jchen012

Hello everyone. Just joined the x50v fanclub and would like some help with GPS. I've been using iGuidance and I think it is the best GPS software out there. Anyway getting off topic, I was thinking of upgrading to the Sirf III chipset. Now which one consumes less battery power of the x50v? The latest CF GPS receiver that has Sirf III is the HI-305N from Haicom. Their website claims it consumes about 32mA. The bluetooth GPS receiver with Sirf III that everyone seems to praise is the Globalsat BT-338. How much power does bluetooth consume? Is it more than 32mA? Or would it be less since it uses an internal power supply which reduces the power needs? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Howard2k

IIRC For the iPAQ the BT is in the region of 25-35mA. So same ballpark on the x50 no doubt.

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gogojuice

I use the Haicom 305III which has the sirfIII. This way I get the extra SD slot to use. I just put the SD card in there with the maps and forget about it. It just becomes one units. No need to worry about maps etc. As for battery consumption. I dont have the BT 338 to compare it to. I have no problems recomending the 305III.

BoogerFace

I think the question is moot - unless you are walking. I wouldn't dream of going on any trip with out the DC charger because Bluetooth is shutoff when the battery drains to about 50%.

FWIW, I have the BT-338 and just run it off the Y adapter.

danielchtong

Originally Posted by gogojuice

I use the Haicom 305III which has the sirfIII. This way I get the extra SD slot to use. I just put the SD card in there with the maps and forget about it. It just becomes one units. No need to worry about maps etc. As for battery consumption. I dont have the BT 338 to compare it to. I have no problems recomending the 305III.

I was about to click that one and at the last minute I clicked the 303III wtithout the slot thinking that there just might be some glitches as it was the first one available like this.

It was just $15 difference. Apparently you do not have trouble. I screwed up. But I like 303 too which is big improvement over my 307.

Daniel

danielchtong

Originally Posted by jchen012

Hello everyone. Just joined the x50v fanclub and would like some help with GPS. I've been using iGuidance and I think it is the best GPS software out there. Anyway getting off topic, I was thinking of upgrading to the Sirf III chipset. Now which one consumes less battery power of the x50v? The latest CF GPS receiver that has Sirf III is the HI-305N from Haicom. Their website claims it consumes about 32mA. The bluetooth GPS receiver with Sirf III that everyone seems to praise is the Globalsat BT-338. How much power does bluetooth consume? Is it more than 32mA? Or would it be less since it uses an internal power supply which reduces the power needs? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I would venture to say that is really not that relevant. In the case of cf, the power comes from the pda and indirectly the power supply while used for inside a vehicle. In the case of bt, most of the bt unit can last more than 10 hours which is more than enough in most case. Also it can be hooked up with quite of few of popular Nokia phone car charger. Very handy indeed. Your choice of either one should depend on if you would need gps unit to be placed in odd area for maximum exposure.
With the new sirf III chipset, that likely is not an issue. I can lock on with my cf gps unit on the seat of the passenger side without any antennae to boost signal at all.
My 2 cents .

Daniel

dppc

Originally Posted by jchen012

Hello everyone. Just joined the x50v fanclub and would like some help with GPS. I've been using iGuidance and I think it is the best GPS software out there. Anyway getting off topic, I was thinking of upgrading to the Sirf III chipset. Now which one consumes less battery power of the x50v? The latest CF GPS receiver that has Sirf III is the HI-305N from Haicom. Their website claims it consumes about 32mA. The bluetooth GPS receiver with Sirf III that everyone seems to praise is the Globalsat BT-338. How much power does bluetooth consume? Is it more than 32mA? Or would it be less since it uses an internal power supply which reduces the power needs? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

The 305N is not sirfIII - it is a numerix chipset. the 303III and 305III are sirfIII. Also with these newer Haicom products you have the option to buy the bluetooth slipper and turn the CF unit into a bluetooth unit. Costs a little more and is not as compact, but battery life is supposed to be good.