Mapping Hacks

Accessorize Your GPS #48

Chapter 5, Mapping with Gadgets

|

213

HACK

handset via Bluetooth. Open each incoming file (using the Messaging app)

and install them in turn (order doesn’t seem to matter).

The Handango web site can also download applications directly to many

models of mobile devices.

—Rael Dornfest and Simon St.Laurent

HACK

#48

Accessorize Your GPS Hack #48

Get more enjoyment out of your GPS by making and buying simple

accessories.

The heart of a GPS receiver is pretty simple: a small box of electronics that

does magic. In the introduction to this chapter, we learned a bit about the

features of a GPS receiver that contribute to buying decisions. Now let’s go

wild and discuss accessories!

Waterproof Floating Cases

Typical GPS units are rated as waterproof to one foot. While I’m sure this is

true for the new, just-off-the-shelf unit, I know for a fact that this is less true

if the GPS receiver is three years old and subject to a harsh Channel Islands

crossing on an open boat. In addition, your GPS receiver is certainly not

waterproof at the depths to which it will surely plunge when it manages to

escape the bounds of your boat. On a recent dive trip, I came upon a small

pile of gear that had obviously fallen off the back of a boat: a single fin, dive

knife, and a watch. I stashed the loot in my lobster bag, but first looked at

the watch. “Darn,” I thought. “Is that really the time? There is no way ...