Several types of antennas for GPS Tracking Device

While most GPS Tracking Device have the same functionality, there are a lot of differences in manufacturer and model user interfaces. In a way it’s like sitting someone down in front of three personal computers, one running Microsoft Windows XP, one running Linux (with the KDE or Gnome interface), and the other a Macintosh, and asking a computer novice volunteer to perform an identical set of tasks on each of the computers. Good luck! Because of this, 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’s guide for details.

GPS receiver models are constantly changing and being updated. Instead of recommending that you buy a certain brand or model (that could possibly be replaced by something cheaper and better over the course of a few months), I’ll tell you what questions to ask when selecting a GPS receiver and give you some hints on which features are best for different activities. You’ll be able to apply these questions and selection criteria to pretty much any GPS receiver (no matter how much the marketplace changes), to pick the right model for you.

Internal antennas

All GPS receivers have one of two kinds of built-in antennas. One antenna design isn’t superior to the other; performance is related to the receiver’s antenna size. (Cough . . . bigger is better.)

• Patch

An internal patch antenna is a square conductor mounted over a groundplane (another square piece of metal). Patch antenna models reacquire satellites faster after losing the signal. For best performance with an internal patch antenna, hold the receiver face up and parallel with the ground.

• Quad helix

An internal quadrifilar helix antenna (or quad helix) is a circular tube wrapped with wire. Quad helix antennas are more sensitive and work better under tree cover than the other types. For best performance with an internal quad helix antenna, hold the receiver so that the top is pointing up to the sky.

External antennas

Some GPS receivers have connectors for attaching external antennas. An external antenna is useful if the GPS receiver’s view of the sky is otherwise blocked, like in a boat, a car, an airplane, or a backpack.

Reradiating antennas

If a GPS receiver doesn’t have a jack for connecting an external antenna, you can improve the reception with a reradiating antenna. These antennas work just as well as conventional external antennas that plug into a GPS receiver. A reradiating antenna combines two GPS antennas. One antenna receives the GPS signal from the satellites. The other antenna is connected to the first and positioned next to the GPS unit’s internal antenna. Here are a couple of sources for reradiating antennas:

• Roll your own: If you’re handy with a soldering iron, search Google for reradiating antenna GPS for tips on how to make one yourself.

• Buy one: Purchase an assembled reradiating antenna from Pc-Mobile at www.pc mobile.net/gpsant.htm.

Internal memory

A receiver’s internal memory holds such data as waypoints, track logs, routes, and uploadable digital maps (if the model supports them). The more memory the receiver has, the more data you can store in it. All the data that’s been stored in the GPS receiver is retained when the device is turned off. GPS receivers have different amounts of memory. Unlike personal computers, you can’t add memory chips to a electronic tracking devices to expand its internal memory.

External storage

Some GPS receivers aren’t limited to internal memory for storage, using support memory cards that can be plugged into the receiver to store data. External memory can be either

Manufacturer proprietary data cards

Generic (and less expensive) storage, such as

• MultiMediaCard

• Secure Digital 

User interface modes

Some GPS receivers have simple and advanced user interface modes.

• Simple mode: This displays only often used commands and features. This is an excellent option for the novice user who wants to use basic GPS receiver functions without being distracted or confused by the many other features.

• Advanced mode: This shows all commands and features.

Synthesized voice

Some models of GPS receiver, designed primarily for automotive use, have a synthesized voice that provides you with route-finding information. Although this feature has been available as an option in some luxury cars for many years (for example, in the OnStar system), portable GPS units that talk to you are available. You don’t have to pay monthly subscription fees for them, and you can easily move them from car to car. (Ah, progress.) You can find more information in Chapter 5 on how to select a portable GPS receiver to use for road navigation. If you’re using your vehicle GPS tracking systems for navigation in your vehicle, mount it securely so that it doesn’t slide around the dashboard.

• GPS receiver manufacturers make mounting brackets for in-vehicle use.

• Do-it-yourself solutions can include Velcro, Silly Putty, small beanbags, or modeling clay (the nonhardening type).

Note: Never mount your GPS unit where an airbag deploys during a crash.