In this podcast, we look back at the past 99 episodes of the GPS Training podcast. The first ever GPS Training Podcast went out on Sept 15th 2017 – 7 years ago I had been on holiday that summer and first learnt about Podcasts and had got slightly ‘hooked’ on them, or one particular – Big Ideas for Small Business, which incidentally I was interviewed for 2 years later. I loved the format of the podcast, long-form, which you invested in. I remember the first ever day I pitched the idea at one of our staff meetings I was met by some interesting ‘blank stares. Here it is – In the first-ever GPS Training Podcast the lead piece was on the ‘all-new’ Sat Map Active 20 – 2 months on. Quite ironic as SatMap went out of business in 2022, 5 years later The Podcast has really gone through x 3 eras/ formats Podcast 1 (2017) – 19 (2019) – with Andy and other guests Streamed live on Facebook Podcast 19 – 59 (Sept 2021) with Ian and other guests Then Andy came back from then on to the present day Podcast 60 to current day Monthly except for Podcast 33 (March 2020) onwards - Covid, we went to fortnightly podcasts Recorded these at 7.45 in the morning then I could answer any calls in the office, as all the other staff were furloughed It hopefully kept you all sane, I know it certainly did that with us – kept us sane – very hard time personally, working on my own and being upbeat on a podcast not knowing what was around the corner on the business front As things started to get a little more ‘normal’ we had our 50th Podcast (March 2021) we had the whole team from GPS Training at the time on the podcast and we answered random questions, picked out of a hat. Questions that are in the hat If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why? If you were going off today on a 15 mile walk what GPS unit would you take with you? If you could make one thing change in this business overnight (no budget), what would it be? AA batteries or built-in battery in a GPS unit? Favorite workday of the week and why? Favorite course location? Favorite walk? What one sneaky thing do you keep in your rucksack? I know a number of you that I have spoken to over the years have gone all the way back to number 1 and listened to them all. I am massively impressed, well done to you guys and girls! Some of my - Highpoints – I was first introduced to the Spine Race by Paul Freeman – Podcast 31, back in 2020 – Spoke to Paul Freeman before he undertook the Spine Challenger south – I knew nothing about this race before I interviewing him Quite ironic now as the Spine Race became such a large part of both mine and Andy’s life over the past number of years. I remember doing a bit research before that interview and learning about the spine Race for the first time, all the different race options. After I interviewed Paul again, after he had finished the race, I remember thinking to myself, I would love to do that one day and x 3 years later I finished the 108 mile spine challenger south, the race Paul had done. Then the following year, this year, the 160 mile Spine Challenger North. I am often humbled, when speaking to these people, how often the person I am speaking to really opens up and often you can see tears running down their faces as they share their thoughts and emotions with you. Speaking about people who have done truly epic challenges my mind cannot get past – Duncan Hutchinson On the 15th GPS Training podcast I interviewed Duncan, who had built his own rowing boat and then rowed across the Atlantic. I had interviewed him again, but speaking to him in October 2018 after he had got so near to completing this adventure. If you have not listened to this, he explains his dramatic rescue just off the coast of Ireland (699 miles away), the 100th day of his cross Atlantic crossing. Duncan had borrowed a Garmin inReach messenger from u...

In the second of our x 4 Podcasts for August, we look back at the past 10 years of GPS Training. Shepherds Walks bought GPS Training in 2014 Bought GPS Training from Peter Judd, Peter had his own business and retired to the Lake District. He worked for George Fishers in Keswick and could see a space in the market for GPS Training. The first ever GPS Training course was in Mungrisdale, Lake District. First x 5 years very hard but we quickly learnt that a more informed customer made life a lot easier for us The first GPS training Podcast came about in September 2017 In 2016 we got rid of our retail premises and went solely online, this was in the old Tourist Information Centre in Rothbury when we finally closed down the retail premises. We set up Outdoor GPS Shop in Sept 2019, which is the 'budget' website for GPS units. GPS training offers a post-sale training and support package whereas Outdoor GPS sells just on price. March 2020 - Covid - this had a very large effect on the business. It was a real wake-up call. We managed to fast-track a number of plans, as we needed to get our sales up very quickly. In 2021 I created our first ever 'walk and talk' video for YouTube, to showcase to potential customers the final navigational experience you get on a GPS unit. April 2023 - Moved into our current premises, look at our build here. Many tahnks for all your support, not only from myself but from all the team here at GPS Training.    

The all-new eTrex solar and live tracking on the Motorola Defy - Satellite Link In this month’s podcast – 1. After we discussed the Garmin eTrex SE last month Garmin released the eTrex solar last month, the first solar powered GPS unit 2. Nationwide GPS courses for 2024 3. Live tracking – Motorola Defy – Satellite link – Beta resting and our thoughts 4. Al Pepper – our first ‘Ambassador’ 5. We then have Andy’s top tips 1. Garmin eTrex solar After we have had the Garmin inReach SE for a 8 months it is great to see this updated version, the first-ever Outdoor GPS unit which has a solar panel - Garmin eTrex Solar Solar Charging -With the addition of solar charging also gives us the ability to now have a built in lithium battery, which will give you unlimited battery life in sunny conditions (75,000 lux) or upto 100 hours when using GNSS and multi-band tracking. Multiband satellite network, new addition for the Garmin eTrex Solar - This all new multi-band GPS gives you access to multiple frequencies sent by navigation satellites which gives you improved positional accuracy. Live Geocaching on the Garmin eTrex Solar – With the Garmin eTrex Solar you now get automatic cache updates from Geocaching live, including descriptions, logs and hints. When connected to the Garmin Explore app, each find will upload to your geocaching.com profile. Garmin Explore app alongside the Garmin eTrex Solar - You can connect the Garmin eTrex Solar to the Garmin Explore app, once connected you can undertake wireless software updates, get access to cloud storage, plan trips, get smart notifications and access additional mapping. Live weather - When connected to the Garmin Explore app you can get real-time forecast information, so you're aware of any changing conditions. To read an indepth review on the Garmin eTrex Solar go to GpsTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > Unboxing and first review 2. Nationwide GPS courses - 2024 All our course dates for next year are now online Our course prices go up in price on Friday 22nd December – so please get yourself booked on before then. If you want to find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website > GpsTraining.co.uk > GPS Training Course 3. Live tracking – Motorola Defy - Andy has been Beta testing the new live tracking feature for the Motorola Defy – satellite link It has been on the Bullit app for some time now, but it does not function Watch Live tracking - Beta testing - Motorola Defy - Satellite Link  4. All Pepper – our first Ambassador Over the coming months you will be seeing/ hearing lots about Al. Who is is – YouTube Vlogger – We first came across him on the Cheviot Challenge Posted a video after he, his dad and uncle participated in it – Tracy and Katherine appeared in the video as he approached one of the summits. He is an ultra-runner from the NE On one of the videos, where he competed in a Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks ultra he struggled a little bit with regard to navigation to I reached out to him. After a number of phone calls he is our first-ever – Ambassador You cannot fail to like hem, really nice guy. He mentions us lots now in his videos and I will collate a number of these in a news article some time before Christmas. Al Pepper runs - watch him on YouTube   5. Andy’s Top Tips Garmin Explore App – after importing (+ from Map) or open GPX with Explore – find transfer better if convert to course Go into Collection folder – 2 x Drawing pin icon route, curved line course, footprint track, after selecting track or route select 3 x red dots top right – copy as course then select track or route – 3 red dots delete Garmin Connect you can now convert activity to course to navigate with – More – Activities – all activities etc – select activity – 3 white dots top right save to my courses Add courses to bottom tabs – Select More bottom right – select Edit top rig...

Garmin eTrex SE, 7 months on, GPS in the Hills and which app should you be using? The big 90, that not bad going. In this month’s podcast – 1. eTrex SE – 7 months on 2. GPS in the Hills – last course this/ last weekend – what is this course all about? 3. BaseCamp, connect, explore - which and for what scenarios – When using alongside a Garmin handheld unit? 4. We then have Andy’s top tips - Garmin eTrex SE – 7 months on The Garmin eTrerx SE was launched on the 14th March, in the same day the Garmin GPSMAP 67/ 67i was launched Price - £149.99 To read an indepth review on the Garmin eTrex SE go to GpsTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > Garmin eTrex SE Review - GPS in the hills course – what is this? You may have seen this on our website/ newsletters For those who have been on our two-day Garmin GPS Training course. £158.00 on website, but if you have been on a course you get a discount code making it half-priced - £79.00 What do we cover on this day-long course Week leading upto course - Planning over Zoom – week leading upto course On the day - straight out onto the hill - - Following the pre-planned route - Looking at the different navigational experiences for a route, track, and course - Trackback - we will do a trackback taking us back the way we came - Creating a route directly on the unit - Managing an emergency situation - what options do we have and how are we going to approach this - Changing the ‘pre-planned’ plans - what options do we have and how we do this - Navigating in the dark, how to set up our GPS units This will all be delivered during an 8 - 12 mile walk (depending on elevation climbed) and only people who have been on our 2-day course will be invited onto the course. South Downs – 4th October 2024 Lakes – 18th October 2024 Northumberland – 26th October 2024 If you want to find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website > GpsTraining.co.uk > GPS Training Course - BaseCamp, Connect, Explore - which and for what scenarios – When using alongside a Garmin handheld unit? Garmin BaseCamp Garmin Connect Garmin Explore   - Andy’s Top Tips Explore App – Convert imported GPX files from track or route to a course before syncing – syncs quicker and seems to be more reliable when syncing 2 X Drawing pin icon - Route Footprint icon -Track Curved line – Course 3 x Red dots top right screen – copy as course, go back to track or route 3 x red dots top right select delete Remember Find / Spy Glass Course GPSMap65s – Pause Track – in theory you cannot or can you? - When you are just about to go into a building and want to stop the recording - press your menu button twice to goto main menu - Select Setup - Select System - Select Satellite System - changed from Muliti-GNSS to DEMO - When you come out of the building and standing where your changed satellite to Demo - repeat the process and change Satellite back to Multi-GNSS

1:25k maps options and the Garmin GPSMAP67 series - 7 months on. In this months podcast - 1. Advantages of 1:25k maps – 1 week left of map deal 2. GPSMAP 67/ 67i – 7 months in – our thoughts 3. Using a headtorch with a GPS unit, as the nights draw in 4. We then have Andy’s top tips 1. Advantages of 1:25k maps – 1 week left of map deal Half-priced 1:25k map card with selected units – Offer ends 8th October - Garmin GPSMAP 67/ 67i - Garmin Montana 700/ 700i Garmin led promotion – £175.00 saving as normally £349.99 Differences between 1:50k maps and 1:25k maps If you want to find out more about the Garmin GPSMAP 67 series and Montana 700 series map card offer please go to GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > GPS Units   2. GPSMAP 67/ 67i – 7 months in – our thoughts If you want to find out more about the Garmin GPSMAP 67 series please go to GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > GPS Units 3. Andy’s Top Tips  

Limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition, New series on YouTube, map options and Andy's top tips In this month’s podcast – 1. The new limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition – GPS Watch 2. The new series on YouTube – FAQ’s 3. Map options available for an Outdoor GPS unit and the pros/ cons of each 4. We then have Andy’s top tips The new limited edition Coros Apex 2 Pro Chamonix Edition – GPS Watch It must be good as Andy’s bought himself one and even my wife likes it! - What is the Coros Apex 2? There has been a large software update in the past week which includes turn by turn routing and the ability to put a picture/ logo on the watch screen, anything else? Sign up to Beta on www.coros.com select Support – software updates – august beta updates for signup instructions. - Turn-by-Turn Navigation - *BETA ONLY Turn-by-Turn Navigation is available for you to test on your compatible COROS watch, helping you navigate with confidence wherever you are. Save any route in the COROS app and sync it directly to your watch to be notified of upcoming turns on your route automatically. There will be a limited number of available testing slots based on the workload our support/product teams can handle (~500 users). We expect the public beta to run 3-6 months, and once it is ready we will push to all global users with an update. - Create Your Own Watch Face Elevate your look with the COROS app. Go analog, or digital. Pick a personal photo or choose from our collection. - Statistics Summary Page Maximize your training insights, choose a date range, filter by activity type, and quickly view your Threshold Heart Rate Zone Distribution to ensure your training was where you intended it. - Workout Create a workout for your trail runs, including setting elevation gain as a target goal. - New Watermark Image Sharing Share your achievements and motivate others with new customizable watermark images. Upload a personal photo and overlay your training data for a quick visual summary of your workout. - Even More Updates Easier Route Sharing: Share and send routes to others over text messages and social media. Select the link to open the route and view data like elevation, distance, waypoints, and more. - Accessible RHR Data: Resting Heart Rate during the day will now be predicted based on sleep heart rate, which will provide an automatic way to get your RHR data. - Favorite Locations: Create favorite Locations on the Explore page for quick access when creating new routes. Before drawing a route, click the location and edit and name the location directly. - Merge points on custom routes: Merge "start" and "end" points on your routes created on the Explore page. Merge the points in the upper right corner to the left of the bottom button. - WiFi: Improved Wifi connection to speed up the installation of firmware updates. - Extended Activity Recording option: Previously, the longest activity you could record was 200 hours. Additionally, that was the maximum number of hours users could record on their watch before syncing to the COROS App. This has been extended to 1200 hours. - What is the Chamonix Edition, and how is it different? Limited release 3000 x units worldwide If you aspire to train hard and move fast outdoors, there's no more iconic base than Chamonix. The spiritual home of trail running and gateway to the epic terrain of Mont Blanc, this special edition APEX 2 Pro celebrates one of the greatest places on earth to train and trail-blaze. ALPINE INSPIRED COLORS Far from the green that dominates the lower slopes, the blue and grey colors echo Mont Blanc's high elevations where rock and glacier meet the piercing sky. - Price - £448.00 - Walk and talk on the Coros Apex 2 – next Wednesday – 6th September, I take the watch for a 20-mile walk in the Cheviot Hills - We have both become big fans of the Coros Apex 2 range of watc...

Our thoughts on Motorola Defy - Satellite Link, Coros watches and Andy's top tips In this month’s podcast – With the Motorola defy – Satellite Link being with us for a couple of months now we talk more in-depth about everybody experience with this all-new two-way satellite communicator We have an in-depth chat about the Coros range of GPS watches We then have Andy’s top tips - Motorola Defy – Satellite Link It has been with us for a couple of months now, what is it? Key features – Price Price of contracts Does not use Iridium satellites – always logged on (high orbit satellites, always same place in sky What makes it different to existing products – Garmin Messenger, inReach mini 2, Zoleo We have just 117 to date. (as of 1 hour ago), what are people's thoughts Andy? I have never seen a product sell the way it has. If you want to find out more please go to GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-way satellite communicator         - Coros Watches Coros Apex or Coros Apex 2 Pro – what are the differences If you want to find out more please go to GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > GPS Watches -  Andy’s Top Tips

The Spine Challenger race - Post-event catch-up. As both Andy and I competed in it and we both have our own stories from the event we thought it best to bring in a guest presenter this month. And this is Jane, my long-suffering wife, who also has her own Spine story after spending lots of time in the area, both when I was personally out doing my recce’s of the route and also running around, dropping off, dot watching and just like Andy and myself getting very little sleep during the event itself. If you have not already done so, please go back and listen to last month’s podcast, when we had our pre-event chat, if you are looking for the ‘back story’. If you can support us - Jon - https://www.justgiving.com/team/jonspine Andy - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger   So, if people don’t know Andy, what is the Summer Spine Challenger South race? 108 miles in total 60 hours to complete Total Ascent: 5451 metres, 17,883 feet 1 checkpoint (Hebdon Bridge) – 46 miles Soft checkpoint (1.5) (Malham Tarn) – 84.5 miles How far to did each of you get? - Andy - Jon Let’s go all the way back to the start, we actually the day before – Registration – kit check – Friday afternoon, day before the event - Kit check - tracker – received the Saturday morning - Race number 4. Race morning – Start to CP1 (Hebdon Bridge) – 46 miles - Progress - Difficulty - Weather - How did each of you manage – highs/ lows/ speed/ difficulty - Time arrived – CP1 – what did you do at CP and what time did you get away? - Jon - Andy CP1 – CP 1.5 – 46 miles to 84.5 miles (38.5 miles leg) - Andy, take us through the xx miles from CP1, how did you feel initially, when did things start taking a turn for the worse? - Nausea – when did this start Andy? What where you feeling - Andy reached – Lothersdale – Mileage 64 miles ish – Time ?? Talk me through those 20 miles from CP1 to Lothersdale? How did you get back and where did you get back to. Jon, you hooked up with x 3 walkers coming out of CP1, was this planned? I know you where still with them when I met you at xxx yyy Weather leaving CP1 Daylight Feet I met you at Lothersdale, a little bit of a Father’s Day surprise? Your next stop was Gargrave (74 miles in – 28 miles into day 2), I know this was a key point to get to as it was one of the few places you could stock up with supplies – Co-op Then I met you again at Malham – 83.5 miles   Weather was a little different than the last time we walked that section, was the Ice Cream van there?   CP1.5 – Malham Tarn - Rain - I was hoping to sleep just after CP1.5, but with the weather I decided to push on   Fountains Fell – tent, started to hallucinate. Dropped down to Rainscar road – just before climb up to Peny-y-Ghent Slept – 12.30 – 1.00 am Pen-y-Ghent summit – 2.00 am   Horton in Ribblesdale – 4.20 am – leader overtook me at 4.00 am – official footage from the Spine Race   Finish 12.04 – Hardraw, just past Hawes

The Spine Challenger race - Special mid-month podcast If you can support us - Jon - https://www.justgiving.com/team/jonspine Andy - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger In this special ‘mid-month’ podcast we are going to look ahead to the Spine Challenger Race, which starts on Saturday 17th June. As many of you may know Andy completed 95ish miles of this event last year, he is back again to ‘finish what he started last year’, and I will be also participating in this event. Therefore, you are going to listen in on our pre event chat, as I try and prize Andy’s expertise from him and learn from the lessons he learnt from participating in last year’s event. Podcast 72 – Andy’s pre-walk interview Podcast 74 – Andy’s post-walk podcast   So, if people don’t know Andy, what is the Summer Spine Challenger South race?60 hours to complete? 108 miles in total? Total Ascent: 5451 metres Total Descent: 5449 metres   Other events taking place over the same period -- Sprint race – Edale to Hebdon Bridge – 46 miles 18 hours to complete Total Ascent: 2017 metres Total Descent: 2033 metres - Summer Spine Challenger North – Hardraw – Kirk Yetholm -  160 miles Time Limit: 96 hours Total Ascent: 5,290 metres Total Descent: 5,591 metres - Full Spine race – Edale to Kirk Yetholm - Start: Edale, Derbyshire, UK Finish: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders Distance: 268 miles Time Limit: 156 hours Finish Time: 20:00 June 24th 2023 Total Ascent: 10,732 metres Total Descent: 10,941 metres Spine Challenger walk - 108 miles Checkpoint 1 – 46 miles – Hebdon Bridge Soft checkpoint – Malham Tarn – 84 miles What are you going to do differently this time? Lessons learnt? What did you mainly navigate with – GPS Unit, watch, map? Hardest part of the course? What have you learnt about your body? What have you learnt about your kit, anything different this time? Registration Live tracking Many thanks for joining me on this special ‘mid-month’ GPS Training podcast      

All new Garmin watches (Epix Pro (Gen 2) and Fenix 7 PRO), getting our hands on the Motorola Defy and Coros watches In this month’s podcast – Garmin Epix Pro (gen 2) and Fenix 7 pro launched yesterday Garmin GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE - what have we learnt to date? Motorola Defy - Satellite link Coros watches Andy’s top tips   Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) and Fenix 7 PRO – launched yesterday Epix Pro (Gen 2) is now x 3 sizes – 42 mm (same as Fenix S version) – 10 days battery life 47 mm (same as current version) – 16 days battery life 51 mm (same as Fenix X version) – 31 days battery life New 5th generation Heart rate monitor Flashlight built in to all models £30.00 price increase – (42mm an 47mm) - £929.99 £999.99 for the 51mm version Fenix 7 pro – Still – s, normal and x (same sizes as above) Flashlight built in to all models 100% charging now comes from ring around Bezel – was 10% from behind screen – Therefore better screen clarity To find more about the Garmin EPIX Pro (Gen2) and Fenix 7 Pro please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > GPS watches   Garmin GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE - what have we learnt to date? Garmin GPSMAP 67/ 67i Battery Life, new wifi download / update of topo active Europe plus other regions now avail, i version now multiband dual frequency   Garmin eTrex SE Walk and talk on the Garmin eTrex SE   To find more about the Garmin GPSMAP 67/ 67i and eTrex SE please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units   An update on the Motorola Defy, the ‘budget’ satellite communicator Last week I walked in Yorkshire with Antony and Aman from Bullitt, the company who has created the Motorola Defy – Satellite Link Walk and Talk went live yesterday for the Motorola Defy - Satellite Link – Wednesday 31st May 2023   00:00 – An introduction to the walk and talk with the Motorola Defy Satellite Link and the key features, as described by Antony, from the Bullitt Group 07:16 – Amon joins us from the sales team from Bullitt 10:50 – How the Motorola Defy Satellite Link works and what buttons are on the device 11:00 – A look at the app that works alongside the Motorola Defy Satellite Link 14:00 – How to send and receive messages from the Motorola Defy Satellite Link 15:50 – The durability of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link 16:25 – What happens when you press the SOS button on the Motorola Defy Satellite Link 19:32 – The key features of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link   Coros watches  Just started to stock Models – Apex 2 £349 Apex 2 pro £449 Compare Fenix 7 Standard £559, GPS 57hrs, all 40hrs, weight 79g , not sapphire glass Benefits, compared to Garmin Price – with quality materials sapphire titanium – light pro 53g, standard 42g Battery compared to cheaper watches Apex 2 pro 75hrs GPS-Qzss – 45hrs 5 x Satellites – 26hrs 5 x + dual frequency Apex 2 45hrs GPS-Qzss – 30hrs 5 x Satellites App has very easy to use planning – waypoints adding for ahead points Scroll wheel still allows scroll through data screens with lock to stop accidental pause only Less features but enough easier to use ??   The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips GPSMap67 – great battery – keep eye with iq widget  battery widget with automatic charge detection With unit on tap power button once and right keypad arrow move to widget   eTrex SE – pair with Explore app – download maps offline to app, when tracking app uses SE gps location and shows your moving or navigating Route on app   Coros Apex 2 watches – When recording activity and navigating – hold button in unlock – scroll to map press scroll wheel + & - displays use scroll wheel to zoom in out remember to press back button once before screen locks 5 seconds, if back button pressed when on map after zoom in will zoom out ...

The all-new Garmin GPSMAP 67, 67i and eTrex SE In this month’s podcast – We look at the all-new Garmin GPSMAP 67 and 67i We then also look at the all-new Garmin eTrex SE An update on the Motorola Defy, the ‘budget’ satellite communicator Andy’s top tips   The Garmin GPSMAP 67 and 67i Replacement for 66sr and 66s has been discontinued (but we still have some stock of 66s unit). Big changes are battery life, multi-band / dual frequency now avail on inReach model, USB-C connection. 67 – upto 180hrs GPS + Auto record, 67i with 10min tracking 160hrs 67 – GPS, Galileo, Glonass 67i – GPS, Galileo, Beidou Buy as a bundle option – Topo Active + 1:50k or 1:250, 1:50k and 1:25k with unit only - £469.99 with TOPO PRO 1:50k OS maps - £569.99 with TOPO PRO 1:50k and 1:25k OS maps - £759.99 To find more about the Garmin GPSMAP 67 and 67i please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units   Garmin eTrex SE  A completely different unit, replacement for the Garmin eTrex 10? Multi-Band – GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, BEidou Explore App Live Geocache 168hrs Battery USB C Electronic Compass Higher contrast resolution Paired with phone , weather, notifications , Retailing for £149.99 To find more about the Garmin SE please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units   An update on the Motorola Defy, the ‘budget’ satellite communicator Should have been launched mid April, Then end April And now mid May ….. No working prototype Then just this afternoon, I received the following email .... I hope you have been well? It has been a while since we last spoke, are you free tomorrow or early this week so I can give you an update on the MDSL and arrange a date for you to test it? And Motorola phone with this technology in (Motorola defy 2), has also been delayed. We really need proven, reliable technology when out in the hills So let’s see!   The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips GPSMap67 - If updated using Garmin Express or via WIfi to latest f/w 4.80 you have quick access to flashlight by tapping power button once Mobe down to flashlight and press Enter - repeat to turn off From the main menu you can also access main flashlight icon and use the SOS setting - if not in main menu select Add page - Select Applications Select Flashlight eTrex SE - when paired with Explore app you can have set for notification from your phone - with there mean no turn alert or vibrate on the unit messages only appear for approx 20 seconds  - to check if any message hold back arrow button for a couple of seconds to goto Glances - scroll down notifications - press ok to read - once notifications cleared from your phone they clear on device If you do not want notifications - Settings - Phone - Selected notifications okay toggles on or off   To find more top tips please sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar   And Finally Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast. If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING! Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses. Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using. AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it. If you can also snazzy review on whatever platfor...

The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator. In this month's podcast The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator The multiband problems many of you have been experiencing and the fix The Outdoor Show at the Birmingham NEC, get yourself a ticket, and find GPS Training there. Andy’s top tips    The all-new Motorola Defy, a true ‘budget’ satellite communicator Last week this was launched and it certainly will be a ‘disrupter’ in this ever-evolving marketplace of two-way satellite communicators. Uses Inmarsat and Echostar satellite systems (Geostationary i.e. always at the same point in the sky) Inmarsat built in uk assembled in Toulouse by Airbus defense, 14 satellites, echostar 10 satellites, L Band high speed – in tests messages 10 – 20 seconds SOS response manned by people – Focuspoint SOS response center (Same one used by Spot Head office Florida , offices in 16 x locations) Works with an app on both Android10 and IOS14 Uses both cellular, wifi coverage or satellites – intelligent switch with app to save Satellite messages when not needed using wifi or mobile If you send a message to someone without the app the message gets them to download the app – app to app messages Produced for Motorola by a company called Bullitt – who already releasing phones with technology built inbuilt this is a Satellite link, like the Garmin inReach messenger and Zoleo BUT, the big thing is the cost. Both the Zoleo and Garmin products start from £200.00 for the device and monthly cost from £12.99 / £18.00 a month and activation fee, Motorola Defy device for £149.99 includes 30 x messages a month with no fees for a year After year 1 options £4.99 month 30 messages per month , £9.99 a month 125 messages per month ,£29.99 a month 400 messages per month + a great package called freedom pay £59.99 for the year and get 250 x messages total but could be 5 one month then 50 the next (250 total for the year) gets around people who don’t walk/ explore every week etc – use intensively then not at all) SOS assist included Overage bolt-ons available Get device and 1 year subscription for £149.99 or device on its own for £99.99 Currently working in Europe and North America and Australia, New Zealand and Latin America my mid 2023 and all other regions before the end of the year- really fro land based eg only approx. 30miles out to sea from coastlines Waterproof (IP68 rating) meaning it’s sand, grit, dirt and dustproof as well as fully waterproof, MIL Spec 810h, only 70grams, 11mm thick Check in, share your location and send/ receive messages. SOS button and Check-in button can be used without connected app Live tracking is coming down the line and my answer to the cost of this was – the ‘bolt on price’ is TBC The only downside I can see is 12 hours of battery life but great for the day walker – just in case based on 2 check-ins and hour, due to size thinking waterproof bag, power bank, only 600mah battery from usb-c hence would not need big power bank Available Mid-April this year So my thoughts are for the day walker/ climber/ cyclist/ remote worker this really does make two-way satellite communication accessible. For the ‘explorer’ or those spending a lot of time ‘off grid’ and want a better battery life, grid ref etc (inReach mini) the Garmin and Zoleo products will meet those requirements. As comparison Zoleo 12min tracking 200hrs + Messenger 46 days with 30min tracking, inreach mini2 30 days with 30min tracking To find more about the Motorola Defy please go to our website > GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-Way Satellite Communicators   Multi-band problem - Garmin GPSMAP 66sr What was the problem?   Solution? in last weeks newsletter   Outdoor Show – or to be more precise – The National Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC 18th and 19th March GPS Training have a stand – J23

How is Shepherd's Walks made up? x 4 aspects of the business in 2024 – multi-million-pound turnover Shepherds Walks – Events, courses, retailer and guided walks Shepherds Walks Holidays – Guided and self-guided walking holidays Capricorn Mohair Socks – 60 + trade accounts and retail GPS Training/ Outdoor GPS Shop – largest retailer of Outdoor GPS units in the UK, I know what our competitors sell, not very professional to say what they sell 1999 – Shepherds Walks – Northumbrian Shepherds Walks - But, let’s go a back a little further than that I’m Jon Monks – School – not academic, school just did not work for me - Dyslexic But excelled and Cubs, Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Hiking competitions Maps made more sense to me than text in a book Career choice - work outdoors – farmer? Career officer – School Career office – St Helens James Hayes Lancashire College of Agriculture – Careers office YTS x 2 years – Arable framing College x 3 years – Dairy and finally sheep   Post college – Australia, Lord Carnarvon (Highclere Estate) and Northumberland x 2 jobs 1999 – Shepherds Walks – Wrote walking guides (from a Shepherds perspective) The web was made for walking – marketing Telegraph, Guardian, Radio 4 (Ramblings x 2), Countryfile, Country Walking Magazine Country Shows, Farmers Markets – really learning how to sell – hard work 2005 – Went full-time – Health Walks Barclays Bank, Local District Council (now dispended) – Small business adviser and Business Link   Hard to make money, as did not really have a viable business - Had a small shop/ unit on a converted farm with coffee shop and 8 other small ‘more crafty’ businesses. Guided walks, self-led walking guides, maps, local history books, postcards etc 2006 – Bought Capricorn Mohair Socks Needing 36k to buy business 15k bank, 15k our own money but 6k VAT Became VAT registered after this – 75k ish turnover 2006/ 2007 – Selling GPS units – Contacting Peter Judd and Sheep Trails Started selling GPS units/ training courses 2008 – Shepherds Walks Holidays – part of Saddle Skedaddle   2014 – Bought GPS Training – doubled my turnover – not scared of talking figures (125k x 2 – ¼ million turnover) – But more about that in next weeks podcast   And what a story that is – GPS Training Covid – First lockdown - March 2020 Started to understand that often less is more – My shepherding background was the more I went around the sheep at lambing time the more sheep I would have, but this was not the case with GPST We had a great stable base to build the business on – 50k Bounce back loan New website – GPST Jan 2021 – Built in Christmas/ January lockdown SWH – 2022 – invest or die after Covid SW – Jan 2022 Moved to our current premises – April 2023 (got keys on 1st February) If you have not seen the video of us building the new offices please do, I will leave a link in the show notes - https://gpstraining.co.uk/blogs/news/the-build-shepherds-walks-ltd We took over an empty unit (2,250 sq ft, 209 sq m) on 1st February 2023 and in 10 weeks spent weekends and evenings building our new office, training room and warehouse. This was literally a new start – as we were in charge of our own destiny and I think it really reflects what Shepherds Walks Ltd is all about. So that brings you up to date with where we currently are. The x 4 businesses really keep us busy. Next week I look in depth at GPS Training – how it was started and what has happened in the business over the past x 10 years. In this I will talk you through the biggest challenge I have ever set out on – But this subject is, i.e. the first 10 years of GPS Training

Accuracy, iPhone SOS, updated videos and Andy's top tips How accurate is an Outdoor GPS unit/ GPS watch and what settings can you adjust to make it better and also what other factors affect accuracy? New videos in the GPS Training online resource – what new videos have we added and a special discount code Apple iPhone 14 SOS facility, initial thoughts? Andy’s top tips     How accurate is an Outdoor GPS unit/ GPS watch and what settings can you adjust to make it better and also what other factors effect accuracy. Currently in Orbit GPS – 31 with 24 operational 95% of the time – Dual Frequency L1 & L5 In March 2021, about 52% of GPS satellites had L5. By 2023, we expect about 71% GLONASS – 23 Operational – Single Frequency L1 GALILEO – 30 with 24 operational – Dual Frequency E1 & E5 Accuracy We tend to find using  GPS & Galileo we achieve approx.. 10ft (3m) Glonass similar We have seen with GPS & Galileo / WASS & EGNOS on with a high sensitive antenna GPS Device e.g. GPSMap 65,66,86 Montana 700 Series accuracy down to approx. 8ft (2.5m) We tend to find with Multi Band + GNSS  using a GPSMap65s or 66sr unit accuracy approx. – 7ft (2M) we have seen this down as low as 5ft (1.5m) Things that affect accuracy - How are you holding the device, view of sky, tall buildings cliffs etc. A handheld Device needs to lock onto 4 x Satellites locked to determine both your location and GPS height data.   Etrex 10,22x,32x, Touch 25 & 35 use GPS or GPS & Glonass + Waas / Egnoss Oregon 700– use GPS or GPS & Glonass + Waas / Egnoss GPSMap66s uses GPS or GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss GPSMap66i uses GPS or GPS & Galileo + Wass Egnoss Montana 700 uses GPS or GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss Montana 700i / 750i uses GPS or GPS & Galileo + Wass / Egnoss GPSMap65s & 66sr – GPS or Multi GNSS or Multi GNSS + Multi Band Multi GNSS Picks up GPS, GLONASS & Galileo Multi GNSS + Multi Band (Dual Frequency) - GPS, GLONASS & Galileo L1 (e1)  & GPS & Galileo L5 (e5) When the 65 or 66sr receives multi-band from a satellite, it can use those multiple signals to do quality analysis and correction, reducing the error introduced by bouncing signals (multi-path error) and the earth's atmosphere. What Advantages Do Multi-Band Devices Have Over Other Models? More consistent tracklogs and improved positioning when using the device in challenging environments (e.g. around tall buildings in urban canyons as well as tree cover). Can achieve accuracy within about +/- 2 meters or 6 feet under ideal conditions versus the +/- 3 meters or 10 feet accuracy of other models. Detect (and reject) reflected satellite signals better than a single frequency receiver which improves accuracy. Better equipped to account for and correct errors that can be introduced by atmospheric effects (e.g. ionosphere errors).   WAAS - Wide Area Augmentation System WAAS consists of multiple ground reference stations positioned across the U.S. 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 1 of 2 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...

It’s our New Year edition and today we have a special guest, Toby Simms. Toby this year has walked the length of Britain, from Cape Wrath the most northwesterly tip of the British mainland to Hastings, his home, in the southeast of England. A journey of over 1,200 miles.

It's Christmas time, let's see what the world is talking about this year as we approach the festive season. In this month’s podcast – As it is our December podcast, we have to look forward to Christmas and the products everybody is wanting at this time this Christmas. GPS Training courses – Gift for Christmas Using your mobile phone as the temperatures start to plummet Andy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast   First of all, we look forward to Christmas and the products everybody is wanting at this time this Christmas. Two-way satellite communicators – the big change over the past year inReach messenger, Zoleo to compliment inReach mini2, 66i. 700i and 750i It has certainly got us thinking the best way to communicate whilst off grid with the apps a. umber of these devices are now using GPS watches Best budget – Garmin Instinct Best top end – Garmin Fenix 7 We have adjusted prices this past week so very competitive on price Don’t forget you get Gold Support package GPS Units Best budget – 32x, 65s Best top end – 66s, 66sr (mention stock of 66sr coming up to Christmas – Garmin no stock until Mid to Late Jan 2023) Best large screen – Montana 700 Don't forget you get - Online resource and support packages from us from GPS Training. Best accessories for presents – Stocking fillers Headtorches – discussed in last month’s podcast Aquapacks – for phones and rucksacks GPS Training bobble hats! GPS courses – Gift for Christmas If people keep asking you what you want for Christmas, why not get that person to book you onto a place on our two-day training courses we have around the country. Two ways of doing this – Book onto a date/ course and if you can’t make it please give us plenty of time and we can move it – mention it’s for a present when they/ you book Or buy a gift voucher for the value of the course – more here (GPS Store > Gift Vouchers) £185.00 – two-day Garmin course £99.99 – one-day SatMap course  Course locations Clayton, South Downs Burley, New Forest Ashleworth, Gloucestershire Braybrook, Northamptonshire Calver, Peak District Mungrisdale, Lake District Rothbury, Northumberland Peebles, Scottish Borders To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > then select either Garmin or SatMap courses   Using your mobile phone outdoors – now the UK temperatures have started to plummet 15% - 20% loss of battery life in winter in the UK it’s possible for your iPhone to suddenly die despite indicating 30% battery lifetime left. So why is it that your iPhone battery dies in cold weather? If your phone’s level of warmth drops below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) or gets above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) its function is likely to fail. Use a High-Tech Thermal Protection Case in winter months. It will help maintain the temperature of your mobile phone in hot or cold weather. Keep your phone in an internal pocket so it can maintain a constant temperature from your natural body warmth. Try not to take many photos or record videos in extremely low temperatures. These are battery-draining activities that exacerbate the drain in cold weather. Use an external charger to give your mobile phone battery a boost when it needs it. Also helpful when it’s extra cold just in case your phone unexpectedly dies on you mid-day.   The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips Zoleo Two Way Satellite – if you are not paying for the Location Share + as an add-on (£4.50 per month) for live tracking, as Check-in messages are now free with all packages why not use the simple check in message (tick icon on unit) or from the app or from the app using the tick icon , if you want your location to also be shown goto cogwheel (Setup) on app – Check-in,

What is going on at SatMap ..... head torches for the darker nights and who has been pressing the SOS buttons on Garmin's inReach devices? In this month’s podcast – SatMap - update As we go into the darker night’s upon us we are going to look at head torches With Garmin hitting 10,000 Garmin inReach® SOS Incidents we look at how they are broken down Andy’s top tips   SatMap update After we told the world what was going on at SatMap back in August it’s great to SatMap have chosen to now tell their customers. In the last month, our phone has been hot with people asking what their options are going forward. So who are SatMap Andy and what where the main benefits of this GPS unit? So here we go lets quick fire a few questions – Will SatMap Expedition continue? – SatMap software systems Will their app continue Have you got any spare batteries? Will you be getting any more batteries in stock? What will happen when my current battery fails? Do you have any accessories? – Yes, carry cases, lanyards, backplates, quadlock accessories Are SatMap/ or you going to be able to get any overseas mapping Can you still get tech support from SatMap Are SatMap still honouring their warranties?   Headtorches With the clocks changing last weekend I see the Mountain rescue teams have, rightly, started a large campaign telling everybody they should be carrying a headtorch, as you can easily be caught out now the nights have drawn in. We are not going to review headtorches (I will link to an article doing this in the show notes), but wea re just going to discuss the main things to think about when looking at headtorches – Brand 2. Lumens – off set between brightness and battery life Battery life Battery type – rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries and hybrid Boost mode – some headtorches have this feature Weight How waterproof – as they will be on your head, whatever the weather Other extras some have – rear light on back etc   Best budget headtorch and price? Nebo 750 – 250 lumen weight 110g, IPX4– We like the boost of 750 lumen looking further down the trail – 250 lumens 5hrs £28.99 Best top-end headtorch and price? Trail Runner free 400 lumen – weight 119g , IPX5– We like the Unclip of battery pack when cold to increase battery life and takes weight away, red led on back when running, intelligent twin beam long and close, higher ip rating than Nebo, 400 lumens 2hrs - £68.99 Both have low setting to increase battery when not needing standard Nebo 15hrs 80 lumens Silva15hrs 50 lumens Top tips for using a headtorch – Practice – like anything the more you use it and get to grips with it, the more familiar you are with it Have as low (brightness) as you can get away with Carry spare batteries/ headtorch Change/ charge your battery if you know you are going to be using it Store it in your rucksack somewhere where you know it is, easy to get access to 6. Keep Spare batteries close to body to keep warm will improve performance   For more information read the full article online here   Garmin inReach – last month Garmin hit hitting 10,000 Garmin inReach® SOS Incidents – we look at how they are broken down - What is Garmin inReach? With inReach satellite technology from Garmin and a satellite subscription, you can stay in touch globally. You can send and receive messages, navigate your route (Not messenger ), track and share your journey and, if necessary, trigger an SOS to get help from a 24/7 global emergency response coordination centre via the 100% global Iridium®satellite network. - What GPS units/ products have inReach technology built in? Handhelds GPSMap66i, 86i, Montana 700i, 750i InReach Mini1 & 2, New Messenger What are people doing when they trigger an SOS? An overwhelming 39% of SOS triggers come from adventurers who are out hiking or backpacking.

Two-way satellite communicators and GPS Training In this month’s podcast – A bit of a theme running through this month’s podcast with the launch of 2 new products in the last few weeks Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicator Garmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in it GPS courses – 2023 dates in place Andy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast   Zoleo – Two-way satellite communicator What is it? ZOLEO connects with your phone or tablet to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile network coverage — plus added safety features you can count on worldwide including industry-leading SOS alerting features. Message anywhere over satellite, mobile network and Wi-Fi SOS emergency alerting with 24/7 monitoring and progress reports Check-in to let others know you’re OK Share your GPS location   Garmin inReach messenger – launched in the last few days Compact/ Rugged design Two-way messaging Garmin Messenger app Check in messages Trackback routing On device display InReach weather Battery life – 28 days Safety charging – for mobile phone SOS Location sharing Comparing these two very similar products – which is best?   Garmin Positives against Zoleo More standalone eg small screen allows selecting of pre-set messages, typing a message, viewing weather data , receiving & viewing messages – do not necessarily need phone paired Screen has basic trackback arrow Better Battery Smaller lighter No charge for preset messages Messenger app works seamlessly for message to come either via mobile data or Satellite Reverse charge to phone – make sure you have USB C to phone cable with you   Against compared to Zoleo Min Safety package £12.99 annually contract or £14.99 for month by month freedom does not include tracking £0.10 per point need to really use tracking you would want to us recreation package £24.99 annual contract or £34.99 for month by month Zoleo min package £18.00 + £4.50 location share Zoleo min 3 months then can suspend but £3.50 a month for suspend Costs £40.00 more than Zoleo Harder to transfer between family members than Zoleo To message you friends do need to install Garmin messenger app having said that easy to use app   Zoleo Positive against Garmin Designated email address and number, giving number to contacts they do not need any apps unless they want to track you Very easy do unpair from phone and give to another family member to use and pair £40.00 cheaper With tracking you can use the £18.00 + £4.50 add on, although less messages than Garmins mid package you would save £2.50 per month Less features potentially some customers my find easier to use – one simple check in button Potentially bigger patch antenna in testing messages using satellite very quick need to test against Garmin to compare Good range of accessories for carrying – car mount   GPS in the Hills – we will look at what this is and the areas we are covering in it   This course is for those who have been on our two-day Garmin GPS Training course. If you have been on a course in the last 5 years and have not been given a discount code (which halves the price of this course) please do get in touch with us. The week leading up to the course - Live Zoom tutorial taking you through the route planning process. If you are unable to make this there will be a recording available. On the day- straight out onto the hill - - Following the pre-planned route - Looking at the different navigational experiences for a route, track, and course - Trackback - we will do a trackback taking us back the way we came - Creating a route directly on the unit - Managing an emergency situation - what options do ...

This month I have a special guest Laura Briggs Laura has just completed The Macmillan Way (23rd July) - 290 miles from Boston to Abbotsbury - run it in the fastest known time (6 days) First of all Laura can you tell us a little bit about your previous running experience, what kind of running have you done in the past, and a little bit about yourself?  And why did you set yourself the challenge to run the McMillan Way in the Fastest Time?  Mo was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 40, and told the devastating news that she had only weeks to live. That was back in 2017. The cancer had aggressively spread from the breast to include the stomach, lungs, kidney, bowel, skin, bones and eye orbital and was categorised as a terminal stage 4 secondary cancer. Her initial diagnosis was extended to a few months, with the onset of weekly chemotherapy. Six years on and amazing Mo is still undergoing palliative care treatment through Yeovil Hospital's Macmillan Ward, and is still able to enjoy a decent quality of life with her wonderful husband Ben. As most of you will know, I love running. I've always wanted to run a challenge for a really good reason, and I couldn't really think of a better reason. Mo can't run right now - she can't even walk up hills so well, but she still has a quality of life together with Ben, and that's been made possible thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support. So, while Mo can't run, I can run for her. And I'm going to run The Macmillan Way - a 290-mile trail which runs from Boston in Lincolnshire, to Abbotsbury in Dorset. I plan to run it in the fastest known time - which at the time of writing, I don't think is even recorded. So I'll take it as a first. So you had the 23rd July in your diary to do this record attempt, what training where you doing building up to it?  Let’s go through this epic journey - What time did you start? - Big send off? - Nervous, excited, apprehensive   - Number of miles ran per day? - Did you run it all or walk sections? - How much did you sleep? - Navigating – Garmin GPSMAP 65s .gpx file of route 1:1 Zoom with Andy what did he cover with you ahead of the challenge piecing together the .gpx files yourself, top of the class for doing this - High point/ low point At any point did you think I am not going to complete this? What kept you motivated What did you eat? Planned out meals? If you did it again, what would you do differently Many thanks, Laura for joining me on this special GPS Training podcast, if people want to find out more about your journey please visit - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/briggsy1

One year on - the free OS route planning software, magnetic bands/ apple watches, Using your Fenix for walking, hiking, cycling, and what is going on with SatMap?   In this month’s podcast – One year – GPS Training free route planning software Magnetic bands/ apple watches and Outdoor GPS units Using your Fenix for walking, hiking, cycling etc What is going on at SatMap? Andy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast   The GPS Training free route planning software It’s 1 year since we put this in place What is it Andy? It gives you the ability to plan in 1:25k maps, even if you don’t have 1:25k maps on your unit Garmin and SatMap users, both handhelds and watches Questions we get asked all the time – Why is it free? 1 year in How do I download it? You don’t How do I get the .gpx file on my GPS unit/ watch? – Training videos Can I use it on a tablet? New feature reverse route – welcome screen   To find out more and to use the free OS route planning software go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on OS Planner on the top menu bar   Magnetic bands/ Apple watches and an Outdoor GPS Unit Back story – Andy Fenix watches – not a problem Just be aware of this, it would be interesting to hear if anybody else has experienced something similar.     Using your Fenix for cycling, walking and hiking, with more to come   This is a series of videos we are releasing every other week. Just x 3 to date, but lots more to come. Hiking with navigation Cycling Running Ultra event / Walk or Run Using Fenix 7 with an inReach Device In these, we are looking at the different data screens, navigational experiences, and data you can monitor whilst doing these different activities.   To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > Using a Garmin Fenix 7 for ……    What is going on at SatMap?We are getting a large number of people asking us – what is going on at SatMap? People are telling us nobody from SatMap are responding to their emails. They were looking for a 2 million pound investment to develop a SatMap Active 30 and 40, I did have an online meeting with them at this stage and everything was very exciting. What will happen to – Xpedition 2 Warranty claims We still very much have communication with the parent company who are managing things on a day-by-day basis. Accessories, batteries, bungs etc – Please do get them whilst they are still here. Are we going to get any more units or accessories in? Units – Unsure Accessories - No To look at the accessories etc for the SatMap Active 20 please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store > Accessories   The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips- We discussed it last month – Manage maps on the Montana – videos in the online resource – Garmin Devices – Montana 700 – Module 1 units 3 & 4 - Following on from Magnetic bracelet apple watch – calibrating compass on Garmin and SatMap tips To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar    And Finally Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast. If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING! Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unit Please do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses. Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.

In this special 'mid-month' podcast we talk to Andy, from GPS Training after he participated in the 2022 Spine Challenger race. I asked him the following - What is the Spine Challenger race? 60 hours to complete? 109 miles in total? How did you get on and how far did you get? How much money did you raise? What time did you start on Saturday morning? Weather? What did you mainly navigate with – GPS Unit, watch, map? Sleep? – CP 46 miles in? – did you stop – Location of CP? What was the High point - personal? What was the Low point - personal? Lessons learned from the walk? Are you going to do it again? Any different prep or events you will do as you build up to again i.e. next year’s event? Many thanks for joining me on this special ‘mid-month’ GPS Training podcast You can listen and read Andy's 'pre-walk' interview online here.

In this month’s podcast – Grid reference finder, how to convert a reference from anywhere around the world Garmin’s Topo Active maps – an recent update to solve a past problem for updating these maps Wireless transfer and following a course – a new addition to our two-day GPS training course Andy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast   Grid reference finder Website - https://gridreferencefinder.com/ What is it? UK type in Postcode, address, or Grid ref , X Y Eastings Northings, Lat Long – it then displays all of the above eg just type in the postcode you then have Grid Ref info for GPS device How can we use it? Example Converting foreign ref’s for customers stops in Spain into easy-to-understand format for Garmin basecamp to create Waypoints – will run through the process of what I did On our course, we look at finding Grid references etc. to get to the starting point for a Route To find out more about Grid Ref Finder -  https://gridreferencefinder.com/   Garmin Topo Active maps Preloaded on etrex22/32 GPSMap65s, GPSMap66i, GPSMap66Sr, Montana 700i & 750i Fenix 7 sapphire range all have Topo Active Europe as well (+Ski Maps)Great Map to use when you are abroad, especially in conjunction with GPX files to follow overlayed on top of the map Cover all of Europe- Free Updates, Latest updates earlier in the year have added more detail for some countries including Contour Lines – this is great but does take up more memory Full Topo Active – Nearly 8gb Now 3 x Regions West – 2.50gb East – 2.50gb Central – 2.72gb City navigator – Nearly 6gb For etrex22/32 Montana 700i & 750i you need to really use a 16gb Micro Card In our Tips, we will go into this in more detail   Wirelessly transfer and following a course We discussed in last month’s Podcast the new feature – following a course Andy, if people did not listen to last month’s podcast – What is a course? Thanks to my participants on last weekend’s Garmin Course, Rothbury, for being my Guinea Pigs. We have now brought it into our day one syllabus on our 2-day Garmin GPS course Garmin GPS Training Courses (two day, nationwide) - South Downs New Forest Northamptonshire Gloucestershire Peak District Lake District Northumberland Scottish Borders   To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Training Courses (top Menu bar) > Garmin Classroom-based courses   The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips New Feature in Garmin Express for windows / mac currently with Montana 700i / 750i after last software updates – Manage Maps When you check for updates you as not enough memory now for all maps new Feature manage Maps City navigator – Change Region – as well as full Europe split into 10 x Options Topo Active Full Europe or either East, Central, West West UK, Port, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, madeira, Canaries, Azores East – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey etc Central the rest More flexible saves potential use of micro card Other units etrex22/32 or if you want all on 700i, 750i separate 16gb card (max 32gb) 65s, 66u, 66sr standard Montana 700 for time being okay When viewing Topo Active Maps for more details goto Setup – Map – Advanced detail level Normal change to More or Msot   To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar

This weekend Andy heads out on an epic 109 miles as he participates in the Spine Challenger race, we catch up with him a couple of days before the event. Live tracking for event - https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2022/Andy Ayre - Number 110 Andy's Just Giving Page - more here

In this month’s podcast 1. We look back this year's Spine Race and how we each got on - 00:50 2. TwoNav software update – what has changed - 22:22 3. Apple's announcement – Two-way satellite communication - 28:06 4. Andy’s top tips - 36:10   1. We look back to this year’s Spine Event Andy took part in - Spine Challenger South – Started Saturday morning – 15th June – 108 miles 60 hours to complete Edale to Hardraw CP1 – Hebdon Hay, CP 1.5 – Malham Tarn Jon took part in - Spine Challenger North – Started Monday morning – 17th June - 160 miles 90 hours to complete Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders CP1 – Low Way Farm, Middleton on Teesdale CP2 – Alston YH CP3 – Bellingham CP3.5 – Byrness Completed it in 86 hours and 10 mins Highpoints – First 37 miles to CP1 (Low Fell Farm, near to Middleton in Teesdale) and then section that follows River Tees, it’s truly stunning, especially as the sun set. Low points – Eating, first part of Cheviot Hills Jon’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/spinenorthjon Andy’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger   2.   TwoNav software update   3. Satellite Texting Is Coming to the iPhone. Do I Still Need My inReach?   Apple’s new iOS 18 update allows its products to work off-grid. But are phones a suitable replacement for purpose-built backcountry communication tools? Being released in the US late this year, but no price structures have been given to date. I was speaking to a contact in the industry this week and he was saying there is a large problem metering and measuring the data that is being send from satellites, so it is hard to ‘measure a cost’ as the data request for this info costs more than sending the message itself. Currently, free SOS Satellite capabilities from Apple since late 2022, using Globalstar satellite system (currently used by Spot) Globalstar also does not cover full coverage of the world, but it has been utilised very well by the Spot outdoor communicators in the past, but Globalstar getting a massive cash injection from Apple. Apple will pay for 95% of the approved capital expenditure for the new satellites needed to support the service for Globalstar to upgrade their satellite systems. So let’s see what happens Iridium (Garmin and Zoleo use) far better quality than Globalstar But, we have Apple, the 6th largest business in the world supporting/ backing this A little bias, but anything apple do will be good and have a good interface so time will tell.   4. Top Tips If you Garmin came with preloaded Topo Active Europe but you also have OS map card how do you view them say for cycling or in a more urban environment As OS maps take precedence over maps on memory you simply turn them off Main menu – Setup – Map – etrex 32, GPSMap - Map information, GPSMAp66i, 67, Montana 700Map manager some older units  configure maps Worldwide basemap should always be enabled Disable Topo Pro 1:50k or for 1:25k Older North Scotland, South Scotland West England wales etc 5 x regions , newer map card 12 x regions   TwoNav – Main menu Maps – tap and turquoise Eye icon means in view – tap eye icon to hide GB Topo is OS Maps British Isles OSM – Open Source GBrtn23q1TomTom  

Can you navigate with just a GPS watch? We discuss this and lots more in this month's GPS Training Podcast When are watches best suited - our personal experiences - EPIX or FENIX 7?Transferring your planned activity to your GPS using the Connect app to a compatible GPS unit and then following ‘a course’And then finally we have - Andy’s top tips 1. When are watches best suited compared to a GPS unit - our personal experiences.This discussion has come about after my experiences last week. For the latest ‘walk and talk’ video I was creating with the Garmin Epix (Gen2) We planned a route on our free OS route planning software and headed off into the Cheviot Hills. I have walked many long distance/ waymarked trails with just a watch BUT Could I navigate a pre-planned route that was put together by linking undefined footpaths together? Struggled, needed to use an OS mapOR A OS map on a GPS unit IT ALSO through another question into the equation 1:25k maps – You need these to show you the open access in England and Wales – I could picture these in my mind. Video comparing Fenix v EpixWalk and talk with Garmin Fenix 7Walk and talk with Garmin Epix (Gen 2) To find out more and watch the ‘walk and talk’ I refer to please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk  > Homepage and halfway down the homepage you will see a link to ‘walk and talk' – let me take you on a walk with a GPS unit 2. Transferring your planned activity to your GPS using the Connect app to a compatible GPS unit and then following ‘a course’ What are we looking at here? Traditionally we have planned a route in Garmin BaseCamp (or another route planning software) and transferred this to a unit using a USB cable.We then follow either the route or track But with a number of the ‘new generation units’ we can do this wirelessly using the Garmin Connect App, this converts it to a ‘course’ though. Navigational experiences – Route, track and courseCompatible GPS Units - GPSMAP 66 series, 86 series and Montana 700 seriesUse our free route planning software - so easy to useOver the coming months we are going to bring this bringing into our physical GPS Training courses we deliver around the country.Garmin GPS Training Courses (two day, nationwide) -South DownsNew ForestNorthamptonshireGloucestershirePeak DistrictLake DistrictNorthumberlandScottish Borders To find out more about our GPS courses please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Training Courses (top Menu bar) > Garmin Classroom based courses 3. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tipsMontana 700 – Raining there is a setting for Rain hidden away – Home screen - Setup – Accessibility – Touch Sensitivity change from normal to RainRain: Helps the device ignore false touchscreen input in rainy weather.Also lock screen – tap power button – touch padlock icon – bottom screen now shows padlock – unlock tap power button (Carry Cloth to dry) Fenix 7 watch and Epix – Touch Screen off or on Start & down button together To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar 4. And Finally Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscrib...

Going overseas, heading off-grid, birdseye, and transferring .gpx files onto a Garmin GPS watch. In this month’s podcast As many of us are venturing overseas again we look at - Overseas mapping - Official or TOPO Active/ OSMWe then will discuss going off grid – and using the - inReach mini/ inReach mini 2 We discuss the - End or Garmin’s Birdseye VouchersWe will look at some training videos we have put together for those wanting to do a long-distance trail, whilst using a Garmin watch, either an Instinct or Fenix, to navigate with – Concentrating on the planning process you will need to go through.And then finally we have - Andy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast 1. Overseas mappingIt’s nice to be back on this subject after the last two years – Garmin unitsOSM – Open Street/ Open-sourced maps – £19.99 - £29.99- Very much like Garmin’s Topo Active maps - more here about TOPO ACTIVE maps v OS maps - Great if overlaying a .gpx file, as walking a long-distance trail etc Official maps - £73.99 - £138.99 - Garmin’s ‘official’ maps for each of the countries - We usually get then in around 7 – 14 days SatMap units – we are currently struggling to get overseas maps, but hopefully we will get a solution to this in the next few weeks, fingers crossed. To find out more about the new GPS Store > Maps 2. Going off grid – and using the - inReach mini/ inReach mini 2  What are the inReach mini’s Not just a SOS button Already got a GPS device unit – what benefits does the inReach mini it give you To find out more about the range of Garmin inReach mini devices please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store and then – Two-way satellite communication 3. The next thing on this month's GPS Training Podcast - End or Garmin’s Birdseye Vouchers 4. The next thing we are going to look at on this months Podcast is how we can plan a long-distance walk and get the info onto your GPS watch This subject and solution has come about after plenty of discussions in the GPS training office. The problem, if you are walking a long distance trail and you want to download a .gpx file and edit it into your day sections what’s the best way to do this. What is a .gpx file? If you are using a handheld unit with OS maps how would you do this? Why can’t you do this if you are a watch user? 1.5 hours to load the Fenix TOPO Active maps in BaseCampCan’t edit in the online version of ConnectCan’t edit in the online version of Explore So, the solution – BaseCamp with open-sourced maps on Export .gpx file into Connect To find out more and see the solution we have created some videos in the online resource – our online training platform. Please just go to gpstraining.co.uk > Click on Online resource, on the top menu bar. When you are on the online resource click on – Courses > GPX Library 5. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips - Units with Topo Active Maps – + you have OS mapsView maps in GB Maybe cycling or in city etcSetup – Map – Configure Maps make sure any worldwide dem, Topo Active all enabled – touch screen, 66s coloured tab, disable any maps on micro card eg topo pro 1:50k, North Scotland, South Scotland, West England, East England North England Etrex22/32 – Setup – Map – Map information With Digital Maps Change Detail – Advanced Setup – Detail from Normal to higher level NB If you are updating Topo Active Maps on etrex22/32/Touch, Montana 700i or 750i you will need a separate 16gb Card they can take several hours make sure computer sleep modes off To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar And Finally Jon leads Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.

In this month’s podcast We look at the range of Garmin Fenix 7 GPS watchesAhead of Andy’s Spine Challenger race in June, if you don’t know what that is, don’t worry, we will tell you more, BUT, we are going to discuss the kit he has been training with and what he will be taking with him on the event.Andy’s top tips So, without a further ado let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast 1. The first thing on this month's Podcast is a look at the Garmin Fenix 7 range of watchesIn the range of watches we have – Garmin Fenix 7s – Sapphire SolarGarmin Fenix 7 - Sapphire SolarGarmin Fenix 7x – Sapphire Solar There are more in the full range but we are just looking at those for the ‘Outdoor’ sector – This is how Garmin class or account. We are very much for the walker, hiker, runner, ultra-runner, and any other outdoor activity. Buttons and touch screen  In the past all Garmin Fenix Watches had button control only, the benefits of this being: NOW - best of both worlds with the addition of a touch screen. Power Sapphire With the Fenix 7 Garmin have put a solar panel bonded to the underside of the Sapphire Screen, this is the first time Garmin have incorporated a Solar panel with a Sapphire screen. – Increased overall Fenix 7 Solar battery life by 33% (7S vs 6S) to upwards of 68% (7X vs 6X) Premium Materials  All of the Sapphire screen versions of the Fenix 7 watches come with a Titanium Bezel which is lighter and tougher than a standard steel Bezel. Multi Band This is the first Garmin Fenix watch to have Multi-GNSS Multi Band which gives you improved signal in challenging satellite environments. (Multi-GNSS Multi Band function is only available on the Fenix7 Sapphire versions only) with all other versions of the Fenix 7 watches you do have Multi GNSS. Multi-GNSS Multi band (Fenix 7 Sapphire Versions only) – This new feature allows the Fenix 7 Sapphire watches to lock on to not just two sets of GNSS but multiple satellites system together which can provide military grade precision, this is great when a higher accuracy is needed due to The Fenix 7 Sapphire watches are the most accurate Fenix watches to date. Global Maps The recently updated TOPO ACTIVE maps now have contour lines and with the new map manager you are able to download (over WIFI) free downloadable TopoActive maps from around the world via a easy-to-use interface. These are both recreational users and the ability to download the newly branded SkiView maps it gives you the flexibility we have all been looking for the ski enthusiast. Up Ahead This is a new feature that has not been available before on the Fenix Watches. It can let you know / display what’s up ahead on a course that you have sent to your unit by showing a rolling Real Time Stamina  This is a new feature on the Fenix 7 watches can help you to pace through a race or endurance event etc. with confidence, the watches use’s data recording to track and manage your exertion — and help avoid overexerting at the start of your run or bike ride etc.Realtime Settings Sync With a Fenix watch in the past if you wanted to change settings in your watch such as Databoxes, Databox layout with activities etc. this could only be done directly on the watch, but with the Fenix 7 range we now have a new feature called Realtime Sync, this lets you use the Garmin Connect App on your phone to make these changes and they are then synced to your watch via Bluetooth, being able to now do this on your phone simplifies the configuration process and make changes you want to make to your watch layout and settings much easier. You can still also make the changes directly on your watch which also sync back to the Garmin Connect App. Built-in Flashlight Another new feature is a built-in flashlight, this feature is only available on the Fenix 7x models and not the Fenix 7 or 7s versions. Online resource – Andy has been busy putting the training videos...

We look and review the new Garmin inReach 2 and the Garmin Instinct 2 GPS watch, plus Andy's Top Tips. In this month’s podcast We look at the new Garmin inReach Mini2We then look at the new Garmin Instinct 2 series of GPS WatchesAndy’s top tips 1. The first thing on this month's Podcast is a look at the Garmin inReach mini 2What is a Garmin inReach mini? Contract needed for it to work – like a mobile phone contract We have had the Garmin inReach mini (1) for a number of years,now we have the inReach mini 2 The key differences – Battery Life Trackbacks  Navigational experience on the Garmin inReach mini 2 Digital Compass  Multi-GNSS  Garmin Explore App  Compatible with other Garmin devices To find out more about the new Garmin inReach mini 2 go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-Way Satellite Communication 2. The next thing on this month’s podcast is another new product from Garmin – the Garmin Instinct 2 watch What is a Garmin Instinct GPS Watch? Four models Battery Life Garmin Pay Connect IQ Store Built-in Sports Apps VO2 Max Recovery Time MTB Dynamics Sleep monitoring Respiration tracking Fitness Age Intensity minutes Women's health tracking The Instinct 2 & 2s ranges are still packed with all the great original features of the 1st Generation Instinct watches.Multi-GNSS support Follow a Course ABC Sensors Trackback Routing Mark a Waypoint Safety and tracking FeaturesSmart notifications Wrist-based heart rate Stress Tracking To find out more about the range of Garmin Instinct Watches please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store and then GPS Watches 3. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips Fenix Watches not displaying in Finder on Macs -Garmins watches that now use MTP  (Media Transfer Protocol) this tends to be the watches that can have music stored on them such as the Fenix 6 range are not being detected in Finder by Macs, this is due to Apple being compatible with MTP transfer protocol, whether apple will change this in the future we don’t know but from MAC forums a free to use programme that lets you see the Fenix watch on your Mac to manually copy and paste files to can be downloaded from  - www.android.com/filetransfer InReach mini 2 – Battery safe Tips Brightness lower to save battery – Pwr button once – scroll down to Brightness Ok, up down arrows lower or increase 25% normally fineSettings – System – Display – also has brightness + Timeout 15, 30 secs, 1 min etc Settings – Tracking - Activity Recording Standard better battery, high detail better for more accurate track back but more batterySettings – tracking – Send interval – Off - 10, 20, 30 mins, 1hr , 2hr, 4hrSettings – System – GPS , GPS Better battery , Multi GNSS more accurate , quicker fix but more battery To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar And Finally Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.

In this special ’mid-month’ podcast I am joined by a special guest, Tommy Wilkinson. He was, and still is, a keen racer, having won numerous Scottish DH races and spent two seasons chasing the World Cup dream as a dirtbag privateer. A “little bobble” on a jump in 2013 left Tommy with a fractured skull, brain hemorrhage, a spinal cord contusion, damaged disc, and permanently paralyzed right arm. He’s also an award-winning photographer and cinematographer. That’s not a bad introduction Tommy, welcome to the GPS Training podcast So, who is Tommy Wilkison? Racing career – Scottish Down Hill races, chasing World Cup dream- How did you get into downhill mountain biking? - What level did you get to 2013 crash - fractured skull, brain hemorrhage, a spinal cord contusion, damaged disc and permanently paralyzed right arm. - What happened? - How long where you in hospital - How long was it before you got back on the bike? - How did that feel - Adaptions to bike? What has been done – one break lever, electric gears? - Fallen off bike and injuries post-accident? Naughty Northumbrian event - Linbriggs Farm (Katherine) or Clennel (current location?) Award-winning photographer and cinematographer - Was something you got into post-accident? - Outdoor based?- Only Mountain biking? Environmentalist? Land access – working with who, Cheviot Hills?Sustainability? Mountain bikers looking after the environment? Doing conservation work? Trail design and trail management And Finally Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses.Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it.If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated. Many thanks Tommy for joining me on this month’s podcast.

I walk the Northumberland Coast Path with Chris, the Coast Walker.In this months Podcast - Last Sunday I walked with Chris the Coast walker and I chatted to him whilst out on the Northumberland Coast PathWe look at using the GPS Training free OS route planning software on a tablet of mobile phone, then transferring it to your GPS UnitThe walk and talk series on YouTube – 1 year on, what do people want to see?Andy’s top tips So, without a further ado let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast 1. Chris the coast walkerChris has been on Podcast twice before Podcast 41, just before he was setting off - https://gpsonlinecourse.co.uk/gps-training-podcast-number-41/ Podcast 53 - https://gpsonlinecourse.co.uk/gps-training-podcast-number-53/ Started in East Anglia and he went Clockwise and he has just come out of Scotland back into England on the homeward leg back to East Anglia. If you can support Chris, please do go to his JustGiving page. You can find out more and sponsor him at - thecoastwalker.com 2. The next thing on this month’s podcast is planning your walk on a mobile device on our free OS route planning software. If people don’t know, what is the GPS Training Free OS route planner? On our pre-Christmas podcast, we mentioned that you could use our route planner with an iPad Pro.A gentleman called Ian kindly left a comment after listening to it saying 'You don’t need an IPad Pro to use the free route planning software. I have a standard iPad 5 with a small wireless mouse and it works great'.So this got us thinking – A wireless mouse, what could we do with this and an iPad, mobile phone (Android or iPhone) and our free OS route planning software. We now have 2 x new training videos (one for iPad/ iPhone users and a second for android Users) on how you can plan your walk on your device using our free OS route planning software and a wireless mouse, then transfer it onto a compatible Garmin GPS device. To find both the OS Route planning software and the two new training videos please just go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > OS Planner (top menu bar) and right down at the bottom of the page there are 2 x new training videos taking you through everything 3. Walk and talk series on YouTube – 1 year on- What is the walk and talk series?Practical review/ guide on each of the GPS UnitsWalking in the hill with each of them- Still have a couple of units still to do – Mainly Garmin GPSMAP 66sr – but all the other units have been done - What do people want to see going forward? 4. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips Hike NP Profile - what is it why do we add it? Make customers aware if walking in a National Park and the route has not be created as a turn by turn route but as a direct  Route, N.B downloaded routes from websites will be direct need to leave unit on Hike profile with Direct Routing.Hike NP only to be used if you have created Route in Basecamp with map on unit as Turn by Turn less than 50 points. Off-Route calculation setting what is it? Carrying on from above - Setting in units under Setup - Routing named off-route calculation, this is normally on recommend off if you do not what your turn by turn route to try and recalculate if you deviate slightly from it, GPSMap series in main routing setting, Montana in advanced setting, not avail on etrex To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar And Finally Jon leads Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTraining.co.

On New Years Day we have an interview with Allan Knight, the oldest man to walk from John-o-Groats to Land’s End on foot.

Our Christmas get together, a look back over the past year So, it’s our Christmas party, well it’s not really but we are going to look back over the year and look ahead to 2022 If I said – tell me about 2021, in relation to GPS Training, what one word would sum it up for you Key points, that I can think of, from the past year -- January/ Feb – New website - The start of the ‘walk and talk’ series – more about that later - Starting to get out delivering courses – Easter?- June – Andy coming back - September – The introduction of the free OS route planning software – again more about that later 2. Big progressions over the past year – post-sale automation – We tweak and work at this all the time. LynnWhat is it?Series of emails customers get from us for the year after they have bought a GPS unit from usIt encourages them to look at the resources they get from us – including the support and training options they have access to. And therefore, people know where to find the answers they are looking for. Many people do pay after the first ‘free first year’ to continue to have access to both the online resource and one of our support packages. 3. Big progression 2 – AndyIf customers can’t find the answer they are looking for they then work their way through to Andy.Andy came back in mid-June – June 14thSupport – both in person and also creating videos for online resource/ YouTubeHad the business changed in those two years away?Videos for online resource (what is the online resource) – Over 50 videos now for most units – How do you go about structuring these, recording, editing, uploading and embedding within the online resourceTherefore with each unit being covered in such an in-depth manor the questions I am now getting are very specific and more than likely to be ‘a problem’ rather than how do you do x or y?Training courses – throughout UKScottish Borders Northumberland Lake District Peak District Northamptonshire Gloucestershire South Downs New Forest1:1 Zoom training – only been introduced a couple of weeks but a great success, we have had one customer who booked back-to-back 2 hour sessionsAndy – what’s been your big takeaway for 2021?Using two-way satellite communicationPutting into practice myself, what I have been teaching in the classroom for a number of years nowThis gives me the ability to relate to the experiences customers are getting4. Big progression number 3 – walk and talk – Jon and JaneHow it came about – Buckham’s Bridge – a long way up the valley – Between Christmas and New Year – a long way up the Valley – Snowy day – Dere Street, Pennine Way – Cold Day!The frustration of people not understanding the principle and how a GPS will look when navigating. Originally, we were going to get them ‘professionally shot’ but trying to understand ‘how to do it’ I just went out with my iPhone and my own personal GPS unit.And that turned into the first-ever ‘walk and talk’.Since then I have filmed them on short walks on summer evenings, long walks in the Cheviots, on a number of long-distance trails in all weather and in every season.One of my favorites is the eTrex 10 – I took a £100.00 GPS and our free route planning software i.e total spend £100.00 and showed how you can get a great navigational experience from a ‘budget’ GPS unit. I have also personally got lots from walking with each of the units and spending some ‘quality’ time getting to know them and all their good and bad points. How do I create them? Our most recent one was with the Garmin Fenix watch, still a few holes to plug, mainly GPSMAP 66sr and more watch videos. Our final big progression of 2021 has been our free OS route planning software.Why did we do this?Tried to make it as simple as possible? And in the run-up to Christmas, we even had a free webinar for those who want to get 100% out of it You access it by clicking on OS planner on the top menu bar on the GPS Training website and ...

Walking in the dark, an update on the stock situation and the big updates for the Garmin GPSMAP 66 and Montana 700 series of GPS Units. In this month’s podcast As it’s now turning dark shortly after 4.00, we talk to Andy with regard to walking in the dark, what are some things that may help you.Stock – With many units out of stock until late January/ early Feb we go through your options and the reason whyWe look at the big software updates that have just come out for Garmin GPSMAP 66 and 86 series + Montana 700 seriesAndy’s top tips So, without a further a do let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast 1. The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at walking in the dark, what things do you need to take into consideration when navigating with an Outdoor GPS UnitAndy, with your training ahead of the Spine Challenge Race next year you have been getting out a fair bit in the dark.Andy, how’s your training going? You can sponsor Andy via his Just Giving Page. You may not be planning to walk into the dark, but at this time of year it is very easy to end up in the dark and therefore you do need to think and plan ahead. Backlit buttons10% screen brightness – button GPS unitTie into chat on GPSMAP 66 seriesHeadtorches - what are you using and why Brightness of headtorch Nebo and SilvaWalking with Poles? Planning/ downloading your route beforehand, especially when walking in the dark 5. Anything else we have not covered? If you want to find out more about headtorches just visit our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store >Headtorches and torches 2. Stock – With many units out of stock until late January/ early Feb we go through your options and the reason why Lack of chipsSupply chain is not as it should beOut of stock – Garmin eTrex 22x, 32x, 35t and Oregon 700 and Garmin GPSMSAP 65, 65s and Garmin GPSMAP 66srPromised GPSMAP 66i back in stock 10th December, fingers crossedSo, if you are wanting a unit as a present, please do buy why we still have a number of units in stock.I honestly don’t know what January will bring, but fingers crossed.SatMapTo find out more about GPS Units please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units 3. The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is the recent software updates for the Garmin GPSMAP 66 and 86 series and Montana 700 series - Andy, what are the main ‘fixes’ or new features that have been rolled out with this software update? Fit & GPX files match Fixed selecting current activity sometimes shutting downOn Course off course on tracks and new courses feature Can now use Garmin connect to send courses to watch - How do we update our Garmin GPS units? Basecamp Windows Devices menu, Mac Basecamp but search for and download Garmin Webupdater or Garmin Express To watch video tutorials on how to update your unit please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar 4. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips – and we have lots of them – Garmin – If unit with built-in battery locked up frozen screen what to do – Hold power button in 20 – 30 seconds or until re-boot SatMap -Stopping for long break inside say a pub for lunch rather than turn unit off – power button once – hibernate 1hr  or 2 hr – One tap power button back on(Main Menu – Settings – Hibernate Settings Option to change from defaults) To find more top tips please do sign up for the GPS Training online resource, this is packed full of video top tips. Go to our website – gpstarining.co.uk and click on the – Online resource – on the top menu bar And Finally Jon leads Many thanks for listening to this month’s Podcast.If there are any subjects you would like to cover in future Podcast’s, please do get in touch – ASK US SOMETHING!

PODCAST SPECIAL - After walking 118 miles the microphone is turned through 180 degrees as the guest presenter, Paul Freeman asks the questions and finds out the highs and lows of walking 118 miles. If you can support, please visit my Just Giving fundraising page - more here Overview of Charity Walk Every year, Shepherds Walks raise money on the challenge walks for two great charities - Hospice Care North NorthumberlandNorthumberland National Park Mountain Rescue With the year we have just had, it has been impossible to donate as we have in the past so I am personally going to step up to the bar. The route Starting Melrose - St Cuthbert's Way to - St Boswells then Border Abbey Way through Kelso - to - Jedburgh then St Cuthbert's Way to St Cuthbert's Cave then Northumberland Coast Path to Warkworth then St Oswald's Way to Rothbury

This year's Summer Spine Race series, GPS accuracy, getting the best battery life on a GPS unit or watch whilst participating in an Ultramarathon and Andy's Top Tips. In this month's GPS Training Podcast  1. We look forward to this year's Spine Race and how our race prep is doing - 1 min 2. GPS accuracy – What is good, settings and how have things changed over the years? - 26 min 35 seconds 3. Getting the best out of your battery – during an ultra event – both units and watches - 36 minutes 55 seconds 4. Andy’s top tips - 45 minutes 55 seconds   1. We look forward to this year’s Spine Event x 4 distances Sprint – Starts Saturday afternoon – 15th June – 46 miles 18 hours to complete Edale to Hebdon Bridge Spine Challenger South – Starts Saturday morning – 15th June – 108 miles 60 hours to complete Edale to Hardraw CP1 – Hebdon Hay, CP 1.5 – Malham Tarn Spine Challenger North – Starts Monday morning – 17th June - 160 miles 90 hours to complete Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders CP1 – Low Way Farm, Middleton on Teesdale CP2 – Alston YH CP3 – Bellingham CP3.5 – Byrness Full Spine Race – Starts Sunday morning – 16th June – 268 miles 156 hours to complete Edale to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders Paul Turner, Byrness Hill – Walking an epic 1000 mile. His walk will include both the Coast to Coast & the Pennine Way (walking each twice) & finishing with the Yorkshire Dales Centurion Walk. Paul’s Just Giving page - https://www.justgiving.com/team/pauls1000miletrek - Training - Doing anything different this year - Thoughts ahead of this year's event? Jon’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/spinenorthjon Andy’s Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/andyayrespinechallenger     2.   GPS accuracy – What is good, settings and how have things changed over the years? 3 x Satellites show position 2d, 4 x Satellites 3d elevation What is Multi GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite system) Device picks up more than one set of Satellite Constellations Main ones we use in devices such as Garmin, TwoNav, Coros GPS – USA 1978 started Military - Global use 1994 31 Satellites Glonass – Russian development 1976 – operational early 80’s 24 Satellites operational Galileo – EU – 2016 started 26 Operational Beidou – China – Started 2012 56 Operational Twonav does not use duel frequency but multi-band uses 3 x satellite constellations at once, we have been using GPS, Galileo & Beidou and seeing under 10 feet and have seen down to 4 – 5 feet GPSMap65,67 dual frequency have seen down to 6 feet Generally we find other handhelds picking up either GPS & Glonass or GPS & Galileo around 10 - 12 feet Garmin Watches do not show an accuracy screen Coros has a Satellite screen where you can see how many are in view and how many are strongly locked on What is Dual Frequency / Multi Band Use Coros Article GPS – 18 satellite transmit at L1 & L5 Glonass – older L1 & L2 no L5 Galileo – all E1 & E5 Beidou – all B1 & B2 Devices we sell with dual frequency Epix gen 2, Fenix 7 sapphire solar & pro models GPSMap65,65s,66sr,67,67i  How accurate is a GPS unit/ watch video - https://gpstraining.co.uk/blogs/reviews/how-accurate-is-a-gps-unit-and-which-is-the-most-accurate-gps-unit   3. Getting the best out of your battery – during an ultra event – both units and watches We always talk about backlight if you have option to reduce, not leaving on map page, turning off HR on watches, coros turn off stress monitoring, nighttime coros use nightmode, gesture control vastly improved or just tap backlight button etc, map North up although we do prefer track up Handhelds use battery save mode screen off But carrying on from the discussion about satellites My own Epix 2 Pro 51mm GPS Only – 82 hrs All Systems not dual ie Multiband – 61hrs All systems + multi-band – 37 hrs Auto select picks satellite so battery will go up and do...

Best route planning software, battery save tips, ways to carry your GPS, and Andy's top tips. Welcome to the GPS Training podcast, it is our 61st episode. This month I am joined by Andy or ‘tech’ guy at GPS Training, welcome Andy to this month’s podcast. In this month’s podcast Garmin BaseCamp, Xpedition 2 or the GPST Free OS Planner?Battery Save tips as winter is loomingWays to carry your Garmin and SatMap GPS UnitAndy’s top tips So, without a further ado let’s get on with this month’s GPS Training Podcast The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at BaseCamp, Xpedition2 or the GPS Training route planning software. When would you use each of them and why? We have had a few people call and ask the question – which should I use? What is route planning software?What is Garmin BaseCamp?PC/ Mac? – Desktop only?Free, but really need Garmin GPS if you want OS maps on itWhat is Xpedition2Good points about it – saving into cloud, easy to usePoorer points – subscription basedGPS Training OS PlannerGood points - Online route planner, SimplePoorer points - Can’t store pre planned routes/ tracks within unit BaseCamp – offline no internet, Garmin GPS with OS Maps, birdseye map downloads, software updates,Xpedition2 – Online- premium map for other parts of world, manage Expedition cloud can be used for wifi sync of routes setup wifi Xpedition2 live site – Enter user name Xpedition username & passwordGPST OS planner – Online , GPS with no os maps or want more detailed 1:25k, simple to use less tools but easier, no subscription free Links to each of the Route planning software we have discussed - BaseCamp - https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/software/basecamp/Xpedition2 - https://xpedition2.com/GPST OS planner - https://gpstraining.co.uk/pages/ordnance-survey-route-planner2. As cooler weather is just around the corner, we look at the best way to conserve your battery level in an outdoor GPS UnitGarmin tips for better battery life – Units that run on AA batteries - Correct battery setting, recommend Eneloop or LithiumKeep spare batteries warm, eg inside pocket For all units – both AA batteries and built-in batteries Setup display Battery save function Battery save – swipe down oregon 700 or power button other units reduce backlightSetup Map – Orientation North UpLeave screen not on map pageWifi , Bluetooth turned off SatMap tips for better battery life – lower main backlight using button on the side and use Advanced power setting change boost time to no more than 20 seconds Power control screen turn off down from 3 minutes to 1 minuteAdvanced Power Setting – Power saving mode – Advanced (Only North up)Power off button – set button to screen off in settings – hibernate settings make button 3 screen offAdvanced power – make sure Lipol Rechargeable selected with SatMap battery or if using emergency aa pack recommend Lithium AA change here talking about this later.Spare batteries as Garmin keep warm, take battery out if not using for sometime You will find videos about battery save tips and lots more in the GPS Training online resource. Please just go to GPS Training and click on – online resource – on the top menu bar The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast the different ways to carry an Outdoor GPS unit Garmin - Carabiner Clip - black or silverGarmin Backpack TetherGarmin Cart MountGarmin Quick Release LanyardGarmin Retractable LanyardGarmin Lanyard CarabinerGarmin Montana 700 Carry CaseGarmin Montana 600 and GPSMAP Carry CaseGarmin eTrex and Oregon Carry Case I have created a video looking at the varies Garmin accessories – just go to GPSTraining.co.uk > Product Reviews > The best way to carry a Garmin GPS unit - your options SatMap – Carry Case – official/ non-officialLanyardQuadlock belt clip To find out more about the accessories we have listed above please go to GPS Training > GPS Store > Accessories

The October GPS Training Podcast - A big thank you – more about that later, Old OS map cards in new Garmin GPS Units – what you need to know, The Garmin GPSMAP 65s with a 1:25k map card, GPS course locations for 2022, and Andy’s top tips. The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a very big thank you to Ian As you may hear we have no Ian on this month’s Podcast, this is, very sadly he has decided to leave GPS Training. Ian has been a member of the GPS Training team for 14 years. He has also been my fellow co-host on the Podcast since episode 19, so he hosted 40 Podcasts with me, and despite everything that has happened over the last 18 months we had lots of fun doing so. He also delivered x 3 courses in the South – South Downs, New Forest, and Northamptonshire. So it was with a very heavy heart I accepted Ian’s resignation in the last month and he will be a massive loss for GPS Training. Thanks for everything Ian over the past 14 years and best of luck with everything going forward from all the team at GPS Training and the listeners of the GPS Training Podcast. A big thank you Ian The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is the different map cards you have got over the years as some of the older OS map cards are not working in the new generation GPS Units. What are the different types of OS map cards? DiscovererTOPO PRO v1TOPO PRO v2You get each of these map options in both 1:50k OS scale and also 1:25k, which also has the 1:50k map card on the same card.TOPO PRO – Routable data within National Parks What is the problem some customers are encountering? New GPS Units – list these – will only work with the TOPO PRO map cards Buy your new map card when you buy a new unit – 1:50k map card half price when you do it this way To find out more about the different Garmin GPS Units go to – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store (top menu bar) > Handheld GPS Units The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is - The Garmin GPSMAP 65s with a 1:25k map card What is the problem?Back Story – our GPS UnitAnd a solution – short term?Expected fix date? Thanks to the cartography team at Garmin who I know have been liaising with Andy – End OctoberIn the short term you will see we have not been selling the Garmin GPSMAP 65s with the 1:25k map card.Garmin GPSMAP has become one of our best-selling GPS Units alongside the Garmin GPSMAP 66srGarmin GPSMAP 65s – Multi band, Topo Active mapping, works alongside the explore app and this stunning 15 hours of battery life with 2 x AA batteries To find out more about the Garmin GPSMAP 65s please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS Units > Garmin GPSMAP 65s and when on the product page The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Our GPS Training course locations for 2022 We currently have 2 x courses 1 x day SatMap course2 x day Garmin Course Current course locations South DownsNew ForestNorthamptonshirePeak DistrictLake DistrictNorthumberlandPeebles - Scottish Borders New for 2022 – Gloucestershire - Ashleworth Memorial Hall, Nup End, Ashleworth, GL19 4HU Also, for 2022 – More midweek courses – Many thanks to everybody who filled in the course questionnaire that we have linked to a couple of times from the newsletter over the past month To find out more about our GPS training courses please just go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is Andy’s top tips – and we have lots of them – list on my job sheet (11 in total) Garmin – In out routes on Basecamp dont overlap on top as compass will be confused, use duplicate reverse or create 2 x Routes1:25k/ European maps - ages to loadElevation – resetting – videos in the online resource for all the units SatMap - SatMap Active 20 GPX file copied straight into unit - if tracks shown as footprint icon in internal folder n...

Free route planning software, basic terminology, mapping options and ask Ian In this month’s podcast We look at the FREE NEW GPS training route planning softwareBasic terminology – what does it all mean?Mapping options for an Outdoor GPS unitAsk Ian – Ian answers the questions you have been asking over the past monthStock availability So, without a further ado lets get on with this months GPS Training Podcast The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a quick look over the new FREE GPS Training route planning software Where do you find this? gpstraining.co.uk and click on OS planner (top menu bar) or scroll down to the bottom of homepage and you will see a banner taking you to it. Why have we done this? Trying to give a free alternative to those not wanting to use Garmin BaseCamp or Xpedition 2 as we are finding it hard to support OS route planner, Memory map, Qua, Anquet etc etc Also – to get traffic onto the website – link building – so if anybody can help with this it would be appreciated. Very basic, easy to use route planning softwarePlan on 1:25k maps even if you just have 1:50k maps on your GPSAnd to prove this I recently did a walk and talk with a Garmin eTrex 10, first planning my route on our OS planner firstIt is free and will continue to beAndy has created training videos, these you will find underneath the route planning software Please enjoy, share with your friends, walking groups and anybody who may be interested in it, its FREE! And if you can link to it from your walking group, walking festival, local website it would be very much appreciated. To access the free OS route planning software please go to gpstraining.co.uk and click on OS planner on the top menu bar and a very big thank you for all the kind comments you have sent us about it over the past few weeks, since it has been launched. The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is to discuss the basic terminology we/ you use when navigating with an outdoor GPS unit What is a - WaypointRouteTrackCourse To find out more about our GPS training courses please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the varies map options you get on both Garmin and SatMap GPS units So Ian, lets start off with the SatMap options – UK options- Solo Unit- Adventure maps 25k – Open Street mapping – really 1:25k?- 1:50k option – Land ranger map equivalent – pink cover- Platinum Edition – 1:10k, 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k – Explorer map (1:25k) Orange cover in the paper form Moving onto the Garmin options – again UK options- Topo Active maps – Walk and talk we discuss using the Garmin eTrex 10 (a GPS with no maps) - Birdseye Download – Voucher – 25,000 sq km – Don’t get confused with Birdseye satellite download25k maps also show Field Boundaries, open Access areas and permissive paths, which you don’t get on the 1:50k maps- Discoverer mapping and TOPO PRO (map cards) – what are the differences – Routable data and updated map set- TOPO PRO – 1:50k and 1:25k (1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k) – How do you select each of these map sets? If you want to see what each of the map sets look like, please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on the magnifying glass (top right) – and type in map options – underneath the products you will see an article - Garmin mapping options for outdoor GPS The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Ask Ian. From Nathan - After meeting your colleagues at the Geocaching Mega in Lincolnshire last week. I've been reassured that sending in questions of the one I'm about to ask should attract a response - it'd be interesting to see how many others are facing the same issue, or whether it's another one of those early bugs I've caught. The issue pertains to some Geocaches not showing on my Garmin Montana 700. It seems random in which caches are affected,

An in-depth but lighthearted look into the world of Outdoor GPS Navigation, the OS App, GPS Courses, and Andy is once again back with his technical insight. This month I am again joined by my co-host Ian, our South of England trainer here at GPS Training. In this month’s podcast A quick update on the OS appGPS courses and a new course going forwardA new piece – Andy’s top tech - updatesBefore you head away on holiday with your GPS, a few things to work through.Ask Ian – Ian answers the questions you have been asking over the past monthGPS training YouTube channel – an update The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a quick update from Ian regarding the problems he has been encountering with the OS App …. The story continues ……The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the GPS training courses we have coming up this summer and some plans we have for the future.Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 31st July and 1st AugLocation - Northumberland SatMap GPS Training courseDate - 7th AugustLocation - Northumberland Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 4th and 5th SeptLocation - New Forest Garmin GPS Training weekendDate - 11th and 12th SeptLocation - Lake District Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 18th and 19th SeptLocation – Northumberland Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 25th and 26th SeptLocation – South Downs Garmin GPS Training weekendDate – 2nd and 3rd OctoberLocation – Peebles, Scottish Borders GPS in the Hills – Date – locationMust have been on a training course with us in the past To find out more about our GPS training courses please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Training Courses on the top menu bar The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is Andy’s handy top tech updates - looking at some of the current issues and solutions for Outdoor GPS users Maps on GPSMAP 65sFit file on 66 range – elevationMontana 700 - Find Current activity crashingUnits with built in batteries - crashing - what to do Online resource – what have you need updating? Over 40 videos to date for the Garmin GPSMAP 65s To watch this all-new training resource for the Garmin GPSMAP 65s in the online resource go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on online resource on the top menu bar The next thing on this month’s GPS Training podcast is a look at what you need to work through before you head away on holiday with your GPS unit Local grid reference – set this upPower – batteries, plug adapter, power bank, solar panelsCalibrate your compassMap Options – Topo Active, Open-source maps, Local maps, To find out more about the varies open-source map options that are on offer please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk and click on GPS Store > Maps The next thing on this month’s podcast is – Ask Ian. Hi Ian, I have a question about my GPSMAP 66sr. How do I change the colour of an imported track? I want to do this because the default purple is difficult to see against roads when wearing sunglasses. I have tried Selecting a Track in Saved tracks, clicking on Menu and Set color. However although when I Find Track and see it on the map it is in the new colour, when I click on Go it reverts to Purple. Any ideas would be appreciated Best wishes,Peter Wilkinson The colour reverts to magenta when you actively navigate the track. This is the colour set by Garmin which can’t be changed.Compare with Satmap where you can set the colour for routes (Main Menu screen>Settings>option 26 Route Rendering) I have recently restarted using Basecamp to plot routes for transfer to my GPS. Now when I create the waypoints the software seems to jump backwards so I end up with a series of unintended spikes between my waypoints. What has gone wrong? If I plot a track instead it seems ok! I have updated Basecamp to the current version.Hope you can help.Best wishesNeil Rothwell Almost certainly the incorrect Activity Profile.

2021 Garmin Map Card, Spine Race, what have they done to the OS app, more units discontinued and ask Ian. In this month’s podcast A quick update on the 2021 OS map cards from GarminSpine race – well done to all our customers who have taken part in this event.After we sung the praises of the OS app in a recent Podcast, in their wisdom they managed to undo any good work they had done just a few weeks later. We look at what they have done.Yet more units discontinued by Garmin, we look at a year where Garmin have certainly cleared the stable out.Stock availability – sorry I know it is a recurring theme, but a quick update on stock issuesAsk Ian – the questions you have been asking Ian over the past month The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at the recent update on the Garmin 1:50k map card Last month we discussed that Garmin, after a very long wait, updated the 1:25k map cardIn the past month we also received and update of the 1:50k TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:50k map cardSo both map cards are now V2OS release ¼ of the country every year as a map update so cards get updated every 4 years but for some reason the 1:50k map card has been updated after 3 years.What changes on OS maps? You can buy the new map card as a standalone product on GPS Training and all new Garmin GPS unit bundles are now being shipped with updated map cards, unlike some other retailers The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look back at the Spine race – well done to all our customers who have taken part in this event. The Montane Spine Race is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. There are both summer and winter events and the summer event started on Saturday 19th June. In our 31st episode, we interviewed Paul Freeman after he completed the Spine Challenger race.A truly epic challenge that will test your physical resilience and mental fortitude. Racing non-stop along the Pennine Way – 268 miles There are ‘shorter’ races within the main race but all are true challenges. As I spoke about this in last month’s Podcasts many people are introduces to GPS units for the first time with an event like this. We have had a number of customers participating in the event and well done to all those who took part. Before they start the Spine Race they have to demonstrate they can get their current Grid reference from their GPS unit. So, Ian how would people do this – Satellite pageCreate waypoint of your current location If you want to find more about the Spine race please just go to their website – thespinerace.comThe next thing on this month's podcast is the recent updates to the OS app. After Ian sung the praises of the OS app in a recent Podcast, in their wisdom OS managed to undo any good work they had done just a few weeks later. So Ian, what have they done? Basically, when you plan a route on the app, it exports as a track in to Garmin Explore unlike all the other apps you can use….. I am slowly working on the OS. They have now admitted that they have trashed it for the time being and accept it needs to be altered back to what it was prior their three app updates in March. That still hasn’t been done. As we do have, I think, quite a few customers who use this app, it may be worth talking about it/other options that work?The next thing on the GPS Training Podcast is the end of the road for the Garmin Oregon 750 Another one bights the dust – This year we have seen the A number of units ‘discontinued’ – Touch 25t, we still have the 35tGPSMAP 64sx and GPSMAP 66stMontana 610, 680 and 680tThen the Oregon 750tAnd then this week we saw the Garmin Oregon 750 be discontinued. Don’t work both ourselves and Garmin will continue to support these units for many years to come.Stock availability – sorry I know it is a recurring theme, but a quick update on stock issues Currently out of stock of GPSMAP 66sr, Montana 700i Shortage of ‘chips’

In this month’s podcast - GPX files, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s is making some waves and Ian's FAQ's. If you are heading away this summer, we are going to discuss some good websites to download .gpx files from. Don’t worry if that makes no sense to you we will tell you what a .gpx file is, and what you do with them.The recent upsurge of the Garmin GPSMAP 65s, it has taken a few months to gain traction, but we are now struggling to keep them in stock.No - Ian’s FAQ’s this month but an update about some big changes in the next few weeks. The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at GPS files, what are they and where can you get them from. Ian, what is a GPX fileGarmin and SatMap?Route, track or course?Create/ source GPX file from third party website or third party route planning software – Walk Highlands – GPS Training website (plans for the future)Once we have sourced a GPX file what do we do with it and what navigational experience will it give us? Key websites, but open to any suggestions post podcast Best websites to download .gpx files - Long distance trails National trail websiteGPS – RoutesLDWASaturday Walkers ClubWalking Englishman Best websites to download .gpx files - Day walksWalk HighlandsGPS-routesWalking EnglishmanWalking WorldHarold StreetWalking AboutHappy HikerBest websites to download .gpx files - Mountain Bike routesPedal NorthSingletrackworld - Magazine that share .gpx files of routesAll TrailsMountain Bike RidesMTB Foodie To find out more about GPX files and direct links to the websites mentioned please go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > click on the magnifying glass, top right, and type in GPX and under - Pages and articles you will see an article - Recommended best websites to download .gpx walking and cycling routes Also, don’t forget if you come on one of our weekend courses (Garmin) we spend 2 hours looking at GPS files, if you are unable to come on our ‘physical’ courses please do join us on one of our online masterclasses, 1.5 hours (Zoom) looking at GPX files - Masterclass - GPX files - Garmin The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is a look at the new kid on the block making some waves, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s Launched – Oct last year Was the ‘little brother/ sister to the 66sr But now come very much to the fore Being used a lot by ultra-event participants – AA batteries, lightweight, spine race participants My walk and talk with this unit – am I becoming, after lots of trying, an influencer? To find out more just go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units > You will see both the Garmin GPSMAP 65 and 65s – what’s the difference? Also videos coming soon for the online resource, but more about that in the next story! Ian’s FAQ’s – well Ian’s FAQ’s with a big difference, no FAQ’s. In last mid-month podcast you hopefully had your ‘fix’ of tech questions! So looking forward there are changes ahead. Jon currently doing tech support – poor customers.But thankfully it is just for another two weeks – for both the customers and my sanity!As we have a new or not so new member of staff starting.Andy is back, if you have watched the videos in the online resource, you will know or at least heard Andy.Andy is coming back to do tech supportdeliver North of England and Scotland training courses (Peak District, Lakes, Northumberland and Scottish Borders) and if you are booked on the Northamptonshire courses (SatMap and Garmin) in early July you will see him there working alongside Ian.work on the GPS Training online resource, new units and update some of the existing training programs (SatMap Active 20)And also to bring some technical insight to the GPS Training podcastSo as Ian is no longer doing support and after the great uptake of the mid-month podcast we are going to have a new piece - Ask Ian – askian@gpstraining.co.uk You can email your questions in and Ian will answer them within the po...

Ask Ian. In this months Podcast we test Ian's tech knowledge, as he answers some of the listeners questions. Questions - Anthony Tranter - In the Basecamp software when I look at the GPS unit I see the recorded Tracks. The strange thing is the unit has recorded two tracks with different naming conversations. For example one might be named 2021-02-21-11:00:31 (consistent naming convention with Saved Tracks in the unit) and another might be named 21/02/2021 09:42:24. This looks like it’s the same track but notice the difference in naming. By can you tell me what the differences between these two tracks is please and which one do I keep? Forward facing date – FIT fileBackward date - gpx file Anthony Tranter Allan Humphrey - The Garmin eTrex 32x I recently purchased from you is doing what I wanted and expected it to do - recording walk timings, distance covered, etc., but there is an issue with the walk mapping that is troubling me. At the end of a walk I check that the route taken is clearly drawn onto the map, then I switch the unit off. No problem so far. On arrival home, even with the unit turned off, I find that the system has drawn a straight line connecting my home to the end point of my walk. Sometimes this can be many miles, and the actual walk route is then a tiny section at the end of a very long connecting line, making it unreadable. Is there a way of preventing the GPS from drawing this unwanted connecting line, and why does it do it? Allan Humphrey. Save the track before heading home/switching the GPS off Elaine Savage - I use an Oregon 600 GPS to record the tracks that I walk and I have noticed a discrepancy in the distances I am recording once I transfer my walk to BaseCamp on my Mac. I am always careful to clear my tracks before starting to record, to start recording and then to stop recording and save the track before I step inside my house (if walking from home) or get into the car (if travelling to a walk). So I am fairly confident that I am not adding extra data that I haven’t walked. The discrepancy can be observed by comparing the following screen shots: In the first shot, I have highlighted all the index points:and you can see that the total distance is recorded as 5.8 miles. In the next screenshot, I have excluded the final index point: and the distance is recorded as 5.5 miles even though the leg distance is only 16 feet. In the same way, if I exclude the first index point, with a leg distance of only 1 foot, the total distance comes out as 5.5 miles. I have noticed this discrepancy for some time, especially when trying to understand why a fellow walker’s GPS came up with a different measurement to mine. But it has been highlighted today when I decided to export the gpx file to my OSMaps application. The route recorded on OSMaps taken from the gpx file recorded by my Oregon 600 comes out as 5.5 miles. So where has my 0.3 of a mile gone? And is there something I can do to ensure that my Oregon 600 is measuring my tracks accurately? Do hope you can help. Kind regards Elaine Savage GPS variability, different satellites being received Peter Chapman - GPS Training Clinic question I have a GPSMAP64S with Snowdonia OS 1:250 000 from you. I’ve learnt by using and have confidence in my position in Lat/Long; how do I convert to OS coordinates for rescue purposes etc?I now also want to locate specific sites located on sheet maps but do not know how. Can you help please? Thanks so much Kind RegardsPeter Chapman Setup>Position format>British Grid When I replied top Peter saying his question would be answered in tonight’s GPS Training clinic he came back with the following question – Thanks for that Extra query; when exploring and trying to sort best route on the ground, or identify something just seen at a distance, need to use paper map to get overview before zooming in on GPS. Is there a better way?? Thanks!

The best budget GPS Unit, why has the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr grown so much and let us have your questions for ask Ian. In this month’s podcast We are going to discuss the real shift from Garmin into the Garmin GPSMAP range – why is this?Ask Ian – a mid-month Podcast SpecialThe best budget GPS unitAnd then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. The first thing on this month’s Podcast is a look at the real change in shift regarding GPS units, with the GPSMAP range really coming to the foreHistory – Garmin GPSMAP 60, 62s, 64s, 66s Now we have – GPSMAP 65s, 66s and 66sr In the past we had just 1 x GPSMAP GPS unit, but now we have x 3Shift away from Touch Screen Units? But massive growth in sales on the Montana 700 range To find out more about our thoughts on the best budget, top end and large screen GPS units please just go to – gpstraining.co.uk > Reviews and top article - Best Handheld Outdoor GPS unit2. The next thing on this month’s GPS training podcast is our proposed mid-month Podcast this month – Ask Ian In two weeks’, time we are going to have a special mid-month Podcast – Ask Ian. So, if you have any tech questions or queries, we can put Ian through his paces. Normally you only get access to our technical support if you have bought a GPS from us, been on a course or you have one of our paid support package so here is your chance to get your questions answered for free Please just email your questions to office@gpstraining.co.uk and make sure your message title is – Podcast – tech question – otherwise you will just confuse us and I will email you back saying you don’t have support from us!3. The next thing on this month’s GPS Training Podcast is a look at the best ‘budget’ GPS unit. With the end of the Garmin eTrex touch 25t, GPSMAP 64sx over the past month I thought it would be good to look at this again, AND, I have also just updated the review video looking at the units we are going to discuss, I will tell you where you can find that later. In this category – Garmin eTrex 22x, 32x and Touch 35t Garmin GPSMAP 65 and GPSMAP 65s How they rank - budget handheld GPS Unit Best budget buttoned GPS unit - Garmin eTrex 32xwith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£219.99), with Birdseye plus voucher (£269.99), with 1:50k maps (£329.99), with 1:25k maps (£519.99)Best budget touch screen GPS unit - Garmin eTrex 35twith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£249.99), with Birdseye plus voucher (£299.99), with 1:50k maps (£349.99), with 1:25k maps (£549.99)Best budget buttoned GPS unit (worth extra if you can afford it) - Garmin GPSMAP 65swith TOPO ACTIVE mapping only (£325.00), with Birdseye plus voucher (£374.99), with 1:50k maps (£399.99), with 1:25k maps (£599.99) To watch the video where we look at the best ‘budget’ GPS unit please just go to – gpstraining.co.uk – click on – product reviews – and you will see the top article - Best Handheld Outdoor GPS unit - Spring 2021 4. Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. GarminWhy is it that when I’ve downloaded a long distance walk I can see it on my Basecamp but not on my GPS? On road – 50 pointsOff road – 250 pointsOn and off road – 50 points How you download and breakdown a long distance walk are covered in the On line Resource under the ‘GPX Library’ Satmap Can I transfer a route to my Active 20 without using my PC? Yes you can. You need a Premium Xpedition2 account and to set up the Active 20. Main menu>Settings> WiFi settings>Default WiFi state - ‘On’, Xpedition2 connectivity - ‘Live Site’Enter User Name>User name - ‘Name of the Active 20’, Xpedition user name and password - these are what you use to log in to your Xpedition2 account Watches How do I transfer a gpx file to my watch? Transferring a gpx file can be done by: importing the gpx file from the Internet to your PC hard disk and then in to...

Chris the coast walker - he's back! This episode I am joined by a special guest, Chris Howard. But, Chris is more commonly known as Chris, The coast walker. We last spoke, and had Chris on the podcast back in July last year, just before he was about to set off on his walk around the coastline of mainland Britain, 11,000 miles. Welcome Chris back to the GPS Training Podcast I know a number of you must be thinking ‘that was quick’ but Chris, can we jump back to the 19th December, when the whole thing came to a massive pause, in a very timespan. You had to get out of Wales my midnight on that Saturday night, as Wales was going into lockdown at that point i.e. midnight. How did that day pan out, at what time did you think, oh no, this does not look good? How many miles had you covered at that point and where did you get upto? Was that over 142 days? So now we know where ‘the world came tumbling down’ can we press the rewind button and go back 142 days. You started in Norfolk, near your home.What kind of mileage where you covering each day?How often did you have rest day (s)Near the start you had a few ‘leg’ problems, which I know where a true battle.Best walking so far?Worst walking so far?What 9 things have you learnt about you, your body and mind? So I was thinking it broke down as - x 3 You x 3 Your Body x 3 Your Mind Isolation – Good or bad thing?I know many people have been helping you on your trip – top three acts of random kindness.The One walking tipThe One top kit tip, what piece of kit have your truly fallen in love withThe One navigational tip – keep the sea on your left?When are you hoping to head back out again?How can people support your Chris?Where can people find out more about your epic journey? Chris the Coast walker - website

Walk and talk, new 1:25k map card and Ian's FAQ's We look at our new video series - Walk and talkMobile phone appsNew 1:25k map card – release dateAnd then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. The first thing on this months Podcast is a look at our ‘walk and talk' series The idea behind the videos In a series of videos we look at a number of Outdoor GPS units and give a simple, practical guide on how each of them works and the navigational experience each of them gives. Not training videos – but hopefully give you an insight of the ‘navigational experience’ of each of the units. Walk and talk – GPSMAP 66i – 30 minsWalk and talk – Montana 700 – 20 minsMontana 700 Carry case – great findWalk and talk – SatMap Active 20 – 25 mins It’s been interesting to see the seasons changing as during the first one there was snow on the ground, and it was a cold day, then last weekend (SatMap Active 20) I was in shirt sleeves To find out more and watch the ‘walk and talk’ videos go to – gpstraining.co.uk > news > walk and talk (currently third news story down) and I will also link to it from the show notes. The next thing on this months GPS training podcast is a look at Apps that a number of you have been using. Have you had much experience of using mobile phone apps to navigate with Ian? I am starting to put a ‘piece’ together for the website and reviewing each of the ‘main’ navigational apps, of course there are many downsides of apps, but there are some instances when they can be a backup for either your GPS unit or paper map. One thig I have learnt from this podcast, especially from my interview with Lindley Chambers (safety coordinator for the spine race ) – Podcast number 35 – I will again link to this interview in the show notes - https://gpsonlinecourse.co.uk/gps-training-podcast-number-35/is ‘not to have all your eggs in one basket’. Different navigational options gives you a ‘backup’ just in case something goes wrong with one of them. Some options (ideas) SatMap appViewRangerOS appGarmin ExploreKamootMap my walkAll Trailsideas, ideas If people have any thoughts of feedback about these or other apps please do get in touch. Please note here we have been talking about using a mobile phone app as a backup, rather than your main navigational aid. If you are thinking – of course he’s going to say that. To prove it is not just me, take a look at an article I have written for the website - Stop using smartphones to navigate mountains, warn Mountain Rescue The next thing we are going to discuss on the podcast is the progress of the new 1:25k TOPO PRO map card Well Ian – the saga continues. The product image on both the 1:50k and 1:25k TOPO PRO map card is showing V2 But the product name and description is NOT showing this. I have been on to Garmin after this was spotted and I keep being told – start of April! If you have bought a Montana 700i or 750i from us and we have ‘loaned’ you one of our 1:25k map cards we will be in touch. If you are waiting for the release of the new map card please keep an eye on our Friday newsletter as we will notify you when it/ they have been launched. 4. Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. Garmin (and relevant at one level for Satmap users) I have downloaded a long distance walk from the internet, gpx file. It shows on Basecamp but when I send it to my GPs, it doesn’t show. Why? On Line Resource – GPX Library-videos in how and why you split a long distance route down My Topo Active Europe maps never load in Basecamp. What do I do? The first time that you connect your GPS/ Fenix watch with the pre loaded TopoActive Europe maps to the PC and Basecamp, you will see a progress bar on the left for the maps loading. You need to let them load in their entirety (this can take a couple of hours depending on y...

In this month’s podcast  1. Spot Gen4 – satellite communicator/ tracker - 1 min 30 seconds 2. Garmin backpack tethers -  has your cord become frayed? - 17 min 27 seconds 3. Free OS planner – many thanks for the donations - 25 min 27 seconds 4. Andy’s top tips - 30 min 54 seconds   Spot Gen4 – satellite communicator/ tracker  Pricing - Plan prices are in Euros also in small print you do need to also add on 20% vat to all prices shown. Unlimited messages-  Unlimited is only for email contacts if you send any messages including Check-in, Custom & help messages to a Mobile number you have a total allowance of 200 a year, hence for unlimited I would recommend using email addresses.If you go over the 200 you can purchase a bundle of 200 more messages otherwise you are charged 0.15 per additional message over the 200 per year. Contacts - The maximum of 10 x contacts should really be named as 10 x slots i.e. you could not put 10 x mobile numbers in and for the same people 10 x email addresses at this would be 20. If you put 5 x email addresses in and 5 x mobile numbers in this would your 10 x contacts slots used up. Do you need a computer – A computer is required with USB connection to the device to sync and changes you make to tracking, tracking intervals and to install new firmware / software updates. If you change messages and contacts a computer is not required for these changes. Battery change – To change batteries there are 4 x screws to undo, advise customer to have small flat screwdriver in their backpack Selling points Peace of mind when off grid to have SOS and being able to send check-in messages to friends and family and have friends and family track you. Lightweight robust weatherproof Can use your own AAA Batteries With 4 x AAA Lithium batteries excellent battery life – see PDF battery life chart Unit itself cost effective to buy – cheapest physical unit that we sell. Simple to use – but If you are not using tracking the monthly pricing is not as good when comparing to say a Garmin messenger that will allow two way messages and more functions on the device, but sometimes extra functions if not require could be more confusing. The big selling point for me would be that the pricing includes 5, 10, 30 & 60 minute tracking at no extra charge, if you mainly want for SOS peace of mind and tracking it is more cost effective than others. The Spot 20% discount code (only from GPS Training) is only for the annual messages not flex plans – must be activated by 30th June, we will include a discount code in with your SPOT 20% off activation 20% off annual plan Normally £215.52/ year Now £206.90/ year, so great way to see if it for you SPOT GEN4 Tracker – Normally £149.99, now - £139.99  This has 5, 10, 30 and 60minute tracking included in with it   To find out more about the Spot Gen4 please do to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-way satellite communication and you will see the Spot Gen 4 there at - £139.99   2. Garmin backpack tethers -  has your cord become frayed? Just under 50 people answered the questions –  Which rucksack strap are you carrying it on I have found the cord has got caught - Yes/ No Any other comments/ feedback ¼  wore it on right ¾  wore on left 86% experienced frayed cord on Right 56% experienced frayed cord on Left - I wrapped black electrical tape around the part of the cord that sticks to the velcro thus solving the issue - I replaced the strap with 3mm nylon paracord which works perfectly - I am left-handed so it was natural to put it on the right strap and use my left hand. I have found if I stretch the cord out before placing it back on the velcro, it doesn't get caught as much.   3. Free OS planner – many thanks for the donations A number of people have kindly donated -       Go onto youTube - https://youtu.be/wHZ15WEnxpc?si=xVphw20tjyxiTUvN

An interview with Greg Villalobos, who is not only a trail rider but also works extensively in media. A great chat discussing a wide range of topics. Greg's name kept cropping up in my conversations with customers, because this guy called Greg had done a great review on YouTube on the Montana 700i GPS unit, from a trail rider’s perspective. First of all, Greg, what is Trail Riding?How did you get into it?Away from Trail Riding what is your full-time job? Adventure Spec, well come to that a little bit later - Look after all their media and communicationsPart of the team that launched the TET, and built the TET website amongst other aspects. In 2012 Greg bought my first dirt bike and joined the Trail Riders Fellowship to learn where to ride. A new world of adventure riding was opened for him, however the way the organisation presented itself was a far cry from his experience. It’s brand had not kept up with the times. Train Riders Federation Greg then presented a proposal to re-brand the TRF and over four years helped to steer the perception of the club into a more positive, dynamic and welcoming organisation. Membership rose from 3,000 to 5,000 and the TRFs influence within the trail riding world as well as public bodies concerned with green roads shifted. He continues to work with the TRF as a contractor and particularly enjoy being part of a team that has long-term goals that we are able to help steer the ship towards. My roles cover a wide range of duties including strategy, media generation, marketing, fund-raising, design and communication. Perception of Trail Riders – how can this be improved? This is how it all started (video production relating to motorbikes?) – 2016 - Can you ride a dirtbike from the north of England to Buckingham Palace and back on dirt roads with no map and relying purely on the kindness of strangers to show you the way? YouTube film - https://youtu.be/UWcgLnmIkkA Broadcasting The Dakar Rally – Lyndon Poskitt The Dakar Rally is one of the biggest events in motorsport, in fact its viewing figures are only beaten by Formula 1. Any Dakar fan will tell you that they live for the 2 weeks at the start of January when the best off road racers in the world take on the South American desert. They will also tell you that despite the size of the event, the coverage is also terrible, with short slots on satellite TV broadcast each evening that mostly focus on the front runners. In 2017 adventure motorcycle racers Lyndon Poskitt changed the game. I was part of a team put together by Adventure Spec to disrupt the traditional Dakar experience and broadcast as close to live as possible Lyndon's efforts in the desert. My role was based back in sunny England, in the middle of the night, receiving media, and telling the story to thousands through social media. We opened the lid on what had been a very closed book. In 2018 we did it all again, this time with professional film maker Dario Leonetti on hand filming and editing in the desert with Lyndon. I don't think he's ever worked so hard in his life. I also wrote and directed 'Malle Moto - The Forgotten Dakar Story'. Adventure Spec - https://www.adventurespec.com/ - this is my main client (and is grossly underrepresented on my now out of date website!). I look after all their media and communications. WHO WE ARE Adventure Spec was established in 2007 by Chris Colling and Dave Lomax after a chance meeting on a trail in Yorkshire, UK. We are a small team who believe travelling light opens up opportunities and experiences that are unique to motorcycle adventure. We ride small and mid-capacity bikes and pack quality gear with a focus on saving space and weight. Experience and knowledge are part of our tool kit. We believe that adventure travel gives us a grounded view of the world and helps us appreciate the wonder and diversity of people and cultures as well as the humanity that conn...

It's our 50th episode, so we have a slightly different Podcast this month. hold onto your seats and I hope you enjoy it. In this month’s podcast I am going to talk to each of the team members about what their roles are within GPS Training and hopefully tease a few funny stories out of each of themThen we are going ask the questions to the staff? Some random questions I have put in a hat The first thing on this months Podcast is to help you find out more about each of the team here at GPS Training Before we start this chat I will first, with a very broad brush, explain the different aspects of the businesses – Shepherds Walks – day walks, walking guides, courses and eventsShepherds Walks HolidaysCapricorn Mohair Socks But for this Podcast, we are just going to concentrate on the two GPS-related parts of our business. Outdoor GPS Shop – I dropped this into our January Podcast when we discussed the 10 bestselling GPS units What and why we have Outdoor GPS Shop eBay, Amazon and own website – channels we sell through And GPS Training – largest independent retailer of Outdoor GPS units in the UK and also, we do nationwide physical training courses as well as online training (online resource) and webinars. So, now you hopefully know a little bit more about the business and how it’s made up let’s see how each of the staff (- Jackie who solely does holidays) fits within it - Jane – eBay – Sell under OGPS brand Helps Lynn Courses Web builds – projects 2. Lynn – Customer services and distribution Main reception Support line Sales line Processes Orders Manages course bookings and pre-course build-up Hobbies, interests 3. Ian – South of England trainer and tech support Tech support – online and telephone Training Courses – South Downs, New Forrest and Northamptonshire Hobbies, interestsJon - 4. Jon MarketingSales Now we understand the staff and what they do, let the fun begin – What question do you get asked the most?What question do you get asked that you really must stop - have a deep breath, relax, before you answer?Thinking about how this would make your life easier, what one thing would you like and GPS manufacturer to do to any GPS unit? Questions that are in the hat If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?If you were going off today on a 15 mile walk what GPS unit would you take with you?If you could make one thing change in this business overnight (no budget), what would it be?AA batteries or built-in battery in a GPS unit?Favorite workday of the week and why?Favorite course location?Favorite walk?What one sneaky thing do you keep in your rucksack? New GPST website – very topical at the moment, as it’s just been live just over a month What one thing do you like about the new GPST website? And Finally In two weeks’ time – middle March – we are having a bonus GPS training webinar, in this I interview Greg Villalobos (trail rider) - on his experiences, both in using his Garmin Montana 700 on a trail bike but also on a fascinating life he has led in the world of media.Many thanks for listening and let us know anything you would like to be covered in the Podcast please do let us know and if you know of anybody interesting that you would like to hear interviewed in future podcasts please do let us know.Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTaining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses. Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it. If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be app...

In this month's GPS Training podcast we talk about the all-new GPS Training website, the future of the Garmin Montana 680t, Power Banks, and then we have Ian's FAQ's. In this month’s podcast The all-new GPS training websiteGarmin Montana 680t being discontinued, what else will follow?Powering a GPS with a built-in battery – do we need a battery pack? If so what options are there?And then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. The first thing on this months Podcast is to look at the all-new GPS Training website Lockdown 3 – project – After we limped up to Christmas 2020 with the old site it just had to be done!Search facility – magnifying glass – great way to find reviews, new articles and products that relate to your unit. It just does not search products as many sites do.Please do review a product – if you do during first week in February 2021 you will be entered into a draw to with a Garmin Instinct GPS watch. Just find the product you have and write a review. A proper review please, not just a sentence! Everybody who writes a review in the first 7 days of February will be entered into the draw.If you have any feedback you want to give directly to Garmin you can do that online here. Homepage - Personalised GPS Recommendation – more here Never had a GPS before - more here And link to of course the GPS Training podcastProduct pages – FAQ’s tab – Map overview, battery/ powerpack overview videos and lots more. If there is any questions not in there you think would be useful for customers please do let me know. To find out more about the new GPS Training website please just go to – gpstraining.co.uk The next thing on this months GPS training podcast is the future of the ‘old’ Montana 6xx range after we heard last week that the Garmin Montana 680t being discontinued. Usual great communication from Garmin, we discovered this after we were sourcing product images for the new website. Sales have dropped the edge of the cliff for the Garmin Montana 610, 680 and 680t Understandable really after the launch of the Garmin Montana 700 range To find out more about the Montana 700 please go to our website and just type Garmin Montana into search icon (magnifying glass) in the top right. This will show both the products and reviews for the Montana 700 range The next thing we are going to discuss on the podcast are the battery packs that are now really coming to the fore now a number of popular GPS units come with a built-in battery. What GPS units now come with built in batteries. Garmin GPSMAP 66i - Battery size 3,100 mah, Battery life 35 hrs Garmin GPSMAP 66sr - Battery size 3,100 mah, Battery life 36 hrs Garmin Montana 700, 700i and 750i - Battery size 3,100 mah, Battery life 18 hrs SatMap Active 20 - Battery size 5,000 mah, Battery life 16 hrs Mobile phone - Battery life 3100 mah, Battery life 24 hrs Option 1 Powertraveller - Sport 25 (£45.00) – 2 x GPS unit or phone1 x SatMap Powertraveller – Harrier 25 (£60.00) – same mah (6,700) – but has wireless charging for iPhone users! So, a lightweight power pack could keep your GPS powered for a further 70 or 36 hours (i.e. two charges), so full charged GPS unit (GPSMAP 66sr or 66i) and ‘budget’ powerpack can keep you going 105 hours or half that for the Montana 700 range If you walked 10.5 hours a day that’s 10 days walking for a 66sr/ 66i or 5 days for a Montana 700 series And we have not even started to discuss bringing a solar panel into the equation! Very impressive! Just a ‘budget’ power bank. The thing we have not yet thrown into the equation is also keeping your mobile phone also charged. It has the same mah rating as the GPS units we have discussed so far (3,100) Therefore lets instead get a – Powertraveller Merlin 75sd (size of a can of coke) – this is my option 2 This has a mah rating of 20,

We look at the best selling GPS units - top 10 In this month’s podcast We look back at the most popular outdoor GPS units from the last two months, a bit of a hit parade for the start of 2021We then will look at the GPS training opportunities we have for 2021, both our online courses and physical courses we hold around the countryAnd then we have Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. The first thing on this months Podcast is to look at the unit sales over the past two months, what are the most popular units and our views on each of them Sales from both GPS Training and Outdoor GPS Shop – both of our websites.GPS Training - you get our gold support package and great post-sale support and online training.Outdoor GPS Shop - buy solely on Price Best selling GPS Units 1.GPSMAP 66sr 2. GPSMAP 66s 3. Montana 700 4. eTrex Touch 25t 5. Oregon 700 6. eTrex 32x 7. eTrex 10 8. GPSMAP 64sx 9. Montana 700i 10. GPSMAP 66i To find out more about each of these GPS units, watch our ‘honest’ review on the best budget, top end and large screen GPS unit on the market go to our website – gpstraining.co.uk – click on reviews (top menu bar) - Best Handheld Outdoor GPS unit - Updated for the Winter 2020, Christmas 2020 and Spring 2021 The next thing on this months GPS training podcast is to look at the courses and learning opportunities we have, for those wanting to get to grips with their GPS units Online resource – go to gpstraining.co.uk and click on ‘online resource’ on the top menu bar. Webinars - go to gpstraining.co.uk and click on ‘ gps training courses’ on the top menu bar then click on ‘webinars’. 1- Day SatMap course -  Good course as everybody has got the same unit2- Day Garmin course – Nationwide – not just in NE England! Please try and book onto two daysBorrow a GPS if you want to – try before you buyWe assume you know nothing We deliver ‘physical courses’ (South to North) – New ForestSouth DownsNorthamptonshirePeak DistrictNorthumberlandScottish Borders To see the course dates for each of the course locations go to go to gpstraining.co.uk and click on ‘gps training courses’ on the top menu bar then click on ‘training courses’. Ian’s FAQ’s, the frequently asked questions Ian gets asked whilst supporting our customers. Master reset GPS unit - how it sorts 99% of problems Batteries – Please use GOOD batteries!!!! And Finally Many thanks for listening and let us know anything you would like to be covered in the Podcast please do let us know and if you know of anybody interesting that you would like to hear interviewed in future podcasts please do let us know.Give us a call especially if you are thinking of a new GPS unitPlease do look a look at both our physical GPS courses and also our webinars, just go to GPSTaining.co.uk and click on – GPS Training courses. Please do tell your friends about the podcast and GPS Training and encourage them to subscribe to it on whichever Podcast app they are using.AND don’t forget to give us 5 star rating on iTunes and Google Podcasts, for Android users, just look in the Playstore and download this app, search for the GPS Training Podcast and subscribe to it. If you can also snazzy review on whatever platform you listen to us on it would be appreciated.Many thanks to Ian for joining me on this month’s podcast and all the best to all of you for 2021, it surely can only be a better year than the last one