Recently had a chance to touch the technologies of tomorrow ... This, I thought that tomorrow, because I was blissfully unaware of how these technologies become commonplace for us today. So that would be correct to say - had a chance to touch the technology of today, which left a fantastic impression of tomorrow. It was during a leisurely Sunday stroll. We walked together with a buddy - with decent earning family lord, from head to toe "packed" naisovremenneyshey portable equipment (and, frankly, a bit on it, on this technique, nuts). Our route lay through the city streets and a little more flattering - if allowed to be called a small forested Moscow park in the immediate vicinity of the benefits of civilization (no need to go anywhere, put on his shoes - and you're outdoors). The purpose of walks - hit me in the heart of the satellite navigation receiver GPS, which a friend just purchased an e-commerce. And along the way to understand - what this nonsense can be helpful (you can see, for example, using GPS to find their way from pub to our house). The program has been implemented only partially. I was genuinely impressed, but the practical use of the GPS receiver could not be found. To travel (a satellite navigation system can be useful only moves in space man), must travel ...
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| ETrex GPS Receiver |
GPS Receiver eTrex (without supplementing the title words) - the most affordable in the Russian market model manufactured by Garmin. This kid is worth something around a hundred dollars, but with a strong desire can be found cheaper (a friend gave him 115 conventional units in the course Russian rubles). Applied surprisingly easy to use, simple and reliable. Any more or less people traveling - on foot, by bike or by car - will not lose anything (except, of course, money) to purchase such things. But the fun will receive a "full pockets." Only one upset - eTrex does not work with loaded into its memory topographic maps (although it can communicate with the PC). And the supply of "card" service model, which differ in the addition of a word in the title (the "cool" - eTrex Vista), are significantly more expensive ... The owner of a handheld computer with a eTrex immediately arises the idea - it would be good instead of monochrome, the small screen is the receiver to use color and relatively large screen PDA. Detailed map of the terrain, the possibility of plotting, calculation of distance traveled and remaining, the definition of velocity, altitude above sea level - and all this together with the usual for any PDA functionality. Not the device - a dream ... Although he eTrex, without a pocket typewriter, an unusually good - and in terms of value, and their protection from external influences. Say, eTrex possible without special effects to drop into the water. PDA in such cases comes the inevitable skiff.
Sputnik, the satellite, I - Earth!
System GPS (Global Positioning System - Global Positioning System) was invented in the U.S. in the early 80-ies. During a military operation "Desert Storm" GPS has been tested in action - for the targeting of U.S. missiles. And in those same years, began the active promotion of satellite systems in civilian life. GPS first became widespread in America, then moved around the world. To date, existing navigation systems, only two - the American Navstar and our GLONASS. Although the Russian system is used by military and civilian applications is closed. The operating principle of GPS is as follows. The far-Earth orbit (about 20,000 kilometers) removed 24 space satellites covering their signals all the Earth's surface (except the poles). Terrestrial part of the complex are special powerful transmitters whose signals are detected by receivers satellite and relayed to the surface of the planet. In addition to transponders installed on satellites accurate atomic clocks.To determine the coordinates of a laptop (or placed on board an aircraft, ship, vehicle), the receiver is enough to catch radio signals from three orbiting satellites at a time (the minimum number of channels is usually more). Calculating the time delays specially coded satellite signals (the time of the radiation signal is compared with the internal reference clock receiver), GPS receiver can determine its own geographic coordinates to an accuracy of 10-100 meters. The military receiver positioning accuracy is significantly higher, but these technologies are closed to public use. The Doppler frequency shift of the carrier wave receiver is able to determine the direction and speed of their movement (in a pocket or hand of the owner).
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| Watches Casio ProTrek GPS |
GPS receivers are manufactured by some 150 companies worldwide. The most popular (at least, we have) - Equipment American company Garmin. In addition to widespread eTrex, in Russian shops can be found quite unusual device - like a GPS receiver built in the electronic wrist watch (model Casio ProTrek GPS). For the owner of a Pocket PC or laptop particular interest in the form of GPS receivers connected to the USB port or insert a CompactFlash slot modules. True, the receiver connected to a laptop, can only be used as a stationary device, installed in the wheelhouse of the boat or in the spacious cab of the truck. A card CF, connected to a PDA, you can use exactly the same as the portable receiver GPS - on the go, in a way, in the same car cabin, the ship cabin and, in general, wherever and however you want.
GPS for Pocket PC
Skimmed briefly on the technology of satellite navigation, we call attention to the practical side of things. Modules GPS, if you believe the prospectuses of companies that produce handheld computers and peripherals for them are available for all common platforms. In this screen Palm `and that the color that is monochrome, from full-screen handheld GPS receiver does not differ greatly. And the area of the screen is small and the graphics so-so. (Incidentally, I'm an expert on this part, frankly, a little - perhaps screen Palm `namely, what is needed, and is a picture of heavenly beauty, are reminiscent of Ilya Glazunov's" Peter smacks his son, Zurab Tsereteli). But the class computers Pocket PC for use as a satellite receiver is almost perfect. The cards have a high degree of detail, and color presentation of information makes the orienteering terrain in this colorful show ... Wonderful (though inexcusable expensive) machines - these Pocket PC ... A proposal has a little bit. In the price of computer companies you can hardly find an abundance of models connected receivers. Yet this technique to the amateur and the majority owners of the CCP, it unnecessarily. The cost of that is, ranges from 150 to 300 dollars. You can find and more expensive - if you really try. True, this money will have to add the cost topographic decent program, without which the GPS is empty fun. Well, like LaserMap or her of such. Typically, topographic software can work with modules GPS - if it's high-quality, full-featured program. Among the different models of plug-in GPS, I drew attention to the product Taiwanese ACK Tech - mainly due to the fact that the receiver is quite new and very good looks.
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| CF / GPS Reciver |
Constructive module CF / GPS Reciver (such trade name) is designed as a CompactFlash card with a thickening at the top (where it is installed, all e-filling). Planar antenna is mounted on a hinge - stowed receiver takes the same space as the adapter "PC card - CF", that is quite a bit.Features priborchiki - Full compatibility with Pocket PC and Palm TRG-PRO. Simultaneous reception of signals from 12 satellites (12 channels). Maximum update rate (it is adjustable) up to 10 times per second. Dimensions, as I said, small, all the rest - the wisdom of specific techno ... Power consumed by the receiver, half a watt. The scale of the CCP, we should recognize just awesome. Not having sufficient experience in using GPS (on the part of wandering I am not Maclay), can hold only a rough parallel with the portable eTrex ... When I gave him second-hand and, accordingly, ponazhimat button, I noticed that the update rate is directly affecting the lives of batteries (in the eTrex - a pair of standard AA dry cells). What will happen to the battery handheld GPS unit when working at the maximum refresh rate, it is easy to predict - will die in minutes. However, no one is forcing to keep the GPS receiver turned on permanently. And the maximum value of the upgrade is not always necessary. In the car, when feeding a small computer from the cigarette lighter socket - no problem, in the harsh field conditions - only if necessary. Rotating antenna seems certain goods, especially in areas of poor reception of satellite signals - under trees, among the city buildings. Oriented the antenna can always find the best position, although the simpler elementary povertet themselves "pickpocket" - small is gizmos. Something like this and come with eTrex, when the satellite signal "go" ... I do not know - good or bad - but the factory specifications on the modulus values are set ACK receiver start: 8 seconds at the "hot" start, up to 48 seconds - when the "cold". This is the time during which the receiver finds the satellite signals and is included in operating mode. In my opinion, a portable receiver (I can not get rid of the baby eTrex - very much like) to run much faster. Sorry, no it under his hands to check. With regard to practical application, at first glance a product of ACK must be no worse than others. Made it soundly, durable, compatible with all than normal and nothing special is no different. Normal module GPS ('d say it's someone I ten years ago) ...
Who will actually be
That is the question ... I would even say - the question of questions. For all the appeal of the plug-in GPS is far from ideal client a Global Positioning System. On the first limitation we have already said - a small amount of energy batteries PDA. With the module connected to the owner will inevitably have to seek external power supply, most likely from an onboard vehicle network.
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The second limitation is typical for all PDAs. Inserting a free CF slot module GPS, we are deprived of access to that slot. That is, memory modules, wireless adapter Bluetooth, camera and everything else will have to leave in your pocket. And many handheld machines with memory napryazhenka - where to store the topographic map, if memory barely enough for basic job application? Next come the limitations GPS itself. In America and in Europe satellite navigation receiver will be a real helper, since it maps to the public (which exist in paper and electronic form) applied every forest tree stump, and every city street. As for us in Russia more or less distributed maps of Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are maps of suburbs and not just the Russian hinterland. That is to get pleasure from observing his movements directly on the color map, displayed a handheld computer, it will not always. Finally, the use of GPS receivers on the Russian territory subject to certain legal nuances. The device must be registered in Gossvyaznadzor and get the proper permission to use it. Why this fuss - is clear. The state is afraid of spies, although the spies are unlikely to buy GPS equipment in Russian stores.From this situation - the watchful guard arrested carefree tourist, beat him, "demokratizatorom" on the head, and selects the receiver. It is in the best case. At its worst - an article for espionage. Incidentally, many owners of GPS receivers that prospect does not frighten. I would, for example, even the thought of voluntarily go to Gossvyaznadzor to spend a day in the dusty corridors, there would be (well, that I still have not bought a GPS) ... This disadvantages. And the pros? They are much larger. With the GPS unit or a portable receiver you will not get lost in the stone jungle of Moscow, St. Petersburg and even thousands of thousands of foreign cities, towns, villages and hamlets. In the presence of Pocket PC you can safely consider its position with respect to streets and houses, reading the screen name of the first and numbers second. Zaplutat with such a powerful hint will only a complete idiot. In fungal and fishing wanderings GPS receiver easier terrain orientation, and routing. Even without a map you'll never lose orientation (only in dense fog, which turns out to be confusing and GPS, screening of satellite signals). In addition to the above, you will always be something to do on the walk - Have you eTrex, ACK or similar chepuhovinu. It's so funny - to calculate their geographic coordinates of the three broken civilization pines ...
A few words is not the topic
I do not know how someone while I was not tempted by the GPS receiver. But found in the prospectus of the company ACT Tech Corp. such a thing - in FM tuner for the slot CompactFlash Type I. Card on her two tiddly buttons - channel scanning and the power switch. For audio output using a sound system handheld computer. Operating Range - 78-108 MHz. Toy? Toy. But what is attractive. Since then I have about the fun begin dreaming. Why on this? It is hard to say ... Say, planned to strike at the heart of my friend's computer-based. Or just - it wanted. The authors, translation: