions as opposed to the glowing background. You can however, easily read your direction with the cardinal points. Features a disk-stabilizing waterproof vial and watch- strap-loop attachment that fits most watch bands. The luminous face is a little too luminous for field use. This is an excellent product and comes highly recommended.	Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5cm Weight: 2.83g Price: $8.00   Rating:
	Brunton Classic 9068 Wrist Compass This compass identifies the cardinal directions. It features a disk-stabilizing waterproof vial and watch- strap-loop attachment that fits most watch bands. This wrist compass easily develops air bubbles inside the vial. The experts at Brunton say that this does not affect performance, but will gladly exchange it for you if it becomes a problem. We like the price and the low profile, but would prefer no air bubbles. It also doesn't have any luminous capabilities.	Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.3cm Weight: 5.67g Price: $4.00 Rating:
	Therm-O-Compass™ This micro compass/thermometer makes for a good "tag" when attached to a jacket or backpack zipper, keyring, or caribiner and provides a lot of information in a handy way. The clear acrylic case is durable and not easily scratched. Liquid-filled compass has luminous dial for easy reading during night land navigation. Wind chill chart on would be invaluable if you or someone in your group has had previous cold weather injuries (Wind chill chart units come in MPH, Km/Hr, or Met/Sec ). We recommend it for hikers and campers, but it’s shiny white surface wouldn’t be recommended for military personnel – not to mention, there isn’t any room on an LBV for one more dangling piece of gear. This item is distributed with a number of different retailers' logos at varying prices.	Dimensions:  2.9 x 5.1cm Weight: 11.34g Price: $3.00-$9.00 Rating:
	US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass (3H) This lensatic compass has been used by US troops, foreign militaries, law enforcement, special forces, and outdoor enthusiasts of every variety for decades. Cammenga has been the government’s exclusive manufacturer since September, 1992. Tritium light sources provide readability in total darkness. This compass features: Luminosity: Tritium Jewel bearing: Sapphire Rotating Bezel: Bi-directional Climate capacity: -50 to+150 degrees F. Frame Materials: Cast Aluminum Lanyard: Included Waterproof: Yes Carrying Pouch: LC-1 pouch with belt clip Expected luminous life: 10 years Accuracy: +/-0002mils Dial readings: Degrees and mils. Casting: Aluminum Damping process: Induction (no liquid required) Color, body: Olive drab Color, pouch: Olive drab Warranty: Included, 1 year	Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.7 x 2.9cm Weight: 141.75g Price: $85.00 Rating:
	Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) The AN/PSN-11 PLGR ("plugger") has become the U.S. DoD and international P/Y code portable standard receiver for the military. The PLGR allows you to determine your present position, elevation, time, date, and track your ground speed without any operator input. You can enter waypoints into the PLGR by map coordinates or by a known range or azimuth from your present location. The PLGR gives positions in a ten digit 100km square designation. The PLGR can store 52 map datum sets, 999 usable waypoints, and 15 user-definable reversible routes of up to 25 legs each. The reason for its large size and price is that it connects to a veriety of military equipment that civilian GPSs do not. The PLGR features a KYK-13/KOI-18/ANCDCYZ-10 connector, external antenna connector, external power supply connector, RS-232 and RS-422 serial connector, and a SINCGARS time fill. The serial connection can be used to load data from mission planning software such as: loading waypoints and routes created as files, emulate PLGR screen on to a laptop or PC, load almanac data, and to load PLGR display parameters (navigation parameters and units). It also features a targeting interface with laser range-finding equipment. It's other features include: all weather operation, compatible with NVDs, resists jamming/spoofing, water-proof to one meter, and adjustable backlighting. The PLGR runs on internal batteries or an external power source. The internal battery compartment holds either a BA5800* 1.5 VDC Lithium battery (27 hours) or a AA battery adapter, which holds either 8 AA Alkaline (10 hours) or NiCad (4 hours). The external power source port accepts an adapter for either a 12 VDC or 120 VAC. A 3.6VDC lithium cell. is used to maintain memory circuits when prime power has been removed. The PLGR is very heavy due to the large battery. The PLGR is used as a handheld device and is used in the M1A1 Abrams, M109 Paladin, Patriot Missile, and Bradley. PLGRs are used by infantry as handheld sets, by Artillery to plot precise positions for gun systems, in tracked and wheeled vehicles, and most recently as a replacement for the WRN-6 shipborne receiver on Army watercraft. In theory, key material gives the PLGR one meter accuracy in positioning by accessing secured satellites, The Precise Positioning Service. From our experience, the PLGR had an average accuracy of ±60ft. Not very good considering the Garmin we tested would give an accuracy of ±16ft.The screen size is not very large and it only has an alphanumeric display. It is not very user friendly and if you don't practice with it monthly, you'll quickly forget how to use it. The average soldier will have no idea of how to use this device and the average officer will only be able to use its most basic features. Only the trained PLGR expert will know how to use all of its additional connectors, and it's all the additional connectors and bloated price that separates the PLGR from its civilian counterparts. Yet another example of how the DoD is wasting money. The PLGR is an okay tool for navigation, but it takes regular training to ensure continued proficiency in the use of the device. The PLGR is an “older technology” receiver, which in the open, may not be as accurate as the newer receivers. It will acquire a signal under a dense canopy easier that most of the C/A code receivers. It is easy to use but requires “Keying” (Keying is inserting a code in the receiver to eliminate selective availability (SA) and must be done annually). Previous to these tests two PLGR receivers were compared on the Lubrecht test course, one keyed with the P(Y) code and the other with the P(Y) code “zeroized” (zeroized means the P(Y) code was removed and the receiver could only receive the C/A civilian code) and the results compared. The P(Y) code version provided smaller position errors. GPSs are not an end-all solution to navigation. Everyone should still have a good understanding of map and land navigation techniques. To date, more than 165,000 PLGRs are fielded worldwide. The PLGR technical manual is the definitive text on PLGR features, operation, maintenance, available here: TM11-5825-291-13.pdf (2.4Mb Apr 2001) Find out exactly how easy and user friendly the PLGR really is in this document titled The PLGR Made Simple: PLGR.pdf (141kb Nov 1997)	Battery: BA5800 or 8x AA Battery Life: 10-13 hrs Dimensions: 20.8 x 13.3 x 6.6cm Weight: 1.225kg Memory: ? Price: $2,000.00 Rating:
	Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) Intended as a replacement for PLGR, the DAGR will provide PLGR functionality plus new features, in a smaller package. It will be a key element in position reporting for the new electronic battlefield. DAGR will also be the first GPS to feature the SAASM security chip in all production units. In addition to incorporating advanced anti-jamming technology, the DAGR adds Intel’s StrongARM/XScale microprocessor and Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system, thus offering advanced computing capabilities on top of basic navigation functions. The DAGR Map System allows an operator to load and display map sets consisting of vector maps, raster maps, satellite imagery and non-geospatial (bitmap) images on the DAGR. The DAGR also uses AA batteries for its main power instead of the large BA-5800 Lithium battery the PLGR used. The DAGR can store 999 waypoints, 5 moving waypoints, 15 user-definable reversible routes of up to 999 legs each. The DAGR is also immersible to one meter.	Battery: 4x AA Battery Life: 14-22 hrs Dimensions: 16.2 x 8.8 x 4.0cm Weight: 454g Memory: 32Mb Price:  $2,790.00 Rating: Untested
	Garmin E-Trex Legend This model offers a mapping capability for both MapSource and MetroGuide maps. The click stick allows you to enter keystrokes accurately and makes for easy navigation. The Legend allows for 10-character waypoint names. Standard features of Legend and Vista include: Sun and Moon predictor, Calculator, and "Best time to hunt and fish". The Legend model does not have the compass and aneroid barometer features. The eTrex models feature the highest resolution tracklogs, while walking, of any Garmin series. Selected saved tracklogs can be displayed on the map page. Saved tracklogs also show the enclosed area. One saved track at a time can be converted to a Trackback. Automatic map rotation or North Up 20 reversible routes with up to 50 waypoints in a route. Trip Computer with current speed, average speed, sunrise/sunset, max speed, trip timer and trip odometer 108 map datums Store 500 waypoints Position format has Lon/Lat, UTM/UPS, Maidenhead, MGRS, and other grids, one user grid and Datum Receiver is 12 channel parallel and operational with the WAAS system WAAS accuracy is in the range of +/- 3 meters 95% confidence No external amplified antenna connection port is available Acquisition Times: Warm ~15 sec, Cold ~45 seconds, AutoLocate ~2 minutes Position Accuracy Specification 15 meters RMS (seems to do this routinely with SA OFF and 3 meters RMS with WAAS signal.) Speed Accuracy specification 0.1 knot RMS steady state Interfaces: RS232 with NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 DGPS data format and proprietary Garmin Display: 2.1"H x 1.1"W (5.4 x 2.7 cm) high contrast LCD (160 x 288 pixels), FSTN, 4 level gray scale, with bright backlighting Case: Waterproof to IEC 529 IPX7 standards (Immersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes) Temperature range (operation): 5°F to 158°F (-15°C to 70°C) Data storage: Indefinite; no memory battery required Power Source: 2 AA batteries ( batteries not included) This unit is better for hikers since it has a longer battery life, although some backpackers might prefer the additional memory the Vista provides to load topographical maps. * Note: Battery Life varies from 11 hours when running in "normal" mode, or 20 hours when running in "battery save" mode.	Battery: 2x AA Battery Life: 15-20 hrs* Dimensions: 11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0cm Weight: 170g Memory: 8Mb Price: $220.00 Rating:
	Garmin E-Trex Vista The Garmin E-Trex Vista is identical to the Legend except that it has additional features, more memory, and comparable battery life. This model offers a mapping capability for both MapSource and MetroGuide maps. The Vista allows for 10-character waypoint names. The eTrex models feature the highest resolution tracklogs, while walking, of any Garmin series. Selected saved tracklogs can be displayed on the map page. Saved tracklogs also show the enclosed area. One saved track at a time can be converted to a Trackback. Additional Vista features at a glance: Real time plot over time and distance Zoom in/out elevation profile Review individual elevation points with time and date Current ascent/descent rate Total ascent/descent (resetable) Average ascent/descent rate Min/Max ascent/descent rate (resettle) Min/Max elevation (resetable) Electronic Compass with +/- 5 degrees  accuracy Automatic elevation and track logging (3000) Barometric Altimeter Features The Garmin E-Trex series is compatible with FalconView software, which is the moving map component of the government-owned Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS). FalconView accepts location input from any National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) compliant GPS system, Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) data, and Predator unmanned airborne vehicle data. FalconView can display several different map data types, including RPF, standard NIMA charts, and standard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts. The Vista  model has the compass and aneroid barometer features. The Vista's barometer compensates for the normal fluctuations in GPS altitude. However it has some problems, because it causes altitude to not readout properly in pressurized airplanes. The Vista features a TrackLog that will store 3000 points, and will save up to 10 tracks (along with elevation profile) with 250 points each. The Vista unit has useful and interesting elevation profiling features that will be of great interest and use to hikers, glider and soaring enthusiasts, and private pilots among others. These Vista elevation features include a "trip profile" in elevation much the same as your bread crumb trail gives you an (x,y) profile of your horizontal travels. In addition, altitude data is stored as a part of the tracklog so you can do post trip analysis on your voyage in (x,y,z) coordinates. When MetroGuide maps are loaded, a Find Address feature allows location of a particular street address and you can manually generate a route to this address by placing waypoints at each intersection on the way and connecting the waypoints into a route. With Garmin's new MetroGuide USA, best routes CAN generate automatic address-to-address routes on your external computer which can then be uploaded into the Legend and Vista. This unit is better for motorists since it has a shorter battery life, which can be remedied with a cigarette lighter adapter. The screen is difficult to read while driving. It is preferable to have your co-pilot navigate with the GPS while you drive. * Note: Battery Life varies from 11 hours with full capabilities running in "normal" mode, 15 hours with the compass turned off running in "normal" mode, or 20 hours with the compass turned off running in "battery save" mode.	Battery: 2x AA Battery Life: 11-20 hrs* Dimensions: 11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0cm Weight: 170g Memory: 24Mb Price: $250.00 Rating: