GPS Newbie Question

ahnk · 06-05-03, 08:07 AM

Hello everyone, I'm looking into purchasing my first gps system and I'm wondering do you have to subscribe to a service plan to use a gps system sorta like an isp or does just buying the software and reciever all you need.
Thanks for your replies.

06-05-03, 08:16 AM

GPS Receiver and software/maps are all you need, the satellites are up there for everyone to use:)

deftech · 06-05-03, 09:13 AM

Gdio53 is correct. Satellite technology (like GPS) is similar to an FM radio tower. The satellites (like a radio tower) just send out the signal, and your GPS receiver (like a radio) simply receives it. It's a little more complex than this, but just wanted to put it in simple terms. But yes, it is free to use.....just need a GPS receiver and software.

--deftech

buttuh · 06-09-03, 05:56 PM

Ok now I see some generic GPS receivers on Ebay. Are those any good or are they not worth the price differences?

Thanks,
Evan

prakashc · 06-09-03, 07:00 PM

If you are looking for a CF GPS receiver, you could get a brand new GlobalSat receiver for $120 or i.Trek for around $145( at semsons.com). I don't know which brand they are selling. I am not sure if it is a good idea to buy something which you do not know much about( without warrantry) when you can get a brand new one( both the above according to the few reviews are as good as Holux270 which is one of the best reviewed receiver).

Just my 2 cents

commoved · 06-09-03, 08:47 PM

What do you want to do with your GPS. The Holux 270 is a great CF receiver for driving around in your car. Mapopolis and Routis are two great programs. However, if you're interested in outdoors hiking / boating or geocaching, then these aren't very good products at all.

Mike C · 06-09-03, 10:11 PM

I've only used Pocketmaps Navigator, so I don't understand this bit about the other nav programs being unsuitable to off-road use. PmN shows your location accurately, regardless of whether or not you are on a road.
Are the others not like this?

commoved · 06-09-03, 10:28 PM

Mike, I think just about every program can show your position. But I have observed that people that like the outdoors seem to like stand-alone receivers that can be tied in to the Ax through the serial cable, and can run for days on a few AA batteries. And if the want software, they tend to want want geo maps (you know, the ones that show elavation lines, hiking trails, and springs for water) or nautical maps (that show shoreline detains and water depth -- good for fishing, or so I understand.)

Planet-Ed · 06-09-03, 10:50 PM

Probably the best software for outdoors and not street driving is the Maptech products

http://www.maptech.com/products/pock...ator/index.cfm

Pocket Navigator

Pocket Navigator software displays Maptech Terrain Navigator topo maps, Maptech digital marine charts and AeroPack charts (each sold separately) on Pocket PC computers. Connect a GPS receiver, and you'll see your position right on the screen. It's the most portable solution for taking Maptech outdoors.

JakeRich · 06-09-03, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike C
I've only used Pocketmaps Navigator, so I don't understand this bit about the other nav programs being unsuitable to off-road use. PmN shows your location accurately, regardless of whether or not you are on a road.
Are the others not like this?

In addition to the things commoved mentioned, a lot of the driving software suites have some sort of "snap to road" feature that will move your location to the nearest road (within limits) and assume that's where you are. If you are hiking beside a road, that is incorrect, but not many of the suites let you disable snap-to-road.