GPS Notes
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November 30, 2005
ExtremeTech reviews Juice rechargeable batteries and charger
ExtremeTech reviews Juice NiMH rechargeable batteries and AA/AAA charger. Not much information in the review (other than the usual NiMH info - rechargeable 1000s of times, no memory effect, cheaper in the long run than disposable batteries ...), the only... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:00 PM. | TrackBack
November 29, 2005
GPS terms - WAAS
What is WAAS? WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System and is an FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) system that augments the GPS network with hardware (such as beacon towers) that improves the accuracy of the system by transmitting an additional... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 2:18 PM. | TrackBack
Comparing different GPS receivers
Christmas gift shopping can be a time of comparing to get the right gift. Garmin have made comparing the different GPS receivers they make a lot easier by creating product comparison pages for handheld, automotive, aviation and marine GPS receivers.... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:46 AM. | TrackBack
DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-20 and Street Atlas USA 2006 software
Looking for a simple way to turn your laptop into a GPS tracking device for less that $100? The new Earthmate GPS LT-20 might be what you are looking for! The Earthmate GPS LT-20 is a compact, low power GPS... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 12:11 AM. | TrackBack
November 28, 2005
Upcoming Garmin GPS receivers
Expect to see five new GPS receivers from Garmin out real soon. Check out the excellent battery life on some of these units! Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Approx $499.99 SiRF high-sensitivity GPS receiver WAAS-enabled Meets rigid IPX-7 submersible standards Built-in basemaps... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:36 PM. | TrackBack
TomTom Navigator 5 update 5.20
TomTom have released an update to TomTom Navigator 5. TomTom Navigator 5.20 update brings the following new features: Improved phone functionality for your device. See the compatibility list for more information. TomTom NAVIGATOR is now compatible with Microsoft Windows™ MOBILE... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:54 PM. | TrackBack
MacGPS Pro 6.1.0
The excellent MapGPS Pro has been updated. The latest version (MapGPS Pro 6.1) adds USB support for Garmin devices, as well as adding support for the latest Garmin firmware updates. There's also new mapping features, including integration with Google Maps.... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:22 PM. | TrackBack
Excellent Magellan RoadMate 760 review
TidBITS have an excellent review of the Magellan RoadMate 760. The main complain seems to be that the software isn't Mac-friendly and the maps can only be updated from a PC running Windows. A real let-down for Mac users. The... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 2:43 PM. | TrackBack
GPS terms - Multi-channel GPS receiver
What is a Multi-channel GPS receiver? A multi-channel GPS receiver is one that is capable of tracking more than at once. The early GPS receivers were single-channel receivers that could only track one satellite at a time (the receiver would... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:19 AM. | TrackBack
November 27, 2005
GPS terms - Almanac
What is an Almanac? The almanac is a data file that contains the orbital information, clock corrections and atmospheric delay information for all the GPS satellites. The almanac data file is transmitted by all the GPS satellites and has to be... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:35 PM. | TrackBack
Sign up to GPS Notes with FeedBlitz
I've set up a FeedBlitz email subscription service here that allows you to subscribe to GPS Notes via email. If you subscribe you will be sent a daily emails of new posts. You can unsubscribe at any time and there's... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 1:12 PM. | TrackBack
November 26, 2005
GPS terms - Mask angle
What is Mask angle? Mask angle is the minimum acceptable elevation above the horizon that a GPS satellite has to be at to avoid blockage of line-of-sight. GPS receivers have an in-built mask angle that prevents them trying to get... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:37 PM. | TrackBack
GPS SVs (Space Vehicles)
Here is some interesting information about the GPS SVs (Space Vehicles, or satellites): Power Plant: The SVs are powered by solar panels generating 800 watts. The panels on the newer Block IIF have been upgraded to generate 2450 watts Weight: ... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:23 PM. | TrackBack
GPS terms - Multipath error
What is "multipath error"? A GPS receiver is on the whole a very accurate device that works well under most conditions. One of the most common errors that you will come across is called "multipath error". A multipath error is... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:17 PM. | TrackBack
The Selector - Help your fellow cachers "Know before they go"!
If you are a geocachers that not only hunts caches but actively sets up new ones you might want to take a look at this - The Selector. With the Selector you can help your fellow cachers "Know before they... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 5:56 PM. | TrackBack
November 25, 2005
GPS suggestions for Christmas
If you are looking for a GPS receiver for you or someone else for Christmas then here are a few GPS receivers for you to consider. I've divided them into two categories: Handheld GPS Vehicle GPS Below you will find... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:42 PM. | TrackBack
Improve suction cup performance
A lot of people use suction cup GPS holders in cars - problem is, unless you take care the setup can be poor and the holder can fall off. However, it's easy to improve the performance of any suction cup... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:19 PM. | TrackBack
Garmin Geko secret startup commands
The Garmin Geko is a popular GPS receiver among Geocacher - it's small and lightweight and easy to use. A few people have asked me for the secret startup commands for the Geko for putting it into test mode and... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:25 PM. | TrackBack
November 24, 2005
Do you "need" a GPS with an electronic compass?
I'm thinking of buying a GPS. Do I really need a GPS receiver with an electronic compass? Unless you are moving a standard GPS cannot tell you which way north is (the receiver can't tell which way it is pointing... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:20 PM. | TrackBack
When do you want a color screen?
There are a number of GPS receivers now that come with a color LCD screen as opposed to the traditional greyscale screens. But when is color and advantage and when is it a hindrance? Let's look at the downsides first. ... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 7:09 PM. | TrackBack
Initial GD-70X Vehicle Navigation System
The Initial GD-70X Vehicle Navigation System is the ideal car set-up for the avid traveling family. Combining a GPS-based navigational system with a DVD/CD player and a 7-inch color LCD, the GD-70X not only keeps the adults on the right... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:28 AM. | TrackBack
The new and improved Mio 268+ and 269+ sport SiRF III
Introducing the new and improved Mio 268+ and 269+ sport SiRF III! What's been improved? Well, pretty much everything! Faster processor! Now the Mio 268+ and 269+ sport SiRF III are powered by the Intel Xscale 400 MHz processor. Better signal... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:11 AM. | TrackBack
November 23, 2005
What are datums?
What are map datums? Well, if the earth was perfectly round then we wouldn't need datums but it isn't so we need mathematical models called datums to describe this and compensate for the bulges in the earths crust. But it gets... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:44 PM. | TrackBack
Datum errors
GPS users (especially geocachers) know that it is important to make sure that you have the right datum for the co-ordinate system you are using. But how much error can you expect to see if you have the wrong datum... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:35 PM. | TrackBack
November 22, 2005
Build a re-radiating antenna
This is a great web page that walks you through the process of building a re-radiating antenna for GPS receivers like the Garmin eTrex or Geko. Warning - this kind of project is for geeks and requires a basic knowledge of... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:18 PM. | TrackBack
TomTom Holiday Promotion!
TomTom has released a new promotion for the upcoming Holiday season for purchases of any TomTom GO 300/700: $50 Mail in Rebate and Free TomTom PLUS Traffic updates until 12/31/06! U.S. only I'm afraid ... Technorati Tags: GPS, Satellite Navigation, Global Positioning... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 3:47 PM. | TrackBack
The pitfalls of route-planners
The idea of having your journey planned out for you by a computer seems compelling to many - it eliminates the need to stare at maps for hours on end trying to come up with the best route between A... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:46 AM. | TrackBack
November 21, 2005
Choosing a GPS for Christmas
With Christmas only a few weeks away I'm sure that GPS receivers are likely to be a popular gift this Holiday season. But how do you choose the right GPS for you? Here I'm going to present a few questions... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:26 PM. | TrackBack
TomTom GO update - TomTom GO 5.420
An update for the TomTom GO has been released - TomTom GO 5.420. It's even easier to start a Traffic trial on your device. After setting up TomTom Traffic, it is automatically enabled. CDMA is now also supported for connecting to... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:25 PM. | TrackBack
Garmin StreetPilot i3
CNET reviews the Garmin StreetPilot i3 GPS receiver. They give a rating of 7.7 (very good) to this $428 bit of kit. The user opinions of the StreetPilot i3 are also worth reading - they highlight some items that are... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:05 PM. | TrackBack
GPSP (GPS front end program for PSP)
Here's a great link that shows you how to turn the PSP (PlayStation Portable) into a GPS navigation system, complete with circuit diagrams and pictures of the hardware required. Hi Guys, this is the first version of a program for... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:19 AM. | TrackBack
November 18, 2005
What's the differnece between "cold start" and "warm start"?
When you look at the data for GPS receivers you will see a time given for cold start and warm start. But what exactly is cold start and warm start? Cold Start - Time and position are known to within... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:54 PM. | TrackBack
HowStuffWorks - GPS
Interested in how your GPS works? The check out this excellent set of pages on HowStuffWorks. The site covers: Introduction 2-D Trilateration 3-D Trilateration Measuring Distance Differential GPS Using the Data As usual, the information on HowStuffWorks is excellent! Check... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:16 PM. | TrackBack
Recommended GPS outlets in the UK
Christmas is coming and I'm now being asked at regular intervals the question "where the best place in the UK to buy a GPS from?" I recommend two places: GlobalPositioningSystems.co.uk Amazon.co.uk I've used both extensively and never had any problems with... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 8:58 PM. | TrackBack
Understand the compass view page on your GPS
I've just found a great page on the web that explains how the compass page view on a GPS works. This demonstrates how to use the compass page for navigation. It's simple but it surprises me how many people look... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:34 PM. | TrackBack
Memory-Map 5 and Anquet version 6 reviews - Coming soon!
Detailed reviews of new mapping software from Memory-Map and Anquet will be coming to Hacking-GPS soon. We will be releasing in-depth reviews of both Memory-Map version 5 and Anquet version 6 shortly - just in time for you to make... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 12:27 PM. | TrackBack
Easily take screenshots of your GPS screen
Every wanted to take a screenshot of your GPS when it was plugged in to your desktop PC or when using it with a Pocket PC device when on the move? No problems, all you need is G7toWin or G7toCE... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:26 AM. | TrackBack
November 17, 2005
Find your GPS location from your LG phone for free
This is a hack for LG phones that are on the Verizon network - following the instructions will give you your GPS location. However, be warned! It might forward your location to 911 dispatch! Technorati Tags: GPS, Satellite Navigation, Global Positioning System... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:23 PM. | TrackBack
GPS Review discusses the merits of bean bag mounts
The latest post on GPS Review discusses the merits of bean bag mounts for GPS over other types of mount. Personally I'm a big fan of bean bag mounts, both for GPS receivers and for photography. Technorati Tags: GPS, Satellite Navigation,... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:24 AM. | TrackBack
November 12, 2005
Use the lanyard on your GPS
Most handheld GPS receivers come with a lanyard that you can fit - what staggers me though is how few people actually seem to fit them! It may not seem like it but the lanyard is a vital bit of... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:25 AM. | TrackBack
November 11, 2005
Anquet launches Version v06!
Anquet is delighted to announce the launch on November 10th of Anquet v06, a superb new version of Anquet which is destined to become the yardstick against which all other comparable software is measured. Based on the best features of... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:25 PM. | TrackBack
Lowrance iWAY 350C
This compact, portable color GPS+WAAS navigation system features built-in battery power, stereo MP3 music player, wireless full spectrum FM modulator, and a picture viewer. The iWAY™ 350C packs a lot of precise, easy-to-use turn-by-turn navigation with multimedia extras, and cordless... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:24 PM. | TrackBack
Ford Motor Company dealers to stock Gizmondo
Ford Motor Company dealers to stock Gizmondo and Gizmondo Navigator in up to 714 UK showrooms. Gizmondo Europe Ltd subsidiaries of Jacksonville, Floridabased Tiger Telematics Inc today announced a deal to supply Ford Motor Company Ltd with the new Gizmondo... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 9:10 PM. | TrackBack
Customize your TomTom GO splash screen
Club TomTom have details on how you can customize the splash screen on your TomTom GO GPS receiver. You will need: A PC The USB connection cable A new replacement image/photo Have fun! Technorati Tags: GPS, Satellite Navigation, Global Positioning System,... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 6:34 PM. | TrackBack
Stop GPS screen scratches
How can you stop your GPS screen becoming scratched in use? One thing that I can tell you is that if you don't take steps to prevent scratches, scratches will happen! Screens are quite robust but not indestructible and since... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 4:36 PM. | TrackBack
Asus MyPal A632 and A636
Asus is getting ready to ship its latest GPS PocketPCs for the UK market, the MyPal A632 and A636. The A636 is fitted with IEEE 802.11b WLAN support. Both PocketPC devices feature an integrated GPS receiver with a handy "rotate-and-fold"... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 11:08 AM. | TrackBack
November 10, 2005
Clean your battery terminals
For the power to flow from your batteries to the device they are supposed to power there needs to be good connections at the battery terminals. With disposable batteries you were guaranteed new terminals each and every time you changed... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 3:47 PM. | TrackBack
November 9, 2005
More on the leap second
It seems that the BBC has picked up on the leap second debate and it seems that GPS is one of the driving factors behind the plans to axe it. Greenwich Mean Time would become an "irrelevance" if proposals to... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 1:42 PM. | TrackBack
November 5, 2005
Cleaning GPS screens
The screens of both portable and fixed GPS receivers seem to attract a lot of dirt and muck pretty quickly, making them difficult to read, especially under some lighting. Cleaning the screen is a crucial part of GPS maintenance but... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:42 AM. | TrackBack
November 4, 2005
EasyGPS - Free GPS software
A lot of people ask me if I know of any good, free software that allows for the transfer of waypoints between a PC and a GPS. There are a number of applications available but one of the beast and... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 10:13 PM. | TrackBack
Lost the manual for your GPS?
Are you struggling to use your GPS receiver because you've lost the manual for it? Don't worry, there are several laces that you can try online for an electronic manual. Note: Most of these manuals are in PDF format so... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 12:19 PM. | TrackBack
November 3, 2005
Weather effects on GPS
With winter approaching more and ore people are getting concerned that bad weather will affect their GPS receiver and cause them to get less accurate readings that normal. Don't worry - weather conditions play only a very little part in... continue reading.
Posted by Kathie 1:10 PM. | TrackBack
November 2, 2005
Mounting a iPAQ cradle car vent mount
I love this hack because it combines a proper iPAQ mount with four washing line pegs to make a car vent cradle for the iPAQ! Interesting hack - but as with anything that you fix to your vehicle, make sure... continue reading.