different than "parallel" spec. that is often quoted.) eTrex uses the same 12channel parallel receiver that all Garmins use, (for the last couple years anyway). It can track 12 satellites, all at once. The old "multitrak" systems would keep about 8 satellites 'in mind' but to acquire the next they's have to drop the last (cycling one at a time thru the 'visible' satellites). The problem was, if you ducked into heavy trees, then maybe it would never really hook up again. The current 12 channnel Parallel system is vastly superior.>nklr >I have been using an e-trex for a couple of months, I'm impressed with it >over older (lower tech.) models I've owned. >The key, I'm told, is it can track multiple sat's at once. ( This is
eTrex has no port for external antenna period, so no options there. But really, an external antenna is seldom necessary. But when it is, it is (you know how that goes....) I always advise customers not to buy an antenna up front unless they're in very steep or very heavily wooded country (deep, dark woods). Better to wait and see. The circuit board in the 12v adapter (g10203) for the eMap and eTrex is **extremely vulnerable** to vibration (almost certain death). We harden them (which fixes it) if we know the adapter will be used on a motorcycle. eTrex holds 2000 track points, almost double of the 'old' GPSs. We have the eTrex, you can see it on http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gpsetrex.html ($129) and on this page there is a link to the handlebar mounts. Another option is the eTrex Summit, which has an accurate pressure-altimeter and records 50% more tracklog. (about 3000 points). We use GPS on motorcycles (hard core), so if you have a question we can probably answer it. Tom -- +-------------------------------------+ | C y c o A c t i v e P r o d u c t s | 701 34th Ave | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | tel (206) 323-2349 fax (206) 325-6016 | N47 36.496' W122 17.396' | GPS ---(Garmin only) plus mounts, software & accessories | GPS website: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps | e-mail: gps@... +-------------------------------------+>The unit is fast to >acquire and once tracking you can't shake it on the trail. Features: >compass, speed, elevation, adv. speed,top speed, heading, bearing.... trips >and multi stage legs. Pluses: cheap ($119.00us) bat. life, small, simple >Minus: no map overlay, >adapter required for ant. or 12v.