GPS accessories

GPS antennas enhance GPS signal reception and accuracy. Even if your GPS receiver is shielded from the sky and unable to get satellite reception this accessory can be placed on the other side of what ever is blocking the path and send the signal by hardwire straight to the GPS unit. Examples of this would be for cars that don't have a good angle to the sky from the dashboard and the GPS unit cannot find satellites because of the roof. You could stick the extra antenna onto the roof of the car and have it wired into your GPS and not need to use the built in antenna on the GPS unit itself. Typically the add on antenna is more powerful than a built on antenna using a metal plate to

PC interface cable and car adapters are available for some GPS models. Recharge your unit from your car on the go or download maps using this cable hooked up to a computer. You can do this separately or at the same time if you want to store hiking information on your handheld to your laptop in your car depending on the cables you get. USB cables also let you connect to your computer so you can access the files stored in the GPS unit. After the connection you can transfer maps or waypoints and depending on the programs in the unit MP3.

Car Mount typically will come with a GPS unit made for the car with to be attached on the windshield or dashboard. Also there are mounts made for other types of units like the PDA and handhelds that can be dashboard mounted, they are made for the specific models. DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other mounts can be purchased for handheld and bike units for the car as well as other applications too.

Some GPS units have memory expansion card slots for memory cards to store extra maps, voices and waypoints. The GPS units usually have a adequate internal memory for normal use but with other applications of the GPS unit like a MP3 player, audio book player, or a picture viewer, memory can run out fast. The memory card slot can also be used to access data cards with read only memory information like regional maps.

For personal travel assistants and other handheld units it's useful to have a carrying case so the screen can have some added protection when it's being stored loosely with other items. There are also covers for the handheld units similar to cell phone cases that protect the units but don't obscure the view screen. Holsters are also useful for the personal GPS units to free up your hands easily if need be.

If your still having problems learning to use your GPS unit some Garmin units have instructional demonstration videos that can be purchased. Extremely helpful if you need to see demonstrations of your units use and functions.