Participating in the “The Amazing Race” and Want Tips?
Are you a frequent traveler who loves to drive on your own? Are you game for exploring new areas of your city / town on your own? Then, you need a companion who can guide you on your way and help you reach the destination in safe and timely manner. Even if you are lost and do not know which way you have to go, this companion can put you back on the right track and prove to be a true friend. Hmm… curious to know who is this true companion? No… No… I am not talking about a human or a guide dog. It is a technological marvel, a device that uses GPS (global positioning System) to receive a signal and tell you your exact position on a map. The device is called as a GPS receiver.
Cobra handheld cb radio is one such amazing pieces of equipment that you would love to use while traveling. It helps you to be on the right path and ask for help when you are lost. There are other streams in which the GPS technology is used. For example, the military uses the GPS systems to guide a missile to a precise target in the enemy territory. And there are quite a few numbers of civilian uses of the GPS system as well, mainly for navigation and tracking purpose. Some of the GPS systems are not good due to the GPS service provided. So, if you are interested in buying a GPS receiver, then, make sure that the service is good before purchasing the device. If you are a owner of a GPS system and it is not functioning properly, then, the first thing you should do is to contact the service provider instead of checking the device for any faults.
Have you ever heard of this cool feature about GPS receiver? You can place a GPS receiver in your car under the bonnet and couple it with a wireless device that can send an SMS on need basis. This SMS mechanism can be triggered when a car is stolen or you want to know the position of a car. Once you trigger the mechanism the wireless device will get the GPS co-ordinates from the receiver and send you an SMS with the coordinates. Are you thinking what these coordinates are used for? Let me tell you. These coordinates are all that you need to track the car. You can input these coordinates in Google maps to find the precise location of the car. Once you have the location of the car, you can retrieve it easily with the help of law enforcement agencies if it is stolen. Fascinating feature, is it not?
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: gps, mapping, navigation, technology, Travel
GPS On a Dog Collar?
Since the advent of GPS systems, the cost of production has decreased to the consumer so much that it’s now quite practical to incorporate the technology into systems one would never have though of a few years ago. Examples are GPS Running Watches, and dog tracking collars, gps wrist watch to name a few.
In order to determine if some of these commercially available units are for you, it’s likely wise to understand a little of the history & workings of present GPS systems.
Global Positioning System satellites transmit signals to equipment on the ground. GPS receivers passively receive satellite signals; they do not transmit. GPS receivers require an unobstructed view of the sky, so they are used only outdoors and they often do not perform well within forested areas or near tall buildings. GPS operations depend on a very accurate time reference, which is provided by atomic clocks at the U.S. Naval Observatory. Each GPS satellite has atomic clocks on board.
Each GPS satellite transmits data that indicates its location and the current time. All GPS satellites synchronize operations so that these repeating signals are transmitted at the same instant. The signals, moving at the speed of light, arrive at a GPS receiver at slightly different times because some satellites are farther away than others. The distance to the GPS satellites can be determined by estimating the amount of time it takes for their signals to reach the receiver. When the receiver estimates the distance to at least four GPS satellites, it can calculate its position in three dimensions.
There are at least 24 operational GPS satellites at all times. The satellites, operated by the U.S. Air Force, orbit with a period of 12 hours. Ground stations are used to precisely track each satellite’s orbit.
Determining Position
A GPS receiver “knows” the location of the satellites, because that information is included in satellite transmissions. By calculatinghow far away a satellite is, the receiver also “knows” it is located somewhere on the surface of an imaginary sphere centered at the satellite. It then determines the sizes of several spheres, one for each satellite. The receiver is located where these spheres intersect.
GPS Accuracy
The accuracy of a position determined with GPS depends on the type & quality of receiver. Most hand-held GPS units have about 10-20 meter accuracy. Other types of receivers use a method called Differential GPS (DGPS) to obtain much higher accuracy. DGPS requires an additional receiver fixed at a known point nearby. Observations made by the stationary receiver are used to correct positions recorded by the roving units, producing an accuracy greater than 1 meter.
When the system was created, timing errors were inserted into GPS transmissions to limit the accuracy of non-military GPS receivers to about 100 meters. This part of GPS operations, called Selective Availability, was eliminated in May 2000.
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: gps, gps dog collars, gps watches
GPS Travel Tips
GPS Planet asked:
With all the technology available to us, there’s no excuse for getting the family lost in an unfamiliar place or stuck in hours of traffic on holidays. GPS is a great devise for in-car use and it’s just as useful when on foot plus it’s a great way to get around a foreign city too. With GPS Rental services this device became even more available and useful. Drivers can find their way through city streets; long reserve trekkers and hikers use the technology to navigate unfamiliar terrain. GPS devices are even more helpful for planning a trip, whether it’s a cross-country trek or a hopscotch tour of your routine stops.
But GPS not only gets you from point A to point B with minimum hassle, it also makes your holiday come alive; with ways to plan your itinerary, track down the best restaurants, and make your holiday more enjoyable.
Here’s a few handy GPS travel tips to help you get the most out of the holiday and avoid the travel woes.
GPS TIPS
1. If you intend to rely on your GPS unit, take time to learn it before needing it. Get the manual out, work with setting waypoints and determining position. This will save you time on the road and prevent you from loading incorrect information or deleting valuable information by mistake.
2. Ensure that you install the maps prior to travel. This will enable you to browse and test the maps prior to embarking on your trip. Make sure you are familiar with the route calculation settings of your device.
3. Power is an issue. All GPS models will need to be recharged. Make sure you have enough batteries for the trip or pack a universal adapter in your luggage. Battery life of GPS devices vary, so it is important to have a cigarette lighter charger as you do not want to run out of juice when you are on the road.
4. Avoid leaving GPS device mounted on the windshield in a hot car for long periods of time. It is also a good way to prevent the device from being stolen, since even leaving the window screen mount in view is an advertisement that a GPS device may be in the car.
5. Most car navigation systems include an extensive POI database including restaurants along the interstate. Choose the cuisine you want and your GPS will display a list of results by proximity. Filter out only those along your route and your forward seeking food radar will update faster.
6. Some GPS devices also contain useful travel advice which can be very helpful if you are unfamiliar with road rules in other countries. For example, some device menus contain guides for multiple countries and cover local road rules, public holidays, accommodation advice and more.
7. When navigating to a place, it may be easier to search for a place by name rather than address. For example if you wish to visit the British Museum in London you can find it listed under museums as a point of interest and be able to navigate there without knowing the exact address.
8. And most importantly, make sure you dust off your GPS-knowledge and get the upper hand on your pending trip before you embark. Just be smart and make good use of your GPS.
Caffeinated Content
With all the technology available to us, there’s no excuse for getting the family lost in an unfamiliar place or stuck in hours of traffic on holidays. GPS is a great devise for in-car use and it’s just as useful when on foot plus it’s a great way to get around a foreign city too. With GPS Rental services this device became even more available and useful. Drivers can find their way through city streets; long reserve trekkers and hikers use the technology to navigate unfamiliar terrain. GPS devices are even more helpful for planning a trip, whether it’s a cross-country trek or a hopscotch tour of your routine stops.
But GPS not only gets you from point A to point B with minimum hassle, it also makes your holiday come alive; with ways to plan your itinerary, track down the best restaurants, and make your holiday more enjoyable.
Here’s a few handy GPS travel tips to help you get the most out of the holiday and avoid the travel woes.
GPS TIPS
1. If you intend to rely on your GPS unit, take time to learn it before needing it. Get the manual out, work with setting waypoints and determining position. This will save you time on the road and prevent you from loading incorrect information or deleting valuable information by mistake.
2. Ensure that you install the maps prior to travel. This will enable you to browse and test the maps prior to embarking on your trip. Make sure you are familiar with the route calculation settings of your device.
3. Power is an issue. All GPS models will need to be recharged. Make sure you have enough batteries for the trip or pack a universal adapter in your luggage. Battery life of GPS devices vary, so it is important to have a cigarette lighter charger as you do not want to run out of juice when you are on the road.
4. Avoid leaving GPS device mounted on the windshield in a hot car for long periods of time. It is also a good way to prevent the device from being stolen, since even leaving the window screen mount in view is an advertisement that a GPS device may be in the car.
5. Most car navigation systems include an extensive POI database including restaurants along the interstate. Choose the cuisine you want and your GPS will display a list of results by proximity. Filter out only those along your route and your forward seeking food radar will update faster.
6. Some GPS devices also contain useful travel advice which can be very helpful if you are unfamiliar with road rules in other countries. For example, some device menus contain guides for multiple countries and cover local road rules, public holidays, accommodation advice and more.
7. When navigating to a place, it may be easier to search for a place by name rather than address. For example if you wish to visit the British Museum in London you can find it listed under museums as a point of interest and be able to navigate there without knowing the exact address.
8. And most importantly, make sure you dust off your GPS-knowledge and get the upper hand on your pending trip before you embark. Just be smart and make good use of your GPS.
Caffeinated Content
Categories: Travel Tips Tags: Hikers, Minimum Hassle, Windshield
GPS Review – What To Look For
Lee Cole asked:
It is more than difficult to find a good GPS review on the Internet. The reason is this: GPS devices all do the same thing. They show your location on an electronic map, and then show you how to get where you’re going. Now, by GPS device I mean a car GPS device that you buy separately from your automobile and either hang from a bracket on your windshield or put next to you on the seat.
So, the key to a good GPS review is understanding the features that various GPS devices offer at each price point.
What do all GPS devices have in common?
All car GPS devices that are on the market today have a touch screen where you can enter information into the unit, such as your destination address. All auto-calculate the route to that address, and all give you spoken directions of some sort as you drive to your destination. In addition to this, virtually all GPS devices come pre-loaded with maps, usually at least of the continental United States, have an internal battery for emergency use, and can toggle between 2D and 3D map views. (3D gives you a slightly more realistic view of what you should be seeing in front of you.)
There are exceptions to all of these rules, but almost all are in the older models.
Who are the industry leaders?
There are three main manufacturers of car GPS systems, Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom.
Garmin sells about one out of two of all the car GPS systems sold in the world. They are known for making a quality product. Magellan was an early leader in GPS systems that can route you to more than one destination. They do not have nearly the market share that Garmin has. Tom Tom is a late arrival who is quickly catching up. According to Tom Tom, their GPS system, the Tom Tom One, is the best selling system in the world.
What are the main features to look for in a GPS system?
In this GPS review, let’s start at the cheap end and work our way up.
You can buy a GPS system for less than $200. The Garmin nuvi 200 and the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition currently sell for less than $200 at Amazon.
As you increase price, the main features you can add are
Voice prompts that actually say the street name
Cheaper GPS devices only tell you where to turn. They say something like, “Turn right, here.” A good feature to be aware of is having the GPS device actually say the street name of the road you need to turn on. So, instead of “Turn right, here,” a better GPS system would say, “Turn right on Highland Avenue,” or “Take a left onto the entrance to I-95.” Devices with spoken street names usually start around $300.
Another feature to look out for is real-time traffic and weather capability
Wouldn’t it be nice if your GPS device could not only tell you how to drive from Atlanta, Georgia to Charlotte, North Carolina, but could alert you to bad traffic conditions in time to take a detour? Well, many of the more expensive units can. How does your GPS device know what the traffic is like up ahead? GPS devices that have this capability are tuned to either an FM or satellite radio frequency that broadcasts this information. If your device has this function, then it will usually come with a free trial subscription to this service. After that, it’s going to cost you, but the cost is fairly low, especially considering how useful real-time traffic is. Along with real-time traffic usually comes real-time weather — an added bonus.
Any of the Garmin nuvis from the nuvi 350 up have FM traffic capability. The nuvi 350 runs slightly less than $300 at Amazon. If you want a Magellan that route you around hold ups, you’ll be paying $300 to $350. All of the Tom Tom’s have this capability, even the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition, which is one of the cheapest units on the market, currently running around $200.
Do you regularly use your cell phone while driving?
I know I do. It’s problematic to hold the cell phone in one hand and negotiate your way through heavy traffic on a busy interchange. If your phone supports Bluetooth technology you can get a GPS receiver with that same capability and actually use it to make and receive calls. You answer an incoming call by just tapping on the touch screen. You make an outgoing call by either entering the number in your GPS’s touch screen key pad or by accessing numbers stored in the device — downloaded from your phone when you first set up your receiver. So, now instead of wearing that silly Bluetooth headset and looking like a member of the Borg Collective, you can just have your GPS device do double duty. If you make a lot of calls while driving, this is definitely a feature you need to think about.
As to what Bluetooth is going to run you, the Garmin nuvi 360 is their lowest priced Bluetooth model. It currently sells for slightly more than $300. Virtually all of their upper end products have Bluetooth. Two of the Magellan Maestro series, the 3250 and the widescreen version, the 4250 have Bluetooth. They run around $280 and $350 respectively. The Tom Tom GO series has Bluetooth. They run anywhere from $350 to $900.
Multi-destination routing
It’s not something that I use much, but it’s definitely worth knowing about. Multi-destination routing means you can enter multiple routes into your GPS at one time and it will calculate the best route that includes all of your destinations.
Garmin’s nuvi 700 series does this, as well as a couple of their StreetPilot series. Most of the Magellan Maestro series does this – they can be programmed to hold up to 20 separate destinations. As for Tom Tom, the GO 510 can hold up to 15 routes. As to price, the nuvi 700s run anywhere from mid-$400s to almost $700. The Magellans are slightly less expensive, running from mid-$200s to the mid-$300s. The GO 510 costs slightly less than $500 at Amazon right now. The voice prompts, Bluetooth, and multi-destination routing are three of the more important features to consider.
Also, you want to keep in mind what maps your device comes with. And, almost as important, how many preprogrammed Points of Interest are included in its database.
Points of Interest
(POIs) are names, addresses, and phone numbers of possible destinations, anything from the nearest Starbucks to Yellowstone National Park. The lower priced units come with less than 1 million POIs. That’s not enough, if you’re going to be using this feature. For use outside of your normal travel routes, you really want a few million POIs. Virtually all GPS devices now come with this, except the lowest prices models, like the Garmin nuvi 200, which only has regional maps and less than 1 million POIs. (There’s nothing wrong with fewer POIs, if you’re not planning on needing them, but they sure can come in handy.)
Yet another feature to keep in mind is screen size. The standard size is 3.5 inches. This is measured on a diagonal. So the screen for the nuvi 270, for instance, measures 2.8″ by 2.1″. The so called widescreens measure 4.3 inches on the diagonal. You’re actually getting 70% more screen this way.
Why is screen size important?
It has to do with ease and safety of use while driving. Personally, I like a wide screen, but then again, my car is fairly big and has a big windshield. The difference in price between a regular screen and a widescreen is about $80. That might be money well spent. On the other hand, if you drive a smaller vehicle with less windshield area, the wider screen might be more of a hazard than a safety feature.
Currently at Amazon, Garmin nuvis (their newer product line) run from $179 for the nuvi 200 to $699 for the nuvi 770. The Magellan Maestros are running from $168 for the 3100 to $356 for the widescreen 4250. Tom Tom’s GPS systems are currently priced from slightly less than $200 for the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition, to $899 for the GO 700 (which is overpriced).
Whatever you do, don’t procrastinate. Even with a good GPS review, with all of these confusing choices it’s tempting to just wait for whatever the next model is going to be. What you’re missing by doing that is lots less stress while driving! Imagine, if you’re a guy being able to always (really) know where you’re going despite what your wife or girlfriend says. And, even better, if you’re a woman you won’t have to pester your husband or boyfriend to stop at the local gas station and admit that they’re lost – not an easy admission for a guy. (I should know!)
Create a video blog…instantly.
It is more than difficult to find a good GPS review on the Internet. The reason is this: GPS devices all do the same thing. They show your location on an electronic map, and then show you how to get where you’re going. Now, by GPS device I mean a car GPS device that you buy separately from your automobile and either hang from a bracket on your windshield or put next to you on the seat.
So, the key to a good GPS review is understanding the features that various GPS devices offer at each price point.
What do all GPS devices have in common?
All car GPS devices that are on the market today have a touch screen where you can enter information into the unit, such as your destination address. All auto-calculate the route to that address, and all give you spoken directions of some sort as you drive to your destination. In addition to this, virtually all GPS devices come pre-loaded with maps, usually at least of the continental United States, have an internal battery for emergency use, and can toggle between 2D and 3D map views. (3D gives you a slightly more realistic view of what you should be seeing in front of you.)
There are exceptions to all of these rules, but almost all are in the older models.
Who are the industry leaders?
There are three main manufacturers of car GPS systems, Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom.
Garmin sells about one out of two of all the car GPS systems sold in the world. They are known for making a quality product. Magellan was an early leader in GPS systems that can route you to more than one destination. They do not have nearly the market share that Garmin has. Tom Tom is a late arrival who is quickly catching up. According to Tom Tom, their GPS system, the Tom Tom One, is the best selling system in the world.
What are the main features to look for in a GPS system?
In this GPS review, let’s start at the cheap end and work our way up.
You can buy a GPS system for less than $200. The Garmin nuvi 200 and the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition currently sell for less than $200 at Amazon.
As you increase price, the main features you can add are
Voice prompts that actually say the street name
Cheaper GPS devices only tell you where to turn. They say something like, “Turn right, here.” A good feature to be aware of is having the GPS device actually say the street name of the road you need to turn on. So, instead of “Turn right, here,” a better GPS system would say, “Turn right on Highland Avenue,” or “Take a left onto the entrance to I-95.” Devices with spoken street names usually start around $300.
Another feature to look out for is real-time traffic and weather capability
Wouldn’t it be nice if your GPS device could not only tell you how to drive from Atlanta, Georgia to Charlotte, North Carolina, but could alert you to bad traffic conditions in time to take a detour? Well, many of the more expensive units can. How does your GPS device know what the traffic is like up ahead? GPS devices that have this capability are tuned to either an FM or satellite radio frequency that broadcasts this information. If your device has this function, then it will usually come with a free trial subscription to this service. After that, it’s going to cost you, but the cost is fairly low, especially considering how useful real-time traffic is. Along with real-time traffic usually comes real-time weather — an added bonus.
Any of the Garmin nuvis from the nuvi 350 up have FM traffic capability. The nuvi 350 runs slightly less than $300 at Amazon. If you want a Magellan that route you around hold ups, you’ll be paying $300 to $350. All of the Tom Tom’s have this capability, even the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition, which is one of the cheapest units on the market, currently running around $200.
Do you regularly use your cell phone while driving?
I know I do. It’s problematic to hold the cell phone in one hand and negotiate your way through heavy traffic on a busy interchange. If your phone supports Bluetooth technology you can get a GPS receiver with that same capability and actually use it to make and receive calls. You answer an incoming call by just tapping on the touch screen. You make an outgoing call by either entering the number in your GPS’s touch screen key pad or by accessing numbers stored in the device — downloaded from your phone when you first set up your receiver. So, now instead of wearing that silly Bluetooth headset and looking like a member of the Borg Collective, you can just have your GPS device do double duty. If you make a lot of calls while driving, this is definitely a feature you need to think about.
As to what Bluetooth is going to run you, the Garmin nuvi 360 is their lowest priced Bluetooth model. It currently sells for slightly more than $300. Virtually all of their upper end products have Bluetooth. Two of the Magellan Maestro series, the 3250 and the widescreen version, the 4250 have Bluetooth. They run around $280 and $350 respectively. The Tom Tom GO series has Bluetooth. They run anywhere from $350 to $900.
Multi-destination routing
It’s not something that I use much, but it’s definitely worth knowing about. Multi-destination routing means you can enter multiple routes into your GPS at one time and it will calculate the best route that includes all of your destinations.
Garmin’s nuvi 700 series does this, as well as a couple of their StreetPilot series. Most of the Magellan Maestro series does this – they can be programmed to hold up to 20 separate destinations. As for Tom Tom, the GO 510 can hold up to 15 routes. As to price, the nuvi 700s run anywhere from mid-$400s to almost $700. The Magellans are slightly less expensive, running from mid-$200s to the mid-$300s. The GO 510 costs slightly less than $500 at Amazon right now. The voice prompts, Bluetooth, and multi-destination routing are three of the more important features to consider.
Also, you want to keep in mind what maps your device comes with. And, almost as important, how many preprogrammed Points of Interest are included in its database.
Points of Interest
(POIs) are names, addresses, and phone numbers of possible destinations, anything from the nearest Starbucks to Yellowstone National Park. The lower priced units come with less than 1 million POIs. That’s not enough, if you’re going to be using this feature. For use outside of your normal travel routes, you really want a few million POIs. Virtually all GPS devices now come with this, except the lowest prices models, like the Garmin nuvi 200, which only has regional maps and less than 1 million POIs. (There’s nothing wrong with fewer POIs, if you’re not planning on needing them, but they sure can come in handy.)
Yet another feature to keep in mind is screen size. The standard size is 3.5 inches. This is measured on a diagonal. So the screen for the nuvi 270, for instance, measures 2.8″ by 2.1″. The so called widescreens measure 4.3 inches on the diagonal. You’re actually getting 70% more screen this way.
Why is screen size important?
It has to do with ease and safety of use while driving. Personally, I like a wide screen, but then again, my car is fairly big and has a big windshield. The difference in price between a regular screen and a widescreen is about $80. That might be money well spent. On the other hand, if you drive a smaller vehicle with less windshield area, the wider screen might be more of a hazard than a safety feature.
Currently at Amazon, Garmin nuvis (their newer product line) run from $179 for the nuvi 200 to $699 for the nuvi 770. The Magellan Maestros are running from $168 for the 3100 to $356 for the widescreen 4250. Tom Tom’s GPS systems are currently priced from slightly less than $200 for the Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition, to $899 for the GO 700 (which is overpriced).
Whatever you do, don’t procrastinate. Even with a good GPS review, with all of these confusing choices it’s tempting to just wait for whatever the next model is going to be. What you’re missing by doing that is lots less stress while driving! Imagine, if you’re a guy being able to always (really) know where you’re going despite what your wife or girlfriend says. And, even better, if you’re a woman you won’t have to pester your husband or boyfriend to stop at the local gas station and admit that they’re lost – not an easy admission for a guy. (I should know!)
Create a video blog…instantly.
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: Automobile, Car Gps Systems, Realistic View
Garmin Zumo 660 Review
Since GPS systems became so popular for daily use in automobiles Garmin and TomTom created specifically designed GPS systems for motorcycles as well. Garmin has its Zumo line which offers a couple different styles and features and TomTom has its main system called the Rider 2. Both these systems off the general features required for motorcycle use such as, vibration resistance, glove friendly touch screens, helmet connection to hear the direction, waterproof, and rugged design to handle the elements of a motorcycle ride. Both brands of GPS systems have proved to do their job well and has pleased their customers. However, Garmin has created another Zumo motorcycle GPS unit called the Zumo 660 and they have definitely outdone themselves and TomTom with this exciting new product.
Garmin states that with the Zumo 660 will allow you to “take a ride on a new route and explore the open road…whether you’re on a weekday ride just across town or a weeklong trip to an annual rally with friends, the Zumo 660 is ready to show you the way.So Let’s take a look at the Zumo 660.
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The Zumo 660 has a color touchscreen that is 4.3″ wide and, of course, glove friendly. With a built in glare resistant screen you can read the screen both during the day and at night.The case is rugged, waterproof, fuel spray resistant, and resistant to sun damage.
With preloaded maps you are ready to go once you receive the unit. The points of interests include your usual motels, restaurants, gas stations, etc, however, it now includes a 3D building view and lane assist so that you can really get a better picture of the area you are driving through, Which would definitely be helpful in downtown cities with high and compact buildings. There is also a digital fuel gauge so you have a more exact reference of how many miles you have left before you need to get more gas.
The Zumo 660 is bluetooth compatabile so you can communicate with friends. The bluetooth compatibility also allows an individual to pick out a POI and call it before arriving if needed.
The Zumo 660 includes an MP3 player for both music and audiobooks for those that are traveling long distances.The player partnered with the bluetooth allows clarity when listening to your favorite song or book. The Zumo 660 also has a picture viewer for taking pictures along the way.
You can also plan a trip ahead of time on your computer.Create custom routes on your computer and transfer them to your Zumo 660 when ready.With the micro SD memory card you can store numerous custom routes and share them with friends.Garmin also offers the Zumo Connect, an online community, as a resource for motorcyclists to get more information on motorcycle news.
The Zumo 660, however, is not limited to the motorcycle and allows versatility for those that need a GPS system for their motorcycle and their automobile. Along with the Zumo 660, you will receive a universal motorcycle mount, a vehicle mount, a carrying case, and a power cable.
Allowing a two in one system, for use in the autmobile and on the motorcycle.
So don’t hesitate get your Zumo 660 now and enjoy the ride!
Leanne Brown
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: , best gps for motorcycle, garmin motorcycle gps, garmin zumo, garmin zumo 660, garmin zumo motorcycle gps, gps systems for motorcycles, newest motorcycle gps, zumo 660
Find Right Software for Your GPS Receiver
GPS receivers are quickly becoming the coolest gadgets around. Today’s GPS devices are nothing like their gargantuan predecessors; they can easily be held in one hand and even stuffed into the pockets of the tightest jeans. Some GPS receivers are even specially designed for vehicle use, and can give elaborate, real-time tracking to any destination.
For those who want to make the most of their GPS, it is necessary to load the correct GPS software into both the device and a home computer. Specialty GPS software is available to complement a host of pastimes.
GPS Software and Hiking
So you know your GPS can help you avoid getting lost, but did you know that you could also download software for your GPS that pre-loads topograpgical maps into your receiver? Specialty hiking GPS software contains detailed topographical maps complete with contour lines to show relief such as hills and valleys, as well as hiking trails, rivers, lakes, roads, and every other manmade or natural topographical feature. This GPS software can replace expensive hiking maps, which can cost up to $5.00 each and are hard to find. For lightweight backpackers covering a long distance, this type of GPS software is especially attractive, and can save pounds of backpack weight, as it eliminates the need for bulky sets of maps.
GPS software containing topographical maps is also useful when geocaching. Geocaching is a hobby where participants hide and search for caches all over the world. Using GPS coordinates, the game is like a huge version of hide and go seek. While traditionally geocachers would have to search for coordinates to these treasures online, there are several applications now, such as the Geocaching GPS software for the iPhone that allows users to download these coordinates directly to smart phones and other handheld computers.
GPS Software for Fishing and Boating
Garmin is one of several software providers that sell a suite of GPS software that includes maps of U.S. waterways, including rivers, lakes and coastal waters. This GPS software also shows fishermen where to find the best fishing hot spots. Garmin GPS software does not have to be loaded on a boat-mounted system, and can instead be carried in the same handheld device you use for huking or driving.
GPS Software for Driving
Many GPS software applications make driving a breeze. This GPS mapping software literally contains all of the large and small roads of a country, and also includes major landmarks, even waypoints for businesses, such as restaurants and stores. Using GPS software in your car guarantees you will never get lost.
All you have to do to use this software is enter an address where you want to go. The GPS software does the rest. Using the GPS receiving function, it automatically calculates your current position, and leads you to your destination. If you do happen to make a wrong turn, or if construction blocks your route, the GPS software automatically calculates a corrected route, allowing you to get where you are going safely.
Many companies provide free or cheap GPS navigation software. Free GPS software applications include OpenStreetMap, Freedrive, MapMonkey, and Google Earth. Pay software offers even more options than free GPS software and tends to be kept much more up-to-date. These applications include the Garmin suite, TomTom Navigator, Nav N Go and Microsoft Streets and Trips.
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: gps, gps device, Gps Receiver, Gps System, gps tracking
Exciting Facts About The New Motorola Cellular GPS Phone
Abhishek Agarwal asked:
Motorola is leading the gps technology field, with Motorola cellular gps phone. Motorola has integrated their gps technology with the technology of cell phone to enable you to directly receive gps signals to your Motorola phone so long as your vehicle is fitted with a gps navigation device or a vehicle tracking gps system. Most of the other gps devices are not equipped with screens facilitating navigation aids that you need everyday. That is the reason why your Motorola cellular gps phone can prove to be a great asset.
Cellular phones fitted with gps technology are not common. Motorola is keen to ensure the gps friendly attribute for all its new equipment and to make all its phones necessarily equipped with the newest systems of gps. It is very easy for you to acquire this best friend in the form of Motorola cellular gps phone. You just have to download software from the disk to your phone and your Motorola cellular gps phone is ready to receive the gps signals.
There are 27 gps dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth at all times. You just have to input a destination in the gps device and it will send a signal to one of these satellites which are specifically gps dedicated. When this signal is received by the satellite, it will locate the gps device and send back another signal to it. Immediately thereafter, you can receive directions to your destination from your Motorola cellular gps phone. You can trace your vehicle even though you are not sitting in it. That is what gps technology does for you.
Isn’t this a great theft deterrent? You can even use gps to track your vehicle when your teen driver or somebody else has possession of your car. Even if the gps system you have has no LCD screen, your Motorola cellular gps phone can put the system to work to its maximum capacity.
You must take full advantage of the advancement made in various fields of gps cell phone technology by turning your cell phone into a multi-tasking gps tracking device. Why not ensure the safety and security of your vehicle using your every day cell phone gps device? You can always rest assured that your property is safe. All cell phone makers are waking up to the advantages of new aspects of gps cellular advancements. Your Motorola cellular gps phone can prove to be a great tool for you to work with, at the same time, ensuring your peace of mind all the way.
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Motorola is leading the gps technology field, with Motorola cellular gps phone. Motorola has integrated their gps technology with the technology of cell phone to enable you to directly receive gps signals to your Motorola phone so long as your vehicle is fitted with a gps navigation device or a vehicle tracking gps system. Most of the other gps devices are not equipped with screens facilitating navigation aids that you need everyday. That is the reason why your Motorola cellular gps phone can prove to be a great asset.
Cellular phones fitted with gps technology are not common. Motorola is keen to ensure the gps friendly attribute for all its new equipment and to make all its phones necessarily equipped with the newest systems of gps. It is very easy for you to acquire this best friend in the form of Motorola cellular gps phone. You just have to download software from the disk to your phone and your Motorola cellular gps phone is ready to receive the gps signals.
There are 27 gps dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth at all times. You just have to input a destination in the gps device and it will send a signal to one of these satellites which are specifically gps dedicated. When this signal is received by the satellite, it will locate the gps device and send back another signal to it. Immediately thereafter, you can receive directions to your destination from your Motorola cellular gps phone. You can trace your vehicle even though you are not sitting in it. That is what gps technology does for you.
Isn’t this a great theft deterrent? You can even use gps to track your vehicle when your teen driver or somebody else has possession of your car. Even if the gps system you have has no LCD screen, your Motorola cellular gps phone can put the system to work to its maximum capacity.
You must take full advantage of the advancement made in various fields of gps cell phone technology by turning your cell phone into a multi-tasking gps tracking device. Why not ensure the safety and security of your vehicle using your every day cell phone gps device? You can always rest assured that your property is safe. All cell phone makers are waking up to the advantages of new aspects of gps cellular advancements. Your Motorola cellular gps phone can prove to be a great tool for you to work with, at the same time, ensuring your peace of mind all the way.
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Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: Cellular Phones, Lcd Screen, Technology Field
Detect GPS Tracking Devices
The new GPS tracker device admits just anyone to track anyone else. Additionally almost all new mobiles have GPS tracking device built in to them. Few even have the power to send position information even with out the battery. All of which make one to wonder what happened to individual secrecy. The answer is that there actually is no secrecy.
There are basically two types of GPS tracking device technology available to the public. The simplest is called a passive or logger tracking device. This device is also the most difficult to detect and defend against. These devices can be as small as a matchbook and can be hidden just about anywhere. They are attached to a vehicle or individual and after a specific amount of time they must be retrieved. After retrieval the device is usually attached to a personal computer and the information is downloaded into a data base that is provided by the device manufacture.
Probably the best defense against passive/logger tracking devices comes in the form of a GPS blocker. These small units normally plug into your automobiles cigarette lighter port and provide protection for about 30 feet in any direction. Small handheld units are also available that run on batteries that also provide short range blocking. These units can range in price from $200 to $850.
The second type of GPS auto tracker or personal GPS tracking device are called real time tracking devices. These units do just as the name implies, provide current real time location information on the individual or vehicle that is being tracked. This accomplished through the use of cell phone technology. Recent technology improvements have greatly reduced the size and reliability of these tracking devices. You can purchase a battery operated unit the size of a small cell phone that will provide tracking information for up to a week before the battery requires charging. More commonly these units are attached to a vehicle and use the vehicles power supply to provide power to the tracking unit.
Real time tracking devices generally require the user to contract with a GPS tracking device service company. These companies frequently provide the tracking devices and the software necessary to track the device on your personal computer. Depending on the contract the information is uploaded to you at time specific intervals. The most common information uploads range from 5 to 10 minutes.
Defending against this type of tracking device is relatively easy with a combination cell phone/GPS blocking device. These units range in cost from $300 to more than $1000. Of course either a cell phone or a GPS blocking device may accomplish the same affect.
Categories: GPS Navigation Tags: gps, gps device, Gps Receiver, Gps System, gps tracking
Helping You Use Your GPS Software
Getting the most out of your GPS navigation system is often a matter of knowing the GPS software. You can gain access to more maps, more features and better functionality if you know how. Here are some tips on how to enjoy everything your GPS navigation systems have to offer. Of course, there is still no substitute for reading the owner’s manual!
One thing you can do with the software on your GPS is speed up the satellite lock. You’ll want to do this when you first get your device or when you’ve moved to a new location. When you first turn on your GPS navigation device, your unit will need to read the positioning of the other satellites in the sky in relation to your current position. The most efficient way to receive this information is to leave GPS navigation systems on under an open sky for 20 minutes, without moving them around. Additionally, when you’ve traveled over 100 miles and you turn your car on, you may want to hit the “new location” button on the satellite screen menu to speed up the satellite acquisition.
Let’s face it, many customers purchase their 910 Tomtom or their Garmin GPSMAP 276c just for the “Points of Interest” feature. How many times have you been driving somewhere and suddenly your stomach is rumbling out of control. Do you settle for that greasy spoon you just passed or try to hold out for a Wendy’s drive-thru? With the navigator maps, you can view all of the restaurants near your current location or even type in the name of the restaurant you prefer for the nearest location! The lower quality GPS software comes with 750,000 points of interest, while the higher quality devices come with something like 6 million. To be sure you have the most up-to-date list of places in your area, you can visit www.poiusa.com or www.poifriend.com and download information to your GPS for free.
Creating your own customized points of interest is another way to get the most from your GPS software. If you need help getting started, then you can check out www.gpsinformation.org or use the POI Editor for TomTom or Garmin GPS navigation systems. Additionally, Garmin offers “Tour Guide file” downloads too! The well-researched, professionally-produced audio files will play automatically as you walk or drive past the tour locations! Most of these downloads are free, although a few, such as the RoadTour UK edition, is yours for a small fee. To find these, check out
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910 Tomtom, Garmin GPSMAP 276C, gps navigation, gps navigation system, GPS navigation systems, GPS software, navigator maps You know that you can use the best gps navigation system to get you to wherever you need to go. You can put it in your car and get turn by turn directions to any destination. However, there are also gps tracking systems that also utilize satellite technology. These don’t give you turn by turn directions but they do track whatever you want tracked. What could these be used for? GPS tracking systems can be used for a multitude of purposes. For instance, you could track a child to see where he or she goes when out with friends, you can track your car in case it’s ever stolen, a computer or anything else that has the gps transmitter attached to it. New Car One of the most popular reasons for having a gps tracking system is in the use of tracking cars. When you buy a new car you are often given the option of getting a gps tracking system attached to it. This isn’t to track where you go in the car, and it’s not so that you can track where your loved ones go in it, it’s to track your car in case it’s ever stolen. Think about how useful a gps tracking system would be in a car that was stolen. The police would be able to find your car in a heartbeat because all they’d have to do is follow a little blinking dot on a screen instead of looking all over town for you car which may look like a hundred other cars just like it. Laptops Gps tracking systems are also often sold with new laptops. When you have a laptop, you store very personal information on it. You may store banking information on it, you may have pictures that are very personal to you and you may have other information stored on it that’s just not replaceable. Sure, you’ve heard it a hundred times that you’re supposed to back all that stuff up but oftentimes, if your laptop is stolen, it comes at a time when it’s too late to do anything about backing up information. That makes it very useful to have a gps tracking system in your laptop. If it’s ever stolen, you’ll be able to track it the first instant it’s turned on. There are many other uses for gps tracking systems. The bottom line is that it will track anything you want tracked and that can be useful for a wide number of things. There are also nefarious reasons for having gps tracking systems but most uses are for good; or at least we would hope. Categories:
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gps, gps device, Gps Receiver, Gps System, gps tracking Handheld GPS devices, although, are devoted entirely to navigation and are most oft used by trampers, mounters and mountain bikers. Users interested in buying a handheld GPS device should first learn how GPS technology perform and become companion with the capacities and features of most handheld GPS devices so that they can detect a device that best suits their requirements. Function & Benefits of Handheld GPS Device All GPS navigational devices use the Global Navigation Satellite System made and kept by the United States Department of Defense to measure a user’s position via satellite. The basic operation of handheld GPS devices, also called as "receivers," are to give users with the exact coordinates of their present position and to help them navigate tracks and roads using coordinates consumer input into the device. The most important benefits of handheld GPS device are their movability and strength. Though other GPS devices, such as those in cars, are normally more potent, their size and power need make them impossible for use in outdoor actions. Other handheld electronics that contain GPS technology, such as mobile phone, are not produced for energetic outdoor use, as are handheld GPS device, and are used only for road travel. Features & Considerations Many handheld GPS devices are durable and waterproofed. All are fitted with a screen, with some providing color screens, and most commonly have a backlighting for comfortable use at night. Every handheld GPS receivers also have a set quantity of memory space for putting in maps and other details. One of the most significant features of a handheld GPS device is its antenna, which is gets signals from the satellites. Aerials can be outside or inside and may be a flat-patch aerial or the more high-tech quadrifilar helix antenna, which is perfect for navigating areas with heavy trees. Before purchasing a handheld GPS receiver, users should find what, if any, accessories are included with the model. Most do not contain cords, add-ons or extra map software that may be important for best use. More costly handheld GPS receivers will contain add-ons, such as hardware and software needed for using the device for road mapping and traffic functions, and may also have Bluetooth capacities. Relying entirely on a handheld GPS device when tramping or biking in big areas can be unsafe. These devices should be taken only as one part of a bigger navigation program. When preparing any outside action outdoorsmen should forever bring a published map and compass in case the handheld GPS device misfunctions, becomes broken, or drains of battery power. Categories:
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gps, gps device, Gps Receiver, Gps System Categories:
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Cellular Carriers, High Sensitivity, Navigation Devices
What Good Is A GPS Tracking System?
An Introduction of Handheld GPS Device
More Than 550 Million Gps-enabled Handsets Will Ship by 2012
gpsonblog asked:
In the wake of personal navigation devices’ success, cellular carriers have started to offer on-board and off-board navigation solutions, as well as a range of LBS (Location Based Services) such as friend finder and local search on GPS handsets.
Community and social-networking-related functionality, such as the sharing of POIs (Points of Interest) and geo-tagged pictures, is also becoming popular and is expected to boost GPS-enabled handset uptake as carriers, handsets manufacturers, and service providers look to capitalize on the LBS trend.
“While most CDMA handsets are already GPS-enabled and GPS is set to become a standard feature in GSM smartphones, GSM feature phones are next on the agenda to be equipped with GPS technology,” says ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte.
“GPS chipset vendors increasingly target handsets, looking for new markets and spurred on by the recent dramatic growth of personal navigation devices.”
However, as GPS begins to penetrate lower-end phones, the cost, power consumption, and footprint of GPS chipsets will have to be further reduced. This will be made possible by single chipset technology and the emergence in 2009 of combination chips integrating GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi all on one die.
Major silicon vendors such as Broadcom, NXP, and Atheros are well positioned to develop such solutions following the acquisition of GPS chipset vendors Global Locate, GloNav, and u-Nav, respectively.
At the same time, the thorny issue of indoor GPS coverage has to be addressed, since handset-based LBS services are frequently used in challenging environments with reduced GPS signal strength. Network-assisted A-GPS and high-sensitivity GPS-receivers are becoming key requirements to reduce the time necessary to acquire fixes and to improve location accuracy.
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