GPS Waypoint Navigation with RC Plane

[weg22]

Hi all,

I am trying to do GPS waypoint navigation and am using a Garmin eTrex Vista:
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVista/

In order to navigate a plane (or other RC vehicle) you need to be in an active "GoTo" waypoint or route. It's pointless to use the "GoTo" command because it's really just for 1 waypoint. I am trying to use the route function, but when I program a route of waypoints (e.g. 01-02-03) the GPS device ALWAYS directs me towards the last waypoint in the route when I select "Navigate" (even when I am closest to waypoint 1). I need for it to navigate me to waypoint 1, then to waypoint 2, and finally to waypoint 3.

Can anyone help me with this? Do I have a defective GPS module or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks in advance!

[rclinks2002]

There should be a route function in your gps...where you can program a bunch of differenct waypoints into. I assume the vista can do this since my etrex (the original) can..
Ben M

[kd7ost]

Here's a thread on a work around. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=475531
There's a fair amount of explaining so it's best to go read this. What you are seeing is called, "Smart Route Finding" by Garmin and it really sucks. You can work with it though. Read the thread above and then come ask if you have any more questions. Practice setting up your Waypoints in the vehicle or even on foot in a local park or woods or whatever. You'll get it to work with some limitations. The description of the workaround starts with the third post.

Good Luck

Dan

[kd7ost]

the GPS device ALWAYS directs me towards the last waypoint in the route when I select "Navigate" (even when I am closest to waypoint 1). I need for it to navigate me to waypoint 1, then to waypoint 2, and finally to waypoint 3.

I missed this the first time. It's a little more obscure. Waypoint 01 needs to be where you start. The GPS figures it's navigation course in a route based on the waypoints you put in. Once you tell it to "follow" it will start it's math from waypoint 1. Not where it is currently sitting at.

You need to make sure when you create the route that you put where you are starting at as 01. 02 should be closer to you than the finishing WP. When you select a route it won't jump to 01. It's starting from there. It should jump to 02. If it's jumping to the last WP then your last WP is closer to you than 02.

Clear as mud? :D

Dan

[lvspark]

I did some gps routes last night (rc car) and was suprised that my garmin 301 followed all the waypoints. I was expecting to see it jump from waypoint 4 to 7 but it followed each waypoint as programmed 3 out of 4 times...
During 1 run when I had the servo gains turned way down it did jump from the programmed route and go from 4 to 8 without hitting 5,6 and 7...???

Worked pretty good though

EDIT: I was also a little suprised it did not go from start ->wpt1 -> wpt8 :confused: :)

[kd7ost]

That is interesting. I've never seen that. I wonder if heading towards the WP has anything to do with it? I've only done it in a plane and you have to circle around to get to altitude. Maybe if it's heading away from the WP it won't do it that way. I'll have to do it on foot with my eTrex to check that out. Interesting information.

Dan