The Garmin eTrex Summit comes on the heels of the extremely popular Garmin eTrex GPS (Yellow model), and is designed for outdoor sport use.
Like its little brother, the eTrex Summit boasts a powerful 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and comes packaged in a small, very phone like case with the operating buttons located on either side of the unit. This is allows the GPS to be held and fully operated using one hand. It does work.
As well as the usual GPS functions (see below) the summit also comes with a few useful aditions inclucinding a compass (which is not dependent of GPS signals) and an altimeter.
The battery compartment is situated on the back and takes 2 x AA batteries. Which are easily obtainable world wide, a fancy smancy battery is also available as an extra. Also on the back is the interface socket that will allow (with the addition of a cable) to connect the GPS to a PC or PDA.
The whole package feels solid and robust and feels (hasn't been tested) that it could take some seriously rough treatment. The case is also completely waterproof to withstand immersion in one metre of water for up to 30 minutes. So it is ideal for the UK climate!
The unit is to be robust enough to be used in a range of sports where electronic kit doesn't really lat the course. For the bike market a handlebar mounted bracket is available that works with all etrex units and may be something you may want to consider. When out paddling overseas the etrex comes along in with the 1st aid kit , compass and map and is usually stored in a dry bag in the back of the boat.
The unit interfaces well with both Memory-map and Tracklogs and transfer rates via the serial connection lead are acceptable (USB would be better), and thus allows pre-planned routes uploaded and completed routes downloaded.
I have used my Summit extensively over the last year or so in mixed terrain. This has ranged from open moorland to densely packed forest trails. In all instances the unit has performed extremely well, despite being packed away inside of the my pack. Battery life is pretty good and can often handle a couple of long trips out (I do carry spares batteries). The AA batteries used are easily sourced in most parts of the world so getting replacements is relatively easy if you are out on an extended trip.
Garmin eTrex Summit Specifications
Navigation Features
Waypoints/Icons: 500 with name and graphic symbol
Tracks: Automatic track log; 10 saved tracks let you retrace your path in both directions
Routes: 20 reversible routes with up to 50 waypoints
Trip computer: Current speed, average speed, time of sunrise/sunset, resetable maximum speed, trip timer, and trip distance
Map datums: More than 100
Position format: Lat/Lon, UTM/UPS, Maidenhead, MGRS, Loran TDs, and other grids
Electronic compass features
Accuracy: ±2 degrees with proper calibration (typical); ±5 degrees in extreme northern and southern latitudes
Resolution: 1 degree
Barometric altimeter features
Accuracy: 10 feet with proper calibration (user and/or automatic calibration)
Resolution: 1 foot
Range: -2,000 to 30,000 feet
Elevation computer: Current elevation, resetable minimum and maximum elevation, ascent/descent rate, total ascent/descent, average and maximum ascent/descent rate
Pressure: Local pressure (mbar/inches HG), 12-hour automatic pressure trend recording
GPS Performance:
Receiver: WAAS not supported, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites to compute and update your position
Acquisition Times:
Warm: approx. 15 seconds
Cold: approx. 45 seconds
AutoLocate™: approx. 5 minutes
Update Rate: 1 second, continuous
GPS Accuracy:
Position: 15 meters (49 feet) RMS
Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state
Dynamics: 6g's
Interfaces: RS232 with NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 DGPS data format and proprietary GARMIN
Antenna: Built-in patch
Physical:
Size: 4.4"H x 2.0"W x 1.2"D (11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm)
Weight: 5.3 ounces (150 g) with batteries
Display: 2.1"H x 1.1"W (5.4 x 2.7 cm) high-contrast LCD with bright backlighting
Case: Waterproof to IEC 529 IPX7 standards
Temperature range: 5°F to 158°F (-15°C to 70°C)
Data storage: Indefinite; no memory battery required
Internal Memory: None
Power
Source: 2 AA batteries (not included)
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours (typical use) |
