eai

I've found the GPS sometimes acquires the satellite signal very quickly, other times it can take 10 minutes or more, even in (or close to) the location where it was previously used. It got so bad (wouldn't acquire a signal at all), I assumed a hardware problem and Dell provided a replacement. But I still have occasional problems. Is this normal? I'm not sure, but it seems (from viewing the satellite signal screen) the unit first tries to find signals in the previous satellite locations, then tries others. Is there perhaps a way to reset the receiver?

JakeRich

If the receiver hasn't been used in a while the almanac and ephemeris data on what satellites are out there and where they are gets out of date. The receiver first tries to "hear" the satellites it thinks are there, but if it can't hear them, it reverts to "cold" start and assumes that all satellites are visible, at the north pole and just listens to see who's there. After it gets an Ephemeris and almanac update, it positions the satellites and calculates a fix. That process can take up to 10 minutes or more, but more modern receivers can do it in a couple of minutes if you sit still. If you move, it restarts the process and has to do a lot more checking, which can push the time out pretty far.

So, it's normal behavior.

Linkchapp

Jake, I have an Axim x5 running PPC2003 and using a Belkkin CF bluetooth card. I am using Navpro Aviation GPS (moving map) software. The combination works great at slower speeds. Above approx 170 knots, the Navpro software gives a message that it is aquiring satellites. The satellite tracking screen shows a good lock on of 5 or 6 satellites. The moving map does not update my position until I slow to below 170kts.

Any thoughts? I think it could be the BT GPS or the Bluetooth card combination. have you heard of this problem before?

Lyndonchappell@Yahoo.com

JakeRich

No reason for there to be a delay above 170 kts. As long as you are under the max velocity for the GPS unit, which is typically much higher than 170 kts, it should be fine. Is there any electronic component in the aircraft that kicks in above 170 kts that could be interfering with the GPS Satellite frequency? If the software is saying it's getting a report from the Belkin that it's acquiring satellites, the BT link is ok, but if that report is the same when it's not linked to the BT, then the BT link may be being interfered with above 170 kts by some electronics as well. (Electronic ignition??? Could it be related to engine RPM?)

elvineet

Originally Posted by eai

I've found the GPS sometimes acquires the satellite signal very quickly, other times it can take 10 minutes or more, even in (or close to) the location where it was previously used. It got so bad (wouldn't acquire a signal at all), I assumed a hardware problem and Dell provided a replacement. But I still have occasional problems. Is this normal? I'm not sure, but it seems (from viewing the satellite signal screen) the unit first tries to find signals in the previous satellite locations, then tries others. Is there perhaps a way to reset the receiver?

I just received my Dell BT-309 GPS receiver 2 days ago and was very happy because it picked up the satellite signal instantly the first time. However, when I tried to use it again the day after, it couldn't acquire signal for over 20 minutes. When it finally did, it was bad because it would acquire and reacquire repeatedly. Now I wonder if it's even worth the money anymore. Is there no fix to this?

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johnstad

Was your BT Receiver on the dashboard? I was having that issue today until I placed the receiver on the dashboard.

John

elvineet

Originally Posted by johnstad

Was your BT Receiver on the dashboard? I was having that issue today until I placed the receiver on the dashboard. John

No, I had placed my receiver on the passenger seat . I tried using it again later on last night with the receiver on the dashboard and it worked fine. Drover about 16 miles on the interstate and it worked flawlessly. Hope it stays that way.

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