Loosing GPS WAAS Signal Lock?

[Dave S]

I was told at a recent sportshow in South Dakota by a tackle supplier that a number people in the Midwest were having considerable difficulty maintaining a GPS WAAS Signal lock. As a result people were returning GPS units for non- WAAS units as the fluctuating lock / unlock was frustrating to them. I would like to hear from GPS users in the Midwest how much of a problem this actually is.

I know that there are only two WAAS satellites, one off each coast of the US so signal strength in the Midwest is currently limited. Additional satellites would eliminate this problem but in the mean time one has to deal with it if you have a GPS with WAAS capabilities. Anyone know if you can selectively turn on or off the signal reception from the two WAAS satellites on some GPS units ?

[Dbl]

I have the Garmin 162 and a Garmin Legend and both are WAAS cabable. Both allow you to turn off the WAAS signal through a simple menu selection. I have been using both units with the WAAS enabled with no problem (I live in Minneapolis). I have used the Legend on both coasts and found the accuracy to be slightly better.

[Hookmaster]

I have a Garmin MAP76. You can turn the WAAS on or off very easily through the setup screen. I've only used it a few times and sometimes it will lock on and other times it won't. Once it has locked it seems to stay locked.

Formerly John in MN