Garmin GPS: Easy way to extend the reach of my eTrex?

com wrote: 

The eTrex units use a "patch" antenna. I don't know about any
external attachments that will enhance the reception but I do know that
a patch antenna will acheive its best reception when it is parallel to
the ground, i.e. like when it is resting on a table. This is easy to
demonstrate - just go to the satellite page and watch the signal
strength bars grow and shrink as you slowly tip the eTrex from a
horizontal position to a vertical position. The effect is very
noticeable with the older GPS 12XL which also uses a patch antenna.

Keeping the eTrex velcro'd to your shoulder or the top of your hat
would help reception too. You might be able to find a cell phone case
that would fit your eTrex and help you attach it to the top of the
shoulder strap of your back-pack. Updating the firmware could also
have an effect on reception too. The new "webupdater" program from
Garmin works great with my GPSmap 76C. I'm not sure if it is
compatible with your eTrex.

Bernie.

com wrote:
 

Commercial re-radiating antennas are available. Check the Google
archives of this news group and the sci.geo.satellite-nav news
group for references.

--
Dan
(email change 2001 to 2004)
(www.gpsmap.net)