X30Guy

I've narrowed down my choice of BT GPS devices to the GPS 10 and one of the units that uses the SiRF III chipset. It seems that Garmin using it's own chipset. Does anyone have, or know of a place to find information on the chipset? Is it more accurate than the SiRF chipset? Is it more sensative? That's the kinda data I'm looking for. Thanks

CdSlc

I haven't really researched into chipset differences, but www.gpspassion.com might be an excellent source of information for this.

newps

Originally Posted by X30Guy

I've narrowed down my choice of BT GPS devices to the GPS 10 and one of the units that uses the SiRF III chipset. It seems that Garmin using it's own chipset. Does anyone have, or know of a place to find information on the chipset? Is it more accurate than the SiRF chipset? Is it more sensative? That's the kinda data I'm looking for. Thanks

I have used Gamin handhelds in my airplane for 7 years. I have had three different ones, the Garmin 90, the Pilot III and the 96C. I also now have a bluetooth GPS that I use with my X50v and Mapopolis, Pocket Map Navigator and my flying software, NavGPS. Like you I have no idea what Garmin uses. Also you should know that only in this limited consumer marketplace do people ever ask that question. Look above you, all those planes flying, like mine, use GPS today. The technology of the GPS receiver is of no consideration other than you want a parallel channel receiver versus the older sequential style receivers. All receivers today are parallel. You will find no differences that matter in the performance of the various GPS's. Some manufacturers crow because you can go into your basement and get a lock. I'll remember that the next time I drive my house across the country and I need to drive it from the basement.

JakeRich

Originally Posted by newps

I have used Gamin handhelds in my airplane for 7 years. I have had three different ones, the Garmin 90, the Pilot III and the 96C. I also now have a bluetooth GPS that I use with my X50v and Mapopolis, Pocket Map Navigator and my flying software, NavGPS. Like you I have no idea what Garmin uses. Also you should know that only in this limited consumer marketplace do people ever ask that question. Look above you, all those planes flying, like mine, use GPS today. The technology of the GPS receiver is of no consideration other than you want a parallel channel receiver versus the older sequential style receivers. All receivers today are parallel. You will find no differences that matter in the performance of the various GPS's. Some manufacturers crow because you can go into your basement and get a lock. I'll remember that the next time I drive my house across the country and I need to drive it from the basement.

I mostly agree, but the newer and more sensitive receivers work much better in two environments--heavy foliage and urban canyons. The heavy foliage is of interest to hikers, off-road riders of trucks, SUVs and motorcycles. Also, Geocachers and other trekkers like the improved sensitivity. Urban canyon dwellers like the increased sensitivity as it decreases the multi-path effect and allows the use of weaker signals getting through the steel and concrete towers.

So, although you and I might not need the increased sensitivity, there are folks who do. But you are correct that in the 90% case, you don't need all that jazz.