GPS Training Podcast – number 96

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

Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC, TwoNav Roc, Going overseas and Andy's top tips In this month’s podcast 1. What was going on at Outdoor Expo, Birmingham NEC - 2 min 2. TwoNav Roc – a new edition to the range - 6 mins 3. Taking your GPS overseas, what should you do ahead of your trip - 23 min 15 seconds 4. Andy’s top tips - 34 min 30 seconds   1. The National Outdoor Expo – last weekend, Birmingham NEC Many thanks to everybody who came along to say hello. I was on the Zoleo stand and spoke to many listeners of the podcast including Kevin who has gone all the way back to episode number 1 and listened to every single episode of the podcast. Zoleo – 2nd year we have been there with Zoleo Amazed on how their profile has been increased over the last year, great product and it is really good to see how well it is now being received both online and at the show. Key thing is the live tracking - £4.50/ month and this can be bolted onto any package 2. TwoNav Roc In addition to existing range we stock – - Cross Plus - Terra - Aventura 2 Plus - And now TwoNav Roc Videos comparing the TwoNav Roc with a Garmin eTrex 32x and Cross Plus 3. Taking your GPS overseas, what should you do ahead of your trip Position format settings - changing the Position Format settings on your GPS device to suit the map grid system being use in the Country that you are visiting. Mapping options – OSM or Topo maps if no pre-loaded topo active mapsAdvanced map setup – detail level higher GPS settings, time settings and compass calibration – time settings set automatically, calibrate the electronic compass Videos taking you through how you set your Garmin GPS unit up before heading overseas. 4. Top Tips Fenix, Epix Lock Keys Hold top left button Scroll down widgets unit you see padlock and select with start stop button – to unlock any button for a few second’s If you cannot see padlock – hold top left button – hold middle left button – add controls – start stop button to enter – scroll down select lock device option Coros Setting Auto Lock set as Standby and activity hold to unlock GPSMap67/66 – Lock Keys On off button held in few seconds – status screen – lock keys – press Enter – power button to unlock Touch Screen Montana 700 series all TwoNav Montana default double tap power key screen off and locked – power key single tap back on TwoNav – single power button tap screen off and locked – single power tap back on

Bullitt, TwoNav, PSMA map cards and Andy's top tips In this month’s podcast 1. What is going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? - 2 min 31 sec 2. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air – quick update - 13 min 15 sec 3. Mountain rescue teams - PSGA map cards - Garmin - 26 min 33 sec 4. Andy’s top tips - 30.08 1. Bullitt – maker of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link In late January filed for bankruptcy Founders were paying for service to continue for 1 month We are over that time period and everything is still working 19th February - Sky News understands that Exponent Private Equity, which has successfully backed companies including Quorn and Trainline, is expected to agree to a restructuring of Bullitt's finances in the coming weeks. The change of control is expected to see the Business Growth Fund (BGF) - a £2.5bn vehicle set up by the UK's biggest high street lenders in the aftermath of the financial crisis - play a leading role in Bullitt's future. People close to the talks said that an auction of Bullitt, which had been triggered by a large volume of unsold inventory, had resulted in a proposal led by the BGF, an existing shareholder in the business, and the company's co-founders. If concluded, the deal would crystallise a rare disappointment for Exponent, which has seen each of its funds make impressive returns for investors since the firm was set up more than a decade ago. So, As I understand it - Exponent have pulled out, this was the backer we talked about in last month’s podcast, who pulled out at the 11th hour. And in conversations I have had with our contacts at Bullitt stated finance was being negotiated and it sounds like this is referring to the funding from BGF (Business Growth fund). The business growth fund was set up after the financial crisis and fingers crossed it can play a big roll in Bullitt’s future going forward. BGF is an equity investor in the UK and Ireland that provides long-term, minority investment and value creation support to growing companies, it was set up. So, let’s see what the future brings. We were under the understanding that customers would be notified if anything was to change, but to date nobody has received any notifications, so no news is good news. Motorola – they have not been discussed yet, what did you find out Andy with regard to this. I am personally very disappointed by the scaremongering that has been online, as I said last time our thoughts have to be with all the staff at Bullitt around the world, who I know have worked very hard on this product and the other products they produce. Read the full regard to what is going on with Bullitt online here 2. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air Lots of SatMap users upgrading – it is a SatMap on steroids We have put 75 units bicycles in UK, Spain and Italy for a cycle tour operator we work with We ended up stocking x 3 models – Cross Plus Terra Aventurer 2 Plus Software update – last week To find out more please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units OR – GPSTraining.co.uk > Reviews > TwoNav – a breath of fresh air Now 2 x walk and talk videos for the unit – TwoNav Terra TwoNav Aventurer 2 Plus  3. Mountain rescue teams - PSGA map cards – Garmin users Pleased to announce GPS Training is now an official distributor of PSGA map cards. These are the map cards that Mountain Rescue teams use and they rightly get at a discounted rate when bought alongside a Garmin GPS unit. In the past, it was a very long-winded process for MR teams to get these, but now we can act far quicker and get the units and map cards into the hands of team members. This week we shipped 5 x Garmin GPSMAP67i with this map card to the Cairngorms Mountain rescue team. If you are a member of a mountain rescue team please get in touch and we can discuss you and your team's requirements.

TwoNav, a breath of fresh air and what is going on at Bullitt, the creators of the Motorola Defy - Satellite link 1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air - 2:00 minutes in 2. What has been going on at Bullitt, the creator of the Motorola Defy – satellite link? - 33:45 minutes in 3. Andy’s top tips - 46:51 minutes in 1. TwoNav – a breath of fresh air Backstory – TwoNav has been on our radar for several years. 6 or 7 years? OS teamed up with TwoNav to create a OS branded GPS unit. We bought one at that stage and within 2 weeks it was on eBay, why? This partnership did not work as OS do not have the expertise to build and grow this type of technology in the UK. So late last year TwoNav kept coming up in conversation so Just before Christmas, we bought 1 x of each of their models and that was our Christmas holiday sorted as we started to get to grips and understand this new manufacturer – TwoNav are based in Spain Very keen to listen to feedback and build on what they have We ended up stocking x 3 models – TwoNav Cross Plus TwoNav Terra TwoNav Aventurer 2 Plus Map options available – Pre-loaded European maps 1:50k 1:25k 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k on Aventurer 2 plus Summary – SatMap on steroids – clarity of screen Wireless transfer from phone/ tablet Easy to use, intuitive Made by someone who believes and is passionate about their product To find out more please go to our website – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Handheld GPS units OR – GPSTraining.co.uk > Reviews > TwoNav – a breath of fresh air   2. Bullitt - maker of Motorolla Defy - Satellite link Thursday - buy out was in place by their largest invester Friday - they pulled out on Friday and sadly Bullitt Group ceased trading and was handed to Lloyds as the receivers Article - The Verge - Key manufacturer closes down Motorola are the 'brand' behind Bullitt, to date no news of what they are wanting to do with regard to Bullitt going forward. The founders of Bullitt have personally put money in place so subscribers can continue with their current service for at least the next month. Bullitt are going to email customers to update them on what is going to happen, but to date nothing sent which has to be good news. Good luck for the future of all the staff at Bullitt, the team here at GPS Training are thinking of you and your families 3. Top Tips - on using an outdoor GOPS unit/ watch TwoNav - Backlight 50% rather than Auto – Main Menu – Settings – System – Display & Brightness – Auto Brightness off – slide bar 50% Shutdown screen we have 30 seconds can change never and use single tap power button to take screen on & off Garmin Epix – Fenix 7 – Disable Lap button easier when using device with touch screen on and on map page to come back out Top right Button select Activity – Middle left button Hike Settings etc – scroll down – Lap key off

In this New Year’s Day Podcast, we look back on 2023 and ahead to 2024. - The year that was 2023 January February - Motorola Defy - Satellite link launched March - eTrex SE launched April - Coros watches May - GPSMAP67/ 67i June - Fenix 7 Pro launch - New Epix - Powerglass, improved power glass, new HR monitor, flashlight and updated statsSpine Challenge Race December - Solar-powered eTrex   - Looking forward to 2024 – what would we like to see Solar-powered GPS units Two-Nav Spine race BaseCamp/ apps

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