Posts Tagged ‘gps systems’

The Cold War & GPS

Friday, March 5th, 2010

The year was 1957, and the free world was in a panic. The Soviet Space Program successfully sent Sputnik into orbit and the end of civilization, as we knew it was at hand. How could the dirty Reds have invaded space with such relative ease? In less than a year, President Eisenhower, working in tandem with Congress, quickly established NASA and DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to formulate a response to the looming threat.

Under the cautious direction of Wernher von Braun, NASA immediately began to explore the possibility of sending human beings into space. Within the first year of their inception, NASA had launched the Explorer 1 satellite into space. Dubbed Project Mercury, this program involved seven original astronauts, of whom, Alan Shepard became the first American into space, while John Glenn would become the first American to orbit the earth.

Tracking these projects were revolutionary GPS tracking devices that could track their location, altitude, and rates of speed. So coveted was this GPS technology that it remained classified until 1983, when a Soviet interceptor aircraft shot down a civilian Korean Air airliner, killing everyone on board. The plane had strayed into Soviet airspace and although the Soviets had probable cause, had the airliner had accurate navigational systems, the tragedy could have been avoided. President Ronald Reagan subsequently declassified GPS tracking systems for civilian use.

Initially developed by the Navy, the first successful GPS tracking system was dubbed Transit, and used five satellites to triangulate positions around the globe. With the Space Race underway, NASA began implementing a new tracking system, called the Global Positioning System (GPS). The system involved the use of satellites to track the position and location of both spacecraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Not only have GPS systems become the preeminent navigational systems for cars, but the scientific community has also used them to track wild and domestic animals and migration patterns. Law enforcement uses GPS tracking to find stolen cars and keep tabs on criminals on bail or probation. Now, not only can someone find where they are on a city grid, but also he or she can find nearby businesses and restaurants.

Your prized GPS tracking device is closer at hand than you thought. In fact, it’s ringing now.

First Time Buying A Gps Navigation Unit That Suits Your Needs

Friday, January 29th, 2010

If you have been thinking about getting yourself a GPS navigation system but not quite sure which one might be good for you. There are probably more out there than you would have first thought so it could make the decision making a little difficult. So to make life a little easier on your decision making below you will find five different systems that are considered the best.

The Tom Tom Go 740 Live is an information packed GPS navigation device that gives you complete traffic reports, what is going on with the weather, it also includes local fuel prices as well. The system is powered by Google search and map and this model has the ability to update information much faster than in the past.

This particular model of GPS navigation device is all real time and even has a feature where you can share your information with all your family and friends via their own instant messaging system. You can also get into the system and actually correct things that may be incorrect due to name changes, location changes, etc.

The draw backs to this system is the fact that the response time to getting directions seems a little sluggish and the battery life is just little over two hours before it has to be recharged.

Garmin Nuvi 1690 is a GPS navigation system that actually offers free (ad supported) service from their NuLink data service which is a combination of ATandT and MSN Direct. For the first two years the service is ad supported and after that if you want to remove the ads you will be charged five dollars a month for their ad free service.

This unit is jam packed with features such as finding gas prices, getting incident reports, weather reports, Google search, White Pages search, flight information, even movie times and information. The system is also equipped with Bluetooth hands free dialing.

The main draw back for this unit is that they use to have a memory card reader for regular SD cards but they have switched to microSD cards which very few people have at this time.

Tom Tom has another GPS navigation device called the Tom Tom XL340 S. This one is a little less expensive than their other model. Do not let the lower price fool you, it is still full of helpful features. It is a little bit larger than other models but if you like to be able to have better visual, then this model with its larger screen would probably be a good fit for you. Another nice feature is its voice to text feature, giving you complete hands free operation.

The great thing about he voice to text is that the responding voice can be English, Spanish or French and better yet if you want, you can download celebrity voices to add more fun to the experience.

The GPS navigation system called the Magellan Roadmate 1470. This system has a nice little feature that picks up on the most commonly visited places by most people and allows those to be easily accessed by just a touch of the finger. This system does not lack in features having pretty much all the same features of most similar systems. One thing that you will notice about this particular system is its exceptional speed.

The only thing that seems to be a problem with this GPS navigation system is the way it is mounted in the car causing the cable to get in the way.

Ever noticed all of the portable gps deals that are in the world? Gps systems are definitely a big hit in the world today. With the best GPS system, you will never get lost again.

Protect Your Children With Amber Alert GPS

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

One of a parent’s greatest fears, maybe their greatest fear, is losing their child. How would you like a way to help calm that fear? Amber Alert GPS can do just that. Imagine having a product that uses the latest in GPS and cellular technology. The company is run by parents for parents and revolves around the President’s initiative to protect children and give parents peace of mind.

The Amber Alert GPS is a leader in the US child location technology industry. Amber Alert Gps is rated a 4 out of 5 as the Editor’s Choice by gsmagazine.com in their new “The Ultimate GPS Child Tracking Buyers’s Guide. It has recently been reviewed in MSNBC.com’s article “A Good Find: GPS to locate the kids”.

The Amber Alert GPS 2G is the world’s smallest, most powerful GPS tracking device. Tracking your child is as easy as placing a call or sending a text. Simply place the device in a pocket, purse, backpack or car. You can also attach it to a wrist, ankle, or belt. Call or text the AAGPS device, and within seconds youll receive a detailed map and address of their exact location right on your web-enabled phone. You can also track one or more devices from your computer.

If you define a Safe Zone area in your neighborhood, you will receive an alert when your GPS is carried outside that location. The safe zone can easily be changed or cancelled in seconds from your cell phone or from our website.

You receive an SOS Button. If your child needs help, he presses the GPS SOS button and you will immediately receive an alert with his location. If your child is in a threatening or dangerous situation, or has a medical emergency, he can press and hold the SOS button.

A Speed Alert will notify you when your GPS surpasses a specific speed. You know immediately when your child is in a car. This is great for speeding teenagers!

There are many other ways to use the Amber Alert GPS. Vehicle tracking, pet tracking, special needs children and seniors, luggage tracking, and more. There are no limits to the uses of this amazing and efficient new technology.

Keep your children safe! Click Here today to learn about the New GPS Child Location Device No other competitor has anything close to the simplicity and sophistication of its technology. You will be glad you did!

Some Things You Should Know about GPS

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Over twenty years ago, the United States developed a system of satellites circling the globe in order to help its military navigate the globe with accuracy. With multiple satellites in geo-synchronous orbit, units on land and sea can quickly get an accurate location and also a glimpse at the surrounding terrain.

The satellites send a signal to the GPS receivers on the surface of the Earth and then from there, the location is pinpointed. The system was then commercialized in the 1990s and it has literally taken off.

The GPS units have been in commercial use since the early 1990’s and since then they have exploded to many different areas of our lives. One area that they have literally taken over is in the automobile industry. Car GPS systems are some of the most visible of all of the GPS units out there. These gps units help you get from point A to point B when you put in the destination address or place of interest name ( such as Fed Ex Field). Once this is entered, the route is calculated using your specifications ( such s no local roads, etc..) and then it is displayed on the screen for you to follow. If you need to take a detour, the GPS unit will quickly recalculate the route and display the new directions. And the kicker for some of these systems is that some have voice guidance to help you as well.

Manufacturers have taken the last two decades to produce ever smaller GPS devices so their use can become more widespread. Technology has improved so much that the GPS receivers can be inserted into articles of clothing as well as other common conumer items such as cellphones, watches and shoes.

Some companies also offer GPS tracking services. These services are designed with parents in mind. Parents can now keep track of where their chidren are simply by going to the website of the tracking service company. The service monitors the receiver that is on the child and reports back their location.

Cheap GPS units mean only one thing - the adoption of their use by a large swath of the population. These inexpensive units mean that pretty much every car on the road has them on the dashboard so that the driver doesn’t get lost or waste money on gasoline spent going the wrong way.

You can purchase a GPS unit in one of two ways. You can buy a unit for your dashboard and remove it each time you leave the vehicle alone. Or you can get the GPS unit installed into your dashboard as an option when you purchase the vehicle. Either way, you should search online for the right GPS unit for you.

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Is GPS on mobile phones as Good as the Stand Alone GPS Devices?

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

It is amazing to think that technology that was unfathomable a generation ago is now available to us in so different ways. Take GPS for example. A simple hand held unit can locate a user within give or take three feet of their exact location. Pretty amazing, huh? Even more amazing is that this state of the art, space age technology is available on a Sim free mobile phone and even on those cute pink mobile phones you saw at the mall yesterday.

While there are still some mobile phones that are too old to acknowledge a SIM, most of them are equipped with it as long as you have access to a 3G network. This of course leaves us with one major question. Is it as good as a stand alone GPS unit? The most common name people hear about is Garmin, or those other ones built into cars. Unfortunately they aren’t as good yet. In our society today we see just about everything on a cell phone from cameras and MP3 players to Internet and ring tones.

If you want to take another angle and actually compare the phones to stand alone products, there is one major downfall to GPS tracking on a cell phone. Any time we drive and need help finding a location, we have to focus on the small mobile phone screen. This can create havoc on the road and even cause accidents. In fact, stand alone products use this to promote safety with their own creations.

The point is if you’re using a GPS for your car, the stand alone is better. However, anywhere else you’ll want to be using a mobile phone. Unless of course you’re going to strap that puppy on like a backpack and lug it around everywhere.

Right now, both the cell phone and the GPS markets are growing. The problem for the GPS manufacturers is that if customers had to choose only one, they would certainly choose the cell phone and more and more phones are being offered with GPS capabilities for no charge. That means that consumers will only buy a GPS unit if the one on their Sim free mobile phone is not good enough. And for many people it will be just fine.

Even market analysts agree that GPS units will grow for 3-5 more years thanks to lowered prices. However, once this period is over the stand alones will all but disappear as people upgrade their smart phones. Once cell phones are able to compete with GPS systems on a quality standpoint (especially voice options), people will cease to buy the stand alone versions. Even all the negativities that surround a mobile phones screen size will be combated with multi-functionality and portability.

The hand held GPS will inevitably go the way of the PDA, which was replaced by the cell phone as soon as smart phones, like the Blackberry, started coming equipped with decent keyboards and useful software.

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Technology In The Palm Of Your Hand ” GPS Handheld Receiver

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Thanks to the relentless progress of today’s technology, our standard of living has improved dramatically over the years. A perfect example of this is the introduction of GPS handheld receivers. In days gone by, the average person simply couldn’t entertain the idea of exploring foreign lands for fear of getting lost. However, armed with a GPS handheld receiver, we can now safely explore any place we wish without ever having to worry about losing our way. Interestingly enough, the very first satellite navigation systems were already developed in the 1960s although at that point they were used solely by the military.

Looking similar to some wristwatches, handheld GPS receivers are small devices which are loaded with Global Positioning System technology. Their phenomenal popularity is hardly surprising, considering they can be used for such a wide variety of activities such as, hiking, climbing, trekking, safaris, fishing, hunting, and etc. As could be expected, handheld receivers are now also manufactured for specific purposes, such as the popular hunting GPS Handheld Receiver which is available in a camouflage finish and features a built in compass. Not only are these receivers extremely lightweight, but the also include a bunch of features such as graphics for all locations, up 2000 weight point storage and a ten to fifty retraceable path feature.

Of course, while the basic GPS receivers can be bought for around $100, these only have a very limited number of features. On the other hand, there are numerous models which include a variety of features such as:

Personalized icons Map Database MP3 Built in Anti-Theft WAAS technology Voice activated GPS Non-reflection screen

So why would you need a handheld GPS receiver at all? Here are some of the reasons why it is a good idea and why people are using it:

1) Proving those around you can speak your language; you can always ask for help should you get lost. Alternatively, you could phone for help but if you have a GPS receiver, you eliminate this problem altogether.

2. If you are late for somewhere and you want to reach on time, you need to find the shortest and quickest route available. The handheld GPS receiver can help you to find the best and shortest route possible.

3. Lets assume that you have shifted to a new place and have an emergency where you need to go to a doctor. How do you do that? Where do you find a doctor? With the handheld GPS receiver, you can locate a doctor or even a gas pump if you need. You dont have to ask anyone.

4) The days of getting lost and not being able to find you way are a thing of the past, thanks to the small size of receivers and the fact that you can take them anywhere.

5. When you are traveling with your kids and family then you need to know the emergency services and the way to get to them. Carrying and scurrying for a car or map in your purse is time consuming. With this device all you need to do is to strap it to your wrist and find out the required information!

Yes a GPS Handheld Receiver is a desirable device, but over and above that, it’s a safety device which one should always have on hand.

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GPS Handheld receiver ” The World at Your Fingertips

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Thanks to the relentless progress of today’s technology, our standard of living has improved dramatically over the years. A perfect example of this is the introduction of GPS handheld receivers. In days gone by, the average person simply couldn’t entertain the idea of exploring foreign lands for fear of getting lost. However, armed with a GPS handheld receiver, we can now safely explore any place we wish without ever having to worry about losing our way. Interestingly enough, the very first satellite navigation systems were already developed in the 1960s although at that point they were used solely by the military.

Looking similar to some wristwatches, handheld GPS receivers are small devices which are loaded with Global Positioning System technology. Their phenomenal popularity is hardly surprising, considering they can be used for such a wide variety of activities such as, hiking, climbing, trekking, safaris, fishing, hunting, and etc. As could be expected, handheld receivers are now also manufactured for specific purposes, such as the popular hunting GPS Handheld Receiver which is available in a camouflage finish and features a built in compass. Not only are these receivers extremely lightweight, but the also include a bunch of features such as graphics for all locations, up 2000 weight point storage and a ten to fifty retraceable path feature.

Of course, while the basic GPS receivers can be bought for around $100, these only have a very limited number of features. On the other hand, there are numerous models which include a variety of features such as:

Map database; Voice activated GPS; WAAS technology, Reflection-less screen; Theft prevention functions; an option for personalized screen icons; MP3 capability.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting a GPS handheld receiver, some of which are:

1) If you’ve ever been lost before, you’ll know you normally have two options. You can either ask for directions, or you can phone for help. With a GPS receiver however, you can immediately determine where you are and you can also get directions to where you want to go.

2) The need for punctuality rates extremely high for some people and in this case, a GPS receiver can help you to determine the best and shortest possible route.

3. Lets assume that you have shifted to a new place and have an emergency where you need to go to a doctor. How do you do that? Where do you find a doctor? With the handheld GPS receiver, you can locate a doctor or even a gas pump if you need. You dont have to ask anyone.

4) Because of their small size they can be taken everywhere with you so never again will you be unable to determine your way.

5) When traveling with your family, it’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the location of emergency services, and if such an emergency happens, finding a map and trying to make sense of it all takes time which could essentially mean the difference between life and death.

The bottom line is; a GPS Handheld Receiver is not only convenient, but it’s also an amazing safety device.

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Amber Alert GPS to Prevent Losing Your Child

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Do you know that one of the greatest fear for a parent is losing their child? Would you like a way to help calm that fear? Amber Alert GPS can do just that. Imagine having a product that uses the latest in GPS and cellular technology. The company is run by parents for parents and revolves around the President’s initiative to protect children and give parents peace of mind.

gsmagazine.com rated the Amber Alert GPS a 4 out of 5 as the Editor’s Choice in their new “The Ultimate GPS Child Tracking Buyers’s Guide. It has recently been reviewed in MSNBC.com’s article “A Good Find: GPS to locate the kids”. Amber Alert Gps is the leader in the US child location technology industry.

The Amber Alert GPS 2G is the world’s smallest and most powerful GPS tracking device. Tracking your child is easy. As easy as placing a call or sending a text. Simply place this device in a pocket, purse, backpack or car, or attach to a wrist, ankle, or belt. Call or text the AAGPS device, and within seconds youll receive a detailed map and address of their exact location right on your web-enabled phone. You can also track one or more devices from your computer.

You will be able to define a Safe Zone area in your neighborhood. You will receive an alert when your GPS is carried outside that location. The safe zone can easily be changed or cancelled in seconds from your cell phone or from our website.

You receive an SOS Button so if your child needs help, he can press the GPS SOS button and you will immediately receive an alert with his location. If your child is in a threatening or dangerous situation, or has a medical emergency, he can press and hold the SOS button.

You receive a Speed Alert. You will get notification when your GPS surpasses a specific speed. You know immediately when your child is in a car. This is great for speeding teenagers!

There are no limits to the uses of the Amber Alert GPS. Vehicle tracking, pet tracking, special needs children and seniors, luggage tracking, and more. An amazing and efficient new technology.

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A New GPS with Much More to Offer - Pharos Traveler GPS 525

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

As technology increasingly advances, manufacturers have to keep up. Many PDA manufacturers are integrating GPS technology into their new units. Having said this, GPS makers need to begin integrating PDA functionality, in order to keep up. Pharos has done exactly that, they have integrated many PDA technologies into the latest GPS model. The design of the GPS 525 offers sleek appearance, easy to use navigation, and PDA functionalities.

The GPS 525 ships with a?PTL525 GPS receiver, windshield bracket mount, AC adapter, 12-volt car charger, USB SD card reader, headset, 512 MB SD card, navigation CD with U.S. maps and user’s manual come with the unit.

What sets this unit, apart from the rest, is the integration of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The Bluetooth technology is the standard 802.11b with 64-128 bit WEP standard data encryption that you see on laptops and Pocket PCs. Additionally, the GPS 525 comes with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. This operating system provides users with applications like Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, and Outlook. You can now synchronize Outlook contacts with the Traveler GPS 525, just as you can with a smart phone.

The GPS 525 offers a stable performance platform with its SC32442X 300 MHz processor, 64MB ROM, 128MB SDRAM, SiRF starIII GPS receiver, and 512 MD SD memory card. Additionally, the unit comes with preloaded maps for 50 major U.S. cities.

Pharos did not stop with the preloaded maps; with the GPS’ mapping system, users now have access to thousands of points-of-interests. Consumers can now - nearly effortlessly - find their favorite restaurants and banks regardless of the region that you are located. The stylus pen that comes with the unit makes manipulation and navigation easy.

With measurements of 2.34 x 4.32 x 0.69 inches, the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 can easily slide into a pocket for easy travel. The average battery life, typically around 9 hours, gives you plenty of charge time on the new unit. Additionally, Pharos integrated VoIP technology, which allows you to use your GPS system as a phone.

Due to the nature of technologies, integrated into the GPS 525, the sticker price is a bit steep at around $600.

With a screen resolution of 240 x 320, the maps are a bit difficult to read while driving. Unfortunately, there is also no lock mechanism on the GPS 525. If the system is not stored in its case, it can easily be turned off and on unintentionally.

The Pharos Traveler GPS 525 offers consumers more than just a GPS system. Purchasing this unit gives you the luxury of a GPS system that can be used as Pocket PC and even a phone, but the sticker price resembles this advance in the GPS market.

Regardless, the unit offers are variety of capabilities that are just not yet common in GPS systems. Pharos has implemented one of the first all-in-one GPS units today.

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How To Get The Best Deal On A Garmin Nuvi

Thursday, December 4th, 2008

It looks the Garmin nuvi GPS System is going to be one of the top sellers this Christmas season. Shop early if you want to get the Garmin nuvi best price this year. The Garmin GPS has been out for a couple of years now, and because of the new innovations like the voice activation and traffic information, it remains more popular than ever.

Where’s the best place to get a good price on a Garmin nuvi?

To find the Garmin nuvi best price, your probably want to visit some of the auction sites. You can get the best prices, bid for the price you want to pay, and get fast delivery. There are many places to get “new in box” systems, and also some places where you can get “out of box” systems for much less. Some of these “out of box” GPS systems can save you a bunch of money.

The main auction site to start looking for the Garmin nuvi at the best price is Ebay. Anyone that’s ever browsed around there knows that that’s the place to find just about anything - new Garmins, bundles, accessories, and used nuvi GPS systems. There are so many sellers on Ebay that you’re always able to find the model you’re looking for at the best price, even when it’s not available in the stores.

Do you not mind getting a gently used system? Then Ebay really might be the place to shop. The way Ebay is set up ensures that you’ll get the system you’re looking for, and it will be as described. In addition, some or the used systems are pretty much just like new!

Do you want to make sure you find the model of Garmin nuvi you’re looking for? Then for sure you want to use Ebay. Some of the models are going to be sold out in stores, and other’s they’re not going to carry at all. Since there are so many sellers on Ebay, you’re always going to be able to find what you’re looking for, even if you have to pay a little extra. But don’t worry - you’ll still pay the best price possible there, since there is so much competition.

If you don’t like shopping online, you could go to your local big-box outlet and try to find a Garmin nuvi there. However, this option isn’t recommended for finding the Garmin nuvi best price. The good thing about this option is that you’ve got the unit immediately, so you can shop up until the last minute. Problem is they sell out, and a lot of these store don’t sell all the different models anyway.

Want another good place to check out? Then try Amazon.com! Most people realize that Amazon isn’t just about books any more, that you can actually get pretty much anything under the sun. At the Amazon marketplace, they sell new and used Garmin nuvi GPS systems, and they’ve got every accessory you could ever want.

These are a couple of very good sources for getting your Garmin nuvi GPS and the best price possible. But get shopping - the closer it gets to Christmas, the more you’re going to pay!

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