Thanks for the work you put in to the review,I will spend a little more and buy a Garmin. I think Bushnell needs to put a lot of work into this one. Bushnell has really slipped from "Mediocre" to junk in the past decade. I would have sold my Bushnell stock long ago.
@keelee7771 Did you calibrate the compass? You can do that by moving the unit in a figure 8, horizontally. I show that in my new D-TOUR review (part 2).
somehow I don't fully trust electronic navigational devices, a good mechanical compass is much better, plus a map of course . .. even GPS in smartphones are somewhat inaccurate
@tudorelviola I've found that the first time you turn it on (if it has been off for a long time), it can take quite a few minutes for it to "lock" (even 10 minutes). And then other times it happens quickly. If you are in a city, buildings can block GPS entirely. If you are in a really thick forest, GPS can be blocked. Thus far it has always worked for me, even if I'm inside a building (but at a window). Maybe your unit is bad.
Navigational equipment should never be considered 100% accurate and really should be used as a way to CONFIRM your position. It should never be relied solely upon and is no substitute for basic navigation skills. =) Cheers big ears!
15 degrees can VERY quickly turn into miles of course, I wouldn't recommend something that imprecise; considering that's it's purpose if to ultimately "Save" your life.
@TrueHelpTV Well, it is foolish to rely on any one piece of tech to save your life. But, any compass reading can be off by 15 degrees if you are near some magnetic ore. This unit always tells you your distance, so you would really have to mess up to not notice that you were getting further and further away, while walking for miles. You don't even need the compass. Just walk in the direction that maximally minimizes your distance. That part is very accurate (assuming you get the satellite lock).
@Fadsmashers That is a good question. The last time I used it was in December in California. Still using the original batteries. Today I went for a hike and used it for about 15 minutes - still showing a full charge on the original batteries. I'm a "light" user, but apparently I have now had the same original batteries in it for almost 2 years, and I don't remove the batteries when I don't use the unit. For more serious stuff I always care extra batteries though, just in case.
It seems to work ok. Even if the compass gets flaky the distance is computed via the GPS module, so you can see if you are getting closer to your desired location or not.
@acknob: It can store only 3 locations where you have been previously. I'm sure an ECE student could figure out how to hack it, but it would be beyond most of us, and would need an extra interface.
If you are referring to angular error, this makes sense. S = Theta x R, there R is your distance from the start point. Theta is the angle provided by the compass, which has error. Hence the error in S (the length of the arc) increases as R increases (and vice versa). Fun.
Super nice review! It seems to me that the GPS provided compass would be better for this kind of thing. Although, you have to be moving, so I can understand why they went with the electronic compass.
Darn, I thought I replied to this too. I agree the GPS compass would be neat, but then again, if you don't actually get the GPS signal this whole unit would become worthless. At least you have the digital compass as backup. Wouldn't it be nice to have *both* the digital compass and the GPS compass? I'm dreaming... BTW, even if the digital compass is acting up, one can always just move in a way to reduce distance.... we tried ignoring the compass and we did just fine.
Great video and thanks!!. Two quick questions. How long do the batteries last and if you have to replace the batteries do you lose your way points? Many thanks.
Darn - I thought I replied. I'm still using the original batteries! I've probably used it on 12 hikes, and have never bother to remove batteries between hikes. I did a short "field test" where I popped the batteries out and back in - and the way points were kept.
That is a good point - I do keep it level and should have said that in my video. I'd agree with the accuracy, which is why I always take multiple readings by rotating the unit. The average reading seems good for me.
Can you confirm that large metal objects actually do interfere with the Backtracks digital compass? I was under the impression that the Backtrack used its GPS and minor movement to detect true north as apposed to the more traditional reading of magnetic north.
I turned it on right at my SUV and it went bonkers. All my vehicles have wonderfully weird magnetic fields because they are parked in the same direction so often (confirmed with a regular old compass). I honestly do not believe that the unit uses GPS and movement to detect true north. We used chips in our robots that exhibited similar behavior.
Hi~ I really enjoyed your videos. They were alot more informative and entertaining than any of the other Backtrack videos. Have you thought about making more?
Thanks a lot! I'm playing around with the idea of making educational videos for the younger set... but sadly need to do my real work to pay the bills. ;-) I might post my first little stop-gap animation I did though - it isn't educational but kids enjoy it.
This BackTrack is awesome! Thanks for this great info. Very useful to see how it works. Can you tell me, if it works worldwide? I want to use it in travelin in other countries worldwide and want to find my hotel again. :D
I guess the camera is a electro-magnetic source too; trowing the dig compass off a bit... Too bad these Bushnells are not very cheap but I guess its still the cheapest gps-solution, actualy is there an alternative gps-product at a lesser price?
When I researched this sort of unit I also found mention of a "QSTARZ" and "IDC (Ecco)" units. I'd love to hear what people think of them. They seemed to be similar in price.
Just looked up the IDC Ecco, its amazing such a little and cheap (6usd) tracking GPS.. All the features of the bushnell too However for serious hiking Id take the Backtrack too cause the Ecco has only 5hrs activated battery life.. Thanks for the info tho, ordering one asap
Darn - you had me all excited - I was going to buy it for $6!!! I *thought* I had seen a price of $40-$50 for it. If you search hard you should be able to to find the Bushnell one for a bit over $40 I hope.
Wow... I thought that you had to be moving at least walking speed for any GPS to work (by work, I mean point toward the bearing-- I know that they'll give you the lat&lon when stationary). I bought one of these units but had to return it because it was so inaccurate. Maybe I didn't have to be moving... or maybe it was just a defective unit.
Great comment! Precisely why I made this video! Many people have the "must walk" mental model. But this unit doesn't work that way. It merely notes a lat/long of where you start, a lat/long of where you are, and points you back. The digital compass is necessary to compensate for the orientation of the unit itself. A very different model of use. I'd recommend NOT moving, when taking readings, actually. Again, great comment. Thanks!
The backlight is terrible. The compass seems to work without a GPS signal. I picked up a camo color BackTrack but if I had a choice I would get the color in this video. (I got a great price so I cant really complain. I hunt in the desert a lot and the BackTrack makes it very easy to find the camp. It also makes it easy to pick up any game kills on the way back or if it gets too hot you can drop your gear and find it easily on the way back. Thanks for the great videos swarmotics.
Right - the compass is probably a digital compass. It'll work anywhere, because it senses magnetic fields. Even indoors. However, because large metal objects usually have magnetic fields you have to be careful. A car, metal fence, or even a good chunk of iron or steel will mess it up.
I should have shown the backlight in my video - good point! I've found it works fine (we had a hike where it was getting dark). Perhaps your unit is defective???? Thanks for your comments!
As for "where", hmmm... well, people here don't like to divulge information about their favorite hiking spots. I will say it can be seen from I80 in Wyoming. ;-) There is a lot of great hiking in Wyoming! Thanks for your replies!
Thanks for the detailed review, but I have to comment about keeping your fav hiking places secret. I've been an avid hiker, mtn biker and angler for over 35 years and see no reason why I should not share my favorite spots with other like minded individuals. People who appreciate the outdoors should experience these beautiful spots and its our duty as adventurers to share this with them.
My experience is that my favorite spots have been shut down for a decade due to overuse. We are more protective now as a consequence. Especially in a public forum.
Thanks for the work you put in to the review,I will spend a little more and buy a Garmin. I think Bushnell needs to put a lot of work into this one. Bushnell has really slipped from "Mediocre" to junk in the past decade. I would have sold my Bushnell stock long ago.
cleve0h 2 months ago
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cleve0h 2 months ago
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cleve0h 2 months ago
rocks may have iron an other minerals that may interfere with reading.
cleve0h 2 months ago
@cleve0h Absolutely, and true whether you have a digital compass or a regular compass...
swarmotics 2 months ago 2
i find mine to be apx. 24 deg. off. sure wouldn't want to be my life on it.
keelee7771 2 months ago
@keelee7771 Did you calibrate the compass? You can do that by moving the unit in a figure 8, horizontally. I show that in my new D-TOUR review (part 2).
swarmotics 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
somehow I don't fully trust electronic navigational devices, a good mechanical compass is much better, plus a map of course . .. even GPS in smartphones are somewhat inaccurate
monsieurhassan 3 months ago
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monsieurhassan 3 months ago
I guess this is a good example not to buy this.....take pictures or video of your trek instead
Sabrineable 6 months ago
I have a problem with this device. The problem is that the Sattelite icon does not stop from blinking so i can not use the toy.
tudorelviola 7 months ago
@tudorelviola I've found that the first time you turn it on (if it has been off for a long time), it can take quite a few minutes for it to "lock" (even 10 minutes). And then other times it happens quickly. If you are in a city, buildings can block GPS entirely. If you are in a really thick forest, GPS can be blocked. Thus far it has always worked for me, even if I'm inside a building (but at a window). Maybe your unit is bad.
swarmotics 7 months ago
Navigational equipment should never be considered 100% accurate and really should be used as a way to CONFIRM your position. It should never be relied solely upon and is no substitute for basic navigation skills. =) Cheers big ears!
EdificeArchitect 7 months ago
@EdificeArchitect I totally agree and people should always keep this in mind!
swarmotics 7 months ago
15 degrees can VERY quickly turn into miles of course, I wouldn't recommend something that imprecise; considering that's it's purpose if to ultimately "Save" your life.
TrueHelpTV 9 months ago
@TrueHelpTV Well, it is foolish to rely on any one piece of tech to save your life. But, any compass reading can be off by 15 degrees if you are near some magnetic ore. This unit always tells you your distance, so you would really have to mess up to not notice that you were getting further and further away, while walking for miles. You don't even need the compass. Just walk in the direction that maximally minimizes your distance. That part is very accurate (assuming you get the satellite lock).
swarmotics 9 months ago
@swarmotics How is the battery life?
Fadsmashers 7 months ago
@Fadsmashers That is a good question. The last time I used it was in December in California. Still using the original batteries. Today I went for a hike and used it for about 15 minutes - still showing a full charge on the original batteries. I'm a "light" user, but apparently I have now had the same original batteries in it for almost 2 years, and I don't remove the batteries when I don't use the unit. For more serious stuff I always care extra batteries though, just in case.
swarmotics 7 months ago
So this device would be completely useless in a city or for the purpose of finding a car in a car lot for example lol
sinsearch 1 year ago
@sinsearch
It seems to work ok. Even if the compass gets flaky the distance is computed via the GPS module, so you can see if you are getting closer to your desired location or not.
swarmotics 1 year ago
@sinsearch I've used it in Denver ok...
swarmotics 9 months ago
are you able to program coordinates into it or does it only backtrack where you have been yourself?
acknob 1 year ago
@acknob
Only where you have been. Up to 3 locations.
swarmotics 1 year ago
are you able to program coordinates into it or does it only backtrack where you have been yourself?
acknob 1 year ago
@acknob: It can store only 3 locations where you have been previously. I'm sure an ECE student could figure out how to hack it, but it would be beyond most of us, and would need an extra interface.
swarmotics 1 year ago
iron in those rocks
625lafayette 1 year ago
it might not look 100% acurate but the closer you get the more acurate it is
jean9910 1 year ago
@jean9910
If you are referring to angular error, this makes sense. S = Theta x R, there R is your distance from the start point. Theta is the angle provided by the compass, which has error. Hence the error in S (the length of the arc) increases as R increases (and vice versa). Fun.
swarmotics 1 year ago
I love the technology, fyi before I bought I checked out gpssatnavreviews (.) com
whimsicalfuel58 1 year ago
Super nice review! It seems to me that the GPS provided compass would be better for this kind of thing. Although, you have to be moving, so I can understand why they went with the electronic compass.
fhantazm 1 year ago
@fhantazm
Darn, I thought I replied to this too. I agree the GPS compass would be neat, but then again, if you don't actually get the GPS signal this whole unit would become worthless. At least you have the digital compass as backup. Wouldn't it be nice to have *both* the digital compass and the GPS compass? I'm dreaming... BTW, even if the digital compass is acting up, one can always just move in a way to reduce distance.... we tried ignoring the compass and we did just fine.
swarmotics 1 year ago
@fhantazm I didn't have to move to get it to work correctly, just had to hold it flat like other digital compasses... pretty cool product
level42hawker 1 year ago
Great video and thanks!!. Two quick questions. How long do the batteries last and if you have to replace the batteries do you lose your way points? Many thanks.
EnduringEagle 1 year ago
@EnduringEagle
Darn - I thought I replied. I'm still using the original batteries! I've probably used it on 12 hikes, and have never bother to remove batteries between hikes. I did a short "field test" where I popped the batteries out and back in - and the way points were kept.
swarmotics 1 year ago
can anyone tell me if this device good or not coz i am thinking of getting it :)
IsmailSalah96 1 year ago
@IsmailSalah96
Used it again last week and it got me back to within 10 ft of the original mark.
swarmotics 1 year ago
@swarmotics mmmm
IsmailSalah96 1 year ago
If it's not absolutely level, it'll give you bogus directions.
It's accurate about 75% of the time for us.
tpcrb 1 year ago
@tpcrb
That is a good point - I do keep it level and should have said that in my video. I'd agree with the accuracy, which is why I always take multiple readings by rotating the unit. The average reading seems good for me.
swarmotics 1 year ago
helpfull hints
now when i get one i know how to use it
demonice20 1 year ago
Can you confirm that large metal objects actually do interfere with the Backtracks digital compass? I was under the impression that the Backtrack used its GPS and minor movement to detect true north as apposed to the more traditional reading of magnetic north.
GallowglassX82 1 year ago
@GallowglassX82
I turned it on right at my SUV and it went bonkers. All my vehicles have wonderfully weird magnetic fields because they are parked in the same direction so often (confirmed with a regular old compass). I honestly do not believe that the unit uses GPS and movement to detect true north. We used chips in our robots that exhibited similar behavior.
swarmotics 1 year ago
Where are you at in this Video? Nice scenery!!
JES2691 1 year ago
Great video. I have one and i love it. I's great for bike riding. I just take the batteries out when it's not in use.
musicman195959 1 year ago
Hi~ I really enjoyed your videos. They were alot more informative and entertaining than any of the other Backtrack videos. Have you thought about making more?
trapadaa 1 year ago
@trapadaa
Thanks a lot! I'm playing around with the idea of making educational videos for the younger set... but sadly need to do my real work to pay the bills. ;-) I might post my first little stop-gap animation I did though - it isn't educational but kids enjoy it.
swarmotics 1 year ago
how to do you install the battery?
LADYGlRL 1 year ago
@LADYGlRL : You twist off the back cover, put in the 2 AAA batteries, and twist the back cover back on. Nice and simple
swarmotics 1 year ago
so how do you pick between setting it to house,car,certain spot,, and how do you reset it
smallblocksupercharg 1 year ago
@smallblocksupercharg: Toggle through the 3 locations with the right button (clicking) and hold the left button to reset that location.
swarmotics 1 year ago
great focus!
eiskorn12345 2 years ago
This BackTrack is awesome! Thanks for this great info. Very useful to see how it works. Can you tell me, if it works worldwide? I want to use it in travelin in other countries worldwide and want to find my hotel again. :D
sashusilver 2 years ago
I guess the camera is a electro-magnetic source too; trowing the dig compass off a bit... Too bad these Bushnells are not very cheap but I guess its still the cheapest gps-solution, actualy is there an alternative gps-product at a lesser price?
masterdurchgriff 2 years ago
When I researched this sort of unit I also found mention of a "QSTARZ" and "IDC (Ecco)" units. I'd love to hear what people think of them. They seemed to be similar in price.
swarmotics 2 years ago
Just looked up the IDC Ecco, its amazing such a little and cheap (6usd) tracking GPS.. All the features of the bushnell too However for serious hiking Id take the Backtrack too cause the Ecco has only 5hrs activated battery life.. Thanks for the info tho, ordering one asap
masterdurchgriff 2 years ago
ow sorry I'm mistaking its 99usd... I prefer the backtrack, can't find a cheaper GPStracker
masterdurchgriff 2 years ago
Darn - you had me all excited - I was going to buy it for $6!!! I *thought* I had seen a price of $40-$50 for it. If you search hard you should be able to to find the Bushnell one for a bit over $40 I hope.
Hmmm... I just spotted a new product:
Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator
Wonder what that one is like?
swarmotics 2 years ago
Wow... I thought that you had to be moving at least walking speed for any GPS to work (by work, I mean point toward the bearing-- I know that they'll give you the lat&lon when stationary). I bought one of these units but had to return it because it was so inaccurate. Maybe I didn't have to be moving... or maybe it was just a defective unit.
ScottsUtubeWorld 2 years ago
Great comment! Precisely why I made this video! Many people have the "must walk" mental model. But this unit doesn't work that way. It merely notes a lat/long of where you start, a lat/long of where you are, and points you back. The digital compass is necessary to compensate for the orientation of the unit itself. A very different model of use. I'd recommend NOT moving, when taking readings, actually. Again, great comment. Thanks!
swarmotics 2 years ago
The backlight is terrible. The compass seems to work without a GPS signal. I picked up a camo color BackTrack but if I had a choice I would get the color in this video. (I got a great price so I cant really complain. I hunt in the desert a lot and the BackTrack makes it very easy to find the camp. It also makes it easy to pick up any game kills on the way back or if it gets too hot you can drop your gear and find it easily on the way back. Thanks for the great videos swarmotics.
DocMojave 2 years ago
Right - the compass is probably a digital compass. It'll work anywhere, because it senses magnetic fields. Even indoors. However, because large metal objects usually have magnetic fields you have to be careful. A car, metal fence, or even a good chunk of iron or steel will mess it up.
I should have shown the backlight in my video - good point! I've found it works fine (we had a hike where it was getting dark). Perhaps your unit is defective???? Thanks for your comments!
swarmotics 2 years ago
I hope you find the device to be useful!
As for "where", hmmm... well, people here don't like to divulge information about their favorite hiking spots. I will say it can be seen from I80 in Wyoming. ;-) There is a lot of great hiking in Wyoming! Thanks for your replies!
swarmotics 2 years ago
@swarmotics
Thanks for the detailed review, but I have to comment about keeping your fav hiking places secret. I've been an avid hiker, mtn biker and angler for over 35 years and see no reason why I should not share my favorite spots with other like minded individuals. People who appreciate the outdoors should experience these beautiful spots and its our duty as adventurers to share this with them.
rlmc29er 2 years ago
My experience is that my favorite spots have been shut down for a decade due to overuse. We are more protective now as a consequence. Especially in a public forum.
swarmotics 2 years ago
I like this Bushnell GPS Device. It make you safe to find back to your Startpoint and prevent you to get Lost.
"Where is this Hiking Area? It look fantastic.
MrGermanlobo 2 years ago