Comments on: GPS Watches: Sweden now explicitly allows them

By: Robert Wirth

Robert Wirth — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:58:41 +0000

First, I can’t understand the core of the problem (that is going on in German O circles too) These people who are heavily interested in and depend of getting lots of course and running data for their analysis are those who do their hobby (or more) with a very dedication — physical, time and also financial. They’re spending a lot of money for travelling, clothing and other equipment.
Why is it so unacceptable to use two GPS tracking devices: one with display for training and lower level competitions, and another one without display for the big runs where the former is forbidden?
Well, this recommends to buy a second device (that one without display). But in relation to all the other investments for practising O, this could be shouldered, can’t it?

Second, I think that using a device that allows to measure distances, or even showing old maps in the background with coordinates in front, contradicts the idea of our sport. I wouldn’t like to hear about someone who wins by a narrow margin because (s)he has faster fingers and a bigger display with a higher resolution. Anyone likes?

By: Eddie Harwood

Eddie Harwood — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:56:53 +0000

Have SOFT gone mad?

Why do people want to dumb our sport down? The logical conclusion to this is taped cross country races through the forest – a perfectly valid activity, but not orienteering.

By: Jagge

Jagge — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:06:55 +0000

Jan, how about setting up a vote to see what kind of gps rules readers here would like to have for national events?

– total banning of gps units.
– only logger type units without screen are allowed (IOF rule)
– allowed to carry, tape over screen, but not allowed to use for navigation
– this Swedish style rule
– free use, you can set up old maps as backgroud if you like.