How do GPS Systems work?
Alaina asked:
I’m trying to find a reasonably priced, easy to operate, but reliable GPS system for my father. I have no idea how these things work or what accesories are needed for them. Do I need to subscribe to some type of annual service or something? Any info or brand suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I’m trying to find a reasonably priced, easy to operate, but reliable GPS system for my father. I have no idea how these things work or what accesories are needed for them. Do I need to subscribe to some type of annual service or something? Any info or brand suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Well GPS is US created positioning system( military , and during any war acts US might disable it ) , it uses 3 sats to send and receive signal to determine location . When buying GPS you should pay attention to map support ( make sure that there is your location maps ) , usually services are free , some GPS units can have addition functions ( mp3 , mp4 ) .
Main brands are Tom Tom , Garmin , Sony ( some smart phones have build in GPS – Nokia N95 )
lost in ttranslation was on the right track, but hasn’t exactly painted the right picture.
There are a lot more than three satellites. Where three comes in is that that is the minimum number of satellites that must be “visible” in order for the GPS receiver to get a “fix.” (At lattitudes where most of the world’s population lives, provided the sky is not blocked by mountains, tall buildings, forest canopy, etc., it’s more typical to have six to eight satellites in view at a given moment.)
GPS won’t be and hasn’t been turned off in wartime. What can be done, however, is to introduce an intentional degree of fuzz in positioning, called selective availablility or SA.
Magellin is another major brand.
Virtually all cell phones currently sold in the U.S. (not just “smart” phones) have GPS function built in, but many don’t give the user any access to it.
No, you don’t have to subscibe to any services for basic positioning. But for certain add-ons you may.
There are many, many GPS models available from under $50 to over $500 and ranging from idiot-proof to downright intimidating. A lot depends on how you imagine your father using it: Driving around town, long car trips, orienteering, sailing solo around the world, hiking…
My best recommendation perform some research and visit your local GPS retailer and ask questions.
A good reasonable inexpensive GPS system with ease to use features and includes Text to Speech would be
Magellan CrossoverGPS $199
Garmin Nuvi 760 NOH $339
TomTom 130-S $249
These 3 top brands offer tons of ease to use features and reliable product.
You can rent a GPS system from GPS4Rent if you wish to test drive a few GPS units or visit a retail store like Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc to view the different GPS models that is currently available.
Good luck