I took my cycle computer (Garmin Edge 305) along on one drive when my gas
gauge and my odo were both acting up.  I made a little foam block and stuck
a magnet in that block, stuck that on the front of my dash pod so that the
Garmin was right there on the top of the pod.  This Garmin is about the size
of a small cell phone and has tons of functions, including the altitude
mapping and display functions for current alt., total climbed, total lost, a
recorded profile of what you've passed over, the percentage of climb
(updated by the second)...just tons of stuff..It will recharge off a 12v
outlet or as you download your recorded data (including real maps of where
you went) to your computer.
  Fairly inexpensive, given all it's functions..You can also use it on your
bike.  Or in your pocket as you hike or ride a motorcycle.  Very
accurate...when I move my bike 1 foot, it shows up..

http://g.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/1665/Edge.html

  Don Hanson

On Thu, Aug 12, 2010 at 6:32 PM, Don Hundt <dhundt@bendbroadband.com> wrote:

> Shawn,
> Just about any dash mount GPS nav device will have elevation, plus a lot of
> other useful gadgets to take your eyes off the road. The GPS units seem much
> more accurate than the old barometric altimeters, those need to be
> recalibrated whenever the weather changes.
> Don
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
> Date: Thursday, August 12, 2010 1:02 pm
> Subject: Altimeter for dash?
>
> > I've often thought having an altimeter in the van would be a
> > useful addition
> > when driving in the mountains, as knowing the elevation of a pass
> > doesn'ttell the whole story if you don't know your current
> > elevation. Has anyone
> > tried one with any success?
> >
> > --
> > Shawn Wright
> > '88 Westy 1.6TD
> >
>