|
Written by Chris Tangora
|
|
Tuesday, 17 April 2007 |
|
Page 2 of 2
The device came with a freeware app GPSUtility. This allows you to see the raw data being read by the device, see which satelites are being used and the strength of their signals, and it comes with the demo version of GPSNavX for nautical charting. This freeware app was nice to be able to see how strong of a signal I was actually getting, and be able to reposition the device so I could get the strongest signal.
In using the device I found one annoyance and one issue. First the annoyance, the requirement of a bluetooth connection to work. It would be nice if the device would be able to be used via bluetooth or USB, the mini-USB connection is there and it just seems a waste to not use it for data as well. However, with a USB/bluetooth adapter costing as low as $10, if you don't have bluetooth capabilities it is easy to get it.
The issue I had with the device was the altitude readings. Overall the device appears to function correctly the majority of the time when it comes to the longitude and latitude readings. One of the 24-hour "endurance" challenges had some very odd readings, but it only happened twice with each time the device correcting itself within a minute. Still, one time the GPS position was moved about 3 miles from the actual location. As a point of reference, the near bridge in figure C is 1/2 mile to cross, and the next bridge down is appoxiimately 4 miles from the first bridge.
The largest continual variance in the readings came in the altitude. I live approximately 4 meters above sea-level, throw in another 1 or 2 meters for placement inside the house and I was expecting to see about 5 to 7 meters altitude. I was getting readings steadily from 7 to 20 meters from inside the house, and was actually getting negative readings on a regular basis. Not all GPS software uses the altitude readings, and for the most part it stayed close to the expected readings. However, the altitude readings did seem to veer off more frequently than the latitude and longitude. As shown in the image above, the altitude readings also showed a large difference, but again for a short time, then either a stronger satellite took control or the device corrected itself.
Overall this is an efficient and simple GPS device. The added functionality can be taken advantage of in numerous applications (I used gps2geX for plotting & the bundled GPSUtiltity app to verify the best location). The only area where it hurts is the lack of data transmission via the USB port. I would still use this device for any GPS functionality I would want. It makes sense to use a laptop or carputer as the GPS software, and the BT-359 as the GPS hardware since you would not be limited to a single computer or application.
 |
The Good: Compact. Rechargable. Auto shut-off. Wireless. 99.8% accurate. Simple installation.
The Bad: FUSB port not used for data. Only stays still on flat surface.
The Skinny: It is far better to get one of these and use your own computer than to get the all-in one package, as it offers you more choices with software and configurations. There are countless opportunities to use this now, and the market is only growing. Grab one now and see how much fun it is and how useful it can be on your next road trip.
|
|
