View Full Version : Using Handheld GPS in Below Zero Temps?
Dave S
02-02-2001, 06:19 AM
Was reading through 1997 users mannual for a handheld Garmin 12 GPS and noticed the recommended minimum operating temp was 5 degrees F. When ice fishing not uncommon for temps to be 0 to -15 like this morning. Will the LCD screen be damaged should unit fall below 5 degrees like older LCD depth finders? Realize battery life is greatly reduced in cold temps. I would appreciate suggestions on how you keep your GPS units operable when ice fishing?
Temp is the factor for the lcd's. The unit is a reciever, it will continue to work, but the display might not. Keep it in an inside pocket until you need it. C'mon you're ice fishing man. Once you're there why do you need to have a G.P.S.? Or, HAVE YOU FIGURED OUT HOW TO ICE TROLL? (I hear the canadians do this all the time with snowmobiles) <g>
Bret N
02-02-2001, 09:35 AM
I would either leave it in your coat pocket or turn the light on. With the light on, it should be enough to keep the LCD warm and not freeze. That's what I do w/ my Garmin 12, but then I have mine hooked up to my locator battery so I don't have to worry about battery drain too much. Hope this helps. Bret
RIVERRUNNER
02-02-2001, 01:18 PM
Us canadians do troll with snowmobiles, very slow, use jerry springer tapes ussually get the u.s. dumb bite limit out everytime. stick to the topic, don't fall for slow moving vcr tape.
Dave S
02-02-2001, 10:09 PM
Did't want to do any permanent damage to GPS LCD screen in cold temps. Anyone ever had GPS LCD screen damage after accidently leaving GPS out in cold temps for extended period or this something one doesnt' need to worry about with modern GPS LCD screens. At night need to make sure to take it inside and not in freezing truck?
Backwater Eddy
02-03-2001, 01:16 AM
Dave or anyone else if your interested.
I found some sweet deals on 12 volt power leads and GPS dashboard or boat mount holders at sportsmans guide web site. They have Garmin 12 mounts for $14 & the 12 volt power leads were fair priced.
I also seen they have a good deal on the Garmin E-TREX.
How about useing a chemical pack hand warmer in severe cold? Tuck one in the tote case with the unit or in a pocket maybe?
I found some heavy duty ZIP-LOCK bags that fit well over the Garmin 12 to keep the water off the unit, still easy to use an the display is still easy to read.
BE...><ND>