Thread: 997 gps

Is the gps units on these really that bad? I am now wondering if I should buy a handheld just to find the brush I plan on sinking this winter.

Originally Posted by newblade

Is the gps units on these really that bad? I am now wondering if I should buy a handheld just to find the brush I plan on sinking this winter.

It is better than a grappling hook, but take a hook just in case.

If U have a 997 try it, try to find some of your waypoints. To make it more interesting mark a waypoint that U also can see, then move 100 feet from that point & try to find it using the 997GPS . U will find GPS cannot udate fast enough even at slow speeds so then it will start over correcting so U go like a snake. it may take u behind waypoint before it finds it. Now don't cheat use the GPS all the way. Reason I ask U to use a waypoint U can see is so U can really see what a lousy job their GPS does.

so how far off is it??? Is the 797si GPS okay? i'm getting the 797c2 monday unless yall talk me out of it..

I have a Garmin 498C GPS and it also gives me trouble zeroing in on a waypoint. I kinda think it's the nature of the Gps system and it's capability to update fast enough. You can roar right in to the near location, but once you are down to that last 100 feet, it gets tricky. I especially have trouble at slow speeds with my trolling motor when there is wind which keeps blowing the bow off course. Ultimately, I think one needs to rely on their sonar to put you on the money.

Had one --don,t have it now---running lowrance 5200c now--the maps are great and easy to read but they don,t get me any closer than my gps map 76s ---Id say someone who fishes the same lake all the time would be dollars ahead and just as well off with a garmin map76 s it has the electronic compass on it [you can get maps for it but my eyes don,t go that small pictures]

I like my 797 the gps does me well,it get's me close to where I have marked.not hard to use and like the book says It's a nav. tool to help you get close, if you get within 25 to 50ft. of where you are going no problem dont want to run up on the brush or stake beds and scare them fish anyway. they are a good unit. try to go with someone who has one and check it out. personally I like mine and would have another one if I need one. good luck on your choice. also I have a garmin etrex cant tell much difference on the accuracy...

From what little I know about GPS, I think one of the main features that's not discussed to often is the unit having an electronic compass. Reason being, at slow speeds or sitting still sure, the GPS knows where you are but it has no idea which way your facing. A unit with the electronic compass always knows which way your facing in relation to your waypoint so it can better point you in the right direction. From what I've been reading the problem with the SI units is the chip update speed so this might not help with that but then again, maybe it would. Thanks.
Mark

GPS BEARING versus DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

797 and 997 don't track good as garmin at low speeds. I got/had all three and I durn well know how to use them.......MOAO

Originally Posted by markd85

From what little I know about GPS, I think one of the main features that's not discussed to often is the unit having an electronic compass. Reason being, at slow speeds or sitting still sure, the GPS knows where you are but it has no idea which way your facing. A unit with the electronic compass always knows which way your facing in relation to your waypoint so it can better point you in the right direction. From what I've been reading the problem with the SI units is the chip update speed so this might not help with that but then again, maybe it would. Thanks.
Mark

right on.......