GPS Tracking Solution - A few drawbacks to GPS receivers that support memory cards
Although most GPS receivers have the same general functionality, there are a lot of differences in manufacturer and model user interfaces. In a way, it’s like sitting a computer novice in front of three PCs, one running Microsoft Windows, one running Linux, and the other a Macintosh, and then asking the volunteer to perform an identical set of tasks on each computer. Good luck! Because of the differences, you’re not going to find detailed instructions on how to use specific GPS receiver models. What you will find is information on how to use most any GPS receiver, with some kindly suggestions tossed in when it’s appropriate to consult your user guide for details. But don’t expect me to tell you what the best electronic tracking device is. Like any consumer electronics product, GPS receiver models are constantly changing and being updated. Instead of recommending that you buy a certain brand or model.
In theory, your receiver needs to know its distance to at least three satellites to triangulate its position in three dimensions. In practice, there is a complicating factor. Your GPS receiver is equipped with a regular quartz clock, not an atomic clock, and cannot directly measure the arrival times of each signature signal with sufficient accuracy. The receiver is however capable of accurately measuring the phase shift between a satellite signal and the corresponding internally generated signal. The phase shift is proportional to the signal travel time from the satellite plus an unknown time offset. This offset is the same for all satellite signals and adds one more unknown term to the geometric formulas needed to calculate the position. The signature signals from one extra satellite will solve this unknown term. Your GPS receiver therefore needs signals from at least four satellites to calculate its position in three dimensions.
Here are a few drawbacks to GPS receivers that support memory cards:
Added cost
They add a bit more cost to the receiver price because of the built-in card reader and associated technology.
Reader
You need a memory card reader connected to your computer to transfer data back and forth between the GPS receiver. However, some computers (notably laptops) have built-in card readers. If your GPS receiver didn’t come with a card reader, any third-party reader will work. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Just plug the reader into a USB port, and Windows treats the memory card like a hard drive or floppy disk. You can then copy data back and forth between your hard drive and the memory card. Card readers are inexpensive, and you can purchase a basic model for under $20.
Removal
Memory cards can be a little tedious to swap because you need to remove the GPS receiver batteries to access the card slot. Just like digitals cameras, GPS receivers that support memory cards usually come with a card that has a relatively small amount of storage space (8–16MB). In fact, if they both use the same type of memory card, you can swap a card between your digital camera and GPS receiver. You’ll probably want to upgrade to a larger capacity card. Blank memory cards with the GPS receiver manufacturer’s brand name tend to be more expensive than standard MMC and SD cards. I don’t find any difference between the two, and you can save money with third-party memory cards in your GPS tracking platform.
More GPS Tracking Solution at http://www.jimilab.com/ .
In theory, your receiver needs to know its distance to at least three satellites to triangulate its position in three dimensions. In practice, there is a complicating factor. Your GPS receiver is equipped with a regular quartz clock, not an atomic clock, and cannot directly measure the arrival times of each signature signal with sufficient accuracy. The receiver is however capable of accurately measuring the phase shift between a satellite signal and the corresponding internally generated signal. The phase shift is proportional to the signal travel time from the satellite plus an unknown time offset. This offset is the same for all satellite signals and adds one more unknown term to the geometric formulas needed to calculate the position. The signature signals from one extra satellite will solve this unknown term. Your GPS receiver therefore needs signals from at least four satellites to calculate its position in three dimensions.
Here are a few drawbacks to GPS receivers that support memory cards:
Added cost
They add a bit more cost to the receiver price because of the built-in card reader and associated technology.
Reader
You need a memory card reader connected to your computer to transfer data back and forth between the GPS receiver. However, some computers (notably laptops) have built-in card readers. If your GPS receiver didn’t come with a card reader, any third-party reader will work. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Just plug the reader into a USB port, and Windows treats the memory card like a hard drive or floppy disk. You can then copy data back and forth between your hard drive and the memory card. Card readers are inexpensive, and you can purchase a basic model for under $20.
Removal
Memory cards can be a little tedious to swap because you need to remove the GPS receiver batteries to access the card slot. Just like digitals cameras, GPS receivers that support memory cards usually come with a card that has a relatively small amount of storage space (8–16MB). In fact, if they both use the same type of memory card, you can swap a card between your digital camera and GPS receiver. You’ll probably want to upgrade to a larger capacity card. Blank memory cards with the GPS receiver manufacturer’s brand name tend to be more expensive than standard MMC and SD cards. I don’t find any difference between the two, and you can save money with third-party memory cards in your GPS tracking platform.
More GPS Tracking Solution at http://www.jimilab.com/ .
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