GPRS Articles & Information

Nokia N95 GPS Demo

2010-11-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

Nokia has again set a standard for phones. This GPS demo is very cool....

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Garmin nvi 260W 43Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

2010-11-11T00:55:00.000-08:00

GPS system preloaded with City Navigator North America NT
4.3-inch touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective
Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance and text to speech
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot
Includes JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: $ 229.99 Price: $ 99.98

Original :: Garmin nรผvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Samsung SGHT239 TMobile Cell Phone

2010-11-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Multiple ways to send messages.
Easy Internet access.
Digital camera with flash, 4x digital zoom, self-timer and brightness control.
Wireless convenience in Bluetooth stereo.
300-entry phone book.

Rating: (out of 3 reviews)

List Price: Price: $ 44.99

Original :: Samsung SGH-T239 T-Mobile Cell Phone

BlackBerry Curve 8330 Prepaid Boost Mobile Cell Phone wi

2010-11-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com It's a phone, PDA and media player all rolled into one โ�� it's the BlackBerry Curve 8330 Prepaid Boost Mobile Cell Phone. This smartphone is a smart choice because it offers a world of productivity... Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #950350

Video Rating: 4 / 5

PSA Texting and Driving UK August 2009 HQ Master Original Video

2010-10-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Tredegar Comprehensive School and Gwent Police (Gwent is located in south-east Wales,UK) present a half hour drama entitled 'COW' --The film that will stop you from texting and driving," with SPECIAL EFFECTS BY ZIPLINE CREATIVE www.ziplinecreative.co.uk (this is a trailer video) ** In the United Kingdom, a graphic public service film depicting the ravages of using cell phones in cars has spread virally on the Internet. ** The four-minute sequence involves British student actors and crews -- and is part of a larger 30-minute drama produced and directed by Peter Watkins-Hughes -- (visit http -- an award winning former BBC producer who is also a lecturer for the Documentary Film & Television department at the Newport School of Art, Media and Design in Wales. This drama was made for -- and with -- the Gwent Police Department, located approximately 150 miles west of London. ** WARNING the graphic clip is professionally staged -- but does a fine job hammering its message home. In my view, it should be seen by every parent -- and imported/licensed for broadcast or school use throughout the United States from Mr. Watkins-Hughes. His contact information is available above. COW: Its all about Cassie COWan a nice girl from a Gwent valleys family who kills four people on the road because she used her mobile and lost her concentration for a few seconds. Gwent police is proud to have helped Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins- Hughes in the production, which stars local drama students ...

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Motorola DROID II Android Phone Verizon Wireless

2010-10-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

Android 2.2-powered smartphone with 3.7-inch touchscreen, redesigned QWERTY keyboard, improved multitasking, and advanced social messaging
Google mobile services including Google Maps with Navigation for voice prompted turn-by-turn directions; can be used as a 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to five Wi-Fi connected devices
8 GB internal plus 8 GB preloaded microSD memory; Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth stereo music; 5-megapixel camera/camcorder
Up to 9.5 hours of talk time, up to 315 hours (13+ days) of standby time; released in August, 2010
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 8 GB microSD card, USB cable, quick start guide

Rating: (out of 18 reviews)

List Price: $ 559.99 Price: Too low to display

Original :: Motorola DROID II Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Communication Miracles for Couples Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love

2010-10-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

ISBN13: 9781573244176
Condition: New
Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Rating: (out of 26 reviews)

List Price: $ 12.95 Price: $ 7.14

Original :: Communication Miracles for Couples: Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict

How Can Online Meetings Help Your Company

2010-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

In order for a company to be able to get the maximum amount of profit from its activities a lot of vital components have to operate at full steam. It goes without saying that the financial aspect needs to be fine-tuned to perfection. A common mistake done by business owners and novice managers is cut costs from the wrong sector of the company. Communication is a vital component that all of the companies currently in operation need in order to ensure a flawless activity throughout their various branches or internal departments. While most tasks and problems can be discussed over the phone or through e-mail messages, there is and there will always be a need for meetings where different departent heads or branch managers have to sort out important issues that can only be discussed in a face to face setting. Online meetings held through the use of professional web conferencing software provide the very same benefits that you would normally encounter when participating in regular meetings with the largest notable difference being the significantly lower costs.

Everything from seeing and hearing all the participating members through the use of high quality media streams to exchanging sensitive files with select members and much more can be achieved by using a potent web conferencing solution. The companies specializing in manufacturing software applications for online meetings have conducted extensive researches in order to find the most important requirements that companies have but also their expectations from web conferencing software. This has resulted in top quality solutions that have taken online meeting from the status of potential alternative to that of being the best choice. A simple query on any one of the major search engines, containing relevant keywords such as โ��online meetingsโ��, or โ��web conferencingโ�� will produce an overwhelming number of results so the first thing you need to do when trying to find a suitable web conferencing software applications is create an accurate set of requirements that your desired product must meet. In terms of pricing, the opportunities are also varied and considering the large number of companies offering this type of products, you can be sure to find an application for online meetings that fits well within your budget.

The two most important requirements that all online meetings participants must meet are access to a computer and a reasonable internet connection. Only one person is needed to set up online meetings and send the invitations to all the members that will be taking part in the meeting. There are currently two types of web conferencing software for online meetings available, a traditional software solution that is easily installed on any computer and a browser based prompts participants to input their login details. With all the advances provided by large software manufacturers, you can also expect to receive consistent updates that will further improve the functionality and overall efficiency of your web conferencing tool. In order to find the best products, the best idea is to start looking at solutions from well established companies such as 01com that specialize in this type of service.

Original :: How Can Online Meetings Help Your Company

The Ford Tauruss New EcoBoost 35L V6 engine

2010-10-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

In come the Ford Taurus Engines, with itโ��s new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Engine! With the new Ford Taurus engine, the EcoBoost 3.5L V6, all of the aforementioned criteria can be met. On Fordโ��s website youโ��ll find that the latest 2011 models of this car can be altered to fit anyoneโ��s personal style and needs. Everything from the color of the car, to the interior, to all of the extras can be customized to fit your needs and wants. The website shows each color that can be clicked selected for the exterior, as well as in the interior, so that you can mix and find a desired match for your new Taurus. Along with this, accessories can be added to see how the final product will look. Extras and accesories include: GPS, power code remote start system and family entertainment systems among others. Getting the whole picture at once and looking at the final result can help with the buying and decision making process before you even head to the dealership.

A detailed description of the engine shows that this new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Ford Taurus engine is more powerful than ever and is also environmentally friendly. This is great for the driver because saving the environment also means saving money in the long run. This new engine is a twenty four valve with three hundred sixty five horsepower behind it. This car not only looks good, but it can get the driver where he needs to go quickly. Looking a bit further on the Ford website or going into the dealership for a test drive will prove to that this car is made for everyone. Prices can vary but an estimate can be found online or through the dealer after deciding on accessories and extras wanted. This car is financially, stylishly and environmentally smart.

One thing to keep in mind is that while this solid EcoBoost Ford Taurus engine will last its full lifetime, if ever there is a need to keep the car going afterwards, used engines are the way to go. A used engine is a smart move financially but also environmentally as well. Recycling an engine can help to keep the car moving for years more and also keep from just throwing away a perfectly good engine.

The bottom line is that if looking for a new car, the new Ford Taurus engine, the new EcoBoost 3.5L V6, is one that can fit anyoneโ��s lifestyle and needs. It looks sleek and can be molded to the driverโ��s personal style. It comes at a great price and is easily maintained. Both the environment and the driverโ��s wallet will be thankful after this purchase.

Original :: The Ford Tauruss New EcoBoost 35L V6 engine

Fanatic Digital Real Time Gsmgprssmsonline GPS Personalcar Tracker Logger for

2010-10-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Free real-time location and speed information access by authorized mobile phones or online/internet;
A diversity of Geo-fencing report; Emergency call; No subscription fee--Free online trackign service
Real-time voice monitoring or eavesdrop; Long standby time
Over-speed report; Low-power report; Anti-thief report; Work on both AT&T and T-Mobile Network. Free spare battery included in package.
Personal Tracking -- kids, seniors, etc. Vehicle tracking and fleet management;Pets Tracking. Quick start guide included

Rating: (out of 9 reviews)

List Price: $ 249.00 Price: $ 109.95

Original :: Fanatic Digitalยฎ Real Time Gsm/gprs/sms/online GPS Personal/car Tracker Logger for Cars, Persons, Pets on google map, internet, laptop, desktop

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

2010-10-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Rating: (out of 8 reviews)

List Price: $ 59.95 Price:

Original :: GPRS : General Packet Radio Service

Samsung Fascinate Android Phone Verizon Wireless

2010-10-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

3G-enabled, Android 2.1-powered smartphone with 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display and 16 GB pre-loaded microSD card (plus 2 GB internal memory)
Google mobile services; VZ Navigator and Bing Maps for directions; can be used as a 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to five Wi-Fi connected devices
5-megapixel camera; 720p HD video recording; Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity; Swype keyboard
Up to 7 hours of talk time, up to 312 hours (13 days) of standby time; released in August, 2010
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide

Rating: (out of 19 reviews)

List Price: $ 599.99 Price: $ 0.01

Original :: Samsung Fascinate Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Enjoy Life To The Fullest Among Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

2010-10-06T02:56:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 has got everything which a modern mobile user searches in his/ her dream mobile phone. This smart phone comes completely loaded with all the multimedia features and superb applications. One can get features like Class 10 GPRS, WiFi, Blue tooth, class 10 EDGE, USB, 2G and 3G networks which gives its users high speed Internet access. One can download audio, video and other files easily. The 3G technology gives its user video calling experience and one can talk with his/ her beloved ones with more effective way of communicating.

This smart phone has inbuilt 5 Mega Pixel camera with the resolution of 2560 ? 1920 pixels with some additional features like Geo-taggng, auto focus and LED flash. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Contract Deals with the 128MB of internal storage space. If the user find it less then they can expand the internal memory with a micro SD card slot which extent the internal memory up to 16GB. This superb handset works on the operating system of Android OS 1.6 with the Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz.

If you are looking for the looks then Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is the right choice as this astonishing mobile phone has 2.55 inches of TFT capacitive touchscreen with 16M colors (65K effective) and 240 x 320 pixels and for better viewing it is also added with some features such as Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, Time scape UI and Scratch-resistant surface.

One can also find some exciting new applications in this amazing mobile phone like Google Search, Maps, Gmail, You Tube, Calendar, Google Talk, Google Voice Search (market dependent), Document viewer,MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV player, MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player, Track ID music recognition, Voice memo, Digital compass and T9. So what are you waiting for just grab this astonishing mobile phones with Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Contract deals and enjoy the technology.

Original :: Enjoy Life To The Fullest Among Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

GPRS for Mobile Internet

2010-10-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Rating: (out of 3 reviews)

List Price: $ 125.00 Price: $ 95.00

Original :: GPRS for Mobile Internet

Utilities of GPRS Enabled Cell Phones

2010-09-29T01:55:00.000-07:00

One of the best communication technologies that has ever been invented, cell phones are more than a necessity today. With the rapidly changing technology, cell phone has changed beyond recognition from technological as well as aesthetic perspective.While earlier cell phone was used for basic communication purposes, the new age mobile with latest features and technologies double up as glamour items apart from their basic GPRS abilities.To fascinate consumers, cell phone manufacturers keep adding new technologically advance features along with the glamour quotient. Now-a-days, many varieties of cell phones with their futuristic designs inadvertently arrest your attention. Any major technoloy you name today, and it`s available in this new age cell phone.Apart from attractive and sleek look, cell phone also carries a sea of advance features. Starting from music storage facility to camera and video recording feature, from Java games to Internet connectivity including the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPRS; cell phones these days are full-fledged gadgets that have multi-tasking usability.What is GPRS?General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is one of the latest technologies incorporated in cell phones. It is a new non-voice mobile technology that allows the cell phone to get connected to the Internet in a faster and cheaper way. In other words, your cell phone can go on-line with it.Unlike current digital wireless Net connections, no dial-up modem is necessary in GPRS service and it is ten times faster than current GSM networks. You can connect to the Internet at speed up to 171.2 kilobits per second (kbps) with GPRS enabled cell phones. Also you need to pay only for the data you transfer and not for your entire login time.GPRS enabled cell phone lets you enjoy continuous wireless connection to Internet even when you are on the move. You can now get instant access to your favorite web sites, entertainment services and other web applications. Also, gaming is no longer restricted to the basic snake games. You can seamlessly download and enjoy all types of Java-enabled games.Apart from the latest on-line games, here is a list of what you can do with this new cell phone technologyRemote LAN access:You can access to different information types namely email, intranet, databases through the remote LAN setup feature of your GPRS enabled cell phone. The speed and latency of it make the date transmitted through remote LAN really fast.Easy email access:With constant Internet connectivity, checking Email on the enabled cell phone is really easy. What`s more, the alert mechanism of this new technology when linked with email service, will notify the users when a new email is received.Web browsing:You can enjoy faster browsing of Internet through the GPRS activated cell phone. With its document sharing and collaborative working feature, many people from different locations can work on the same document at the same time.File transfer:While downloading or transferring files, the info available could be one of the Internet communication methods such as telnet, FTP, HTTP, Java or from a proprietary database or legacy platform. The file transfer process is bandwidth intensive. However, the GPRS enabled cell phone`s high speed flow across a mobile network makes it really fast, no matter what type of file you want to transfer.Chat:Thanks to your GPRS enabled cell phone, now you don`t need to set up your own group for chatting. Now you have access to all existing Internet chat groups and can join any of your preferred groups dedicated to cell phone users.Images and video:Your cell phone when activated with GPRS allows posting photographs, greeting cards and even video presentations from a digital camera connected to a GPRS radio device directly to an Internet site.

Original :: Utilities of GPRS Enabled Cell Phones

GPS

2010-09-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

I was under the impression that GPS was supposed to make your life easier...

Video Rating: 4 / 5

The Art of Communicating

2010-09-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 'Gift from the Sea'The word communicate comes from the latin communis or common. We speak of a common room that everyone shares or a university commons where everyone shares the space. It indicates that two people or two groups have something shared in common but in our world today I maintain that there is nothing common about communication. Many of the world's problems and disputes can be traced to poor communication.The dictionary defines communication as the transmission of information, thought or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood. As a working defiition we'll consider that communication has been successful if there is shared understanding between those trying to communicate.So what is the result of shared understanding? What are the implications of a lack of shared understanding? Does shared understanding guarantee acceptance, openness and trust between people and groups?I maintain that while good communication doesn't guarantee our lives will be enhanced, poor communication will make bad situations worse and make it difficult to have and maintain open, useful relationships in life.The outcome, then, of successful communication should be to increase understanding and thereby improve relationships - and who doesn't need improved relationships?Families, co-workers, governments all need better communication. So let's examine what happens when we communicate, where the problems lie, and what we can each do to improve our communication skills.I. The pieces of the communication processCommunication is a two-way street, and people tend to structure their phrases along well-traveled linguistic routes to optimize their chances of being understood. --Christopher Manning, Stanford UniversityCommunication is a process; that is, it has definable steps that can be examined. We will look at communicating as a cycle going round and round unendingly. Remember, however, that examining the communication process is like putting your VCR on pause; you look at a frozen snapshot of a dynamic, unending process. It's often been said that one cannot not communicate unless you're dead or unconscious; communication takes place - for bad or for good - when we're trying and when we're not.A. SenderThe sender has something he wants to share with someone else. In our simplified model, the sender is the person communicating. Unfortunately the sender's information is in his mind. While much work has been done on trying to prove ESP, for most of us we've got to get the information we want to share out of our mind and into the other person's mind by other means.B. ReceiverThe receiver is just that - the other person or persons that the sender is trying to communicate with. What we'll find is that the receiver has some obstacles in the way that will affect whether shared understanding is achieved or not. While the sender has the responsibility to craft a clear message, the receiver has additional responsibilities of hearing, listening, and providing feedback.C. A messageThe message is not just some words. The message is a rich combination of thoughts, feelings, words, and meanings. Even a sender that says, "it's simple", doesn't realize the blended nature of the message they want to convey. Many communication problems stem from the idea that communication is simple.D. Some ways of generating a signalSpeak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1809 - 1894)The signal we are speaking of is how we encode the message in our heads and broadcast it to the receiver. We'll find that this includes more than the sounds of words; it can include feelings, attitudes, and our unique personality. If you think about this, all communication is indirect in that we use the tools of language and nonverbal communication to attempt to share what we are experiencing inside ourselves.E. A brain I would while away the hours, Conversin' with the flowers . . . If I only had a brain. -- The Scarecrow in the Wizard of OZOur brains are rich, complicated places. All communication is filtered through our personality, our background, our upbringing, our culture, and our current state of being. When you are tired or stressed or in circumstances that are unpleasant, communication becomes that much harder.F. Shared understandingSpeak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation but to be understood. William PennWe return to our definition. The degree to which someone understands what we are trying to communicate will depend on many factors. How much alike are we? Do we share any background experiences? Are our language skills, attitudes, beliefs similar or dissimilar? What assumptions have we made about each other based on stereotypes?It's probably fair to say that the degree of understanding could be rated on a scale from very well understood to completely misunderstood. And anyone who says "I understand perfectly" is probably deceiving themselves.G. FeedbackFeedback in our model are the reactions of the receiver that are being communicated back to the sender. Feedback causes the sender to modify his message to increase the chances of its being understood by the receiver. Each of us has experienced the feeling "they don't have a clue about what I'm trying to say". How did we reach this conclusion? By interpreting the feedback the receiver is generating. This feedback can be verbal or nonverbal.H. Communication blocked by noiseThe factor of "noise" may occur anywhere along the communication line, and it may be physical, physiological, or psychological in nature. William Brooks "Speech Communication"When using radio to communicate, the static sometimes is so strong that the message is lost. Communication theorists call this kind of interruption during communication "noise". For our purposes noise is any part of the communication process that diminishes shared understanding. Noise can be found in any part of our model. The sender can have poor communication skills. The receiver may be unable to receive the message for a variety of reasons. The channels they use to communicate may be inappropriate for the situation. Feedback may be misinterpreted or ignored.As we continue we will examine noise factors that decrease shared understanding and ways of eliminating or reducing the noise so that communication has a better chance.II. Temperament and CommunicationTemperament comes from the Latin tem perave, which means to mix. It relates to the fact that we are each a unique mixture of personality traits - background, intelligence, feelings, education, culture and on and on. It seems obvious but your temperament impacts your communication style.A. What is temperament?Temperament can also be called personality type and incorporates self-image or self-esteem. We'll talk more about self-image later but now we'll focus on our "natural" temperament or personality that we inherit along with our eye color and body type. The ancients thought that temperament was caused by the mixture of certain bodily fluids called humours.B. The four typesWhy four? Why not 104? Over the centuries, through observation and study, it has been determined that each of us is a blend of four distinct personality types - and more specifically we are usually a blend of two of the four types. Who wrote this rule? How do we know it's true? Again the evidence is mostly empirical or by experience though the underlying concepts come from the work of Carl Jung.For our purposes, we'll use the ancient Greek nomenclature for temperament types - Choleric, Phlegmatic, Sanguine, and Melancholy. These are certainly only one way of discussing the four - other models use the names of animals, the acronym DiSC, and the most famous - the Meyers-Briggs naming system.Temperament strongly affects communication style. But so does our cultural background, so does our educational experience. The point is that temperament is only one part of our communication style.The choleric type is sometimes called the Driver. A choleric person is goal-oriented, no-nonsense, hard-nosed person. They are extraverted, strong willed persons. You can spot a choleric by their impatient, action-oriented style.As regards communicating, the choleric gets straight to the point and is not much concerned with the feelings of others. They say what they mean and it can often be pointed and critical.The sanguine temperament is an outgoing, warm, people person. They are talkers and are concerned with the feelings of others. They are best when meeting and greeting others. They are extraverted, warm, and enthusiastic.The sanguine is loath to hurt others' feelings and will avoid conflict at almost any price. Their communication style is outgoing and talkative. They will often touch the person they are talking to.The melancholy is highly organized, detailed, and critical. You can spot a melancholy by their organized desktop or workspace. They are introverted and often moody. They dislike their anyone moving their "stuff".As a communicator, the melancholy will be precise, detailed and critical. They often feel they are "right" because they have taken the time to carefully analyze whatever subject they are talking about.The phlegmatic is the quietest of the four types. While generally calm on the surface they are the most likely to be anxious internally when communicating.Again I want to emphasize that no one is purely one temperament type. Another presentation I do on understanding temperament goes into much more detail on the 16 combinations of personality traits.Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Carl Jung (1857-1961)In a nutshell, personality affects communication because each style has a different primary way of communicating. Cholerics want "just the facts, ma'am". Sanguines want to talk, and talk, and talk. Melancholies want clear concise detailed information and Phlegmatics just want to get along. If you can adapt your natural style to be more like the other person's style, you'll find it easier to get their attention and, ultimately, share understanding with them.III. Self concept and CommunicationSelf-concept or self image is that internal picture we hold of ourselves - it's who WE think WE are. The amazing thing is that often others hold different pictures of us that don't agree with who we think we are. Each of us communicates out of our self-image. While affected by temperament, self-concept goes beyond our built in personality style.A. How is our self-image developed?Self-image develops as we develop. As we grow we each seek clues from around us that help us define who "we" are. Into our search comes "significant others". A significant other is defined as someone who's input we accept as having validity. This group includes many people such as parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and, again, anyone that we receive input from concerning our image of ourselves.For good and for bad, we take in these other peoples' opinions. They tell us how acceptable we are, they give us messages about our abilities or lack of abilities. As we develop we hear these voices tell us that we're good or that we're bad or that we can do anything we set our minds to or that we'll never amount to anything.B. How does our self-image change?The problem here is that other people express their opinion - and that's all it is. No matter how well a parent knows us or a teacher observes us, what they express about us is their opinion. How many people have been called "shy" for so long that they accept it as true? One interesting story deals with Suzzane Sommers. She had a verbally abusive father who told her she was no good, dumb, ugly and would never amount to anything. This affected her well into her adult life and was reflected in a series of bad relationships and failed life projects.Only after her father died did she begin to see that she had worth and value. Through a great deal of work she was able to begin to change how she saw herself and her self image changed into that of a competent, intelligent woman.C. How self-image affects communicationThis story illustrates how self-image affects our communication. If you've been known as shy or dumb or a teacher's pet, this affects how you see yourself and how others who know you react to you. In my personal life, I grew up extremely shy and bashful. I did not react well in social situations and, because I grew up in a small town going to school with the same kids year after year, this "social retardation" followed me throughout high school.But when I left for college 600 miles away, the realization began to dawn on me that no one there knew me as shy or bashful. I was able to dig out from under that old self-image and become more outgoing and more "myself" - the "myself" I wanted to be.So our self-concept may contain information that is wrong and cause many communication problems. Self study and possibly professional counseling are means of rooting out self concept problems.IV. Non-verbal CommunicationCommunication takes place on many levels simultaneously. We often tend to think of only the words that are spoken but that part of the message may only account for 20% of communication. So what's happening in the other 80%?A. What is it?What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)Non-verbal communication is everything else BUT the words. It includes many components including vocal qualities such as tone of voice, as well as gestures, body language, accents and attitudes. Significant communication can take place without a word being spoken.B. Where is it learned?The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart St. Jerome (342 - 420 AD)The key to understanding non-verbal communication is to study its' roots. Babies in the crib cannot understand words but they quickly learn to respond to voices and facial expressions. We begin to learn what a person means from their voice and their body language long before we understand the words themselves.And this is significant because as we grow we continue to interpret non-verbal communication at an unconscious level; not even aware that we are analyzing and critiquing the other person for their non-verbal message while attending to what they are saying verbally.C. Why do we pay attention to it?Jeff Foxworthy tells a story about the difference between men and women when looking at a new house. The woman is deciding how to decorate, the man is wondering where someone will try to break in. So to lower the chances of a break in, Jeff compares the well cared for lawn versus an overgrown lawn. According to Jeff, when you see an uncut lawn with a car motor hanging from the porch and a dog on a chain, "that's a house where a gun lives!"He's saying that how we choose to dress, how we talk, where we live - all are examples of nonverbal communication.We can't help but automatically process non-verbal cues as we communicate. How many times have we "tuned someone out" because of some non-verbal behavior that affects us. Because it is learned unconsciously in infancy, non-verbal communications comes "online" without us thinking about it. It might be someone's accent, their perceived level of education or learning, their vocal qualities or some other behavior - we always pay attention to it.D. How can we use it more effectively?Knowing how powerfully our nonverbal cues are can allow us to "shape" our message. By paying attention to how we speak, how we look, how our voice sound, we can improve our chances of attaining shared understanding.At the same time, consciously paying attention to our reactions to other's nonverbal messages will give us more information than we are getting by only attending to the words.V. ListeningOne of the biggest problems in communication relates to listening. How many parents have chanted the mantra "you're not listening" to a child? How many people have gotten lost because of only half-listening to a set of directions?A. Listening is NOT the same as hearing.Listening and hearing are not exactly the same thing. While it is true that you must hear in order to listen, it isn't always true that if you hear you ARE listening. Hearing is a function carried out by your brain wherein the sounds received by our ears are assigned meaning. But just because our brain understands the words doesn't mean that our minds will understand what is received.B. Problems related to listening1. Our brains are much faster than our mouths.Part of the problem is that our minds are much faster than our mouths. We typically speak anywhere from 30 to 100 words per minute but our minds can process information much faster than that. So if the first few words do not "hook" our attention we will rapidly "drift" off to think of something else.2. We lack interest or we prejudge what we are hearing.This hearing/listening disparity not only results in a lack of interest but can also cause us to prejudge what we are hearing. If we perceive a person to be uninteresting or dull or abrasive, these perceptions will cause us to judge the speaker and color what they are saying through our own attitudinal "filters".3. We don't seek or give feedback.Remember that our model of communication is a cycle - an ongoing give and take of information being shared. If we purposefully or accidentally give no feedback, the sender will have no idea or a distorted idea of how they are communicating. Distorted feedback could include agreeing with the sender when we really have no clue of what they are trying to say.VI. Assertion and confrontationNot all communication is pleasant. Emotionally charged conversations can cause their own problems that have to be dealt with. Sanguine and Phlegmatic temperaments (the two introverted styles) are especially prone to "clamming up" when the Choleric and Melancholies crank up. The easier thing to do in these situations is to withdraw into ourselves and not even try.The answer is a learned skill called assertiveness. The first thing to be learned is that because a person tries to dominate a communication event doesn't mean it's their "right". Each of us has as much right to be heard and understood as any other. Convincing yourself that this is true can be a long process - but until you believe it, you'll never take the initiative to stick up for yourself. There are books and training tapes available that can help you. One classic that is still available in bookstores and libraries is "When I say No I feel Guilty."Once you've begun to believe that you have a right to be heard, you can begin to practice simple but powerful behaviors that will help you.The formula is "D"escribe the behavior that upsets you such as "when you interrupt me . . .", "E"xplain how it makes you feel, "when you interrupt me I feel angry . . .", "S"pecify what you want to be different, "I would prefer that you say . . . ", and "C"onsequences, "If you can't do this, then . . ."Assertiveness may not make you feel less stressed but it can, if practiced, improve the chances of your being heard and understood.VII. How to improve your communication skillsSo what are some specific behaviors that you can implement that will improve your communication quotient? Here are several.A. Listen - don't assume.Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening. Dorothy SarnoffThe key to to improved listening is using the "extra" time available in the hearing process. As you listen to someone, examine what they're saying, question your understanding of what is being said, involve yourself in the conversation.B. Improve your self-concept.Since all communication is filtered through our self-image, it makes sense that the better that self-image is, the better our chance of sharing understanding. Improving self-concept involves challenging assumptions we have about ourselves. Unlearning old attitudes and feelings can be a long and involved process; additionally replacing these dysfunctional attitudes with new and better feelings and attitudes can be a struggle.C. Learn to decipher non-verbal communication.Remember that non-verbal communication is processed by each of us almost unconsciously. By becoming consciously aware of another's tone off voice, posture, gestures, and facial expressions, we will raise our level of understanding several notches.What is essential to a person's word is the meaning given to it by that person - the thought, feeling or action that person associates with it and hopes to convey to others. Through our word we literally give to others a piece of our mind. Through others' words we may know their thoughts and feelings and share in their lives.Dallas WillardE. Ask questions - don't pretend to understand when you don't.The "old saw" has a lot of truth - to assume makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me". Too often we nod when someone asks if we understand when understanding is no where in sight. So much of the time we don't wish to appear foolish so we feign understanding.Conclusion - the benefits of improved communication.The ability to communicate effectively has implications for every part of life. Better communication can improve family relationships, enhance business relationships, and improve overall quality of life. Think again of how many disputes, arguments and disagreements were all rooted in poor communication?

Original :: The Art of Communicating

Darth Vader recording for TomTom GPS behind the scenes

2010-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Watch Lord Vader during the recording of his GPS voice for TomTom. NEW - YODA RECORDING Watch Yoda's recording at www.youtube.com AUGMENTED REALITY GAME Try the Star Wars Game at www.tomtom.com and see if the Force is strong with you. STAR WARS VOICES Get Darth Vader and your favourite Star Wars GPS voices at www.tomtom.com

Video Rating: 4 / 5

airtel tricks

2010-09-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

airtel tricks,free airtel gprs on mobile,airtel live tricks,free airtel gprs,airtel tricks for gprs,free gprs on airtel

Video Rating: 0 / 5

EDGE A Steppingstone Toward 3G Technologies in Pakistan

2010-09-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

ABSTRACTThe business of wireless data is expected to grow in the region of 100-200 % per annum and the mobile communication industry agrees that wireless data services will form the foundation for future business. The enormous success of short messaging in many countries proves that people accept the benefits of non-voice services.Enhanced Data Rate for Global Evolution (EDGE) is a technology that gives Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) the capacity to handle services for the third generation of mobile telephony. It provides three times the data capacity of General packet Radio Service (GPRS). Using EDGE, operators can handle three times more subscribers than GPRS; triple thir data rate per subscriber, or add extra capacity to their voice communications.This article provides an overview of EDGE technology. In particular, starting from the introduction of this 2.5G technology I describe the core technical aspects and distinct features. I will provide a comparison with GPRS for data services and then a survey of the current state of this technology in Pakistan. I have also covered some benefits for operators and customers.1. IntroductionThe importance of wireless data and multimedia services both for business and end customers are increasing on an unparalleled scale. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is a new radio interface solution and is based on an enhanced modulation. EDGE offers GSM network operators an evolution path to mobile data and multimedia services with a three fold increase of data throughput in the existing GSM spectrum. EDGE therefore provides an alternative for operators who do not have a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) license. Moreover it also represents a complement to UMTS for operators intending to first deploy UMTS only in densely populated areas, but who can also use EDGE to provide wide area coverage of future oriented 3G services. In the US market operators have chosen EDGE as the 3G solutions. [8].We are presently experiencing the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) as well as the higher transmission speeds of High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD), joined by the convenience of "always on-line" direct Internet connections with GPRS. [1]EDGE, new radios interface technology with enhanced modulation, increases the HSCSD and GPRS data rates by up to three fold. EDGE modulation is going to increase the data throughput provided by the packet switched service even over 400 kbps per carrier. Similarly, the data rates of circuit switched data can be increased, or existing data rates can be achieved using fewer timeslots, saving capacity. Accordingly, these higher speed data services are referred to as EGPRS (Enhanced GPRS) and ECSD (Enhanced Circuit Switched Data).EDGE, is a major improvement in GSM phase 2+. As a modification to existing GSM networks, EDGE does not require new network elements. [1]In the US, for instance, EDGE is part of the IS-136 High Speed concept, which is one of the third generation Radio Transmission Technology (RTT) proposals from TR.45. EDGE is eventually going to be standardized which makes possible to achieve a global mobile radio system with many services characteristic to third generation systems.2. OverviewThe increased bit rates of EDGE put requirements on the GSM/GPRS network architecture. Figure. 1 illustrates the GSM/GPRS architecture, the shaded parts of which are discussed in this section. Other nodes and interfaces are not affected at all by EDGE introduction. An apparent bottleneck is the A-bis interface, which today supports up to 16 kb/s per traffic channel. With EDGE, the bit rate per traffic channel will approach 64 kb/s, which makes allocation of multiple A-bis slots to one traffic channel necessary. Alternative asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or IP-based solutions to this problem can also be discusses.One important fact is, however, that the 16 kb/s limit will be exceeded already by the introduction of two coding schemes (CS3 and CS4) in GPRS, which have a maximal bit rate per traffic channel of 22.8 kb/s. Consequently, the A-bis limitation problem is being solved outside the EDGE standardization, and it is therefore a GPRS related, not EDGE-related, modification. For GPRS-based packet data services, other nodes and interfaces are already capable of handling higher bit rates, and are thus not affected. For circuit-switched services, the A interface can handle 64 kb/s per user, which is not exceeded by EDGE circuit-switched bearers. [9]2.1. Impact on GSM Network PlanningAn important prerequisite, which to a large extent will determine the success of EDGE in GSM, is that a network operator be able to introduce EDGE gradually. For initial deployment, EDGE-capable transceivers will supplement standard GSM/GPRS transceivers in a subset of the existing cells where EDGE coverage is desired. Hence, an integrated mix of GSM, GPRS, and EDGE users will coexist in the same frequency band. To minimize effort and cost for the network operator, radio network planning (including cell planning, frequency setting of power and other cell parameters) must not require extensive modification.2.1.1. Coverage PlanningOne characteristic of non-transparent radio link protocols that include automatic repeat request (ARQ), is that low radio link quality only results in a lower bit rate for the user. Hence, low SIR for a user does not result in a dropped call, as for speech, but in a temporary decrease of user bit rate. For transparent bearers, which typically offer a constant bit rate, link quality control must be extended to incorporate resource allocation, in the sense that the number of dynamically allocated time slots fits the bit rate and bit error rate (BER) retirements. Transparent bearers, will thus be available in the entire GSM cell, but require fewer time slots in the center of the cell (where 8-PSK coding schemes can be used).2.1.2. Frequency PlanningMost mature GSM networks of today have an average frequency reuse factor of around 9 (meaning that available frequencies are divided into nine frequency groups). However, there is also a trend toward tighter reuse factors. With the use of frequency hopping, multiple reuse patterns (MRP), and discontinuous transmission (DTX), reuse factors as low as 3 become feasible. EDGE supports a variety of reuse patterns. In fact, by its use of link quality control, EDGE can be introduced in an arbitrary frequency plan, and benefit from high SIR closer to the base stations. EDGE can be introduced in an existing GSM frequency plan, and that it also supports future high-capacity solutions based on tighter frequency reuse.2.1.3. Radio Network PlanningAn important prerequisite (and to a large extent, one that will determine the success of Edge) is that network operators should be able to introduce Edge gradually. The initial deployment of Edge-capable transceivers will supplement standard GSM transceivers in a subset of cells where Edge coverage is desired. An integrated mixture of circuit-switched, GPRS and Edge users will thus coexist in the same frequency band. To minimize operator efforts and costs, Edge-related implementation must not require extensive modification of the radio network plan (including cell planning, frequency planning, the setting of power levels and other cell parameters).2.1.4. Channel ManagementAfter Edge has been introduced, a cell will typically include two types of transceiver: standard GSM transceivers and Edge transceivers. Each physical channel (time slot) in the cell can be viewed as being one of at least four channel types:1. GSM speech and GSM circuit-switched data (CSD);2. GPRS packet data;3. Circuit-switched data, enhanced circuits witched data (ECSD), and GSM speech;4. Edge packet data (EGPRS), which allows a mix of GPRS and EGPRS users simultaneously.While standard GSM transceivers only support channel types 1 and 2, Edge transceivers support all four channel types. Physical channels are dynamically defined according to terminal capabilities and needs in the cell. For example, if several speech users are active, the number of type-1 channels is increased, at the expense of GPRS and Edge channels. Obviously, channel management must be automated, to avoid the splitting of channels into static groups. Otherwise, trunking efficiency would diminish.3. InterleavingTo increase the performance of the higher coding schemes in EGPRS (MCS7 to MCS9) even at low C/I, the interleaving procedure has been changed within the EGPRS standard. When frequency hopping is used, the radio environment is changing on a per-burst level. Because a radio block is interleaved and transmitted over four bursts for GPRS, each burst may experience a completely different interference environment. [7]If just one of the four bursts is not properly received, the entire radio block will not be properly decoded and will have to be retransmitted. In the case of CS4 for GPRS, hardly any error protection is used at all. With EGPRS, the standard handles the higher coding scheme differently than GPRS to combat this problem. MCS7, MCS8 and MCS9 actually transmit two radio blocks over the four bursts, and the interleaving occurs over two bursts instead of four. This reduces the number of bursts that must be retransmitted should errors occur. The likelihood of receiving two consecutive error free bursts is higher than receiving four consecutive error free bursts. This means that the higher coding schemes for EDGE have a better robustness with regard to frequency hopping.4. EDGE & GPRSEDGE, or the Enhanced Data Rate for Global Evolution, is the new mantra in the Global Internet Connectivity scene. EDGE is the new name for GSM 384. The technology was named GSM 384 because of the fact that it provided Data Transmission at a rate of 384 Kbps. It consists of the 8 pattern time slot, and the speed could be achieved when all the 8 time slots were used. The idea behind EDGE is to obtain even higher data rates on the current 200 KHz GSM carrier, by changing the type of the modulation used.Now, this is the most striking feature. EDGE, as being once a GSM technology, works on the existing GSM or the TDMA carriers, and enables them to many of the 3G services. Although EDGE will have a little technical impact, since its fully based on GSM or the TDMA carriers, but it might just get an EDGE over the up coming technologies, and of course, the GPRS. With EDGE, the operators and service providers can offer more wireless data application, including wireless multimedia, e-mail (Web Based), Web Infotainment, and above all, the technology of Video Conferencing.Now all these technologies that were named earlier, were the clauses of the IMT-UMTS 3G Package. But, with EDGE, we can get all these 3G services on our existing GSM phones, which might just prove to be a boon to the user. The current scenario clearly states that EDGE will definitely score higher than GPRS. The former allows its users to increase the data speed and throughput capacity, to around 3-4 times higher than GPRS.Secondly, it allows the existing GSM or the TDMA carriers to give the sophisticated 3G services. And with 1600 Million subscribers of GSM in over 170 countries, offer the full Global Roaming, anywhere between India to Japan and to San Francisco. Based on an 8 PSK modulation, it allows higher bit rate across the air Interface. There is one symbol for every 3 bits. Thus, EDGE Rate is equal to 3x GPRS Rate.5. Future Evolution Towards WCDMAThe next evolutionary step for the GSM/EDGE cellular system includes enhancements of service provisioning for the packet-switched domain with the service provisioning in UMTS/UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network). GERAN will provide improved support for all quality of service (QoS) classes defined for UMTS: interactive, background, streaming and conversational. By doing so, a new range of applications, including IP multimedia applications, will be adequately supported. This part of the GSM/EDGE evolution focuses on support for the conversational and streaming service classes, because adequate support for interactive and background services already exists. Additionally, parallel simultaneous bearers will support multimedia applications with different QoS characteristics towards the same MS, such as multiple media streams handled through IMS domain. A driver for such evolution on the packet-switched side is the paradigm shift within the telecommunications world from circuit to packet-switched communications.Both the core network defined for GPRS and the current GSM/EDGE radio access network require modifications to support enhanced packet services. The GPRS/EGPRS networks can quickly and cost effectively evolve with market needs, and align with services provided by WCDMA networks. The current evolution of GSM/EDGE, which covers all of the above aspects, is being standardized in 3GPP TSG GERAN. [4]6. EDGE in PakistanPakistan has the sixth largest population in the world - approximately 150 million. There are currently four mobile operators in the country. Mobile penetration at the end of 2003 was just 2.3% with a subscriber base of 3.4 million, while fixed line penetration was approximately 2.4%. Many geographic areas in Pakistan are without telephone coverage. To accompany recent positive economic development in Pakistan and the inherently low mobile penetration, high growth within the mobile segment is expected. At the moment the people in Pakistan are more concern with the text-enabled facility like SMS. Although the introduction of GPRS gave a new concept and new boost in Cellular network but still, people are not that much concern using Internet by their terminal. Few think that it still more costly and few believe that GPRS didn't develop the interest for using Internet if we compared it by computer.In April 2004 Norwegian mobile telecom operator, Telenor, bid for and ultimately won a license to operate a cellular network in Pakistan. The license covers the operation of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology for the network. [14]Telenor Pakistan has signed two deals with mobile infrastructure contractors for different areas of the network:Nokia have signed a three-year deal to build and operate a GSM / GPRS / EDGE network to cover the central and Northern Punjab region (phase one), centered around Lahore.Siemens have signed a deal to build a GSM / GPRS / EDGE network to cover the southern areas of Pakistan, centered around Islamabad.Further enhancements in data capability over the core GPRS / GSM network will be provided in both networks with the installation of Enhanced Data for Global (GSM) Evolution technology. This component of the two systems will be installed after the initial roll-outs and will allow the subscribers to have the use of advanced mobile services such as downloading video and music clips, full multimedia messaging, high-speed color Internet access and email on the move.Nortel Networks will upgrade Ufone's existing wireless systems and supply new GSM/GPRS core network and radio access equipment, including Mobile Switching Center, Home Location Register (HLR) and advanced Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).A key component of the Ufone expansion will be Nortel Networks BTS 12000, designed to deliver additional capacity within a GSM/GPRS network while positioning operators to drive lower costs and to offer advanced wireless services based on third generation (3G) EDGE (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) technology. The expansion will also include Nortel Networks Passport Packet Voice Gateway (PVG) for migration of TDM voice trunking to a packet-based infrastructure.7. BenefitsAs highlighted previously the need to reduce business risk and make the best use of existing resources is of paramount importance within today's business environment.7.1. FinancialGSM based networks have become the standard within the cellular landscape. As EDGE is a GSM based technology and provides an enhancement for GPRS at a little additional cost it is considered the best way in which to capitalize on existing resources. [1]7.1.1. Radio Access NetworkIn most cases GPRS enabled base stations and BSC's can be simply upgraded to EDGE by way of relatively low-cost software and hardware upgrades, which will pro-long the life cycle of the deployed RAN elements.7.1.2. Core NetworkFor GPRS enhancement, there is very little modification to be completed within a GPRS enabled core network, thus enhancing the sunk core network investment.7.1.3. Antenna SitesThere is no requirement for additional antenna sites when deploying EDGE. Assuming high quality linear amplifiers with high RF output power are used within the BTS, the coverage pattern will be the same as the existing GPRS deployment, so protecting existing site investment.7.1.4. Spectrum UtilizationEDGE triples the GPRS data capacity whilst using the existing GSM spectrum and offers up to three times the GPRS data rate to the end user. EDGE is spectrally the most efficient radio technology for data applications requiring up to 100Kb/s throughput (compared to CDMA and WCDMA), and only WCDMA is spectrally better for higher throughputs.7.1.5. ApplicationsGPRS enabled applications and services will generally not require any additional investment to become EDGE compatible. This is also valid for known WCDMA applications. Although the financial benefits of EDGE can be apportioned to individual network elements as outlined above, one of the main business drivers is that EDGE forms an essential part of the overall GSM evolution towards a seamless multi-radio GSM/ GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA network. As mentioned previously GSM is the main standard for cellular communications worldwide and the business benefits of deploying an industry standard technology can be seen in nearly every aspect of a network deployment, from end-user devices, to applications to hardware.7.2. For OperatorOperators can also experiences the advantages of EDGE in following ways.7.2.1. Migration to wireless multimedia servicesThe operator can increase data revenues by offering attractive new types applications to end-users.7.2.2. Improved customer satisfactionIncreased data capacity and higher data throughput will decrease response times for all data services, thus keeping end users satisfied and connected.7.2.3. Early deployment of 3G type applicationsEDGE networks are expected to emerge in year 2001, when mature markets are likely to start demanding multimedia applications.7.2.4. Quick network implementationEDGE will not require new network elements and EDGE capability can be introduced gradually to the network.7.3. For User7.3.1. Improved quality of serviceIncreased data capacity and higher data throughput will eventually satisfy the customers' need for QoS.7.3.2. Personal multimedia servicesAttractive new types of applications and terminals will become available.7.3.3. Potentially lower price per bitLower cost of data capacity for high-speed data applications gives the operator flexibility in pricing.8. ConclusionWhile the tug of war between access technologies - CDMA vs. UMTS vs. GSM -- continues to be debated globally, EDGE provides an ideal solution for GSM carriers to add data capacity using limited spectrum. Keeping in view the fact that GSM supports more subscribers today than any other access technology (roughly 65 to 70% of the global subscriber market), and that GSM/GPRS operators are scrambling to add capacity to support user growth and launch next generation data services, the increased capacity and throughput offered by EDGE becomes very compelling. And, in a market where wireless carriers must squeeze the most out of capital outlays--past and future, it is no real surprise that we are going to see a renewed wave of interest in EDGE from our GSM customers.Today the position of EDGE as a technology evolution of GSM is clear. Initially promoted as an alternative to WCDMA and generally a niche technology, EDGE is now regarded as a key enabler for GSM/EDGE and WCDMA operators alike. Being able to drive business value from existing GSM infrastructure and spectrum is one of the main advantages, and along-with the ability of EDGE to reduce CAPEX, time-to-market and time-to-revenue, with regards the delivery of global high-speed data services, EDGE is a must technology.The cellular companies working in Pakistan did not have the license for the EDGE. Now as the introduction of some new companies like Telenor and WARID, it is possible that in near future Pakistan will also be able to use this facility. Then GPRS can become a real important factor in cellular network, as the people in Pakistan will use the Internet not only for downloading ring tones but also can enjoy the streaming videos by their cell phone and so many other facilities.

Original :: EDGE A Steppingstone Toward 3G Technologies in Pakistan

Mobile Phones UK User Friendly Handsets

2010-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

The latest mobile phones that are being manufactured are not just a handy gadget from which you can make calls and send texts. It is more than just that. The latest manufactured mobiles are hassle-free and user-friendly handsets. UK based citizens want to avail the best of deals in order to enjoy easy and smooth communication services. Handsets after handsets are produced with new and innovative features. Bluetooth facilities are installed with GPRS systems, automatic internet accessibility and WI-FI connections, more advanced camera and image focussing, latest games and applications and so on. These latest magnificently designed handsets usually have an edge over the other manufactured mobile phones due to all the newly introduced technological advancements. One of the biggest advantages of a mobile phones UKmobile phones UK is that it is wireless and the word mobile means that it can be taken anywhere and everywhere. It thus enables uninterrupted mobile connectivity. They are thehandiest of gadgets during times of emergencies and when one has to handle work related matters and at the same time stay connected with the outside world. The mobile phones UK are endorsed by high-end technology and new features which are gaining quick popularity among customers and is a great means of achievement in the mobile market. These latest technology mobile handsets are the perfect combination of stress free communication and entertainment. Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Blackberry and LG mobiles are some of the few leading mobile phone companies of our times. Their main objective is to satisfy customers and make them happy by manufacturing convenient handsets so that they can just live a care free life without any uninvited complications. When one purchases a latest mobile phone they are entitled to an array of free items. It works as an incentive to maximise sales. This is what competition is all about in the mobile market. Hence, the various benefits offered are free gifts like laptops, IPods, free mobile accessories, free messaging and calling schemes and so on.

David Hook is associated with Monthly Phone Contracts. He holds a master's degree in electronics and communication. Please Visit here to know more about mobile phone deals, Mobile phones UK, mobile phone free gifts and Blackberry Mobile Phones

Original :: Mobile Phones UK User Friendly Handsets

Phoenix Contact ILC GSM GPRS Wireless Networking System

2010-09-12T04:28:00.001-07:00

Phoenix Contact's ILC 150 GSM/GPRS is the best choice if remote stations or stations distributed over a large area are to be integrated into the company network cost-effectively and public telephone lines are not available for data transmission. The GSM modem integrated in the miniature controller can be used to transfer process data, operating states or fault messages across all common mobile telephone networks and over any distance to the control center or to the mobile telephone of the on-call service personnel. There is no need to lay expensive data cables. With GPRS, the ILC 150 GSM/GPRS provides a packet-oriented, reasonably priced wireless service with a permanent online connection. The charges for this service depend only on the volume of data sent. For technical information on Phoenix Contact products, please visit stevenengineering.com

Video Rating: 5 / 5

Micro Satellites Orbiting and Tethered Together

2008-06-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

New technologies in micro satellites are moving very fast as processors, sensors and systems get more powerful and much smaller. I propose to have these systems and micro satellites to be in a solar system type configuration as they fly, spinning around each other with each small micro satellite literally connected to another and spinning around a center satellite module connected to a few of the orbiting micro satellites.

The Lines holding them together will also be an entergy tail, that is to say it collects electromagnetic energy to keep the small communication system in low orbit, which takes a lot more energy, but there is significant electromagnetic energy there as well.

Why Low orbit? Well it allows for listen devices to be quite robust in ability and cuts down on the delay of communication time from Geo Sync Satellites. Perfect for the Military, NSA or commercial applications. Smaller satellites also have a reduced risk or the chance of collision by orbiting space junk and in low orbit there will be little if any of this orbiting high-speed debris.

By putting these units on tethers then will know where each one is and be able to be a single point of eight-point or Octa-angulation for precise GPS needs. Additionally they could be as far as 100-meters apart and operate net-centric or together, meaning you cannot see them, too small, you cannot shoot down what you cannot see and you have a massive communication and world class GPS system, as well as a spy listening device. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

Find All The GPS Systems Information You Need

2008-06-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for some GPS systems information? Then come to see us. We have been providing technical courses and advanced GPS training on GPS systems information since a long time ago. We offer more than 20 courses on professional GPS and all you want to know about GPS systems information.

But, first than anything, what is exactly a Global Positioning System (GPS)?

It is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. At first, GPS was going to be used by military applications, but later in the 1980s, the government allowed it to be available for civilian use. It doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt matter the weather conditions, GPS keeps working anywhere in the world and the whole day. It is not necessary any subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

The second question would be: How it works?

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers can calculate exactly where the user is by taking this information and using triangulation. In other words, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. And by repeating this procedure with a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and show it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver can calculate the latitude and longitude and track movement if it is locked on to the signal of at least three satellites. And it can determine the userรขโ�ฌโ�ขs latitude, longitude and altitude using four or more satellites. But it doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt end with this, because once we have the user's position, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, and much more. So not just you can know where exactly somebody is, but also you can know a lot of things about that person, and it doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt matter where in the world that person may be.

There is so much more GPS systems information and a lot of things you can learn to understand and use a GPS system correctly and you can find all of them just by looking for us.

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About The Author
J Herrera is a freelance writer for GPS topics. http://www.gps-system-vehicle-tracking.com/gpssystem/11/gps-vehicle-tracking-system.html

Do You Really Need GPS?

2008-06-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

Throughout all time the big question has been and still is: Where in the heck am I?

Adam said, "Where are you going, Eve?"

Eve shook her blond hair and said, "Darned if I know, Adam. Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm just bored with this place."

"Well, stay here then if you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt know where you are going. You might get lost."

Adam set on a rock and waited for her answer.

Eve said, "I wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt get lost, Adam. Besides, Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm not a man. If I do get lost, Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขll ask for directions."

Adam said, "You must have some idea where you want to go, Eve. You canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt just go wondering off into the dark and dreary world.

She looked at Adam with her pale blue eyes and said, "I was thinking more of Paris than the dark and dreary world.

Back in those days folks tried to keep track of where they were by looking at the stars. The great explorer, Phendom, used the stars to navigate. In 45678 b.c. on his first trip to Greenland his chief navigator, Sogbottom, said, "I think we had better head back north, Phendom. I think that is the Southern Cross."

I found only one reference to Phendom on Google.com. That is how unknown he is. The reference was cached, but the ever-loving Google.com said I could read the text if I liked. I decided to do that until one of those little boxes popped up and told me I would have to install the Korean Language module to read it.

That is how I learned that Phendom, who was probably the first Sea Explorer, was Korean.

I still remember three words in Korean from my Korean War days. I can say, "How are you? (awnyahasiminiga)" I can say, "Come here," to a man (erioseeo). And I can call a dog (ereereereere, etc.). Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs best in Korea not to get the last two mixed up. Koreans like to throw rocks.

Back to the stars: If you measure the angle from the horizon to Polaris, you will know your latitude. Polaris is the "Pole Star." You may know it as the "North Star." To find Polaris, look for the big dipper. If you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt find the Big Dipper, it is opposite the "W" which is also known as Cassiopeia. To see how this is all done go to: http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/northstar.shtml

You can see why I just love Google.com. "I love those goo goo googlely eyes!" You might try: http://pub2.bravenet.com/forum/167551711/show/337617 for more on Barney Google with the goo goo googlely eyes!"

Don't forget to drop in to see Barney Google himnself at: http://www.toonopedia.com/google.htm. You will be glad you did.

At this point it would be proper to discuss how the early mariners determined longitude. Darned if I know how they did it. I do know that Captain James 1768-1780 A.D. was the first to use a chronometer to determine longitude. It says so at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_exploration.

The chronometer will just get us into a flimditty just as the sextant would. Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs move on.

(I made up the word flimditty because it is just what we needed in that last sentence, right? You wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt find it in your dictionary or at Google.com. You must be thrilled to be reading the writings of a modern creative literary genious.)

There is no reason to get into a fitznizzle over longitude and the chronometer.

Skipping history, modern day navigators have a number of ways to find their way home. Some years back a friend of mine told me that he had bought a fishing boat at a sheriffรขโ�ฌโ�ขs sale for $800.00. He was very excited about that boat and so was I. He put a new V-8 engine in the boat and off we went fishing on Delaware Bay, Godรขโ�ฌโ�ขs great gift to ardent fishermen.

My son and son-in-law tagged along and we cought a boodle of fish. Toward evening, I put my hand up to measure the altitude of the sun and I said, "In 40 minutes it will be dark. Weรขโ�ฌโ�ขd better head in."

Well, nobody wanted to quit fishing and my friend assured me that we would be able to get in by looking for the navigation light at the mouth of the Maurice River. We would follow the light and slip up the river to the dock.

Finally as the sun dropped into the abyse of spacetime my friend decided it was time to leave. He cranked up the engine but the boat didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt move. Poking our heads to see what was below deck we found water. The boat had such a tonage of water that it would not move.

My friend had installed a pump so he flipped it on. That didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt help, so we started bailing out the water. Eventually, we got the boat moving.

I suggested that we put on the lifejackets. The Delaware is full of ugly tankers and cargo ships and such. I could see us in the water screaming at the top of our lungs, HELP!

We headed east but we could not see the blasted navigational light. We moved south and finally we could see it. We motored up the river at a slow pace because the docks on the river had signs that said: NO WAKE!

We moved slower and slower as we took on more water. The musquitos got thicker and thicker. We thought we were with Bogey on the African Queen.

Finally, we arrived at the dock. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs where we learned that we could not move to the dock because the boat would not steer properly. Then by luck on the 70th try, we pulled up to the dock.

I grabbed two five gallon cans of fish and ran for my Volkswagen bus, ten zillion mosquitoes helping me along.

The next morning, my friend went down to the dock to check on his bargain boat.

He couldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt see it at first.

Then he found that it was only a few feet away.

Unfortunately, the direction was down!

Glub, glub!

Sorry for that major diversion from our very serious discussion on navigation and all.

Sometime after the compus was discovered, man discovered radio navigation. Transmitters along the cost sent out a characteristic bleep that boats could triangulate on or dead recon on to find their way home. We learn the following at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_navigation

"The first system of radio navigation was the radio direction finder, or RDF. By tuning in a radio station and then using a directional antenna to find the direction to the broadcasting antenna, radio sources replaced the stars and planets of celestial navigation with a system that could be used in all weather and times of day. Taking two such measurements and plotting the directions on a map will result in an intersection, your current location. Commercial AM radio stations can be used for this task due to their long range and high power, but strings of low-power radio beacons were also set up specifically for this task. Early systems used a loop antenna that was rotated by hand to find the angle to the signal, while modern systems use a much more directional solenoid that is rotated rapidly by a motor, with electronics calculating the angle."

Placing transmitters on Global Positioning Satellites solved all of our navigational problems except during heavy sunspot activity or overlyactive solarwinds.

The End

copyrightร�ยฉJohn T. Jones, Ph.D. 2005

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com)is a retired R&D engineer and VP of a Fortune 500 company. He is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering), poetry, etc. Former editor of international trade magazine. More info: http://www.tjbooks.com. Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (wealth-success books / flagpoles)

GPS versus Galileo

2008-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

For most of us, GPS has revolutionized the navigation world in a way that few could have predicted. The ability for the average civilian to buy a relatively cheap, handheld, battery operated GPS and have the ability to interface with satellites around the world, providing the user with his or her location and altitude has been a god send. The applications of this technology have been equally impressive. In fact most of us have become so reliant on the technology that we would have serious difficulty operating in a world without GPS navigation. Even though GPS continues to provide an invaluable infrastructure for global navigation, there is an evolution of sorts taking place in the world of GPS navigation.

Europe has delved into the world of GPS navigation that had so far been the domain of the United States. Galileo is the project name for the European satellite navigation system that unlike the United Statesรขโ�ฌโ�ข program, is designed specifically for commercial and civilian use. Galileo relies on a network of 30 satellites and ground stations provide the means for satellite radio navigation. The Galileo system is aimed at complementing the current GPS system and enabling a higher degree of navigational accuracy for the general population. Its creators claim that Galileo will enhance accuracy to within one meter, opening the door to a raft of new possibilities for GPS says www.buyingagps.com The new system will require a new receiver although the Europeans say that the device will be small and cheap as it is squarely aimed at the consumer market.

Although the technology is clearly just a variant of an existing model, the future looks promising for Galileo. Already there is talk of applications for the blind, law-enforcement, customs services, the justice system, transport and logistics and also search and rescue. If nothing else this technology may just make it that bit easier for die hard fishermen who have been such stalwarts of GPS!

The author is a regular contributor to http://www.incargpsworld.com and permission to reproduce this article is given on the basis that all links remain active and in tact.

GPS Tracking

2008-06-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Global Positioning Systems or GPS are satellite navigational systems made-up of 24 satellites revolving round the earth. Each satellite has a corresponding receiver on the earth. The satellites orbit the earth at a height of about 12,000 miles. It makes two complete orbits everyday. The GPS satellites continuously transmit digital radio signals that contain data on the location of the satellites and the time taken for signal transmission.

GPS tracking is the term given to the process of being able to locate the exact location of a receiver on earth. Now that the production cost of GPS technology is significantly lower than when it first came into existence, many companies have found new ways to make use of this technology. In GPS tracking, the user is able to keep a track of where they have been using a portable GPS device. GPS tracking can be used in a better way when it is combined with other broadcast technologies, such as a wristwatch or radio. GPS watches, for example, can be fitted with a GPS receiver, which relays a signal to a central command center equipped with GPS software systems. The central command center can track the position of the watch and transmit that information to a third party. That third party may be anyone who needs the position of the wearer urgently. In fact, a variety of such GPS phones and wristbands are sold in the market today. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it provides the driver with an integrated GPS system, without the necessity to purchase a car navigation system, or a PDA-based GPS system. It also offers the possibility to relay that information via a radio or cell phone transmitter.

GPS systems have been used primarily as vehicle locators, especially in cases when a vehicle attached with such a system is stolen. The police, once informed, can find out from the control center where the vehicle is, and proceed to track it down. Tracking is also being used in other fields such as pet tracking, coordinated tracking and consumer tracking.

GPS provides detailed information on GPS, GPS Tracking, Handheld GPS, GPS Systems and more. GPS is affiliated with Free Cell Phone Number Search.

GPS Navigation For Your Car

2008-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

The GPS, which means Global Positioning System, is a fully-functional satellite navigation system. It has the capacity to provide people information regarding locations any time and any where on Earth. This type of technology has been greatly used and now vehicles could be installed with such systems. It could assist drivers on knowing the right roads to tread on as well as giving drivers information on the roads to their destinations.

If you are interested in having a GPS navigation system for your car, you would to do some thinking first. There are in fact a lot of things to consider and to check before you go ahead and purchase that navigation system. One of the very first things would be to think and choose as per how often you would be using the system. Just like any other feature of a vehicle, the GPS navigation system comes in a variety of prices and specifications. Of course, there are inexpensive ones but are not user-friendly.

It would be also very helpful if you try to check out your carรขโ�ฌโ�ขs layout also. You see, there are some GPS navigation systems that come with a monitor which shows you a map and this monitor is usually installed on a carรขโ�ฌโ�ขs dashboard. Try to see if your vehicle could support such. You would not want to have a crowded vehicle just to have a GPS navigation system.

A system that has the capacity to find out multiple ways to get to your destination should be one of your choices. That way, you would be getting the most out of your vehicle. Also, try looking for a system that provides directions. There are some that gives you arrows that show you when you need to turn during your drive. Another important specification that you should consider when choosing a GPS navigation system is that it should also be capable of updating its data and information.

Things are constantly changing and with GPS systems that could be updated, it would show you that your system could be put to use for a long time. On the same line, Auto Parts Information also is continuously updating its collection of Mercedes Benz partsand other auto parts for its customers worldwide.

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

Lost About GPS? Here's Some Direction!

2008-06-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

If you've been confounded by all the technical jargon and hype surrounding GPS, confusing what's turning out to be a very useful tool, allow me to shed a little light on your roadmap to deciding whether or not this technology is for you! Originally designed with military applications in mind, the technology was made available to mere mortals in hte 1980's for the many and varied uses we've found so far for these special tools. Not only handy for auto navigation, GPS units have made their way into maritime navigation, backcountry uses, and much, much more!

How does GPS work? GPS (which stands for Global Positioning System) allows you to pinpoint your position anywhere on the planet to within an average of 15 meters, with some units doing much better than that. Twenty-four GPS satellites, paid for and placed in orbit by the Dept. of Defense courtesy of your tax dollars, send signals back to terra firma 24/7. These signals are retrieved by your handy dandy GPS receiver which uses three sources (satellites) to triangulate this information and compute your actual position. If there are four data sources, even altitude can be determined. Since there are normally eight satellites in line of sight from anywhere on earth, the opportunity for accurate positioning exists. Other things that can be determined besides latitude, longitude, and altitude would include things like speed, sunrises and sunsets, bearing, distance and more. While they will work in any weather, some hindrances would be electronic interference, buildings, and certain terrain. A good rule of thumb is that the units will generally not perform underwater, indoors, or underground. There are currently two Global Navigation Satellite Systems in use. Besides GPS, there is the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) Protocols are constantly being refined to enhance the abilities of these systems. A bright light on the horizon is Galileo, scheduled to go online in 2008, which promises even greater accuracy and functionality.

So how do I know which GPS unit is for me? Quite a few choices now exist for consumers in the GPS marketplace. Whether you need a handheld unit for backpacking or boating, or one for your automobile (they are becoming an attractive option!) or for one of a myriad of uses, there are several reputable manufacturers of quality GPS units out there to help you find your way through the maze of choices. Names like Magellan, Garmin, Rino, Etrex and Meridian lead the market, and are readily available. Take your time, check out the various features each has to offer, and get yourself outfitted with one of the more useful and efficient navigational tools out there today!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Best GPS Review where many resources and information on GPS can be found.

Tips on Buying Your First GPS Unit

2008-06-18T02:59:00.000-07:00

Anyone that enjoys the great outdoors has probably heard of GPS devices. They can come in handy when you are hiking, boating, biking, or doing just about anything else in the great outdoors. Twenty years ago, you had to rely on a compass the position of the sun and stars and your own common sense. Not anymore! Now you can have a handy little device that can pinpoint your exact location at any given time of day.

If you are in the market for a GPS device, it is important that you understand how it works. Since the GPS devices rely on air signals, you must have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky for them to work. When your device is turned on it is actually linking up with 27 orbital satellites in place around the planet. Four of the nearest satellites are located and the distance from them to you is calculated via the hand held device. The process is called trilateration. Based on that, the GPS device can determine where you are on the planet. Pretty neat huh?

When you look at the different types of GPS devices out there, you may wonder which one is right for you. Prices can range from $100- 5000 dollars, so it is important to do your homework. Find out what features each device has, and determine whether you need them or not. The following is a list of tips to get you started when you are shopping.

- Research the name brand. Though GPS technology is fairly new, the manufacturer should have a long track record of creating quality electronics.

- Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt buy the cheapest or the most expensive GPS device out there. The cheapest may not meet your expectations and the most expensive one probably has too much extra stuff you will never use.

- Look for a large display, lighted if you are going to be traveling at night.

- If you plan on traveling by foot look for a model that is lightweight, and water resistant.

Once you decide on a model that you are interested in, head over to your local sports supply store. Get prices on the model above and below it for a good range. You can also try to look at auction sites like Ebay.com to find a good deal. If you are lucky enough to find one that is used, make sure to test it out first to make sure that it works properly.

Deciding to buy a GPS system is a personal one, so make sure that you understand the ins and outs of the technology. If you do a variety of different activities a good basic, waterproof model will do the trick. If you have friends or family members that own a GPS system, ask them if they are happy with their purchase. That way you can get an honest opinion on the different brands out there. An online opinion site like epinions.com is also a great place for honest answers.

Adrienne MacDonald is a freelance author and contributing writer to http://www.gpsresource.info รขโ�ฌโ�� site that provides free information on global positioning systems.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

2008-06-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?
Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?
How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately ร�ยฃ550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately ร�ยฃ250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

GPS: How Much Data Do You Need

2008-06-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Before you jump in with both feet and purchase a GPS unit, it's important to take a few things in to consideration.

How much data do you need? Let's rephrase that, think in terms of your cell phone plan. Every plan is different and offers different plans accordingly. Some are regional, some are for specific states, and some are nation wide while further others provide plans allowing you to communicate to anyone in the world.

Similarly for GPS, you need to consider what coverage you want in terms of where you will be needing this satellite based directional guides. Do you travel frequently within one or two big cities, or does your work or personal life take you beyond- to unknown corners of the nation or the world?

There is no standardization in terms of maps available and preloaded- it varies depending on which models and which companies you buy your GPS from.

On top of that you need to consider how much features you need to use for your GPS. Do you want something that works out of the box and gives you clear and concise instructions on how to get from point A to B, or do you want to hack away and use some advanced features as well? This and more will need to be factored into your purchase decision.

Visit our site for GPS live tracking news and products.

http://www.gpszoom.com/

GPS: Never Ending Improvements

2008-06-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

When you purchase a GPS system, depending on the model and configuration settings out of the box, you will get a host of life changing utilities that will make your life easier and save you time and money everyday.

However, although the benefits out of the box are tremendous, the true value comes from repeated use and adding your own configurations, shortcuts, etc.

The more you customize the GPS unit to meet your needs, the more it "learns" about your preferences and requirements. You can add restaurants, stores, and anything you find during your travels that are not updated yet within the map systems.

Keep in mind that although not all data is one hundred percent accurate/updated all the time. That is is always accurate enough to improve your driving and traveling efficiency. In other words, having something that is accurate 90-99 percent of the time is better than not having the tool at all.

It's something that will stay with you all the time too while you are on the road for business or while on a vacation. It almost gives your vehicle an artificial intelligence dashboard that answers to you, the captain of the ship, and provides valuable support and insights so you can focus on the important thing- getting to your destination.

Car tracking device features will enable you to keep a close eye on your automobiles automatically.

http://www.gpszoom.com/

How to Use GPS Running Watches for Health Improvement and Physical Training

2008-06-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

A growing concern among many people in the world is the quality of health and physical training. As it gets easier to eat more and exercise less, it has become vital that individuals have access to a variety of tools to make training as systematic and easy as possible. Due to this, investing in a GPS running watch can make a large difference to runners and joggers, as well as to those who need a physical training program to recover from surgery or disease.

Before you purchase your own GPS watch for fitness running, you need to make certain that you understand how they work and how they can help you. In order to do this, you should know about the functions of the basic GPS wrist watch. In the most basic form, a runners GPS watch is nothing more than a stop watch and a hand held unit mixed into one. More advance systems possess functions such as heart rate monitor, performance indicators, distance meters and much more. This variance between the base models and the more advanced units allows you to purchase the exact type of unit that you need in order to improve the quality of your health and lifestyle.

Select the Right Watch for You

If you are a beginning runner, or someone just beginning physical training, you will want to investigate units such as the Garmin Forerunner 101. This unit is one of the more basic ones available, not only having an affordable price tag, but enough features where a beginning runner can adapt to the tool while receiving many of the benefits. The Timex Navman II is also a beginners watch, sporting similar functions to the Forerunner 101.

For intermediate to advance users, the Garmin Forerunner 201 has many features that the 101 lacks. Most notably, the 201 allows routes to be determined into the device, allowing long distance runners to expand their running areas safely. By providing all of the heart rate sensors, virtual running partner as well as distance and speed calculators, the device has everything the professional runner, jogger or triathlete needs in order to get into the best shape possible. With the ability to review daily or weekly histories for a period of two years, the progress of the owner of the watch can be accurately followed. This is highly important, especially for those who need to keep a constant eye on health matters.

For those who need a GPS running watch to improve health due to disease, illness or surgery, the features of the advanced systems could never be more important. As recovering from any health issue can be difficult, having the ability to chart progress and set reachable goals is important for being successful in building physical fitness.

Training Techniques

When you purchase a GPS running watch, there are several different methods that you can use to raise your level of endurance and speed and time. As there are many watches available, you will want to select the one that has all of the features required to make use of the method safely.

The first method method involves setting a daily goal based on distance. If you desire to be a long distance runner, this method would be good for you. Each day, you will want to set a minimum distance to run. If you eventually desire to run 20 miles in one day, you would start running one mile a day for a set period of time. Many use a week or two, so they can adjust to running. Then, after that initial period of time, another mile would be added. As you grow more capable of running the mile, the number of miles you add after each time frame may vary. Once you have reached the distance you want, you would begin training yourself using the second method so that you can pace while being able to reach the distance that you desire.

The first method requires that the GPS running watch has full distance based features, as well as position tracking capabilities. As long distance running usually involves leaving your neighborhood or running through parks and other natural areas, you will want to be able to find your way back to civilization if you make an incorrect turn.

The second method runners use to improve their physical fitness is to try to beat a pace. Instead of a specific distance in a day, the runner will try to run a certain speed every day, gradually lengthening the distance and lowering the time it takes to get there. This method is suitable for short distance runners, as well as cross country runners who need to work on their speed rather than their distance.

The second method requires a good speed/timing watch as well as pacing features. Garmin's virtual runner companion is perfect for this style of training, as the virtual runner will help make certain that you stay on pace.

The third method is for those who need a slower start. Instead of running distance or beating a pace, joggers using this method will jog for a certain period of time per day while keeping careful track of their heart rate. This method is the slowest of the most popular methods, but is by far the safest for those with known health issues. An important part of physical training is to exert yourself without injury. By tracking heart rates and limiting the amount of time that you are jogging, you can slowly build up muscle tone and endurance without stressing your body. Jogging five to ten minutes a day while maintaining specific heart rates is suggested, while slowly adding more minutes as your body adapts to being able to handle the stresses of running.

The third method requires that the GPS unit has a heart rate monitor, pacing functions and distance calculators. This combination is important for following the progress of this type of runner. The mother health oriented features available in a watch, the more effective it will be when this method of training is used.

When you purchase your GPS running watch, you will want to purchase from one of the primary GPS and watch making manufacturers. Garmin, Timex, Magellan and Casio all have watches that are suitable for use with one of the three above methods.

If you are serious about starting an intensive training program, you will want to contact a professional trainer. The methods suggested in this article should be used carefully, and only within the limits of your ability. The information provided by the GPS runner watch should never take the place of medical exams and check ups given by professional doctors.

About the Author

Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about GPS watches for joggers and quality GPS receivers at http://www.everything-gps.com

GPS Navigation Systems: A Must-Have

2008-06-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

GPS Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail to understand why they're such a big deal, and those who have them can't live without them.

Today's automobiles come with a variety of extras, from passenger side air bags to the ubiquitous car alarms. Entertainment options range from high-end speakers and CD players to multiple DVD players. The GPS navigation system, however, forms the bridge between safety and entertainment features. While they're definitely entertaining, they can also become a must-have safety net in your travels.

GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) navigation systems can replace all the maps in your glove compartment and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time. GPS navigation systems are equipped with mapping software and can give you driving directions, show you alternate routes if you're stuck in a traffic jam, and can help you negotiate a new city. While you're on the road, a GPS navigation system can also guide you to the nearest gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest.

Some GPS navigation systems are built right into a vehicle, while others are handheld devices that mount on your dashboard. Although GPS navigation systems are used by everyone from rescue workers to hikers, if you're using one for driving, it's helpful to select one that has voice navigation features. The GPS navigation system will tell you when you're approaching a point where you need to, for example, turn, and then tell you to make your turn. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road, where they belong.

There are many accessories available for GPS navigation systems. You can, for example, buy software, GPS holders to mount your system to your dashboard or windshield, memory cards, cigarette lighter adapters, antennas, and Bluetooth.

When buying a GPS navigation system, you should consider such factors as screen size and whether you need a color or monochrome system. Color systems, for example, usually provide greater detail and better readability, but also use more power. GPS is sometimes included in handheld computers (PDAs), so if you're in the market for a PDA, you may consider buying one that includes GPS.

Another factor to consider is the memory capacity of your GPS system. If you'd like more than the basic mapping software, you may want to consider buying a system that has additional memory capacity, such as space for a removable CompactFlash card. It's a good investment to buy a navigation system that has voice prompts, so you won't have to look at the screen while you're driving.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Automotive Website and Majon's Automotive directory.

Using Delivery, Routing and Scheduling Software with GPS, CAD, GIS Data from Aviation

2008-06-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well in aviation the toys for pilots are getting a lot better, for instance the GPS-PDAs with sectional charts on them. Also lots of other data like the J-Aide and Jeppeson airport contacts once you arrive. All this makes flying easier, less complicated and more enjoyable. AvMap EKP-III C

http://www.avshop.com/catalog/product.html?productid=3781

and even more cool are the ones with all the bells and whistles; Such as loading it with an International Data Base. Hell now the CIA can have all the civilian data along with their intelligence information. Of course this newest Industry finds itself with many new players as pilots are generally not having a problem affording new toys and it saves all those large flight bags and Knee Boards and clips. You can still buy the clipboards and I have one when I drive the Blitz Mobile mobile command center across the country hunting for the latest technologies it has maps and important numbers to do business from the highway. Many truck drivers and railroad conductors use such boards and in the NAVY Pilots use them and even probably torpedo bombers did too; remember George Bush Senior flew a torpedo bomber?

Back to our GPS Toys and PDA devices; Another one of the more unique ones is the EnFlight Text Weather Devise which you can google to get all the specs, definitely worth a look see. All of these devises also allow for National Security so no more private pilots in C-182s fly into restricted areas;

http://www.faa.gov/NTAP/SPECIALNOTAMS/Spec...s_graphics_.htm .

These companies are also careful whom they send these devises to, for obvious reasons. Just think you could be flying your own private plane with a little PDA devise and go have a blast with your newfound freedom. Another cool devise and one of my favorites is the Pocket test which you can look up on Google. This is a cool devise to help you from getting lost and it has just about too many features to list, too bad it was not Windows CE based, I just cannot trust the longevity of Palm in the market place and hope our military is not so stupid to buy into there hype for military versions. One thing going for it is its size. Very small.

We did like the MapTech unit also because we can use it on a laptop, Handheld GPS unit of PDA GPS unit, with terrain CAD capabilities. This unit has many other purposes for General Civil Engineering, Forestry, Mobile Car Washing scheduling and routing, Aviation, Hiking, Fishing, Diving, Trucking, you name it. It also has features from NOAA for weather; I would recommend this as the best all-purpose unit I have thus yet found. It also works with ESRI software. So we like this for its versatility across industries. Good for us too with the blitz mobile to take the route with the least amount of hills for fuel consumption conservation and wear and tear on a 300,000-mile truck. Another of the best units we looked at was the

http://www.teletype.com/pages/tracking.html

which can be used like a Top Secret "Bloodhound Unit" and we can use this for car wash truck tracking, can be used for just about any real use to help you find your self or units. This is a way we can covertly track our units so employees do not screw off and kill profits and lie about where they were and how long they were there. Also in our survey we looked at the SatellinkTech units and found a lot of other cool features there;

http://www.satellinktech.com/product/merlin_air_main.htm .

This is a great tool, like the other units is does provide real time data such as; Airport observations and forecasts (text), Area forecasts (text), Upper wind forecasts (text), Pilot reports (text and onboard processed graphics), Icing and Turbulence forecasts (graphical), Status of restricted, prohibited, and military training airspace (text and onboard processed graphics), Location of other aircraft on instrument flight plans (onboard processed graphics), FAA alerts and advisories, Aircraft Situational Display.

What is also of interest is how much all these companies work together so that they can provide all the same data to all their customers. This does not mean one is not better than the other. For our purposes we chose the Tele Type unit with all the features, which we may implement in the future. I hope this review of products has assisted you in learning more about the technology. Many of these PDA technologies will be available for nearly any business small or large.

Lance Winslow

GPS Will Never Be the Same Again

2008-06-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

Some new technology is being used now in the UK, which makes GPS even more accurate for personal tech devices and automobiles. These new technologically advanced systems will be able to bring the accuracy within a meter, rather than the best in-car systems no barely accurate to 32 yards.

This new Super GPS System is the European Galileo Project and it will be completed in 2010 and will revolutionize the capabilities of current GPS. How will this be achieved? Through more satellites using a net-centric grid system. This system and all these technologies will be available to China as well, which one would suppose will be used for accurate military uses, such as guided munitions.

All of the new Super-GPS Galileo Project is on time and ahead of schedule meaning that the frequency bands set aside for this use are secure now and will not expire, as has been the case previously with such satellite ventures, as you recall one of Craig McCaws projects some eight years ago. The new 3G wireless cell phones in the UK will have built in GPS function, similar to those in the US.

Needless to say with all this new technology, the United States will lag behind in such capabilities in the commercial sector if it does not allow transfer technologies or joint use of satellite systems. Additionally such technologies are taking some military advantage away from the United States that they have enjoyed for decades. GPS will never be the same again and we will continue to see more of this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Easy Navigation in the Woods or on the Water with the Garmin eTrex GPS Handheld

2008-06-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am an expert navigator with a map & compass but neither is as effective or as easy as the eTrex.

I highly recommend the Gramin eTrex as a basic navigational aide. It's also a great starter for learning about GPS systems. It does everything it's meant to and does it very well.

Garmin's claims of one handed usage are for real, it is easy to navigate the interface with the solid buttons on the unit."

The Garmin eTrex GPS has one of the longest battery lives on the market, another major influence to purchase, and because it is only powered by two AA batteries, the maintenance costs are minimal. I highly recommend the Garmin eTrex GPS to users of any skill looking for a quick, reliable and inexpensive GPS fix.

Nothing fancy about this unit -- other than the remarkably easy to use interface. Its not possible to do better in this price range.

The Garmin eTrex GPS works well (superbly well) for the sea kayaker. It's waterproof. You can pre-plot a destination if you know the coordinates. You simply utilize the "go to" feature and the eTrex points the way.

Like most modern hand-held units, the eTrex generates its own map of your movements as a visual tracklog or 'breadcrumb trail'. For retracing your steps ('Trackback' mode) you will see all the detail you will ever need.

NS Kennedy is a keen outdoor sportsman - particularly hunting and fishing - and loves to find out about new gadgets and gizmos that he can use. He started his Garmin GPS Navigation Reviews site http://www.garmin-gps-navigation.com to share his tips and findings with other sportsmen.

GPS Security Functionality

2008-06-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

One of the most common uses of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, by businesses and consumers alike, is to ensure security from theft, as well as human safety.

Using a GPS tracking system is an excellent way for an individual or small business to keep track of important equipment including vehicles, machinery, and portable electronic devices, such as laptops and cell phones.

A prime example of the usefulness of GPS technology for security purposes is its abilities in the fight against vehicle theft. If you car or truck were stolen, and it had a GPS vehicle tracking system installed, then you would be able to pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle, and see its exact coordinates on a map. You could then turn this information over to the police, allowing them to retrieve the stolen vehicle, and apprehend those responsible for the theft.

GPS technology can also be instrumental in ensuring basic human safety. This is especially true with children, as every parentรขโ�ฌโ�ขs worst fear is their child getting lost or kidnapped. Fortunately, with the help of a child GPS tracking device, you can always know the exact location of your child. In the event of a kidnapping, you would be able to determine the exact location of the kidnapper and notify police and other emergency authorities of this information.

All in all, there is little doubt that GPS can be an excellent way to fight crime, and ensure the safety of your belongings and of your family.

About the Author: Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of www.GPSDevices.info, an informational site about GPS Devices, and TeleClick.ca, a useful telecommunications news resource.

How Accurate is GPS?

2008-06-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall houses. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garminร�ยฎ GPS receivers are accurate to 10-15 meters on average. Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve the accuracy to less than three meters on average. No additional equipment or any fees are required to take advantage of WAAS. Users can also get even better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. This system consists of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. In order to get the corrected signal, users must have a differential beacon receiver and beacon antenna in addition to their GPS.

The 18-24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,500 miles an hour.

16 years as an officer in the Norwegian army. See my pages: http://www.gps-info.org/ and http://www.lincoln-navigator.org/

Automatically Tracking Your Car, Fleet, or Boat with GPS

2008-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

There is a huge number of GPS products on the market for all sorts of purposes. For example there is a specific subcategory of GPS products tailored for vehicle tracking and surveillance- in other words, tracking a car, a fleet, or any other automobile (hey you could even track a boat, etc).

Certain product lines are sold only through authorized dealers and distrubutors- these are generally the more higher end GPS units used by heavy industry or car rental companies.

You can consider GPS car tracking as a branch of security as well as something that can help fleet management companies or car rental facilities, etc, to manage their operations more effectively, cut costs, and find out who's slacking on the job.

Back in the day, the primary security method for your vehicle was to have one of those annoying sounding alarm systems. And more recently the security bar we place on our steering wheels when parking. Well now for those extra paranoid folks out there you now have the option of using GPS tracking in case your car ever got stolen.

Or you could always pretend to be James Bond and follow your kids around to make sure they are not falling into the wrong crowd. Those are just a few possible things you can do. It's up to you to decide what you are looking to do.

The truth is, the global climate of security is not what it used to be, at least not in the . Therefore the sense of having an extra peace of mind can go a long way in these uncertain times.

Please note that not all GPS offerings will be the same- depending on the extra features you are looking for, and whether you want a third party to monitor and track you vehicle or even fleet of vehicles, there may be a subscription fee involved someplace.

Keep in mind that is that not all GPS models will work the same way. For example, if you want to track your personal vehicle, there may be a certain proximity range that you must be within in order to track down the signal. Little things like this can make a world of difference in your decision on a GPS car tracking system.

GPS tracking services for people and objects will become an indispensable tool in your arsenal of security devices.

GPS Tracking Devices - Which System Is Right For Your Life Style And Budget?

2008-06-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

It can be worth your time to educate yourself about the features of the GPS tracking devices and in the end decide which unit will best suit your needs, life style and budget.

There is certainly no shortage of GPS tracking devices available, so I think doing a little research can save you a lot time and hassle in the buying process.

Most of newly designed and developed GPS tracking devices these days feature a voice prompt that tells the direction for you to take during the entire trip.

There are basically four main types of GPS tracking devices to consider.

1. The first is in-car navigation systems, which helps you to identify your location from point A to point B in your car.

2. The second type is the portable outdoor units for outdoor type of people.

3. The third are a handheld type of GPS tracking device that have built in radios which not only allow you to communicate with your fellow hikers, but will also display everyoneรขโ�ฌโ�ขs location on your screen.

4. The fourth type is a combination of the first and second type, known as PDA/GPS hybrid. GPS tracking devices of this kind offers you large screen and a PDA to help you keep organized.

If youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre on a budget, then it is necessary to decide which features of the GPS tracking devices are most important for you. If for instance you want a full featured car navigation system, it can easily run for more than $1000. The marine GPS tracking devices vary widely in prices, but a very good choice may cost no more than $1000. And, if the PDA/GPS hybrid devices interest you, the typically cost of these GPS tracking devices range from $400 to $900.

Here are some features of GPS tracking devices to consider.

In รขโ�ฌโ��Car Navigation System

These GPS tracking devices can be built in to your car. You can also buy a device that mounts onto your dashboard. Perhaps the desirable features of these systems include the voice guided directions, detailed built in maps, touch screens, rerouting in case you get off course, and a database with points of interest to help you locate the nearest gas station, and other establishments.

Portable Outdoors Unit

The portable outdoor units are perfect for those who want a GPS tracking device that is not limited to the car. The features that one should look for in a handheld GPS tracking device are lightweight, waterproofing, rugged, color screens, long battery life, and mapping features.

Note that the handheld GPS tracking systems are geared towards people who spend a significant amount of time outside, thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs why it is named "outdoor units".

The Marine Systems

If you are on the water and fishing is your passion, then the marine GPS tracking devices are the right one for you. These systems are designed to be on and around water. They usually feature waterproofing, easy-to-read screens, color chart plotters, onshore and offshore maps, fish hotspots, and sonar capability.

PDA/GPS Hybrid

This type of GPS tracking device offers a good combination of the car navigation systems and handheld devices. Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll get the large screens and a PDA to help you keep organized. However, only limited companies have tried to make these units and all have some serious limitations.

There are many companies that offer GPS devices online. You can read the reviews of each type of unit to get a better idea of the quality and if the unit will be cost effective for your budget.

Dean Shainin is a well known writer of http://gps.deans-knowledgebase.com a site designed to provide current information, valuable resources, tips, services and state of the art products related to GPS tracking devices.

5 Things You Can Do With The Mio A201 GPS

2008-06-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoy The Outdoors? Take Your Mio A201 GPS Walking, Camping, Mountain Biking or Motorcycling...

Fitting neatly into the palm of your hand, the Mio A201 is a truly portable GPS and PDA rolled into one. With its rotating GPS antenna, the Mio A201 allows you to navigate in both portrait and landscape positions; offering you flexibility and comfort depending on your choice of activity.

The PDA is an integral part of the Mio A201, and since it's supported by Windows Mobile 5, you can choose from a variety of navigational software. This is the beauty of this product. The Mio A201 is just as at home on a mountain bike and in the countryside; as it is in the car. Unlike previous PDA's from Mio Tech, the Mio A201 has a new removable Lithium-ion 1200mlAh battery. With over 4.5 hours of operation from one battery, and the ability to double, or triple its operational life, this is the perfect GPS device for the off-road navigator.

Forgotten your compass? Mio Tech have also developed their software, Mio Map V2, to accommodate all you hikers and cyclists out there. The GPS receiver computes the direction of travel as part of the GPS solution, giving directions relative to true north.

Prefer Warmer Climates? Take the Mio A201 on Holiday With You... (you could even use it on your plane)

You go on holiday to have fun and relax, right? Well, what can be more frustrating than being in a country you want to explore, unable to find anywhere, without following a tourist bus to make sure you don't get lost (again).

Hiring a car on holiday need never be troublesome again with the Mio A201. The Mio A201 operates perfectly with the TOMTOM Navigator 5 Software & Maps of Western Europe (Including GB), offering you as many hassle-free excursions as you want, within Western Europe. And don't overlook the use of the Mio A201 GPS in finding your car in a busy city. Long-stay car parks, particularly those at airports, display an endless wave of parked cars. By simply marking your location as you leave will help you avoid any embarrassing situations.

If you prefer to explore new cities and towns on foot, thanks to Mio's adoption of the new SiRF Star III chipset , you will find your Mio A201 will have no problems maintaining accuracy in the hustle and bustle of new city centers.

Traveling to your destination on commercial flights can sometimes become a bit tedious. With its improved accuracy and flexibility The Mio A201 can brighten up your journey; informing you of your ground speed, distance to your destination, real altitude and direction, and also your location on a world map.

All Work, No Play? The Mio A201 Gives You Both...

Unprepared for your meeting? Travel to and from work a lot? As a pocket PC, the Mio A201 can offer you the opportunity to catch up on work anytime, anyplace (if you really want to). With a generous 192MB of memory, the Mio A201 provides the latest version of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Media Player 10. You can even prepare a powerpoint presentation on the move.

If you're visiting clients all day, the Mio A201 PDA has the ability to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook on your desktop, so your calender and contacts can go with you. What is really handy is; to make client visits quick and easy, you can plan your journey direct from your contact list in Outlook, rather than looking up the address on the navigation page.

When you're ready for a break, you can relax and listen to your choice of music on its integrated MP3 Player, or browse through your album of digital photos. Sporting a 320 x 240 pixel colour LCD touch screen the Mio A201 ensures pictures and games appear vibrant, and maps easy to read.

If you have a travel companion, the Mio A201 can enable you to exchange files, photos, and music wirelessly via its built in Bluetooth connectivity.

Always Running Late? The Mio A201 can calculate your quickest route, and bypass those traffic queues (all within the speed limit)...

Of course , it is almost guaranteed you will hit a traffic snarl up when you're running late.

On board re-routing options are a key feature for any GPS navigational system, and the Mio A201 gives you just that, with the addition of quicker route planning and calculation with its generous 312MHz processor and 64MB of RAM. Accompanying this, Mio Tech. have teamed up with the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), to provide you with free, up to date traffic data via your Mio A201.

Encouraging you to drive safely (and not only when there is a speed camera around), the latest Mio Map Software incorporates a pretty impressive feature enabling you to take note of the speed limit for each road you drive on. By activating this option, your Mio A201 will remind you to ease off your accelerator as your speed creeps above the speed limit.

Book a Table at a Restaurant, or a Room in a Hotel. With More Than 750,000 Points of Interest (POI) at Your Fingertips, You Can Prepare Your Day on The Move...

Whether you're in a new city, or on a long journey, it's very handy to know where the next petrol station or service stop is. If you tend to be a more organized person, it can be convenient to have contact details of your favorite restaurant, or hotel at your fingertips, so you can book in advance.

Having an on board database of POI, and an ability to view contacts which are in the vicinity of your location, or across a region, the Mio A201 caters for both the prepared, and unprepared driver.

So, with the ability to connect your Mio A201 wirelessly with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, and transform your GPS/PDA into your very own hands-free kit, why not start planning your day, on the move?

If you want to see the Mio A201 GPS full specification, or read about a variety of GPS systems and features visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

With GPS systems becoming mainstream, Tracey Simpson has wrote this article to help readers understand what GPS systems can offer. Please visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk to read about a variety of GPS systems and features.

Advanced GPS Devices: Hello? I Am There Soon!

2008-06-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Development of communication technologies allowed people to access to others as they are mobile without losing their contact with their social milieu. And last minute meetings, daily changed plans and cancelled appointments became a part of our lives. Most of the time people owning a mobile phone have to explain the reason why they are not accessible. So communication is handled on individual basis, location restrictions gained minor importance. It means that a person does not have to lose contact with his/her social milieu whether he/she is at home, work or in a car.

We do not have much difficulties in using our devices to reach communication technologies as we are at home or walking on the streets. The issue gets tougher when we started to drive our cars. The main actor in the car is the car, making the course decisions and using the in-vehicle devices. Normally a driverรขโ�ฌโ�ขs task is to drive the car safely without causing any danger for himself and the passengers. But a driver is not a robot programmed only to achieve one mission, meaning that human brain has the capacity to carry on more than one job at the same time. Although that situation is in favor of the driver, concentrating on many things can cause deconcentraion on the driverรขโ�ฌโ�ขs seat.

Mobile phones, undoubtedly, remain the most significant device for in-vehicle use. As mobile phone usage brings about questions during the course of the cars, many countries started to discuss this issue in detail. And many countries banned to use mobile during the course of the cars. As some countries allow to use mobile phones with "hands free kit", some countries banned it in a strict way.

My starting point for my thesis was to establish some projects to solve the problems about the currently used in-vehicle technologies. I already had some questions in my mind requiring answers: How do the in-vehicle technologies affect our behaviours in the car? How better can the interfaces of those devices be designed? How better can i meet the communication demands of the driver?

I started my study to interview with drivers to know their in-vehicle needs.My purpose was to find the anwers to those questions in general: What is the relation of the driver with his car? How often and which purpose does he motivate to drive? What does he need as he drive the car? As well as with my face-to-face interviews i held a survey with similar questions and sent to people to get a mass feedback. My purpose was to acquire a leitmotive that i would like to focus on. The respondents explained that they have one or more mobile phones. Although it is forbidden in-vehicle use of mobile phones in their countries, they did not hesitate to use their mobile phones.

One of my projects is called navigation system interface. Currently used road navigators is based on to trace the map located on the console or the next turn is passed to the driver through a warning voice in some systems. Such road navigators play a significant role for the deconcentraion of the driver as he tries to trace a small display. Mostly used audible warning systems could be disturbing as the music is on the car or passengers are talking to each other. To me the road navigator should function without deconcentrating the driver, as the main target of it is to navigate.

My second project is Pronto, which integrates navigation and communication for in-vehicle use. Respondents underlined that the their most phone calls are intented to know where they are. Such calls can be decreased thrugh the communication of in-vehicle devices. With Pronto, driver matches his mobile phone with the car once and then as he enters his car his mobile phone and in-vehicle system will be synchronized via bluetooth.

My point for both projects was to reshape current technology and devices to match with peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs demands. Now both projects await for the production as feasible and practical systems in the near future.

Closing words are for the usersรขโ�ฌโ�ข now. Drivers having the opportunity to try those projects said they look forward to use those systems in real life as well. If peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs motivations are considered in depth as technology is shaped, it would be possible to launch long life and exciting products.

I was born and raised in Turkey and I traveled around the country since my parents are teachers. Spending my childhood and teenage years reading all sorts of books, eating chocolate and peanuts, listening to first New Kids on the Block, then metal music, studying for the university entrance exam to be a kick-ass economist, I managed to get into a brand new university, moved to Istanbul, never took a single economics class, tried computer science, flirted with cultural studies and art, went to exhibition openings for free booze, met people, walked through every interesting bit of the city, danced like no one is watching, took billions of photographs, eventually ended up getting a BA in visual communication design.

GPS Trekking: Take a Hike, But Don't Get Lost!

2008-06-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

For those looking for a portable GPS unit for on-foot activities such as hiking. Here are a few features that you should be on the look out for when making a purchase decision.

This one is obvious, but make sure there is a visual map screen where you can see where you are relative to your surroundings. Some GPS receivers only tell you your longitude and latitude position.

Make sure that the unit was designed to be rugged enough to work and last in the environment you are planning to trek at. Things such as being water proof, shock proof, and weather proof are helpful if possible.

If you plan on trekking or camping for extended periods of time, you want a GPS unit that has a long battery life relative to the time you spend outdoors.

It's important to have preloaded maps so you can find nearby roads easily and not get lost. Make sure the unit you buy supports as many routes as you think you'll need.

Waypoints are a very handy feature. Make sure that your unit supports many user-entered waypoints.

Make sure the receiver is light to carry and small enough to fit into your traveling gear. Also make sure that the screen is clear and easy to read at a glance so you don't have to spend too much time fumbling around for directions.

Whether you are looking for a GPS freight tracking system or a car tracking device, you'll find it here.

http://www.gpszoom.com/

GPS Tracking: An Executive Summary-Who, What and Why

2008-06-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

GPS vehicle tracking systems are a popular tool for business owners; Original equipment manufacturers from General Motors to Bobcat are including tracking systems in their vehicles. Hereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs some background information to help you:

Who uses GPS tracking?
GPS tracking systems are used by businesses in the service, transportation and manufacturing industries. Businesses of all sizes, with fleets of 1 to thousands of vehicles, rely upon their tracking systems to add to their profitability.

Types of businesses using GPS tracking:

Contractors who provide HVAC, plumbing or electrical services

Limousine and taxi companies

Uniform / Linen Services

Food and Beverage Distributors

Street Sweepers

Pest Management Services

Snow Plow Services

Car Carriers

Landscaping and Irrigation contractors

Cable Company Contractors

Bulk and Route Delivery

Fuel / Oil Haulers

Hazmat and/or Chemical Haulers

Produce / Perishable Delivery

Utility companies

City, county and state motor pool fleets

What is it?
GPS tracking systems consist of a device installed in the vehicle, a central server and software for the owner to access the information.

All GPS tracking devices use data from the U.S. Governmentรขโ�ฌโ�ขs constellation of Global Positioning System satellites to determine a vehicleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs location, speed and direction of travel.

The tracking device transmits data from GPS satellites overhead to a central computer server via either a communications satellite or, more often, via the local cellular phone network. The vehicle data is updated every 2 รขโ�ฌโ�� 15 minutes, depending upon the ownerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs preferences and manufacturerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs settings.

The central server makes the tracking data available to the system owner through the Internet. The owner logs onto the tracking companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs secure web server and sees their vehicle data on a map and in text form. Some tracking companies make the data available for download, so the owner could archive it on their own computer.

Why do they use it?
Users of GPS tracking systems have many reasons why theyรขโ�ฌโ�ขve installed them:

Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by targeting speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and ultimately, drive up insurance rates.

Using the system's automatic mileage reminder reduces downtime and enhances vehicle resale values by encouraging scheduled, preventative maintenance. Your tracking system will remind you when it's time to rotate tires, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance.

Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

Productivity is improved by:
a. documenting long lunch hours,
b. exposing unauthorized breaks,
c. comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity,
d. logging personal vehicle use after hours or on weekends.

GPS tracking systems improve customer service by showing you which employee is closest to the client who just called. WOW your customers--give them precise arrival or delivery estimates, based upon the actual location of your vehicles at the moment they call.

Your system can tell you the exact time and date each employee reached each customer. If a customer questions when your employee arrived or left --prove it to them.

Is one employee more productive than another? --Check the data. Is it time to add a vehicle? --Use your system and there's no more guessing.

Use your system to correlate overtime performed with your employees' overtime requests. See who is putting in extra time.

Never make another phone call to find out where your employees say they are.

Simplify asset management by displaying everything on one computer screen. Make work easier for your dispatcher.

Tracking systems work without any input from the driver. No driver logs needed.

Purchasers of GPS vehicle tracking systems say they recover their investment in an average of six รขโ�ฌโ�� 12 months, by both reducing expenses and improving productivity. While some users recoup their entire investment at one time by recovering a stolen vehicle, most users are repaid more gradually.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases.

Cell Phone GPS Tracking

2008-06-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

The development of communications technology has long since surpassed the sole ability to access others when they are mobile. Today, mobile communication devices are becoming much more technologically advanced and offer more than the ability to just carry on a conversation. Cell phone GPS tracking is one of those advances.

GPS or Global Positioning System tracks your location by interpreting the data received from 3 or more satellites. This has made GPS a popular feature in cars as a navigational aid.

All cell phones constantly broadcast a radio signal, even when not on a call. The cell phone companies have been able to estimate the location of a cell phone for many years using triangulation information from the towers receiving the signal. However, the introduction of GPS technology into cell phones has meant that cell phone GPS tracking now makes this information a lot more accurate.

With GPS technology now more commonplace in many new cell phones, this means that the location of anyone carrying a compatible cell phone can be accurately tracked at any time. Cell phone GPS tracking can therefore be a useful feature for business owners and fleet managers who need to be able to keep track of their vehicle movements.

Cell phone GPS tracking can also be a useful feature to the emergency services or police when responding to a 911 call from a GPS cell phone. For this reason, the FCC has legislated that wireless networks provide location information for 911 calls made from cell phones. These are known as E911 calls.

As technology advance even further, future features will be even more powerful. Imagine GPS cell phones used as a navigational device. Based on the cell phone GPS tracking signal, they could be used to find your way to a location, calculate your speed based on your location change over time, from this calculate your estimated arrival time, suggest an alternative route and even phone the person you are calling to see with your ETA! Of course in car GPS navigation systems can already perform many of these tasks, however it is the portability of cell phones that makes them so useful for this technology.

Cell phone GPS tracking could also be used to locate the whereabouts of your children and offer protection to elderly relatives should something happen and they need urgent assistance.

These features will help to secure the future of cell phone GPS tracking providing advantages for all.

For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit http://www.satnav-gps.info today.

What Benefit Will You Get From GPS?

2008-05-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Global Positioning System is a navigational aid, funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. Since GPS systems utilize 24 satellites that orbit the earth in a grid pattern, there are always six to eight satellites that are able to communicate with any given position on earth at any given time. What this does is give the average consumer the power to find any place on earth at any time day or night. Just think of the benefits this provides for a wide variety of the public.

Some of the benefits we might receive from GPS are:

Fuel economy: If you want to maximize your fuel economy you'll need a good GPS system. Saving money at the pump as well as wear and tear on your vehicle should be one of the main reasons why you would want a good GPS system in your vehicle. Accurate driving directions not only will save you time in your daily travels, but also will save you substantial gas money when travelling from place to place. This is especially important for delivery and courier services.

Travel directions: Utilizing a GPS system will give you accurate directions for travel. Weather you are travelling locally, across country, or globally, you will get accurate direction and constant monitoring of your current position. I wouldn't think of taking another family vacation without a GPS system in my vehicle.

Recreation: Weather you are camping, or hiking, a hand held GPS unit will benefit you. I can't imagine going camping in the middle of the woods and not being able to find my way out. The news is filled with daily reports of people (or kids) that go hiking in the woods or the desert, and can't find their way back home or to their campsite. A GPS unit is the answer for these people.

Maritime: If you have ever watched one of the popular fishing shows on T.V., or are a fisherman or sailor yourself, then you know how a GPS unit will benefit you. Getting lost at sea or on a large lake would not be fun. The other side of the coin is the fisherman, say there is a great hotspot on any given lake in the world, that specific spot can be saved in your GPS system and found again at any time. This could be beneficial to the recreational or professional fisherman.

Tracking: If you run a courier business, rental business, or just plain delivery service, and need to keep track of several vehicles, then GPS is what you need. Keeping track of your vehicles will keep your overhead down. The other end of tracking is keeping track of a family member or child, a GPS tracking system will aid in your efforts.

I have over 25 years of automotive repair experience. I know quite alot about everything that has to do with your auto. I am ASE certified as well as GM certified. I am originally from Wisconsin, born and raised, lived there for 38 years. I've spent many years in the summer-humid /winter-icy/snowy climate and have dealt with not only repair conditions there but also how to drive properly in those conditions. Fuel economy is probably the most important element to saving money today, and how you drive or how your vehicle performs plays a big part in that. I now have lived in Phoenix for the past 6 years, in the middle of the desert where it reaches up to 115 degrees on a summer day. I've seen it all as far as vehicle maintenance and care goes and can help with any problem by email or by visiting my website at http://www.your-auto-repair-help.com/gps.html

GPS: A Tool To Fit Our World's Need

2008-05-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

GPS, or global positioning system, is a tool that is used to measure distance and to help pinpoint location any place in the world. The fact is that it is an excellent tool that can do so much more than just tell you where you are. And, it is being used in everything from heart rate monitors to automobiles. If you havenร�ยกร�ยฆt heard of GPS, you need to get caught up. It could help to benefit your life in one way or another.

First, understand how GPS works. Circling the globe are 24 satellites. They are orbiting the Earth at different locations and make a complete orbit around the Earth in about 12 hours. They are located about 12,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. They correspond with receivers that are scattered around the world. They are always transmitting information through digital radio signals. These signals tells the transmitters where they are and the exact time. They are so precise that they transmit time to the billionth of a second in accuracy.

How They Work

Each of the satellites that work in the GPS network will send these signals to the transmitters down on Earth. They travel at the speed of light in fact. By knowing the length of time that it takes for the signal to get to the receiver, the receivers can get precise measurements. In other words, the longer it takes the receiver to receiver the signal from the GPS satellite, the farther away the GPS satellite is at that moment. This all helps the receiver and the transmitter to convey where they are on a longitude and latitude basis. When four receivers are used, this can also tell the altitude as well.

It was first developed and used by the United States Government in the Department of Defense. It allows for accurate, all weather navigation for such things as military ground, sea and air forces to work and communicate.

Today, though, it is used in much different circumstances. In fact, you will see it used throughout the world in many non governmental rolls.

Today's Uses

There are many uses of the GPS system today. In many cases, the GPS is a great way for finding and keeping track of just about anything. It has the ability to communicate within seconds and with precision that is unmatched in any other application available. It is also simple to use and inexpensive in many cases as well. Here are some examples to think about.

You may have heard of cars and other vehicles using GPS tracking. This is one of the largest and most beneficial uses for the system. First, it allows for the car to be kept safe. For example, it can help to track a car that has been stolen. It works by transmitting data to the satellite receivers that then are sent to the authorities. The end result is that within seconds, you can know where your car has been taken.

But, that is far from all it can do on a car. In many of todayร�ยกร�ยฆs cars, there are GPS tracking systems that can be used to help navigate the car. For example, if your system is working, it can tell you how to get from point A to point B without a problem. It will even tell you when you should be turning.

Yet another example of its use in the car is its ability to help in emergency situations. The transmitted information can be sent to the authorities to alert them that you are in trouble. GPS jumps in and helps to find your location. Many vehicles are now being outfitted with this.

But, cars are not the only thing that uses GPS. Any device can be equipped with one if there is a need for it. An example would be the heart rate monitor. Many use these for exercise to let them know when they have reached a targeted rate and how long they are holding it for. Well, how about a watch that is equipped not only to monitor the heart rate, but to tell you where you are running, how long it took you to get from one place to the next and the distance that you just traveled? GPS allows for this!

GPS is a system that is useful and convenient. It allows for many uses and it has a real fit within the world. Youร�ยกร�ยฆll find it in all sorts of unique products.

For more information about GPS systems visit

http://www.gps-globalpositioningsystem.net/ .

You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, link and URL remain intact.

GPS - How It Works

2008-05-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

In this second of a three part series we're going to go over how GPS receivers actually measure distance. A lot of math and science goes into this stuff so sit back and get ready to strain your brain.

At any given time, let's choose midnight for this example, the satellite begins transmitting a digital pattern called a pseudo-random code. At that same time the GPS receiver begins running that same random pattern. When the satellite's signal reaches the receiver the pattern transmission will lag a little behind the receivers playing of the same pattern. The length of the delay is equal to the travel time of the signal. The receiver multiplies this time by the speed of light to measure how far the signal actually travelled. We assume the signal travelled in a straight line and this therefore is the distance from receiver to satellite.

In order for this measurement to be able to be made the receiver and the satellite both need clocks that can be synchronized to the nanosecond. In order to make this possible you need atomic clocks, not only in the receiver but in every satellite as well. Atomic clocks cost between $50,000 and $100,000. That makes them a little too expensive for everyday use.

To overcome this cost problem the GPS system has a very clever solution. Every satellite contains an expensive atomic clock but the receiver contains a regular quartz clock which the receiver itself constantly resets. The receiver looks at the incoming signals from four or more of the satellites and compensates for it's own inaccuracy. Once it calculates the correct time value this will cause all the signals that the receiver is getting from the satellites to align at a single point in space. That is the time value held by the atomic clocks in the satellites themselves. So the receiver sets it's clock to that time value and therefore has the same time value as all the satellites. Atomic clock accuracy for quartz clock prices. You can't beat that.

When you measure the distance to four satellites you can draw four spheres that all intersect at one point. Three spheres will intersect even if you're way off but four spheres will only intersect if you are exactly right. The receiver can calculate the time needed for the spheres to intersect at one point. Based on this it resets it's clock to match the atomic clocks of the satellites. The receiver does this constantly as long as it is on, which gives it the same accuracy as the atomic clocks in the satellites.

In order for this info to be of any use, the receiver also has to know where the satellites actually are. To do this, the receiver stores an almanac that tells where each satellite is at a given time. Any adjustments that need to be made because of gravitational pull are transmitted to the receivers by the department of the military.

In the last instalment of this series we'll go over problems with the system, how they can be compensated for and how to use the data itself.

-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Global Positioning Systems
-------------------------------------------------------

GPS: Cheat Sheet

2008-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some machine-gun-quick reasons why you need to get yourself a GPS unit today!

1. Time and money saving features (gas, travel time) far outweighs the price

2. Good resolution, good screen quality without being a distraction

3. Able to save information that you use often so you don't have to repeatedly add new information

4. More than enough memory for the average users needs, usually has maps built-in or downloadable

5. Portable in size so that you can use it as a mount for your vehicle, or even as a handheld (varies)

6. Provides estimation as to when you will arrive at your destination

7. Doesn't just give you a list of restaurants and other hotspots in general terms, but relative to your location gives you exact directions and time estimates

8. Can configure what you want to AVOID: toll roads, highways, etc

9. In conjunction with a satellite service, provides fantastic accuracy in helping you get where you need to

10. Instead of printing out online maps and either having to make pitstops to read it or have a friend in passenger seat read instructions, the GPS unit will read instructions to you in crystal clear format

So there you have it, some lightning quick reasons why you should go out and get yourself a GPS receiver today!

GPS amplifier technologies will enhance your GPS units capabilities many times over. Get yours today!

http://www.gpszoom.com/

GPS Tracking for Service Vehicles

2008-05-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Efficiency in service businesses, which use vehicles, is very important, especially in the current period and paradigm of fuel prices and traffic congestion. Smart companies which need to prevent accidents, improve routing and avoid log-jams in the daily traffic are well advised to buy and install sophisticated GPS technologies for their vehicles.

There are many companies offering such technologies and one needs to do a little research to pick the one best for them. In my company currently we have a system we have designed which integrates GPS vehicles tracking with our scheduling and order systems software and we are quite pleased with the results.

A lot of thought went into our system and since so many other companies need this too, it seems we should be generous and offer this information to other service companies. Here is some information to think on.

http://www.truckwashguy.com/08092003_2.shtml

http://www.carwashguys.com/050802_1.shtml

http://www.carwashguys.com/mcc_tour10.shtml

http://ezinearticles.com/?D-Modeling-in-Transportation-Flows&id=25641

http://ezinearticles.com/?GPS-Golf-Balls-Are-Almost-Here&id=25610

http://ezinearticles.com/?GPS-Navigation-Systems-and-Data-Problems&id=27265

http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Delivery,-Routing-and-Scheduling-Software-with-GPS,-CAD,-GIS-Data-from-Aviation&id=25612

http://ezinearticles.com/?Self-Healing-Minefields--Grid,-GPS,-Satellite-Strategies&id=27263

http://ezinearticles.com/?Book-review-on-Finite-Capacity-Scheduling,-Part-I&id=39768

http://ezinearticles.com/?Book-review-on-Finite-Capacity-Scheduling,-Part-II&id=39769

http://ezinearticles.com/?Book-review-on-Finite-Capacity-Scheduling,-Part-III&id=39770

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=999c5cd5327c8543007947a02fa9c431&showtopic=6

http://worl thinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=999c5cd5327c8543007947a02fa9c431&showtopic=298

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=999c5cd5327c8543007947a02fa9c431&showtopic=531

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=999c5cd5327c8543007947a02fa9c431&showtopic=693

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=999c5cd5327c8543007947a02fa9c431&showtopic=691

I sincerely hope this information is of value to you in your service company. You need to check out all the different GPS manufacturers out there so you can learn what would work best for your company and how you can stay efficient. Today with $3.00 per gallon fuel prices you can see the problems, just imagine in the future. Traffic is also at an all time high and many of our roads and highways are in a state of disrepair and even with the $287 Billion Transportation bill it will be a while until we have smooth flow even on our Interstates. Today we deal with disrepair, tomorrow with construction zones and weather issues. Think on this and go GPS today, you will be glad you did.

Lance Winslow

Personal Technology and Crime Fighting with GPS

2008-05-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Many believe a crimeless society is in our civilizations near future for many reason. These folks make an excellent point indeed and it makes sense, as technology has been a very great way to stop crime. Personal Tech Devices as seen at the Las Vegas 2006 Consumer Electronic Show seem to be moving towards a realm where they will curb crime. And although this is far from the theme of this years show we have already seen crime is going to be curbed by video cell phones and digital camera phones.

Low tech crime fighting also makes a lot of sense such as the Presidents Initiative on Neighborhood Watch Programs or the undercover work from local police departments. Here is a relative simply plan I personally came up with that works well;

http://www.lancewinslow.org/nmwp.shtml

Presently we see things such as the 3G Cell phone tracking to catch criminals who abduct children as well. And we have capabilities today; right now in the present period of Cell Phone Tracking, where cell towers can triangulate position. This can help GPS a distressed motorist or a car buried in an avalanche.

These technology tracking triangulation strategies can also be done thru satellites too, or better yet a combination of satellites and Cell Tower EM signature plumes. As long as the phone has a battery in it or an internal battery to hold "speed dial numbers" etc. then you can be tracked by that.

There are new companies with RFID Implants for help keeping kids safe and finding lost dogs. And some who frequent certain "trendy" bars in Europe have been chip implanted so that you can go in as a regular without waiting in line? Sounds nuts, but people do this now, today. Many have suggested tacking Child Molesters this way and know when they are sitting in front of a schoolyard or park so that authorities can prevent abductions. We will see more of these things in the future and be able to help curb crime, although some citizens maybe very upset with the violation of privacy. We shall see more debate on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Preventing Your GPS Kit From Being Stolen

2008-05-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Satellite navigation units make driving a lot easier as they hold digital maps and use a network of satellites in space to pinpoint your location and they provide turn by turn directions to get you to your destination usually through audible signals.

Satellite navigation kits also known as GPS units are now so popular that they are now seen as must-have gadgets. This has led to an increase in thefts and car break-ins as these units are attractive to thieves.

Often what the vehicles owner does is usually to remove the satellite navigation unit from the windscreen holder and put it inside the glove box compartment of the vehicle while leaving the holder still attached to the windscreen. This is not really a very good idea because it leaves a telltale sign that the vehicle has a Gps unit which could lead to a potential break-in.

It is always advisable to detach the windscreen holder completely as this can attract the opportunist thief. One might want to place the support cradle in the glove compartment but a safer alternative would be to completely remove both the unit and the support cradle from the vehicle. Even if you don't remove the cradle from the windscreen and still remove the unit from the glove compartment, there is still a high probability that the vehicle will be vandalised and the windows smashed.

An advice I give to people is to consider using a compatible mobile phone for satellite navigation. On some symbian smartphones and windows mobile phones one can install navigation software with full functionality as the dedicated satellite navigation units. This has a lot of advatages over GPS units which include portability and security.

Francis is a GPS enthusiast and writes about satellite navigation

No GPS for Lindbergh

2008-05-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Although flying from New York to Paris is no big deal today, Charles Lindbergh flew his 3,600 mile, 33 1/2 hour flight in 1927 without a telegraph, radio or Global Positioning System (GPS). In his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh packed a few sandwiches, a couple canteens of water, 451 gallons of gas and a few maps. Several men had attempted to fly the same distance as Lindbergh, but failed only weeks before he made his record-setting flight. Lindbergh made a seemingly impossible journey come true.

In order to maximize gas mileage, Lindbergh traveled as lightly as he could. He wore a light jacket compared to a traditional leather pilotรขโ�ฌโ�ขs jacket, which made him more vulnerable to the elements. He used a thinner seat in which to pilot the aircraft, which compromised his comfort. Since he opted to travel solo, he had The Spirit of St. Louis built as a one seat airplane. If he fell asleep, he could crash in the Atlantic. Lindbergh also excluded night flying equipment and a parachute, which sacrificed his safety. Some could argue that Lindbergh literally bet his life on flying from NY to Paris.

Charles Lindbergh proved to the world that someone can succeed without needing to use luxuries. Lindbergh did not use luxuries in 1927 or electronic navigational devices.

How many times have we complained that our desktop or laptop is running slowly? How many of us have said that our office equipment is not the greatest? After what Lindbergh endured with his record flight, just how big do your problems really seem?

Here are some of the great things that Lindbergh taught us:

1. The Spirit of St. Louis was designed and built in 60 days

Many of us complain that we donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have enough time to do things. A single-engine airplane that was going to be flown across the Atlantic Ocean, which was never done before, was built in two months. Lindbergh, Donald Hall and a crew of 35 other men worked on the airplane. Hall worked an average of 90 hours per week. At one point, Hall worked on the plane for 36 and 20 consecutive hours. Many of us think that life was so much easier in yesteryear. History provides the contrary.

Lindbergh knew his time was limited. A $25,000 prize was offered to the first one who could fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Others had perished attempting to set Lindberghรขโ�ฌโ�ขs record. A few weeks prior to Lindberghรขโ�ฌโ�ขs start of his flight from New York, a couple of Frenchmen had died attempting to fly from Paris to New York. Charles Lindbergh was determined enough to have a plane built in two months and fly the plane over the Atlantic Ocean. How determined are we in a time crunch? Although we may not feel the same pressure as Lindbergh did when he attempted to set a flying record, we still have situations where more time would be needed.

Are we asking for help like Lindbergh did? Lindberghรขโ�ฌโ�ขs dream may have been impossible without the help of Donald Hall and the 35 men that built the Spirit of St. Louis. Asking for help is no disgrace. If asking for help was good enough for Lindbergh, it can be good enough for us.

2. "Why shouldn't I fly from New York to Paris?"

Lindbergh was quoted as saying, "Why shouldn't I fly from New York to Paris? ...I have more than four years of aviation behind me, and close to two thousand hours in the air. I've barnstormed over half of the forty-eight states. ...Why am I not qualified for such a flight?" Lindbergh put possibility out there for himself and did it!!

What is keeping us from thinking the same way? There is no reason why we cannot make a trip of our own.

3. Lindbergh did not compromise his goals

Initially, a company offered Lindbergh a plane for $15,000, but the companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs president wanted to choose the pilot and Lindbergh was not the presidentรขโ�ฌโ�ขs choice to fly it. Another company offered to build Lindbergh a plane for $6,000. Ultimately, Lindbergh accepted the deal and within 60 days, the plane was completed.

How often have we compromised our goals? Many of us have always wanted to write a book, an article, a poem, prose, fiction or nonfiction. Unfortunately for many of us, we have settled for what we are doing instead of making our dream of what we could be doing happen. What is stopping us from making that dream happen? We give all kinds of reasons as to why we cannot devote a few minutes a day to obtaining our goals. Fortunately, goals do not have to happen overnight. Only three percent of the population writes down their career dreams, goals and aspirations. How many of us are writing down our dreams?

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it." - Goethe

What goals do you have and how determined are you to attain them? What goals have you accomplished that initially seemed impossible? Although the magnitude of your goals may not seem as impossible as Lindberghรขโ�ฌโ�ขs transatlantic flight, they are still your goals. How many of your goals have you compromised and how many goals have you achieved? Lindbergh did not settle for anything less than his goal of flying across the Atlantic. Although some of your goals may initially seem impossible, you also should not settle for anything less than achieving what is important to you.

North Notes is a writing and researching company, which primarily helps writers gain focus, motivation, remove mental blocks that help to unblock the writing process. EVERYONE who writes has been stuck at some point in his or her career. You do not have to accept these mind-boggling roadblocks!

http://www.northnotes.com (586) 216-7516

How GPS Works

2008-05-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigational aid originally developed for the military. The system simply receives signals. It is the applied technology that gives the GPS its versatility.

If you have ever used map and compass, you will understand a little about how the GPS works. In order to find your position on a map, you need to have three points of reference. The intersecting line from the reference points is where you are. Map and compass work uses triangulation (bearings), GPS uses trilateration (distances) to calculate location. Satellites orbiting the earth emit unique signals that can be received by a GPS. The GPS software interprets the signal, identifying the satellite that it came from, where it was located, and the time that it took for the signal to reach the system. Once the receiver has both time and distance it begins to determine position.

Three satellites provide the intersection point and the fourth is used to check that the positioning is accurate. Accuracy depends upon the synchronization of atomic clocks in the satellites with the clock in the GPS system. Although the clock in the GPS is not atomic, utilizing the fourth satellite gives it that functionality as the internal clock adjusts itself to correct any discrepancy discovered.

GPS has gone far beyond its initial military application. Drivers can find their way through city streets, long distance trekkers use the technology to cross unfamiliar terrain, mariners and pilots use GPS enhanced data to cross the seas and skies.

In--vehicle GPS can be integrated into the car entertainment system or can be installed as a removable device. These systems need to tell the driver where he/she is and how to reach their destination. The information includes road directions plus relevant features along the way such as rest stops, gas stations, points of interest, etc. Auto GPS uses voice commands so that the driver can concentrate on the road.

Hikers and trekkers use similar technology, but normally without the inclusion of road systems on their devices. Mapping software defines the territory that the hiker will encounter. The user can enter waypoints (points of reference) so they can return using the same route. They can add points of interest such as water sources, possible campsites, and other items of interest on their trail. However, the portability demanded by hikers will also limit the functionality of the system as small screens mean that some detail will be lost.

It is GPS technology that is used to track individuals on home arrest, to trace missing pets, stolen vehicles, and missing people. Small systems can be incorporated into pet collars and wristwatches. As long as the receiver is active, it can be found.

Marine and aviation GPS units are sophisticated and specialized. The principles involved are the same as any standard system; the software is much more highly developed.

Any fisherman, who is using a fish finder on his boat, is using a GPS that is enhanced by sonar and tracking devices. Units have been developed for use on float tubes also -รขโ�ฌโ�� as GPS technology advances, the systems become more and more compact and their uses more and more extensive.

If you are considering purchasing a GPS, make sure that it can be updated easily. This is especially true if you buy a multi--function GPS or one that is used where conditions change regularly. An in--vehicle GPS soon loses its usefulness if it is not updated as road systems change.

Updates vary according to the device being used. They can come in CD/DVD packages or as computer downloads. The user can purchase maps specific to the area in which the GPS will be used or a range of maps and routes. These are available from GPS software companies who will charge proportionally to the sophistication of the software.

GPS units vary in price according to their usefulness. It is possible to buy units for less than one hundred dollars to units costing more than one thousand dollars. What your needs are will be a factor in the cost of your unit. If you are a backpacker then portability is a major consideration. If you are a trucker, you need to be able to find a delivery point as quickly and conveniently as possible. Whatever device you go for, cost is generally related to quality. Buy the best you can afford.

Anne King is a sports and recreation writer in Boise, Idaho. For more GPS information, visit Maps GPS Info.com which provides practical information on GPS and maps that everyone can use. The website includes product reviews and a maps/GPS glossary.

Third Generation: Telemetry GSM

2008-05-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

The word Telemetry, literally meaning "remote measurement" is used to describe technology that allows automated measurement and transmission of data by wire, radio, or other means, typically from inaccessible or dangerous locations, such as a satellite in orbit to control stations on ground, where the information is recorded and evaluated. When telemetry was still in its nascent stage, information was relayed over wires. Today it uses radio transmissions and GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) technology for data transmission. Major applications of Telemetry GSM include monitoring electric-power stations, gathering meteorological data, remote meter reading, logistics management, tracking endangered land and aquatic species, and monitoring manned and unmanned space flights. The remote meter reading is used even by small towns to read and record water and electric meters of the towns' residents.

The list of potential applications of Telemetry GSM is practically endless. The complete list is definatly beyond the scope of this one article. For instance, the Telemetry GSM modules are used in rail switching. In this application, the modules automatically report the position of the rail switching point to the traffic control center. The advantages of using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enabled GSM components lies in the fact that they do not have the same setup requirements and do not congest the network with fixed connections. This is because each module operates in a standby mode and goes active to send small amounts of data either at regular intervals or as and when required. These modules are also relatively inexpensive, easy to install and very reliable.

The importance of telemetry to basic biological, environmental and medical research cannot be overstressed. Since the early 1970s, the use of telemetry to provide real time physiological monitoring in coronary care units has become widely recognized. Nowadays, Telemetry GSM is used for monitoring of the electrophysiological state of patients who are at risk of abnormal heart activity. These patients are outfitted with a customized device without any other control except an On/Off button. This device comprises a wireless receiver for the long-distance telemetry and a GSM module. The messages are relayed as encrypted short messages via the standard SMS (short messaging system) protocol to the central database, where it is decrypted and subsequently allocated to the healthcare professional in charge of the patient. This technology allows the patient to get out of bed and walk around a little to keep from getting stiff and getting bed sores.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Telemetry information, please visit Telemetry Information for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/

GPS: Usability Over Functionality

2008-05-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

There is an easy test that I like to use when evaluating a GPS, or any type of electronic device. I call it the user manual test. When I pick up a new GPS for the first time, I see how easily I can operate the GPS with common sense alone and without using the manual. Criteria for a good GPS is firmly based on how easily I can operate the menu options and pick up the functions. This is an aspect that some people overlook yet it is perhaps the single most important part of a GPS.

The first reason that user friendly functions and menus are so important is that the vast majority of people who buy GPS units are seasonal or occasional users. They are not out there 5 days a week, honing their skills and keeping the idiosyncrasies of their GPS at the forefront of their mind! Consequently, most users want to be able to pick the damn thing up and be able to get their hands on accurate information that can make the difference between getting lost, or even a fatal ending to an outdoor adventure.

The second reason that GPS units need to be easy to use is that they are often used by groups such as hunters, fishermen and hikers. This makes it quite likely that some members of the group will not be experienced with your particular model or brand of GPS. In these kinds of circumstances it is doubtful that anyone will want to sit down and read a user manual, that is if you still know where it is! So do yourself a favor and get a GPS that makes sense to you without having to go to the book, if for nothing else that from a safety point of view.

The third reason it that if you are willing to spend a couple of bucks on your GPS and choose a top brand such as Magellan or Garmin you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need to worry too much about what functions are included. The level of competition between these two companies is so high that neither is willing to put sub-standard products into the marketplace. At http://www.thegpscentre.com you can see reviews of GPS units and see how close these brand really are in both quality and price. What will make the difference will be the users ability to take advantage of the functions.

Remember, there is no point having a GPS with several navigation screens, thousands of automatic way-points if you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work out how to use them with ease. Happy trails and safe navigating to you all.

The author is a regular contributor to http://www.incargpsworld.com and permission to reproduce this article is given only on the basis that all links remain active and intact.

GPS Buyer's Guide

2008-05-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

For drivers in North America who are tired of staring at maps and pulling into gas stations to get directions the new technology of GPS may be the answer. GPS or Global Positioning Systems are an inexpensive and reliable way of finding your exact position on the globe at any given time. For the driver this can mean never having to look a road map again. This is a brief introduction to the major brands of GPS units and some information about each.

Garmin offers two different types of GPS units and many models for each type. The larger of the two the Streetpilot is meant to be mounted in your car and provides street to street directions map and much more useful information during you trip. Some of the more recent models of the Streetpilot offer voicecapabilities and will vocally give a driver directions. The Quest offer many of the same features as the Streetpilot but it comes in a smaller handheld size and is battery powered. The Quest may be a better option if you often find your self leaving the car behind and need directions on foot.

Magellan is one of the oldest consumer level GPS manufacturers and they are still one of the finest. The Roadmates line of GPS units have been around for a while and the newest models are still in competition for the highest in quality. The newest models of Roadmates provide turn by turn directions to your destination with its internal speaker. This line of GPS units are powered by the cars cigarette lighter and mounts easily to most automobiles. The Roadmate 800 provides color 3-D maps on its 3" screen.

The newest brand of GPS unit comes from Tom-Tom. The Tom-Tom Go700 provides directions on it's 3.5" screen which gives its display in 3-D. The Go700 can give vocal directions in dozens of languages. The most interesting feature about this unit is it's Bluetooth capability allowing it to connect to cell phones to give weather, traffic and road conditions for your trip.

Find out more about GPS at http://gps-go.info.

GPS Tracking - What Is It?

2008-05-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of 24 satellites, which provide information to a GPS receiver, so that software in the receiver can determine a position in three dimensions (altitude, latitude, and longitude).

GPS tracking devices were originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for use in precision weapon delivery. The initial satellites were launched between 1974 and 1977. During the Clinton administration, use of the systemรขโ�ฌโ�ขs additional bandwidth was opened for civilian use. This move, combined with recent advances in personal technologies was the catalyst for an explosive surge in GPS market opportunities and intelligent applications. There are two types of GPS tracking: passive and real time. A passive GPS tracker will record travel activities and positions, which can be downloaded to a computer. A real time GPS tracking system will show its position, live.

Today, GPS tracking systems are more common to the general public. GPS tracking units are most commonly used for the following uses:

1. Auto Theft Prevention - www.TrackYourVehicle.net
2. Vehicle Tracking - www.rmtracking.com
3. Asset Protection - www.ConstructionGPS.net
4. Fleet Tracking & Management - www.ManageMyFleet.com

Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. has the latest GPS product that technology has to offer. For more information about GPS tracking devices, contact Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. toll free at 877-477-9668.

What Is and How Does a GPS Work?

2008-05-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of about 18-24 satellites placed into orbit. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the late 1970s, the government made a system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24/7. There are no cost for the use.

How it works

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in the same orbit and transmit signal information to down to mother earth. GPS take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away from the satellite it is. Now, with this distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2d position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and also altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and a lot more.

How accurate is GPS?

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall houses. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garminร�ยฎ GPS receivers are accurate to 15 meters on average. Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve the accuracy to less than three meters on average. No additional equipment or fees are required to take advantage of WAAS. Users can also get even better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. This system consists of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. In order to get the corrected signal, users must have a differential beacon receiver and beacon antenna in addition to their GPS.

The GPS satellite system

GPS satellites are powered by solar energy only. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there's no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path. Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):

รขโ�ฌยข The first GPS satellite was launched in early 1978.

รขโ�ฌยข A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in late 1994.

รขโ�ฌยข Each satellite is built to last about 10-15 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.

รขโ�ฌยข A GPS satellite weighs approximately 1,500 pounds and is about 16 feet across with the solar panels extended.

รขโ�ฌยข Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

What's the signal?

GPS satellites transmit two low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. Civilian GPS uses the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. The signals travel by line of sight, meaning they will pass through clouds, glass and plastic but will not go through most solid objects such as buildings and mountains.

A GPS signal contains three different bits of information รขโ�ฌโ�� a pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data. The pseudorandom code is simply an I.D. code that identifies which satellite is transmitting information. You can view this number on your Garmin GPS unit's satellite page, as it identifies which satellites it's receiving.

Almanac data, which is constantly transmitted by each satellite, contains important information about the status of the satellite (healthy or unhealthy), current date and time. This part of the signal is essential for a good position view.

Sources of GPS signal errors

Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect accuracy include the following:

รขโ�ฌยข Ionosphere and troposphere delays รขโ�ฌโ�� The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of error.

รขโ�ฌยข Signal multipath รขโ�ฌโ�� This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors.

รขโ�ฌยข Receiver clock errors รขโ�ฌโ�� A receiver's built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.

รขโ�ฌยข Orbital errors รขโ�ฌโ�� Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellite's reported location.

รขโ�ฌยข Number of satellites visible รขโ�ฌโ�� The more satellites a GPS receiver can "see," the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no position reading at all.

รขโ�ฌยข Satellite geometry/shading รขโ�ฌโ�� This refers to the relative position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping.

รขโ�ฌยข Degradation of the satellite signal รขโ�ฌโ�� Selective Availability (SA) is an intentional degradation of the signal once imposed by the U.S. Department of Defense. SA was intended to prevent military adversaries from using the highly accurate GPS signals. The government turned off SA in May 2000, which significantly improved the accuracy of civilian GPS receivers.

16 years as an officer in the Norwegian army. See my pages: http://www.gps-info.org/ and http://www.lincoln-navigator.org/

GPS Navigation Systems and Data Problems

2008-05-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

We have a serious problem brewing with GPS navigation systems for automobiles and even motorcycles. There are however problems with this devise as a high tech toy are more serious than you might think. Ask anyone in a metro area who has bought a new car with one of those cool GPS upgrades for their SUV or new sports car. We have had our customers complain (customers of the carwash business, which is my profession). Oh they love the gadget, but they are under whelmed by the lack of data and streets, which are not listed. You see we have been seeing incredible suburban growth in many cities. Places near large DMA metros are a problem out in the middle class suburbs. In many areas such as outside Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Columbus, Cleveland, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, DC Subs, etc. And in NJ, NC, NV, OH lots of other fast growing growth pockets.

When GPS devises for cars first hit the scenes at the CES and SEMA shows in 1996, they became increasingly more popular, powerful and better data. But like VHS and Beta, Apple and IBM, competition became increasingly greater causing much consolidation in the industry along with patent fights. Much of the technology was former Defense Contractors peddling their wares through subsidiary consumer level companies. But the tight market remained due to the costs. Meanwhile companies like DeLorme and others tried to flood the market with low priced GPS units, which made things even more competitive. And the bugs were not fully out of the system yet. Someday all cars will drive themselves and people can watch TV, do video conferencing and use their transportation as a portable office or entertainment system while they are being driven to the location they have punched into their computer. Some things will have to occur before this is a reality of course. But eventually your dexterity skills to actually pilot a car will be worthless and un-needed.

First the satellites will need to be laser aligned and use multiple satellites to get absolute locations of ground items and vehicles. The cars will need to have additional anti collision devises made up of networked sonar and optic flow sensors. All of which are now available and the technology is getting better and better. Many military applications today will be civilian tomorrow. Just like Radar, Microwave ovens, Nuclear Energy, Cellular Phones, Satellite Communication and Jet Aircraft in Commercial Aviation. The flow of transportation will be brought to the next generation to serve man better.

For the time being the incremental changes in these technologies has hit a slight road block even though Honda, GM, Ford, Mercedes, Daimler Chrysler and Toyota have invested billions in anti-collision and safety devices which they will add comfort and desirable options which they can sell to customers as upgrades. Smart Car Technologies can add Thousands of Dollars to the price of a car and consumers are glad to pay for them. A factory GPS system with display can cost up to $6,000.00 and they sell a lot of them on the higher end cars. It is a high profit item upgrade, although there are some, which only cost $1000. And if you wish to compare these, some are very incredible with many features;

http://www.gpsnuts.com/myGPS/GPS/review%20...he%20review.htm .

There are many companies, which sell after market computer assist items. These companies are doing quite well and the systems work great. The big issue is just because you have a super duper incredible GPS system, does not mean the street you are looking for is even on the map yet. In other words it is like using an old map. If you are a studier of maps like I happen to be, you will see the problem with older maps. Even some companies keep printing old map data year after year without adding in new on ramps, city streets, infrastructure freeway improvements and ring-roads, it is aggravating for those from out of town. Even more aggravating looking for an address or street in a new housing tract, which you can see but the devise insists, does not exist? Then there are problems in areas like Cape Coral, FL and Tehachapi, CA or El Paso, TX and Knoxville, TN where the roads have been scraped and ready to put in or put in but do not connect or have nothing there yet. Of course it is very aggravating to see a road and try to go down it and find it is a dirt road that connects to nothing yet or an entire sub-division that does not exist? Is it a Mirage? If so where is the white Tiger Show?

Jack Dangermond of ESRI had set up entire networks of software makers who developed data for their awesome software products for GPS and GIS needs. Used by government, military, utility companies, transportation companies, private companies with GPS units to sell to the public, First Responders and school districts for buses. After the Dot Com crash those software companies were among some of the survivors, but had significantly cut costs. Thus without the proper data the GPS systems bought by the upper, upper-middle and middle class for their cars were not always good enough to support the price point for the newest technology. This is especially upsetting since the upper, upper-middle and middle class citizens who pay the most taxes live in the suburbs for the most part. The chances of a middle class American; who bought a home during the 3 years last housing boom; not being able to find their house or street on their new GPS devise is a higher probability then them actually finding it. We interviewed one man who bought a new Nissan Sports car.

Who lives in a newer developed area in the higher end Las Vegas, Clark County Suburbs, which only had the main streets on his GPS and had huge blank spots on his device? Some GPS devices allow the user to choose a satellite vendor and data vendor and software, but many of the Factory units do not. People think they are getting something really good and then find they cannot use it to navigate, which would really piss you off considering you may have paid as much as $6,000 for the unit. Even more dangerous is the information we learned from an EMT ambulance driver in Dallas area who told us of looking for streets for 15-20 minutes after battling through suburban gridlock to get to where they thought it might be. 3G cell phone technology may assist for those using cell phones to call in data to the dispatches. For all the training we are doing across this nation for first responders and on-going education of police, fire, Hazmat, etc. it appears that we have forgotten the problems of the system. Any time you build a system to serve humankind you must make it simple and make it work, that should be the first, the very first priority, then you can fix all the other issues.

With that said we interviewed a lady recently one evening who had a hell of a long day working for the Metro Police Departments Central Nervous System. The communications center and dispatch is to what we are referring. Although she was unaware of the problem at the center for bad data or missing data in the system, she could not say how they were able to get the information. Luckily serving a metro area they are probably connected to the planning departments computer, which they should be. And if the police department has the new data and no problem in this case, why have the software vendors not been able to access the data? It is a safety issue if someone with a GPS system pulls out a map and tries to read it while driving in an area they are not familiar with. It is guaranteed that in the history of the automobile in this country more people have been in serious traffic accidents from trying to read maps, than talking on cell phones, although cell phones no doubt a contributing factor in many lesser accidents will eventually pass this figure. Where the streets are, well frankly I cannot understand the need to keep this a secret unless it is the layout of Area 51, Prison, Power plant, Pentagon grounds, Military Bases, etc. If the emergency first responders divisions and contractors would share the data, there might be less accidents and they maybe able to get some assistance from the public being the eyes and ears

http://www.lancewinslow.org/nmwp.shtml

and also perhaps they could in fact use the idea of Smart Virtual Mobile Communities or FlashMob scenarios since budgets are strapped as the National Security "Red-Orange-Yellow-High-Risk-Danger-Days" come with high frequency, more police and first responders are on duty and that costs money. Without significant inflows the coverage of the Grid of a city is in jeopardy of slower response times. Fast response times are the easiest way to keep the peace, everyone, which gets away can cause problems another day and of course in case of International Terrorist Attacks.

It is essential to have the data for these devises and everyone is better served when communication flows. GPS units provide that and the data should be readily available and probably it is best to have the cities using the same formats as first responders and the same data can be used for utilities, consumers, military and even census data or academia studying urban sprawl and growth rates to have infrastructures ready during expansion. Things like water and energy, which has obviously been a major focus here.

There needs to be a nationwide coordinated effort to see that such data is filtered into the private sector, because as it stand the companies have been hammered in the industry and cannot perform the services to bring this stuff to market. Communication is important for government and citizen a like, increased efficiencies in business will save the government money and provide additional tax base and funds on the income of such businesses utilizing such data, as well as save money and time for all the government services discussed above. If we want a screaming economy we ought to be thinking how we can streamline and accelerate the flow of information to increase efficiencies and allow a small portion of the gain from the expanded pie to continue the growth. In other words, we make it easier for the Florist to deliver, the school buses to pick up more kids per hour and the soccer mom to take more kids to practice and still have time left to shop all of which serves man. The digital GIS divide is as important for our economy as the Digital Internet Divide. Kids in sports do less drugs, become more competitive, have higher work ethics and soccer moms can help keep the retail economy going. Every time you ease the flow, more things are possible. The exponential increase in American productivity is needed to offset the time lost in traffic and congestion. GIS-GPS systems can help in any emergency or simply driving around town getting things done to check off oneรขโ�ฌโ�ขs list for the day.

Lance Winslow

GPS Tracking: Hundreds Of Ways

2008-05-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

GPS tracking is an excellent tool to use and take advantage of throughout our lives. This was once thought of as a system that only could be used for government and state agencies. But, through its development, it has become a force to contend with. There are many ways in which you can benefit from using GPS tracking in your daily lives. And, you will not believe how easy it is to use either!

As a simple definition of how it works, weรขโ�ฌโ�ขll tell you this. In space, orbiting around the earth are satellites. They help us to use GPS tracking by allowing us to connect with them and they can then tell us where we are going or where we are. It happens instantly and is capable of reaching destinations around the world.

Here are some ways that you will find GPS tracking working for you.

รขโ�ฌยข GPS tracking can help you on any hike that you take, any outing that you take in which it is just you and nature. It can help to steer you and tell you which way is the right way to go.

รขโ�ฌยข It can also help you within a car. Many cars are being equipped with GPS tracking devices. If you need to go to one location or the next, you simply input this and it will tell you where you are, how to get there and even talk to you about each step that you are going to need to take. It can also help in your safety as well as your cars. If your car is stolen or you are taken against your will, many GPS tracking systems can be used to track down just where the car is heading and where it is.

รขโ�ฌยข GPS tracking helps ships guide you from one place to the next as well.

รขโ�ฌยข In fact, GPS tracking can even help you monitor your health. Wearing a heart rate monitor with GPS tracking is a great way to know when you have reached your goals. But you will also be able to know how long it took you to get from point A to point B as well.

For more information please see http://www.gps-tracking-info.co.uk

GPS Vehicle Tracking Data: What Do I Get?

2008-05-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

What information is provided by GPS vehicle tracking systems? Here is a summary and examples of how you could use data provided by GPS tracking devices:

Location data: Latitude and longitude provided in degrees, minutes and seconds. It is accurate to 33 feet, which is as accurate as any commercial GPS device. A vehicleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs location is updated at intervals of between 2 - 15 minutes. The standard update interval varies between manufacturers or can be set by the owner (optional).

Who is closest to the customer that just called? See where all your employees are by checking the map. Never again call an employee just to find out where they are!

Speed calculation: Rate of movement in miles per hour. Movement in excess of a preset speed (standard) or owner-set speed (optional) triggers an alert, sent to the owner.

Are employees routinely speeding? Speeding causes excessive wear and wastes gasoline. Your vehicles represent your company to the public; what kind of an image is presented by a speeding or recklessly-driven company vehicle?

Present direction: Compass direction the vehicle is traveling, expressed as north, south, east or west.

Is employee รขโ�ฌห�Xรขโ�ฌโ�ข en route to the customer or leaving their location?

Geofence use: A 'virtual' geographic boundary, created by the owner. Crossing this boundary triggers an alert which is sent to the owner. The alerts are usually e-mail messages or automated telephone calls from the system to the user, including the vehicle identification, date/time of crossing, location of crossing and more, depending upon the system. A Geofence can be 1/4 mile to 20+ miles in diameter.

Is a delivery truck approaching the warehouse? Is the gate open?

Alerts: An automatic e-mail, sent to the owner, with the date, time, location, identification and other details related to some event which has occurred and deserves your attention. Alerts are triggered when a vehicle exceeds a preset speed or crosses a Geofence boundary, for example.

Email alerts can be sent to your Blackberry or portable device. You can monitor your company while out of the office or away from your desk.

Fastest speed report: A daily report of each vehicle's fastest speed.

Why was employee รขโ�ฌห�Yรขโ�ฌโ�ข driving 80 m.p.h.?

Historical data: A record of all data related to each vehicle, maintained for 90 days.

Which vehicles averaged the most miles driven each day? Export vehicle data to an Excel Worksheet to compare productivity between employees.

Ignition on/off: Time, date and location of each instance where a vehicle's ignition was turned on or off.

When was Hooterรขโ�ฌโ�ขs restaurant put on employee รขโ�ฌห�Zรขโ�ฌโ�ขs route?

Idle report: Time, date, location and duration of each instance where a vehicle remained motionless while the engine was running. Owner can adjust the duration of idle allowed before a report is generated.

Idling the engine wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear. Employee รขโ�ฌห�Zรขโ�ฌโ�ขs vehicle idled twice as long as employee รขโ�ฌห�Yรขโ�ฌโ�ขs vehicle; perhaps employee รขโ�ฌห�Zรขโ�ฌโ�ข should shut off his vehicleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs engine when making deliveries.

Accumulated mileage alert: An alert sent at 3,000 miles, 5,000 miles or at an owner-set interval (optional) as a reminder to perform preventative maintenance.

Email: time to have the oil changed on vehicle รขโ�ฌห�Aรขโ�ฌโ�ข.

Location on demand: The ability to locate and display location info when requested, regardless of when the last scheduled update occurred.

Where is employee รขโ�ฌห�Yรขโ�ฌโ�ข? I need to find him right now!

Map detail: Vehicle location is displayed on a street map, which the owner can enlarge or reduce to see more or less map detail.

Employee รขโ�ฌห�Aรขโ�ฌโ�ข says Main Street is closed for construction, what is the next street West?

Landmarks: Reference points which may or may not be visible on the map created to designate locations important to the system user. Landmarks could be customer locations, the userรขโ�ฌโ�ขs shop, warehouse, satellite offices, etc.

Who has been to the warehouse today?

Breadcrumbs: When requested by the owner, a trail of points can be displayed on the map, indicating a vehicle's route during a certain time period.

Do routes overlap between vehicle รขโ�ฌห�Aรขโ�ฌโ�ข and vehicle รขโ�ฌห�Bรขโ�ฌโ�ข?

Many GPS tracking system providers offer additional information, but, as I hope you can see, even this list of basic data will give you all the info you need to manage your vehicles.

What are GPS Cell Phones?

2008-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Fads come and go. But when it comes to technology, every trend is a worthwhile experience.

Take the case of mobile phones. From the plain call and text features, the cell phone industry has definitely gone a long way.

Today, cell phones are made more innovative by applying technologically advanced applications such as GPS or Global Positioning System. Equipped with this remarkable device, cell phones can now operate beyond their basic functions.

With the GPS system, cell phones can be used as a tracking device that enables people find the right places or even hunt down a relative or friend on his exact location.

GPS or Global Positioning System is a device used to pin down peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs specific location anywhere on earth. The central hub of the system depends on "24 satellites" that move around the earth two times a day.

The identification of certain locations was made possible using fully operational devices that includes a series of receivers and satellites.

The information gathered by the satellites are being transformed back to the earth using exact timing indicators to receivers such as GPS cell phones. In this way, the hunted personรขโ�ฌโ�ขs exact location is identified based on altitude, latitude, and longitude measurements.

Back then, the magnitude of GPS were only utilized in navigational purposes as well as for "land surveying," and map-making. But since the proliferation of the new technology, the utilization of GPS has significantly increased.

Today, GPS-enabled cell phones are being used beyond their usual features. With the help of GPS, people can now locate new addresses and navigate a new place without the difficulty of turning to your maps every now and then.

With GPS, cell phones can demonstrate the exact areas where to turn right or left. Hence, the need for a true GPS tracking device is lessened as more and more cell phone companies are gradually employing the utilization of GPS.

In fact, it was the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which had instructed various cell phone companies to equip their new mobile phone models with GPS "tracking mechanisms." The agency said that with GPS-enabled cell phones, the userรขโ�ฌโ�ขs location could easily be tracked within 300 feet anyplace on earth.

This proposal of the FCC had been based on cases where people are using their cell phones to call 911 during emergencies. FCC further explained that the utilization of GPS cell phones would expedite responses to any one who will need such assistance.

However, the initial reactions of most cell phone companies is slightly on the negative side. They believe that using "GPS chips" will only add to the cost of each product. Today, cell phones are literally being given away free when purchased on regular mobile service plans.

Nevertheless, the probability of earning additional incomes were seen by other cell phone companies. They know how information-hungry people are nowadays ever since the Internet technology had dominated the communications industry.

Even if it means egotistical commercial gains, most cell phone companies believe that the utilization of GPS cell phones are important in todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs modern world.

One of the probable profits that the commercial market can gain is the distribution of graphical advertisements on mobile phones with the help of GPS. Hence, it is not surprising if one day, your cell phones will turn into small posters or advertisements notifying you of the latest event in town.

Indeed, with the introduction of GPS cell phone in the market today, people will have to change their units again just to cope up with the ever-changing world of the communication industry.

From 3G or the third generation technology to GPS, cell phones have definitely gone a long way since it was created for a simple call. With these features in your phones, what more can you ask for?

your-cell-phone.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Cell Phones. If you want to read or share information on Communication:GPS, you're always welcome!

GPS Tracking System: The Key to Saving Money on your Business

2008-05-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

It is natural for a business to have its ups and down. Since everything is beyond your control no matter how you strive of putting all things into its right place, sometimes it still fails. Sometimes you just assume that everything is fine though itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not.

Forget about all your worries because with GPS tracking, all will turn into proper places, everything will easily be tracked. The GPS tracking system has helped reduce cost in both personal and professional life of a person and the benefits have been huge.

GPS tracking isn't for every business, but if your company employees drive company vehicles, it is best suited for you. With active GPS tracking technology, you can monitor a driver's speed and location in real time. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs how convenient it is. A unit in a car or truck records the vehicle's speed and location, sending the information back to your office instantaneously. Or consider the cheaper passive GPS tracking technology, which records a driver's speed and location on an onboard unit, which can be accessed later when the driver returns to the office.

The GPS tracking system is designed so that you can track your trucks, containers, trailers, and other vehicles easily. By the use of fleet management you will know when your assets stop, sit idling and the road they are on. With the latest GPS Tracking systems, you can monitor the activities of all your vehicles.

A GPS Tracking System works this way:

You may have heard of GPS technology as a navigational tool. 24 satellites constantly emit signals to be received by handheld computers, such as the GPS Magellan units. A microchip then processes the signals to determine the user's location. Many then display this information on a map, so you can see exactly where you are and how to get to your destination.

GPS vehicle tracking works in a similar fashion, with a couple extra steps. As in GPS navigation, a GPS tracking unit, stored in a vehicle, uses satellite signals to calculate the vehicle's location. It then calculates the vehicle's speed and stores or transmits this information to be accessed by a third party.

As of now, there are already some technical support teams that function, focusing on user-centered design and usability applications. To improve its range and provide for different markets, many GPS services have many add-ons to enhance the performance.

Since the foundation of any company is to stick on their philosophy that in order to maintain long term business relationships, it must be based on reliable service, high quality and strong industrial design and information technology support to adapt to the rapid changes in the markets and the business world.

These companies have dedicated themselves in the use and development of GPS products and applications, including Bluetooth GPS Receiver with SiRF Star 3 chipset, GPS Car Tracking System (Integrated GPS with mobile communication technology), Personal GPS Burglar - proof Tracker, GPS Data Logger, GPS Post-tracking System (off-line tracking). Many companies have invested so much to manufacture products designed to flexibly and rapidly customize their GPS to meet market demands.

These GPS vehicle tracking products are designed and built to provide precise information so that the services of the company who uses them can monitor their fleet as well as enhance the quality of their services.

S. Stammberger is the owner of GPS Navigation Systems. For more information on GPS and GPS Tracking Systems visit http://www.gps-navigation-systems.net.

What Are GPS Systems and What Are They Good For?

2008-05-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

GPS systems all started out in the army in the year 1970. In the army, many soldiers needed navigation systems to know their directions around other countries. Without this device it would be really hard for them to find their way around. This device has saved much of the soldiers time in war and has also saved them many lives. GPS systems are very powerful devices and are a great navigation system to use to get around. So what exactly are GPS systems?

GPS which stands for global positioning system, according to dictionary.com is: A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

GPS systems have gone for beyond just serving the army. They now serve just about everyone. These navigation systems help drivers find there way through city streets and help hikers find their way through the rough terrains of the mountains. They also help pilots find their way around the skies as well as helping mariners find their way around the great sea. The GPS systems technology can help serve anyone in need of it.

GPS systems are especially a great thing to have for men, and Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm sure all women would agree. As everyone knows men donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt ask for directions. If a man is just to cool to ask for directions he could simply use his navigation system and would never get lost and of course would never have to ask for directions again. This saves the time of the wife who always would have to end up asking for directions. If you really think about it, using the GPS to get directions is a form of asking for directions, but shhhh donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt tell any man this.

When you decide to buy a GPS system for yourself, I would recommend any Garmin GPS. Garminรขโ�ฌโ�ขs are the number one brand name for GPSรขโ�ฌโ�ขs and Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve heard nothing but good things from people who have bought them. By all means do your research on all different types of GPS systems but at the end youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll realize that no other navigation system can beat the Garmin brand.

Shakib Nassiri, CEO of SplayTech รขโ�ฌโ�� For the lowest priced GPS systems or any other consumer electronics product please visit http://www.splaytech.com

Cell Phones Offer Navigation - Who Knew One?

2008-05-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Not only do I have a cell phone, but I can now use this phone to find my destination point, services, and restaurants. I, and many others, have needed a restroom when they are out and about. Unfortunately you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt possibly always know where to find a clean, decent restroom that youรขโ�ฌโ�ขd want to use.

Now Verizon has a new application called Vindigo City Guide. You can open the application, enter your city or zip code and you get a list of nearby public restrooms. Not only do you get this list, but you get directions to all of them and descriptions of the facilities.

Of course, you must pay for this privilege. The cost is $2.99 a month plus taxes and fees. Also, you must be in a major metropolitan area for the list to work. Philadelphia and New York are contained in the data base but, Atlantic City is not included. The guide really only works in the city. Rural areas are not listed at all.

The restaurant guide provides cuisine and reviews, as well as, directions. The service directory lists mechanics and hair stylists.

While mapquest is quite useful when you are at a computer, I find this and the GPS technology to be the best รขโ�ฌห�new technologyรขโ�ฌโ�ข around. I can always use driving directions. I hate getting lost. Since I am and many others carry a cell phone regularly, we can just ask our phone and get the answer.

Nan is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional with an information and research site online RealEstateLady and a Business Writer with a blog BusinessTips

Self Healing Minefields - Grid, GPS, Satellite Strategies

2008-05-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

I propose a "Manta Ray" Style self-burying landmine grid system, which uses swarm and haptic robotic re-organization theory to fill in the holes left from enemy intrusion. A "Manta Ray" mimicking robot, which vibrates can quickly bury itself.

The virtual grid in which the land mines occupy will allow for patterns, which are algorithm controlled by encrypted satellite command relay. The shape of the land mines will be a small lobster like body with large circular or octagonal mesh wired component. The body will dig a hole for itself and then the mesh grid will lower itself to the surface and then jiggle until it is covered. (have drawings). Since we know the latest exact locations of the minefield a blue force army, downed pilot or special force teams could transverse the minefield using a PDA-GPS device carefully dodging all the land mines. Any attempt to follow them would be sure death for those who pursue. Think the story of the "Parting of the Red Sea!" I further propose the Blue Force software guidance system around the self-healing minefield grid be called PRS.

The land mines will deactivate by satellite, before re-configuring and then once properly buried in place be reactivated. After the war they can be deactivated or discharged, to prevent the countless thousands killed and maimed each year from land mines of wars gone bye.

Lance Winslow

GPS Navigation - A Necessity For All Drivers

2008-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

For any driver travelling some distance, GPS navigation systems are essential and can save both time and money. Many people will think "I donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need one of them, I never get lost", nevertheless at the price that you or I could pick one of these up for these days, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs common sense to purchase one for even the occasional drive to a new location.

The GPS systems that are available today offer a lot more than just the map info that many people assume. Since GPS systems have arrived, the technological advancements have added such benefits as locating hotels and restaurants, and notifying the driver of speed cameras nearby. Furthermore, they constantly update with a detailed map of the area, with details of nearby facilities like hospitals; which is a feature that can be highly advantageous in an emergency situation.

The majority of vehicle manufacturers are capable of providing the car buyer with a built-in GPS system. These systems are able to advise the necessary authority of the vehicle location in scenarios where the vehiclesรขโ�ฌโ�ข airbag is deployed, and also when the car has been reported by the owner as stolen.

The detail that many GPS systems can provide in terms of road maps and directions is incredible. Even when abroad, the relevant software is available for you to be able to use your GPS there. The software is regularly available via the internet for the GPS user to download instantly, and to benefit from in almost, if not all countries.

So letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs take a look at some of the most useful and "must-have" options with a GPS device:
- A good viewing screen is vital as it obviously displays all of the data that you will need to see. Make sure it will be clearly visible and easy to understand whilst driving, and all information is displayed in a simple easy-to-follow manner.
- Consider selecting a GPS product that is easy to use, so that you do not need to fiddle around with the setup whilst in the car, but instead can set up what you need in a few seconds.
- Purchase a device that has good mapping software, which will display detailed streets and information on facilities. Ensure that it can also be updated online so all information can remain current.
- A voice enabled system is highly important, as it allows the driver to find their destination without taking their eyes off the road to constantly check their position on the GPS.

For those that do not have a GPS device, you may still decline the need for such a product; however for those that own one, iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm certain that they will never again be without one. They are practical to keep in your vehicle and provide good-quality information when required. They can save you time when travelling to a location and vehicle costs such as petrol whilst doing so. Take a look around at the GPS devices available to find out more detailed information, and to browse the deals that can be found. With the range of equipment available, finding one to meet your requirements should be relatively effortless.

Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk where you can find satellite navigation equipment and also sell any used cars in the UK.

Do You Know Where Your Teen Is? You Do With Spy Matrix GPS

2008-04-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Spy Matrix GPS is the ultimate in car tracking technology. It is easy to use, easy to hide, and easy to follow. It is the perfect way for you to know where your car is now, and where you car was. Plus, this is a portable device, allowing you to transfer it to different cars at need. You can have peace of mind knowing where your car is it all times. And when you have teenagers, you can know where they have your car, thanks to the Spy Matrix GPS.

The Spy Matrix GPS car tracking system makes use of the global positioning technology that the U.S. military has used since the 1980s. It is the same technology used by bounty hunters, private investigators, police, and government intelligence agencies. It has moved into the next generation, a small device that is portable and can even fit in a backpack or a purse.

When you use Spy Matrix GPS to keep track of roaming teenagers, you can know that the car is where it should be. If your teen gets in a wreck or runs out of gas, he or she can call you, and if they do not know where they are, you, at least, have good directions. This remarkable GPS device can even keep track of approximate speeds, so you can be alerted to unsafe driving practices.

In addition to the great features listed above, the Spy Matrix GPS also features real time tracking. You can sit down and watch the car as it is moving down the road. Plus, you can also access a history of where the car has been. Your teen may be at the study group now, but did she or he go there via a circuitous route that brought him or her there by way of a rave or a club?

Your teen does not even have to know that you have the Spy Matrix GPS in the car. It is so small that it is easy to conceal. It can even be slipped into a backpack or purse. You can have peace of mind and your teenager can have a social life when you make use of the Spy Matrix GPS.

About The Author
Kingston Amadan To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

The Fantastic Futuristic Features of the GPS System

2008-04-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Man has always speculated about what lies beyond his immediate circle of knowledge. Many a journey has been taken and many a new land has been discovered all because of manรขโ�ฌโ�ขs curiosity. The uncertainties faced and risks taken in the name of adventures and travel has claimed many lives. Navigation and maps are vital to these activities.

Luckily for us, we live in an age of new and innovative ways for technology to help us and one of them is the GPS system.

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and the associated ground stations. There can be more than 24 operational satellites; new ones are launched periodically to replace older satellites.

Each satellite orbits continually about the same ground track (as the earth turns beneath them) once per day, at an altitude calculated to ensure the satellite repeats the same track over all points approximately each 24 hours (actually 4 minutes earlier each day).

There are six orbital planes, equally spaced (60 degrees apart), and inclined at about fifty-five degrees with respect to the equatorial plan. The GPS system uses "man-made stars" as reference points to parse accurate positions to within meters.

The GPS system in itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs entirety is comprised of a network of satellites, signals, support personnel, ground based hardware and software, which make possible the establishment of oneรขโ�ฌโ�ขs precise location on the Earthรขโ�ฌโ�ขs surface. The Global Positioning System is funded by and overseen by the U. S. Department of Defense (DOD). While there are many thousands of civil users of GPS world-wide, the system was designed for and is operated by the U. S. military.

The accuracy of location measurements using the global positioning system depends on the GPS receiver. High-end, survey-grade GPS receivers can determine locations precise to within centimeters. But even low-end, handheld consumer receivers, can be accurate to within fifteen meters. GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming economical and readily available.

The first commercial global positioning system units were precise for only about 100 meters because the military scrambled the signal--a program called Selective Availability. In the year 2000, the U.S. government removed Selective Availability, improving the accuracy of even basic handheld units to within fifteen meters. Today, with additional information from ground based correction services such as WAAS WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) or U.S. Coast Guard differential GPS beacons, accuracy can be improved even further.

Lyne Doxley is a contributor to Fountia.com, where you can read tips about how to install a wireless PCI card, Bluetooth wireless and other wireless topics.

Is your Vehicle a Target for Theft?

2008-04-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

"I never though it would happen to me," is a common statement from auto theft victims.

Auto theft is on the rise in the U.S. A vehicle is stolen about every 20 seconds. An alarm system and most theft prevention tips will not stop car theft. In most cases, people are unalarmed by car alarms because many go off without a break-in. Some alarms shut off as soon as the door is closed. Even if an alarm does alert of the theft, most people are not willing to risk their life to stop the criminal in the act. Two cars have now been stolen since you started reading this.

According to the FBI 2004 Uniform Crime Report, only 63% of stolen vehicles were recovered. Auto theft will happen, and a FAST recovery is the only solution to protecting your assets. Vehicles that are not recovered immediately are usually chopped up in pieces or taken on a joy ride or wrecked at the ownerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs expense. Many times, stolen vehicles are used in the commission of other crimes. No vehicle is theft proof. So, what's the answer? The NCIB recommends a GPS tracking device.

Find out if your vehicle and the state you live in are among the top 10 for auto theft: Auto Theft TOP 10 List at www.trackyourvehicle.net.

Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. Brad Borst, Founder & President 309 S. Summit View Drive, Suite 15, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Phone: (970) 207-1023 Fax: (970) 482-3774 http://www.trackyourvehicle.net

GPS Truck Transponder Warning Sensors for Curves

2008-04-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Each year the NTSB National Transportation Safety Board logs some 7,000 over the road truck accidents relating in humans becoming dead. As a general trend those fatalities have decreased over all, year over year. Yet overturned trucks are something that continues and it is a serious issue.

Those who design infrastructure such as over passes and highway on ramps and curves pay extreme attention to detail to such hazards. A proper blinking light and pre-curve warning system will save many lives over a ten-year span. We have all seen the pictures on the sign which show a truck tipping over and say caution underneath them with a number such as "SLOW 15 MPH" and often these signs also include a flashing amber or red light to alert drivers of the serious nature of the turn ahead.

I propose that we go one step further and include a satellite warning thru a GPS and Truck Transponder System, which will be a warning, which will signal an additional warning inside the truck itself. The system could be run via satellite or from a warning system on the curve itself, which alerts all trucks, which have a transponder system of the curve ahead. We could save over 2200 lives per year this way or about the number of people lost in the entire Iraq War. Think on concepts like this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

It's 10PM: Know Where Your Children Are With GPS Tracking

2008-04-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

It's not being a parent these days. It seems like we never stop worrying about our children, from the moment they step forth into the world, to their teenage angst driven years, and beyond. Some things never change. Except science and technology. With GPS tracking devices it is now possible to keep tabs on your children without constantly worrying if everything is alright.

Is GPS The Missing Link to Effective Parenting?

No. GPS is a tool like most technologies which are designed to give you peace of mind. Things that certain global positioning systems devices can indicate include that of where a person is, and even trigger an alarm whenever that person crosses certain safety zones. More advanced models can provide more information such as the blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature of the person wearing this communications device (usually in the form of a watch, cell phone, or PDA-like device).

Some Practical Situations

Imagine going shopping, or attending a parade, or even visiting a foreign country with your children. A GPS tracking device would save you lots of headaches down the road and provide a better sense of knowing where your children are. This applies even when your child grows older and you'd like to have a somewhat of a better sense of knowing they are not in harms way by immediately knowing their location.

One important thing to reinforce is this, GPS, like a swimming paddle, is a precautionary tool, and not a replacement for your own vigilance in watching over your children. Please do not allow anyone or anything take the place of the sacred bond you hold between you and your child. You must be in control of the tools, don't let them be in control of you.

Open up a new world of possibility with GPS Tracking Services for People, GPS Live Tracking Assistance Programs, and Car Tracking Device recommendations.

Know Where Your Trucks Are With GPS Fleet Tracking Companies

2008-04-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Would you like to know where your fleet is at any time? GPS fleet tracking companies offer you a powerful system that allows you to control and manage your mobile resources wherever you are.

It is a great way for fleet owners and managers to monitor their cars, trucks or vehicles efficiently. GPS fleet tracking companies will allow you to monitor your employees and vehicles with assurance and confidence. With this system in your company's fleet vehicles, you will find the best way to conduct fleet management and track your vehicles. It really doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt matter if you have one truck or one thousand trucks, our trusty GPS fleet consultants can assist you in selecting a vehicle tracking system that will become a competitive advantage for your company. Know where they go at every moment! With the services of GPS fleet tracking companies in your cars and trucks will allow you to get the facts you need.

GPS fleet tracking companies allow you to see your fleet from a Windows based PC connected to the Internet, and it is as simple to run as leading Internet services such as AOL. This vehicle tracking unit costs hundreds less than other GPS tracking systems and it can be installed very easily in any vehicle.

There are two kinds of tracking systems: The first one is the basic GPS tracking unit is designed for small companies and it shows vehicle location, route, stops and speed. You can get an automatic record of trip mileage, time and travel records, and no monthly fees are necessary. The second one is the advanced GPS tracking system for larger companies and government agencies, with this one you can get an a detailed historical information and even real time tracking, so you can have 1 minute updates for each vehicle location within your coverage range, and once again no monthly fees are necessary. Sounds great, doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt it?

GPS fleet tracking companies include a number of modules designed to provide you with industry leading performance. We help a lot of companies which have mobile fleets reduce costs and manage mobile assets more efficiently, because now they can reduce not just rising fleet expenses, but also car and truck operation costs and time spent at unauthorized locations (and we all know that time is money), and monitor activities of your mobile personnel by using the GPS tracking.

So you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to look any further. We are the best option you have, just check us and see by yourself.

http://www.gps-system-vehicle-tracking.com/gpssystem/6/gps-fleet-tracking.html

About The Author
J Herrera is a freelance writer for GPS topics. http://www.gps-system-vehicle-tracking.com/gpssystem/6/gps-fleet-tracking.html

GPS and the Military

2008-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

For those of us in the military, the humble gps unit is far more than a luxury, in fact gps is a necessity. GPS units allow soldiers and officers to get accurate and timely data such as location, altitude and time. In many cases, these rudimentary pieces of data would be almost impossible to obtain without the help of GPS technology, and can prove invaluable in real time scenarios, albeit training or the real deal.

GPS units have become an especially valuable tool in the context of indirect fire support. The ability to coordinate artillery and fast air support has been greatly enhanced with the advent of GPS. This is primarily due to the fact that GPS allows men in the field to accurately reference their position and hence calculate their proximity to targets. Essentially, this greatly reduces the inherent dangers of being on the ground during live firing.

Another aspect of GPS technology is that is has greatly increased the potential for command and control of soldiers. Real time LocStats and the ability to de-conflict a battle space are just two of the giant leaps that have been made possible by GPS. Many of the other benefits lie in target acquisition and the adjustment of offensive fire. Furthermore, GPS is quickly reducing the need for human adjustment of artillery as the combination of laser and GPS begin to realize their potential. The interfacing of these two tools is resulting in a degree of speed and accuracy that can scarcely be matched by humans.

One major criticism of the use of GPS has been the loss of field craft within the military. Due to time constraints and ease, the skill of navigating by map and compass is slowly being lost. The theory is that GPS units are used as a secondary tool to traditional navigation techniques, although in reality handheld GPS units have become a primary means of navigation for many soldiers. Simply walking in the direction that an arrow on an LCD display is pointing is becoming more common, but perhaps this is the face of progress. Moreover, in a game of life and death who can blame people for choosing speed and accuracy over tradition.

The author is a regular contributor to http://www.thegpscentre.com and permission to reproduce this article is given only on the basis that all links remain active and intact.

GPS: Don't Get Detoured

2008-04-26T15:29:00.001-07:00

As you read reviews and guides on GPS products, here are a few tips to make sure that you will get maximum benefit from it. For one thing, only buy GPS from companies that regularly update their software and maps.

The whole point of GPS is to help navigation become an easier task, therefore if the data and maps are not updated regularly and easily, then everything becomes a moot point. In general these updates should be free when you buy the GPS unit.

It would be great if there were automatic reminders that updates are available so you don't need to manually check every now and then.

Another area of consideration before you buy a GPS product, is it's level of customizability. You do not want to get something that doesn't allow you to configure the settings and such to your likings. Usually a global positioning systems unit will not work 100 percent the way you would like for it to work for you, therefore configurations will be inevitable.

The ability to instantiate revisions on the go is helpful as you may need to make changes to your route from time to time. Having a detour mode is also a very beneficial component to the overall package.