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Navigating Magellan GPS Accessories

Author — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:38:46 +0000

Sometimes, it seems amazing that the human race survived for so long without GPS technology. But, ancestors be praised, GPS technology is here and we can benefit. However, we might need to pray to our ancestors for guidance in how to find the right GPS gadgets for our lives. One thing you can do is stick to a respected brand name in GPS technology like Magellan. GPS accessories might seem like tricky waters, but you will be able to navigate them.

Secure Digital Expansion Memory Cards

GPS units are just like any other hand-held electronic device. They tend to need cards to be fed to them in order for them to work at their best. After you get your Magellan GPS unit, then you’ll need to pursue the most sought after Magellan GPS accessories – their memory cards. Sometimes known as the SD Card, it’s better known as Secure Digital Expansion Memory Cards.

These Magellan GPS accessories rely on MapSend software. You usually find that’s already in your Magellan GPS unit, but you should check, just in case. These cards are not that impressive to look at – they only are about the size of a postage stamp and weigh a whopping two grams.

However, these tiny Magellan GPS accessories can add loads more storage room on your GPS unit, add the latest security features and uses only a little of your battery juice. They help your GPS download information faster in even drastic weather conditions. If you are going to be using your Magellan GPS unit heavily, you should get SD cards.

Antennas

Your Magellan GPS unit can only work if it gets information from the satellite it uses. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy. Having an antenna greatly boosts your chances of getting in contact with the all-important satellite. And these Magellan GPS accessories are light and easily transportable. They’re not as small as an SD memory card, so there’s less chance of loosing them.

These antennas don’t look like traditional radio antennas. They usually consist of a small doohickey that looks a lot like a small computer mouse attached to cable. This makes them quite flexible as well as portable. And they are water resistant. These Magellan GPS accessories usually run about $50 (US). An antenna just for a car would cost less.

Other Magellan GPS accessories that are more fun than necessary for your GPS unit. These include carrying case holders, cradles, mounting brackets, software, maps and extra cables.

The Advantages of a Handheld GPS

Author — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:33:51 +0000

If you are someone who enjoys hiking, camping, or just getting out into nature once in a while then you will probably benefit from what a handheld GPS system has to offer. Not only can a handheld GPS sync up with satellites that cover the entire planet and give you the ability to find your way in and out of almost anywhere but they can also help you find important landmarks like hotels and restaurants when you are out on the road.

A handheld GPS system is something you can attach to the belt of your pants or put in your travel bag for convenient access. If you really want convenient access to your handheld GPS you could mount it on the handlebars of your mountain bike and take it with you when you go off the trails to explore the great outdoors.

However you decide to carry your handheld GPS the important thing is that you get one because with the increasing incidents of people getting lost in the woods it is a good idea to have something like a handheld GPS with you so that you know where you are going and you know how to get yourself out of trouble if you do find yourself confused. They can be life savers and if you take the time to learn all of the features of your handheld GPS then you may be pleasantly surprised at what else it can do.

For first time hikers a handheld GPS is an essential piece of equipment and I would go out of my way to also say that for first time hikers a handheld GPS is a mandatory piece of equipment. Too many first time hikers venture into territory they are unfamiliar with and wind up lost for days and sometimes weeks. It is no longer necessary to take those kinds of risks when all you need to do is take a handheld GPS system with you and you can see where you are at all times and also know exactly where all of the important landmarks and establishments are to help you stay safe and completely out of danger.

Built To Last

When something is built for camping or hiking then it is built to last. It is built to withstand water and being dropped and it is designed to survive the rugged terrain it will be asked to navigate. Make sure that when you do purchase a handheld GPS that it is rated as an outdoor unit for these purposes. If you get one that is not designed to handle the perils of hiking or camping then you could be left out in the cold.

Don’t take any chances and be completely sure before you buy your navigation system.

Knowing where you are going is essential to staying safe when you venture out into the great outdoors. Always take every precaution available to you before you take off into unknown territory.

GPS Tracking Devices

Author — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:23:46 +0000

In the very simplest of definitions, if navigation is the process of getting something from one location to another, then tracking is the process of monitoring it as it moves along the way.

Thousands of companies scattered throughout the United States rely on fleets of vehicles to deliver their goods and services to their valued customers. Whether it is in a crowded city or out on the interstate highway, the ability to pinpoint for a customer has greatly improved customer approval ratings. Getting an ambulance to an accident scene or a fire truck to a fire, are applications where GPS tracking can save lives.

GPS Tracking Receivers

Generally GPS receivers are made up of an antenna tuned to the frequencies transmitted by satellites, receiver-processors, and a highly-stable clock that is most times a crystal oscillator. They frequently include a display that provides information to the user regarding not only location but speed as well. Often times a receiver is described by its number of channels. Originally limited to four or five, this number has increased very rapidly over the past few years, so that today’s have between 15 and 20 channels.

Many GPS receivers can relay position data to a personal computer or other device using the NMEA 0183 protocol. References to NMEA protocols have been compiled from public records, allowing open source tools like GPS to read the protocol without violating intellectual property laws.

Military Use of GPS Tracking

Just like in those James Bond movies, using GPS vehicle tracking has long been a key part of the military’s ability to follow the enemy and discover locations that may not appear on any major mapping devices. Now they are able to zero in on basic coordinates of a structure or vehicle, and thereby determine the exact location within seconds.

The FBI and Secret Service have long been known to use GPS tracking to keep tabs on left-wingers and suspects.

Anti-Theft Device

A lot of the new cars and trucks come with GPS tracking units installed in the dash. If your vehicle is stolen, many of these systems come with a vehicle lockdown switch that lets the owner shut the engine off, no matter where it is located. Being able to have a signal transmitted to unlock your vehicle after you have locked the keys in it is a big relief for a lot of forgetful people.

Tracking Your Teenager

Even Hulk Hogan used a GPS tracking device to keep tabs on his teenage daughter. Some insurance companies give discounts to parents who track their teenagers. Making sure the family car is going to where it should be is a great relief for a loving and caring parent. Some may call this spying, but the criticisms usually come from people that are not parents.

Why a GPS PDA is the Way to Go

Author — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:20:59 +0000

Are you one of those people who gets lost easily? Hate looking at maps? Can never remember the way to somewhere even if you’ve been there before? Then you may have considered a GPS system. There are now a number of GPS systems that will allow you to find your way to just about anywhere.

Buying a GPS PDA is a good solution to this problem. It has an edge over conventional GPS systems and also some downfalls. Overall a GPS PDA is a good way to have a device that will help direct you and still perform other functions. It is even easier to use than an ordinary GPS system.

Is it Worth it?

Buying a GPS PDA is by no means cheap; it will probably cost more than your cell phone. If you are primarily buying a GPS PDA for its GPS system then you are probably feeling like this is not worth it. The truth is that this is a purely subjective matter. Think about how much you need to use your GPS system. If the answer is quite a lot then this is a worthwhile system to invest in.

Another good thing about buying a GPS PDA is that you can update the GPS feature; something harder or impossible to do with a regular GPS system. With a GPS PDA you can buy new software for a relatively reasonable price without having to purchase a whole new system. Plus you can use the other features that come with the PDA. If you have a hectic lifestyle and feel that you have too many gadgets then this is one way of reducing that problem.

The Disadvantage

This type of GPS system does have a disadvantage that is unique to the GPS PDA. It has a comparably shorter lifespan than a conventional GPS system. Your GPS PDA will need recharging if you are using it for long trips and this is something that you don’t want to deal with on a long road trip.

This problem is however easily overcome. You can buy an external charger that will keep your PDA charged while you are driving long distances. These chargers usually have some kind of adaptor that will allow you to keep it plugged into your car. This way you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet while driving. External chargers are also pretty inexpensive; you can find new ones online for very low prices.

Used GPS Equipment Sales For Contractors And Surveyors

Author — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:12:12 +0000

Finding GPS equipment sales for your contract or surveying business is not like trying to find sales for your car dashboard or for your person. If you have ever had a handheld GPS device, you know how cranky it can be – and sometimes how wrong they can be. Every day, you hear about somebody’s GPS watch or GPS car unit that gave blatantly wrong directions. You can’t afford that in your business.

Why Used Gadgets?

Although you could look for new GPS equipment sales, why should you? The massive sturdiness of a used Trimble GPS will be like buying a used tank. Sure, you could splurge for the new tank, but if you want to get the job done of scaring the crap out of people, you can do that just as effectively with an old tank as with a new one.

Besides, there is a lot of demand for used GPS equipment because of the recession (sadly). This means more of the venders and suppliers you buy from will have more of an incentive to offer used GPS equipment sales specifically for contractors and surveyors. And many of the same places that offer used GPS equipment will also offer rentals.

If you want to upgrade your GPS gadgets for your business, you should also check to see if places offering used GPS equipment sales will take a trade in for your older stuff as credit for new stuff (or a better class of used stuff). Trade-ins are one way suppliers can offer used GPS equipment sales.

Martin Instrument

One of the suppliers offering used GPS equipment for surveyors year round is Martin Instrument. They also take trade-ins and offer equipment for rental. Their used but hard working line up of equipment includes radios, GPS units, data collectors and total stations. They offer Trimble brand equipment, which is one of the more solid investments you can make in these turbulent financial times. And Trimble parts are easy to get a hold of.

And, after buying or renting your used Trimble GPS equipment, you might want to know how to operate it. Martin Instrument also offers three training courses and $250 (US) per person per day. These courses are “Applying GPS Technology in the Land Surveying Profession”, “Trimble Certified Post-Processed GPS” and “Trimble Certified Real Time GPS”. You actually have to show up at Martin Instrument in San Antonio, Texas to take advantage of these courses.

Using Golf GPS to Your Advantage

Author — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:09:08 +0000

Using a golf GPS system while you play can benefit you in many ways. It may sound like one of those unnecessary gadgets that are designed to make you lazy. In fact it is something that will make playing golf easier and could cut down on unnecessary time spent looking for your ball in the rough.

There are many different types of golf GPS systems that you can choose from. You can decide on which type to buy depending on what you want from your GPS system and what your game needs. Some courses have even started to offer these systems to players. These systems are best used on courses without too much tree cover, as a GPS system needs to receive unobstructed views of the sky to work optimally.

Finding That Ball

Have you ever wished that your golf ball had a tracking device on it? Now it can. There are golf GPS systems that work in tandem with a specially designed golf ball so that you don’t waste time looking for a lost ball. Your golf ball has a radio frequency tag that will allow a handheld device to track it down. This is great if you play on a course that has a particularly unforgiving rough.

Judging Distances

If you want to get really technical with your golf GPS system then there is always the golf GPS system that will allow you to judge distances. This system will tell you the distance from where you are playing your ball to the green.

This is a handy device if you have a tendency to drive too far or alternately don’t hit your balls far enough. Some systems will also help you keep score, a great alternative to writing down your scores manually, also this way no one playing with you can cheat!

There are even golf GPS systems that will advise you on what clubs to use. These systems also have a voice feature that will tell you the distances between holes. This way you don’t have to keep taking your device off your belt to consult it.

Many systems also help you to track your scores and this way you can improve your game. Compare scores on different games and holes by using your hand held device. The device can even analyze your game and show you things that you never thought of. If you already have a PDA you can add a golf GPS system to it.

A Brief History Of The Car GPS

Author — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:04:27 +0000

As soon as cars were invented, drivers got lost. Since most of those early drivers were men, they refused to stop and ask for directions. It soon came apparent that a navigation of some sort was needed for a car driver, preferably one inside the car so you would never have to stop and ask for directions. The first car GPS units were anyone unlucky enough to sit in the passenger seat. That seat instantly transformed anyone into the designated navigator.

Now We Get More Technical

Having a terrified passenger trying to read a map in a moving car was neither good for those prone to motion sickness nor good for reliably getting to where you wanted to go. And if you were driving alone, you risked an accident trying to read a map and drive simultaneously. If we only knew what it would be called, we would have demanded car GPS units.

In 1960, the military came up with another great idea in the quest to never have to stop and ask for directions (and, if you are leading an invasion force, asking the locals for directions might be awkward). They used a satellite based system called Transit to help them find their way. Although not called a car GPS, it certainly could qualify as the first car GPS system…even f it was really used for boats, planes and tanks instead of cars. But then again, that information is classified.

Moving To The Dashboard

Although Transit officially died in 1996, the UD Air Force still uses a system called the NAVSTAR GPS that basically works just like the car GPS on your dashboard. Russia has one up there, too, called GLONASS and the European Union also has a GPS satellite in orbit. If it weren’t for satellites, then there would be no way a humble car GPS could work.

You are expected to still use your common sense when getting driving instructions from a car GPS system. On January 4, 2008, a man’s rented Ford Focus car GPS told him to take a particular turn, which he did – onto railroad tracks. The thing is he drove for a couple of miles before realizing that you are not supposed to drive on train tracks. Inevitably, a train appeared and had the right of way. The man survived, but the Ford Focus and the car GPS did not. The unidentified man has tried to sue the makers of that GPS unit, but legal experts say the case will go nowhere.

Are There Waterproof Handheld GPS Devices?

Author — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:42:28 +0000

With the rapidly changing technology that is offered to consumers, it is not surprising that there are devices available to help locate and offer directions to consumers. These systems use GPS positioning to give precise directions to a consumer. This information is made by using satellites and a signal that can be traced by the satellites.

With the information that is received, a consumer can then find out there exact longitude and latitude as well as where the nearest coffees shop is. All of this information is helpful in everyday situations as well as with those outdoors enthusiasts who are looking to go hiking or biking into the wilderness. For those people, a waterproof handheld GPS device is very desirable in case of emergencies.

What Brands Have Waterproof Handheld GPS Devices

Since this seems to be a popular product, there are many different brands of handheld GPS devices. Many consumers are aware of the brands as commercials are fairly common place for these products but are there many waterproof handheld GPS devices on the market?

It turns out, that the manufacturers of these GPS devices are aware that a waterproof handheld GPS is what most of those interested in being outdoors need. Since there are many reasons that a waterproof handheld GPS would be preferable it appears that all brands have this feature.

Since it appears that all brands are waterproof handheld GPS, the next decision a consumer may need to make when looking at these devices is price and features that are offered. There is a very wide difference in price for handheld GPS systems. Some of the top producers of handheld GPS systems include Garmin, Magellan, TomTom and Royal Tek. All of these brands are well known and offer a variety of features for their different models.

Consumers need to determine which features are most important to them. This can include how big the screen is to how fast the GPS works on pinpointing where a person is. There is also a variety of life attributed to each individual systems and this can be something that can play an important fact in selecting a product. If the idea is to be out in the wild a long time, a person needs a GPS handheld that has a long life to it.

Sometimes the decisions boil down to preference on appearance or size of the model. There are many stores that carry these products and a consumer can view each and find the differences while looking at them.

Magellan GPS Models

Author — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Magellan GPS units have been flying off the shelves, being purchased primarily by drivers and outdoor enthusiasts. Creators of the award-winning “Hertz Never Lost System” and the Explorist family of outdoor handheld navigational devices, Magellan is recognized as a premier provider of reliable, easy-to-use consumer navigation solutions.

With over 20 years in the mapping and survey business, the company has experienced dramatic revenue growth as GPS applications have proliferated across consumer and commercial markets.

Magellan is privately held by a group of investors led by Shah Capital Partners and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with European headquarters in Carquefou, France.

Magellan GPS Triton – Model 2000

This is truly the next-generation handheld GPS for precise outdoor navigation. It is very simple to use, with a very large full-color display that shows maps and data with crystal clear graphics. Large, rugged, and waterproof, you will feel very safe hiking the great outdoors with this Magellan GPS strapped to your hip.

Use the exclusive software, (VantagePoint), to easily manage and upload detailed maps, user generated content, updates and upgrades on your PC. View saved routes and tracks, then customize them for future trips or create new ones. It is easy to expand your navigation capabilities with optional topographic maps, marine cartography, and other applications

Magellan GPS Maestro – Model 4000

If you travel a lot, or you are not very good with directions even in your own city, you are going to love this Magellan GPS unit. So very simple to use, it will easily guide you to any destination. The thin, sophisticated design and attractive, intuitive touch-screen graphics make driving a pleasure. While listening to a friendly voice guide, you will be free to concentrate on the road.

Magellan GPS Crossover – 2500T

This may truly be the world’s first fully-featured, crossover pocket size GPS. It has all the standard features, but additionally, because of its compact size, gives you the ability to quickly go from the open road to the great outdoors.

Magellan GPS RoadMate – 1200

If you are a taxi driver in a big city that you just moved to, this Magellan GPS is just what the doctor ordered. Affordable and pocket-sized, this unit features a 3.5″ color touch screen. Other features include pre-loaded maps of contiguous U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, and 1.3 million points of interest.

Magellan GPS Explorist – 600

Save tracks and personal points of interest to the internal memory or choose an advanced model for unlimited SD-card storage and expandable map capability.

This unit has been designed for use by left-handers as well as right-handers. A very clearly marked keypad provides one-touch access to all your most important features. A joystick controller makes scrolling the simple menus fun and easy.

Finding a GPS Watch for Your Lifestyle

Author — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:33:16 +0000

With so many advancements in technology, it is not surprising to learn that the technology has advanced so far that it is as easy as wearing a GPS watch to find a location. The GPS system, which stands for Global Positioning System is a process that uses satellites and their computerized systems on Earth to track locations so precise that it is almost impossible to become lost these days.

This system of giving a user such pin point accuracy on direction is a helpful and useful tool for hikers, bikers and even just travelers in their vehicles. There are many different types of devices that have this system in a computerized chip in them, some include telephones, cars and even GPS watches are available.

What Types of Services Are Available in a GPS Watch?

With the advancement in technology, it is not surprising to find a wide variety of prices when looking at the different GPS Watches that are available. Depending on a persons needs, there is certainly a GPS watch for any individual.

For those that are looking for a GPS watch that can incorporate fitness information there is the Garmin Forerunner 50 Sports Bundle. This watch has not only a traditional watch, but also has with it the service of GPS so that fitness routes can be mapped out, and remembered for future reference. It also provides the service of a heart rate monitor that can save the information to a computer to be further analyzed.

The Suunto X9i is another of the GPS watches that is offered. This one also contains the GPS service as well as a barometer, compass, altimeter and chronograph it has almost anything the outdoor lover needs when trekking through the mountains or biking along the coast.

The Timex 5C391 Sports Watch is another of the GPS watches that is offered to consumers. With similar features to other models, this comes with the traditional Timex name that is often associated with top quality watches. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the abilities to save information about their recent journeys to evaluate their progress in their fitness goals.

The system of GPS has pushed companies to make advancements in portable systems that can fully use the navigation system offered through a GPS service. This information allows consumers to be able to locate destinations or track their routes to get data on how far they have traveled. Companies will continue to improve products that use this type of system allowing for consumers to have a variety of choices in the market of GPS watches.