Garmin 12 and power saving

[Guest]

I recently bought a Garmin 12. In the setup menu there is an option for 'power saving'. However, there is no reference to the use of this in the instructions. Does the use of this result in a reduction in performance? How much extra running time does one get and at what cost?

 

[Guest]

This mode appeared in software version 4.57 which was developed years after the original manual was prepared and so it is not documented. It increases battery life from approx. 24 to 36 hours. It seems that for a relatively slow moving object like a sailboat it does not make a big difference in performance. It will probably be more noticable on a fast moving car or on an aircraft. Look at web site http://joe.mehaffey.com/ for more information on this feature and GPS in general.

 

[Guest]

Re: This is what Garmin told me....

I had the same question so I asked Garmin to explain. This is their response: "The display stays on but the receiver goes to sleep, if you are moving on a steady and constant heading the receiver turns off for 4 seconds, then it fires up again checks the position with the internal dead reckoning position and adjusts as needed. Provided the heading remains constant then the receiver will go back to sleep again. By doing this you should be able to achieve 24 hours battery life."

 

[Guest]

I used power save all last season and didn't get lost!

 

[Guest]

Good idea. Every time I will feel I am about to get lost I will switch to power save mode...