GPS Notes
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May 31, 2005
Co-ordinates checksum
The next time you write down some coordinates here's a good way to make sure you can still read them when you're out in the field and make sure they're accurate - make a simple checksum of the numbers! This... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 2:20 PM. | TrackBack
May 27, 2005
Still waiting for that number 9 bus?
Transport for London (TfL) is to fit all 8,000 London buses with GPS technology at a cost of some GBP£120 million. Not only is it hoped that this will prevent the "three buses all at the same time" syndrome but... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:59 AM. | TrackBack
May 25, 2005
Clever uses of GPS can earn you cash!
Got a good GPS-related idea and want some cash to turn it into reality? Then head over to the Galileo Masters 2005 competition where there is a prize of €50,000 worth of business development support for the European team that... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:01 PM. | TrackBack
May 24, 2005
Berlin opposes Paris over Galileo
"Berlin, Germany, May. 24 (UPI) -- Germany is threatening to openly oppose France's bid to control Europe's $3.6 billion Galileo satellite venture." WashingtonTimes.com Over in Europe, France and Germany are squabbling over who controls the European rival to the US... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:06 PM. | TrackBack
May 23, 2005
Magellan 'BE THERE' GPS Adventure
"Third-Annual Geocaching Contest Uses GPS Receivers and Internet to Create Fun- Filled Activity Where Families Win Prizes While Exploring the Great Outdoors." biz.yahoo.com Enjoy geocaching? Then here's your chance to win some cool prizes thanks to Magellan. For more details... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:20 PM. | TrackBack
GPS for Dogs!
You can now find your pet anywhere in the world with GPF - Global Pet Finder. OK, you're pet might not go so far away that you need global coverage by by attaching a special battery-powered GPS emitter-receiver to your... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:17 PM. | TrackBack
May 20, 2005
GPS firmware updates
GPSMAP 182/182C April 27, 2005 GPSMAP 182/182C April 27, 2005 GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder April 28, 2005 GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder April 28, 2005 GPSMAP 2006/2006C April 28, 2005 GPSMAP 2010/2010C April 28, 2005 GPSMAP 232 April 28, 2005 Quest April 28,... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 2:38 PM. | TrackBack
GPS shows effect of Dec 26 earthquake
GPS data readings have shown the enormously far-reaching power of the devastating earthquake of 26 Dec 2004. The entirety of India was moved eastwards a few centimeters by the earthquake according to a report in the Hindustan Times. Southern India... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:26 AM. | TrackBack
May 19, 2005
GPS and conservation
"Dusky dolphins living off the coast of Cape Town are about to be issued with mobile phone technology. Once fitted with the collar - which also comprises a GPS unit (Global Positioning System) - animals are just a text message... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:39 AM. | TrackBack
May 18, 2005
RAM Mounts
One of the best GPS holders on the market come from RAM Mounts by National Products Inc. These are simply the best when it comes to in-car mounting of a GPS. "All RAM GPS mounts and cradles come standard with... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 5:04 PM. | TrackBack
May 14, 2005
John Deere StarFire GPS
Satellite navigation is getting everywhere - here is an example of how John Deere have integrated GPS technology into tractors. "This receiver is integral to the performance of our guidance systems and we've made improvements over our previous StarFire receiver,"... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 4:58 PM. | TrackBack
May 13, 2005
Protecting your electronics outdoors
I've looked at how you can protect your GPS or iPAQ outdoor - the best small, waterproof, dust-proof, crush-proof boxes are, without a doubt, the Otterbox. But what about protecting bigger stuff, such as laptops or digital cameras? What's the... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:34 PM. | TrackBack
PDA protection
There are plenty of times when I like to use a PDA such as an iPAQ when I'm in the field but an iPAQ is better suited to an office than it is in the woods or on a mountain... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 5:26 PM. | TrackBack
Rosum TV-GPS
"GPS signals were designed for accurate tracking and location in open outdoor areas; however, indoors and in urban areas, the technology is not reliable. Assisted GPS (A-GPS) helps the GPS receiver by providing an alternate source of the fragile navigation... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:31 AM. | TrackBack
May 12, 2005
Garmin GPS input voltage values
It's a good idea where ever possible to power your GPS from an external source so that your batteries are fully changed for when you are on the move. However, you need to make sure you don't put too much... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:02 PM. | TrackBack
GPS almanac
Almanac is a word that you'll hear a lot of when you read GPS-related information. But what is the "almanac"? The almanac contains orbital data (also known as ephemeris data) on all the GPS satellites. It is the almanac that... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:53 PM. | TrackBack
GPS "states"
Sometimes GPS receiver seems to take longer than usual to acquire a position. GPS receiver have four internal states and these can dictate how long acquisition takes. State #1 Factory. The GPS has no idea where it is and is... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:45 PM. | TrackBack
May 10, 2005
The last 20 meters
Generally when you're navigating, an error of a few meters is not important (unless you are navigating through difficult and dangerous terrain) but there are times when you might want to find a spot accurately - one example of this... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:16 AM. | TrackBack
Ricoh GPS-enabled Pro G3 Digital Camera
Want to log where you took your digital photos? It's simple with the Ricoh GPS-enabled Pro G3 digital camera! The GPS isn't built-in - The Pro G3 has a CompactFlash slot for a WAAS-enabled GPS card. Using this it embeds... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:12 AM. | TrackBack
May 5, 2005
GPS keeps European PDA sales high
It seems that GPS is responsible for strong PDA sales in Europe. The Register reports on this. Smart phones are OK but they're no match for a PDA like the HP iPAQ. The screen quality on the iPAQ is amazing... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 4:10 PM. | TrackBack
Seamful GPS Game
If you have a reasonable amount of wifi hotspots around where you are you might like to try out this interesting sounding game that combines GPS and WiFi-enabled PDAs... "The Seamful Game is a GPS and WiFi based game played... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:33 AM. | TrackBack
May 4, 2005
Social GPS
Here's an interesting project entitled "social GPS" by Rebecca Anema. The Java application enables her to locate friends with GPS-enabled cellphones using the example of a ski run. Locations and buddy lists are held on a central database. This is... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:10 PM. | TrackBack
Ebook for download
Great news! Hacking GPS is now available in PDF format! Download (10.5 megabyte download. Requires Acrobat Reader) Click here for more info about the book. FAQ... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:09 PM. | TrackBack
May 3, 2005
Tip: External antenna connectors
If you are using an external GPS antenna then make sure that the connector between the GPS and the antenna is done up firmly. A loose connection can cause signal loss through attenuation which can cause poor signal lock. Do... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:03 AM. | TrackBack
May 2, 2005
Before each trip/after each trip
Here is a great article that covers things that you should do before and after a trip out with your GPS. Really useful advice ranging from changing your batteries to making sure the datum is set up correctly. One point... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 12:28 PM. | TrackBack
May 1, 2005
GPS games
Bored and want something fun to do? Take a trip over to http://gpsgames.org/ for details of new and exciting GPS games. Shutter Spot sounds like great fun! Take a picture and then players have to work out the coords of... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:00 PM. | TrackBack
The smallest GPS antenna available
"The MK4 (BS-2) is the smallest GPS antenna available on the current market. Low working power voltage and low power consumption makes it the most popular model in the market. Its state of the art technology allows for the small... continue reading.