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| Mr. Mobile - Info Center - GPS Systems |
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Have you ever been in the situation where you are driving around and you cannot find the address you are looking for? That my friend is called being lost!
Have you ever been in your car with your folder full of driving instructions printed off of the internet because you had to go to one or even several places you had not been before in the same day? What a hassle, not to mention dangerous, it is trying to drive and look at the driving instructions at the same time!
Even worse, have you ever tried using a Thomas guide? Not only do you have to find your destination on one of several hundred pages, but once you find your destination, you need to try to figure out the best, fastest route to get there.
What about driving in a new city or area and you wanted to know where the closest restaurant, gas station or ATM was but had no way to find what you were looking for?
If you have ever encountered any of the above situations, you are a candidate for a GPS System.
What is GPS?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which is a worldwide system of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense. This system was originally designed to give the military a very accurate method of tracking and positioning. It was expensive, about $12 BILLION dollars. Back in the 80’s, the system was approved for civilian use. GPS is extremely accurate. It can locate your vehicle equipped with a standard GPS receiver to with in about 10 to 15 feet. One of the new WAAS GPS systems can locate you to within about 2 to 3 feet.
How does the GPS System work?
GPS works by using a network of 24 GPS satellites positioned strategically in space so that the signal from at least 4 satellites can be received by any GPS receiver placed anywhere on earth. It takes the signal from 4 satellites to be able to locate your vehicle. These satellites constantly transmit radio waves that are detected by the GPS receiver to calculate your position. The radio signals sent out from the satellites are “line of sight” meaning that you need a relatively unobstructed view of the sky to use GPS. The GPS signal will NOT go through solid objects such buildings, tunnels and some areas on mountain roads. The signal will get through clouds, rain, glass etc. Most of today’s GPS systems will work well in urban areas or heavily wooded areas. GPS service is free; all you need is a GPS receiver/system.
How does a GPS receiver work?
The GPS receiver will come with either a built in antenna or an antenna that mounts on your vehicle to be able to receive the signal from the satellite. Using the signal from the GPS system, the receiver takes the radio waves from the satellites to calculate where you are, then using the mapping software that is loaded in the receiver, it will help you “Navigate” to your destination. The GPS receiver has a color screen that shows you data such as a map grid, a cursor showing where you are currently, an indicator showing your next maneuver, approximately how far away you are from that maneuver, and the approximate time and distance you are from your destination. This info is constantly updated, real time. Today’s GPS systems also have voice guidance to verbally tell you the next maneuver coming up so you can keep your eyes on the road. Most of today’s GPS systems come with the mapping software of the 48 contiguous states preloaded, but since it does vary, you should look to see what mapping software the unit[s] you are interested comes with. Some of today’s systems also have real time traffic information available for an additional fee. Real time traffic service provides traffic data to the receiver that will show you if there are any traffic issues on your route such as accidents, road closures and detours. Some services will even automatically reroute you the fastest way to get to your destination based on current traffic conditions.
Who needs a GPS System?
GPS is not just for traveling salespeople and business travelers anymore. GPS is for anyone who drives more than just around their own neighbor hood. With pricing coming down to where you can now get portable GPS receivers for as low as $399, it is an item anyone who drives should consider having, since most GPS systems provided so much more than just driving directions. We will tell more about all of the features GPS systems can offer later.
What types of GPS Systems are available?
Portable GPS Systems
Portable GPS systems can be taken from one vehicle to another. Some receivers will need a second docking station to work in a second car, some will be self contained and can be brought with you for use while traveling. Some of these portable units come with or have a battery pack available so you can also use it outside of the vehicle or in another vehicle without needing the power adapter.
Car GPS systems
These systems are installed in the vehicle and cannot be moved car to car. They consist of a main navigation unit with an antenna and a stand alone screen that is installed within the drivers view.
In-dash Car GPS systems
These systems are viewed thru a monitor installed in your dash where your factory stereo was installed. Some of the installed units have the navigation system built in, other in dash systems require you buy the in-dash monitor and navigation main unit separately.
In -Dash GPS systems also play CD’s/CDRW’s/MP3’s and most play DVD’s. They also have inputs so you can add additional source units like iPod, satellite radio, HD radio and many are Bluetooth ready.
Key features of GPS Systems
POI’s [Point of Interest]
One of the best features of GPS systems is the points of interest. [POI’s] Other than helping you get where you want to go, a GPS Navigation has a vast library of points of interest, preloaded. Some receivers have over 11 million point of interest in the data base. By using the Points of Interest search, you can locate a restaurant, even searching by type of food, find the closest ATM, the closest gas station, the closest Hotel. Not sure what to do while you are in a new city, you can even look for local amusement parks, museums or theaters.
WAAS [Wide Area Augmentation System]
WAAS utilizes a system of satellites and ground stations that calculate and transmit sophisticated GPS data based on current conditions. WASS compensates for things like heavy clouds and partially blocked signals to provide better accuracy. WAAS enabled GPS receivers are about 5 times more accurate than regular GPS receivers. WAAS currently is available through out North America.
Automatic Re-routing
If you get off of your original course, the GPS receiver will see you are off course and recalculate a new route and get you back on track, automatically.
Real Time Traffic
Real time traffic is a feature some of the latest units can offer. Real time traffic info is received by the GPS receiver and is shown on the screen. Depending on the service you can see where the accidents are, see approximate speeds and see where construction is going on. Some of the real time traffic services will work with your GPS receiver to reroute you based on the current traffic conditions. Real time traffic services are available on select units and not available in all cities. There is an additional fee for this service.
Recommended Route
Most of today’s systems allow you to enter multiple stops and the system will recommend the most efficient route for you to take to get to all of your stops.
Bluetooth
Some of today’s units have built in Bluetooth that will enable your Bluetooth enabled cell phone to integrate with your GPS unit for hands free talking.
MP3
Some units have built in MP3 playback capability so you can take your music library with you.
As you can see, there are lots of options and features to choose from. GPS systems do so much and are a must have, especially with today’s “always on the go” lifestyle. To help you with your selection, call or email one of our Mobile Electronic Specialists today.
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