Using cellphone for GPS? - Page 2

willo · 02-23-04, 12:42 PM

Excellent thread, I was of the belief that the 1st post was wrong but there you go. I'm interested to know if this can be hooked up an Axim.

KnipKnup · 02-23-04, 05:39 PM

I have an Audiovox 8600. It has options for "location"=911 only or all.
However, I can't figure out how to tell the phone to send to the Ax. I believe the location data is only transmitted via the antenna and not the port. Any suggestions?
ps: I'm using a Gomadic cable from Ax to 8600.

jefbenet · 02-23-04, 08:57 PM

again the basic requirement for any of this to work is that the phone must output a standard protocol, such as NMEA in order for any other device (computer, axim, etc) to read from the gps receiver in the phone itself.

as has been mentioned - many of the phones only offer the service of gps for emergency location with enhanced 911 (e911), however many of them are taking advantage of the phone's receiver by allowing output to be used by a peripheral device. again - the major issue may be - connecting the phone to whatever device you're trying to use (axim).

02-23-04, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alphacow
911 calls are traced using the cell signal, not gps location. I don't remember seeing any cell phones with gps built in. I could be wrong about that, but I'm pretty sure thats how it works.

Sorry man technology snuck up on you in this field my vx4400 is gps enabled It is made by LG and thru the Verizon network or by GPS i can be located in an emegency.

jefbenet · 02-23-04, 10:02 PM

the method of triangulation to determine a cellular phones location is not nearly as accurate as gps (obviously) and an older technology that the fcc has mandated carriers/mobile phone manufacturers move away from in favor of gps.

02-23-04, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jefbenet
the method of triangulation to determine a cellular phones location is not nearly as accurate as gps (obviously) and an older technology that the fcc has mandated carriers/mobile phone manufacturers move away from in favor of gps.

My thoughts exactly...that is why i upgraded to this phone. Being an OTR truck driver I wish to be found provided I was to lose controlor someone darted out in front of me and I am sitting in a ditch alone I-80 where you can lose freightships off in those mountains and valleys. Triangulate...ha most off those places have to pump in daylight more or less have anything better than analog towers over by the amish farm....I believe I will stay over here in Satellite land thank you...GPS rules!

jefbenet · 02-23-04, 10:24 PM

gps is clearly the way to go. with selective availability out of the picture, gps has become increasibgly more accurate with each new device. and now having the convenience of a receiver/transponder in our cell phones - whats next!

sure a lot of people are concerned with 'big brother' constantly knowing where they are. but thats a whole other issue altogether.

triangulation requires more than one tower to get any sort of a clue where you are. in most areas there is very little overlap in the 'cells' of a given coverage area. and of course to triangulate, you need at least three towers. this is even less likely.

sure cell companies can get a basic idea where you are based on just two towers, but the more available - the more accurate the fix. add to this that there is limited support by even the biggest of the national carriers and even less cooperation in trying to perform an actual triangulation - its not a feasible technology. as a rescue worker, we have to go through an act of congress sometimes it seems to do a reverse trace on a hangup of a wired home phone, let alone trying to track a wireless phone call, or the location of a wireless caller. some areas are friendlier than others when it comes to that and if its truely a life or death situation then its a little easier. with gps, most work supervisors can even keep tabs on their employees whereabouts. no more slacking on the job!

02-23-04, 10:33 PM

OMG! gotta get back to work....BYE! ;)

jefbenet · 02-23-04, 10:36 PM

technology...feeding paranoia for years!