Garmin Foretrex 101 Wrist-Mounted GPS with Waterproof Exterior

Features:

• TracBack technology retraces hiking route for return to campsite
• 12 parallel channels; WAAS-enabled
• WAAS satellite coverage accurate to within 3 meters
• Easy-to-read display; runs on 2 AAA batteries; includes serial PC interface

Editorial Review
Garmin's Foretrex 101 wrist-mounted WAAS-enabled GPS unit is the perfect navigational tool for a wide variety of outdoors enthusaists, from mountain bikers and hikers to kayakers. It's got all the features of the Foretrex 201, but it runs on 2 AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Its six dedicated buttons (GoTo, Page, Enter/Mark, Up, Down and Power) make it easy to operate. It offers the most essential navigation data--enhanced GPS accuracy, extensive storage for waypoints, and reversible routes and tracks -- on an easy-to-read display. With the help of Garmin's exclusive TracBack technology, hikers can mark a campsite, go trekking all day, and follow the electronic "breadcrumb trail" back to camp in time for dinner. Because it's waterproof, the Foretrex 101 is a natural companion on watersport adventures like kayaking, canoeing, boating and sailing. It includes a sailboat racing timer, which enables you to configure the countdown sequence prior to the start of the race and utilize the GPS location to be in the best possible tacking position when the race begins.

The WAAS difference

• 100 meters: Accuracy of the original GPS system, which was subject to accuracy degradation under the government-imposed Selective Availability (SA) program.
• 15 meters: Typical GPS position accuracy without SA.
• 3-5 meters: Typical differential GPS (DGPS) position accuracy.
• Less than 3 meters: Typical WAAS position accuracy.

WAAS is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, giving you even better position accuracy. How much better Try an average of up to five times better. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time. And you don't have to purchase additional receiving equipment or pay service fees to utilize WAAS.

How it Works
WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Who benefits from WAAS
Currently, WAAS satellite coverage is only available in North America. There are no ground reference stations in South America, so even though GPS users there can receive WAAS, the signal has not been corrected and thus would not improve the accuracy of their unit. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine applications. WAAS provides extended coverage both inland and offshore compared to the land-based DGPS (differential GPS) system. Another benefit of WAAS is that it does not require additional receiving equipment, while DGPS does. What's in the Box
GPSMAP 60C, PC/USB cable, lanyard, belt clip, manual and a one year warranty.

What's in the Box
Garmin Foretrex 101 GPS unit, wrist strap, expandable strap, and printed quick start guide and owners manual.