GPS questions

[John]

My new Garmin 76cs froze on me twice. Nothing unfroze it except removing the batteries. Also is there a rule of thumb for anchor drag settings/scope?

 

[Bill]

76cs

If you haven't done so, try updating the firmware through www.Garmin.com. I recall some mention of freezing on past firmware versions. If that does not do the trick, check out the news groups on Usenet. lots of info there. You can also call Garmin support. Users report pretty good support most of the time. There was some problem that froze the unit with certain Garmin maps. I believe the problems involved the Topographic maps and there is a fix at the Garmin site. I think that problem only involved the Minnesota topo maps, though.

 

[Nice N Easy]

Garmin

I second the motion on Garmin Tech Support. Give them a call. I have had sevral questions on my 182, and they have always been very helpful. As for the anchor alarm. For me it kind of depends on where I'm anchored, how much room I give myself. Also what I do often, is leave in on for an hour or so after anchoring, and use the track function. This will give you an idea of your swing and often give a good idea of what distance to use on the drag alarm.

 

[Mike O16610]

Swing distance

My rule of thumb; Set the anchor drag alarm for double the amount of anchor rode. I can now swing 180 degrees over night (which usually happens due to the tides) I won't get a false alarm.

 

[Tim]

Anchor alarm

I set my anchor alarm when I drop the hook. I then let out the rode and adjust the alarm for the same as the rode plus a little more to account for tides. That way I am free to swing 180 degrees and I am always right on the edge of the alarm. If I drag 10-20 feet then I know it.Mike O's method works but you could drag twice the rode length before the alarm sounds and here in Maine that can put you on the rocks.Tim R.