If you’ve got a handheld GPS navigator unit, you’ve got a great treasure! There are so many things you can do with a GPS navigator that is handheld. Lots of people use handheld GPS navigator units. There are applications for them on land, in the air, and at sea. With a handheld GPS navigator unit, you can figure out where you have been, where you are right then, and where you are going. You can navigate to and from certain places, using waypoints you’ve established from previous visits or coordinates (longitude and latitude) you’ve gotten ahead of time. A handheld mapping GPS also has features available.

On land, there are many applications. They are used constantly by the scientific community because of their accuracy. Surveyors use them a significant amount of time, since they provide the longitude and latitude of wherever the user is at the time. The surveyor can more quickly and easily accomplish the work they are to do. Recreationally, they are used by hikers, bikers, hunters, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and geocachers, as well as any other sport where it helps to know where you are at any given time.

In the air, handheld GPS navigator units are used by general aviation and all commercial aircraft. They are not always handheld, as they are often built into the plane, but they work the same way. At sea, a built-in or handheld GPS navigator unit can be used for navigation by boaters – whether recreational or not (Coast Guard, etc.) and for those who enjoy fishing.

What Can They do?

As stated, handheld GPS navigator units can tell one where they are – by longitude and latitude, by elevation, and by many other ways. As for mapping, some units do not have that capability. They have a screen that keeps track of where you are in relation to where you’ve been (track logs), as well as waypoints (like where you parked the car), and any other points you’ve created. It is the basic system. Some also have a city point database, which would give you city locations.

Some units have a basemap. The basemap will show basic things like highways, lakes, rivers, railroads, cities, airports, and exits from the interstate highways. True “mapping units” can download through the computer a detailed map. This can include business and residential streets, restaurants, gas stations, boat ramps, banks, off-road trails, and a whole lot more. Imagine that kind of data contained in a little handheld GPS navigator unit!

GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The System is a whole network of satellites that surround the earth and transmit information back at all times. A pocket GPS receiver is a handheld GPS navigator unit that can receive information from the satellites in order to pinpoint a certain location on the earth, using longitude and latitude.

The Three Parts Of The GPS

The Global Positioning System has three segments to it: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The “space segment” are the satellites. These 24 satellites are orbiting the earth at about 12,000 miles above the earth. Being so high allows them to cover a great area.

The way the satellites are spaced out around the earth, a pocket GPS receiver can always get a signal from at least four of them at once. These satellites (that the pocket GPS receivers use) are traveling at 7,000 miles per hour – circling the earth every 12 hours. They use solar energy for power, but have backup batteries. They transmit back to the earth in “line of sight”, so they go through clouds, plastic, and glass, but not through mountains or buildings.

The “control segment” consists of the five control stations on earth. They track the satellites and give them corrected time and orbit information. There is one “master control station” that the other four send information to. The master control station determines what the satellite needs to know, and it sends “uplinks” to the satellites that the pocket GPS receiver is getting information from.

The “user segment” is each individual person with their pocket GPS receiver. They can be a wide range of people, with a large range of hobbies or work. These include hikers, pilots, boaters, hunters, and the military. It also includes geocachers, those playing the “treasure hunting” sport elaborated more online at geocaching.com. Anyone who wants to know where they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going will benefit from having a pocket GPS receiver.

Is it 100% Accurate?

That would be nice, but it is unrealistic to expect that a pocket GPS receiver can be totally accurate, given all the things that can cause errors in the data. A few of these causes are: a delay in data from the layers in the atmosphere, tall buildngs or mountains that the signal can bump against, errors in the clock in the GPS, inaccuracies in the reported location of the satellite, and not having enough satellites “visible”. Some things that can interfere with your pocket GPS receiver. The clearer the view of the sky, the better it will work.

You can use your mobile GPS (a handheld one) to go geocaching, and have a lot of fun. “Geo-what,” you say? Geocaching, pronounced geo-cashing, is a great outdoor activity for both individuals and families. So grab your pocket GPS, go to your nearest computer, and see which caches are closest to you.

Geocaching – What is it All About?

Geocaching is like grown-up treasure hunting, or treasure hunting in real life. Basically, it is using the coordinates of longitude and latitude to pinpoint a certain area, usually within about 17 feet. When you get to the spot using your mobile GPS, there should be a “cache,” or container that was put there by someone for others to find. It can be a micro – which is as small as a film canister or smaller or any size up to a jumbo – which can be as large as a 5 gallon bucket.

How do I Know Where to Look?

Coordinates can be found on several computer sites. Since it is done all over the world, many countries have sites that are country specific. The largest site of all, though, is geocaching.com, which has caches listed for all over the world. Antarctica even has 25 caches hidden on it! Mobile GPSs can show the coordinates you are at all the time, so if you get in the general vicinity, follow your mobile GPS to the exact spot.

What’s in the Cache?

If the cache is a micro, often the only thing it will hold the requisite log for finders to sign. Larger caches have room for larger trinkets, but beware – the items won’t usually be of great value, though some hiders put in a greater value item for the first to find the cache.

Is That What All Caches Are, a Container With Trinkets?

There are several types of geocaches. Traditional Caches are containers with a log inside, with maybe some stuff inside. Virtual Caches are different: for them you need to view something, then report back to the hider with the required info so you can count the find. With Web Caches, the goal is to be captured on a web cam (have a friend help at home) and submitted to the hider to consider it a “find”.

There are also Earthcaches – which are to introduce you to some geoscience treasure that the “hider” would like you to see. Not to be forgotten are the Puzzle Caches – where you must solve some puzzle to get the coordinates of where to look for the cache. There are other types; these are the most common.

Anything Else I Should Know?

When you find a cache using your mobile GPS, you are expected to only take something from it if you leave something else behind. Most cachers bring some “swag” in case they want to trade. Put it back carefully, where you found it. Beware of “muggles” (like the muggles from the Harry Potter series) as they are unaware of the game and could damage the cache. We welcome others to join the game, but only if they will respect the rules of the game and play fair!

One last thing: You may find a trackable item in a cache. There are two types: travelbugs (which are object with dog tags that have a trackable code on them) that have a goal that you should help it achieve if you take it, and geocoins (that have a code embedded on them but have no particular goal. Use your mobile GPS for the fun of geocaching!

If you are interested in buying a handheld GPS, you probably know a little bit about the qualities you want to watch for. But, if you’re new to GPSs, you might not have thought of a few things. A handheld GPS is good for many things. Unlike navigation systems that are stationary in a car, which are primarily used for navigating to a certain address, a handheld GPS is more often used to locate a precise location using longitude and latitude. A mobile GPS can be used anywhere that it can receive a signal. Exceptions are inside a building or parking garage, or underwater. Other things can affect the reception, like skyscrapers or trees, but generally they don’t affect it too much.

A GPS can be used while fishing or hunting – if you find the “perfect spot” you will be able to get back to it if you know the coordinates, and possibly a waypoint or two to help you find the way in. Or if you’re going hiking, you can identify where you parked the car or set up camp. The coordinates will help you find your way back when you’re hot and tired and ready to relax. There’s a good chance that you want a handheld GPS so that you can join in the fun of geocaching! Regardless of why you want a handheld GPS, there are certain qualities that are important to look for.

Good Qualities to Have in a Handheld GPS

Your handheld GPS should be waterproof. Whether you are fishing or hiking or geocaching, etc., if it falls into the water and isn’t waterproof, it will be useless now. Get a waterproof one if you can. Consider whether you want one that runs on batteries – regular disposable ones or rechargeable ones – or has an internal battery that can be charged at home. It’s your choice – but know which kind you are buying. Most can also run off the power of your car’s battery with the right cord.

How big of a GPS do you want? Even handheld GPSs range in size – some are several inches long, others are more hand size, and the easier to fit into a pocket while you’re not using it. Do you want a mapping program? Some GPSs come with an internal mapping program, one that can be downloaded periodically with cables that attach to your computer. If you have more money, you can get a more exciting GPS, one with more “bells and whistles.” But even the low-end GPSs are affordable, coming in at about $100. Just look for the qualities you want in your handheld GPS.

I have looked at several different devices trying to find the best Bluetooth GPS and this article is going to take a look at the Garmin GPS 10. This very popular, best Bluetooth GPS device, has served me well so I would like to show you why it currently is so popular and what separates it from the crowd.

Why the Garmin GPS 10: One of a Kind Best Bluetooth GPS Device

The GPS 10 from Garmin is an add on box that will turn your PDA or Bluetooth ready cell phone into a GPS device. Compact, lightweight and waterproof the GPS 10 will mount inside or outside you vehicle and send GPS satellite signals to your Bluetooth wireless laptop or any other Bluetooth ready device. What this means is that the best Bluetooth GPS can work just about anywhere and deliver high quality maps and use navigation software to plot your route so you can focus on what to do when you get there.

This device has intuitive software that makes getting places easier than ever before. Just type in where you want to go and the navigation software kicks in to give you turn by turn directions to your locations. In addition it will use voice prompts so you can truly use it in a hands free mode. In addition to this the Garmin software provides you with points of interest along the way so that you can find a place to eat, a place to sleep, where to get gas and much more. This device makes trips a breeze and you never will get lost again.

It includes a magnetic mount and hook and loop fastener to mount so it installs easily in just about any vehicle. The battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery provides up to twelve hours of continuous use so that you can rest it assured it will not die when you need it most. There is also a 12 volt adapter provided for easy and convenient recharging.

The wireless portion of the best Bluetooth GPS device can tansmit signals up to thirty feet so that you can move you device away from the best Bluetooth GPS unit and still get signal. It is the perfect way to set up a bluetooth GPS system. Do not get one of those cheap handheld GPS devices, you will only be let down.

The beauty of this the Garmin GPS 10 is the different devices it works with and how easy it is to set up. The only down side to it is its cost. At a little over $200 it is an expensive, but worthwhile addition to the family.

If you are in the market for a Bluetooth wireless GPS system and have no idea where to start then I am here to help. First thing you need to know is there really is no best Bluetooth GPS, but the certainly are some bad ones out there. Before you decide on what to get for your Bluetooth wireless GPS, you need to understand some of the basics as to how the system works and why a high quality unit is needed to maintain and accurate location on the GPS network.

Basics Of The Bluetooth Wireless GPS

There are three main components to the GPS system. The first component is the satellites that orbit the earth. Currently there are 31 satellites in orbit around the earth that support the GPS system. These satellites keep in constant contact with each other updating the time between each and there location. The reason for this will be explained in a moment as it is vital to the functioning of the Bluetooth wireless GPS system.

Each of the satellites sends out strong radio signals which can be picked up by your Bluetooth wireless GPS unit. The unit can then calculate those times against its own internal clock to judge the distance to each of the satellites and then triangulate its own position. The satellites stay in constant orbit around the earth and make two orbits per day. This means that the whole network is in constant motion and continually staying in contact with each other to keep things updated.

The next component is the ground management portion. The US Air Force continually monitors the satellites and stays in communication with them to assure that they are in the right position and transmitting the right information. This is a constant monitoring system that lets them know what the health of the system is up to date and right so that your Bluetooth wireless GPS can function properly.

The third component of the system is your Bluetooth wireless GPS device. This device has a processor in it that calculates all the information being sent by the satellites and checks it against its internal clock. It is imperative that the processor and clock are of the highest quality to ensure an accurate reading. In addition, having a unit that is rugged and can handle getting wet or being dropped is also important because more than likely when you need it most you not be in the most hospitable environment. It is for those reasons that getting a high quality unit is very important. There you have, several strong reason why getting a high quality unit is important.

There are many different things involved in a Bluetooth GPS system. Within the Bluetooth GPS system there are three segments – the space segment, a control segment, and the user segment. This article is going to take a look at all three segments so you can better understand how your Bluetooth wireless GPS works. A Bluetooth GPS system is one of the greatest advances in modern technology that we have had in the last decade.

The Three Parts of a Bluetooth GPS System

The space segment comprises the GPS satellites in orbit around the earth. These satellites continually broadcast radio signals with information down to the GPS systems around the world. In addition they stay in contact with each other constantly updating each other as to where their positions are. The original design called for 24 satellites in three orbits, but the current design has these satellites in six planes with four satellites each.

Each satellite completes one orbit per sidereal day. Currently there are 31 actively broadcasting satellites in the GPS network. The additional satellites have improved the precision of Bluetooth GPS navigators by providing redundant measurements. A key component in the Bluetooth GPS system, the satellites is what makes it all possible

The control segment of the Bluetooth GPS system corresponds to how the satellites are monitored and tracked. The US Air Force Space Command master control station receives information from bases around the world and coordinates the position of the satellites and synchronizes them with atomic clocks to ensure a reliable network. The updates are created by a Kalman filter which uses inputs from the ground monitoring stations, weather information and other inputs.

The user segment is the portion that your Bluetooth GPS navigator takes up in the GPS network. These are composed of an antenna tuned to the frequencies sent out by the satellites and have receiver processors to analyze the data. In addition the units need to have a highly stable clock to base all of the calculations off of. They are also labeled with how many channels or satellites they can connect up to. Bluetooth GPS navigators today typically have between 12-20 channels.

So there you have it, the basics of the Bluetooth GPS system. There is a lot more to it of course, but this should you a good idea of how it all comes together. Now you have a better idea of how it all works, hopefully you can put it to good use.

I have looked at several different Bluetooth enabled GPS devices and this article is going to take a look at the Garmin GPS 10. This is a very popular Bluetooth enabled GPS device so I would like to see why it currently is so popular and what separates it from the crowd.

The Garmin GPS 10: One of a Kind Bluetooth Enabled GPS Device

The GPS 10 from Garmin is an add on box that will turn your PDA or Bluetooth ready cell phone into a GPS device. Compact, lightweight and waterproof the GPS 10 will mount inside or outside you vehicle and send GPS satellite signals to your Bluetooth wireless laptop or any other Bluetooth ready device. What this means is that the Bluetooth enabled GPS can work just about anywhere and deliver high quality maps and use navigation software to plot your route so you can focus on what to do when you get there.

This device has intuitive software that makes getting places easier than ever before. Just type in where you want to go and the navigation software kicks in to give you turn by turn directions to your locations. In addition it will use voice prompts so you can truly use it in a hands free mode. In addition to this the Garmin software provides you with points of interest along the way so that you can find a place to eat, a place to sleep, where to get gas and much more. This device makes trups a breeze and you never will get lost again.

It includes a magnetic mount and hook and loop fastener to mount so it installs easily in just about any vehicle. The battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery provides up to tweleve hours of continuous use so that you can rest it assured it will not die when you need it most.

There is also a 12 volt adapter provided for easy and convenient recharging. The wireless portion of the Bluetooth enabled GPS device can transmit signals up to thirty feet so that you can move you device away from the Bluetooth enabled GPS unit and still get signal. It is the perfect way to set up a Bluetooth GPS system.

The beauty of this the Garmin GPS 10 is the different devices it works with and how easy it is to set up. The only down side to it is its cost. At a little over $200 it is an expensive, but worthwhile addition to the family.

There are many things at work to make your Bluetooth GPS navigator do its job. If you have ever been curious how this works, then this article is here to help. The mechanics behind a Bluetooth GPS navigator are fairly simple, it is in the execution of these mechanics that you really can see how powerful Bluetooth enabled GPS is.

How a Bluetooth GPS Navigator Works

A Bluetooth GPS Navigator will stay in touch with satellites in geosynchronous orbit send signals to the unit. A Bluetooth GPS navigator will use four satellites to calculate its position. The Bluetooth GPS navigator uses the current time from when the messages are sent and compares that with the known time. By doing this the Bluetooth GPS navigator can calculate the distance to the satellites and triangulate its position. It needs to have four satellites to do this as one satellite will be used to correlate the time.

Within the GPS system there are three segments – the space segment, a control segment, and the user segment. The space segment comprises the orbiting GPS satellites in orbit. The original design called for 24 satellites in three orbits, but the current design has these satellites in six planes with four satellites each. Each satellite completes one orbit per sidereal day. Currently there are 31 actively broadcasting satellites in the GPS network. The additional satellites have improved the precision of Bluetooth GPS Navigators by providing redundant measurements.

The control segment of the GPS system corresponds to how the satellites are monitored and tracked. The US Air Force Space Command master control station receives information from basses around the world and coordinates the position of the satellites and synchronizes them with atomic clocks to ensure a reliable network. The updates are created by a Kalman filter which uses inputs from the ground monitoring stations, weather information and other inputs.

The user segment is the portion that your Bluetooth GPS navigator takes up in the GPS network. These are composed of an antenna tuned to the frequencies sent out by the satellites and have receiver processors to analyze the data. In addition the units need to have a highly stable clock to base all of the calculations off of. They are also labeled with how many channels or satellites they can connect up to. Bluetooth GPS navigators today typically have between 12-20 channels. That is some of the basics as to how a GPS system works. There are many complicated components at play, but hopefully you understand the basics of what is going on.

A Bluetooth GPS navigator is one of the best tools to come out in a long time. Bluetooth GPS works with many different devices so that you will never be lost again. The Bluetooth GPS ties into a satellite system to triangulate and coordinate your position. This system has been in place for a while and when coupled with Bluetooth it makes GPS extremely portable and easily connectable.

History of Bluetooth GPS and How it Works for You

After the crash of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in nineteen eighty three, President Reagan started an initiative to make GPS available for free for civilian use. Since that day GPS has expanded and now covers the entire globe. Its technology helps in monitoring earthquakes, synchronization of telecommunications networks, map making, navigation worldwide, and an assorted list of other uses. Primarily however Bluetooth GPS will be used for on road navigation and tail hiking to find you position. The question really is not what it is used for but rather how Bluetooth GPS works.

The concept is fairly simple. The Bluetooth GPS receiver calculates its position based on the signals it receives from satellites. Each satellite continually sends messages that have the current time, the parameters to calculate the location for the satellite, and the general health of the system. These signals travel down to the receiver and it uses the arrival time of each message to measure the distance to the satellite and from that it can determine the position of the receiver using geometry and trigonometry. The Bluetooth GPS then converts these coordinates to latitude and longitude which can then be displayed on a map.

It would seem that three satellites should be sufficient for the Bluetooth GPS to accurately predict the position, but in fact that is not the case. The Bluetooth GPS needs four satellites to accurately account for time in addition to its location in space. By adding this fourth satellite the measurements taken can be less accurate and can be more easily calculated.

Well there you have it, the basics as to how your Bluetooth GPS system works. While the system contains many components that are far more complicated than what has been outlined, hopefully this gives you a good idea of what happens in order to calculate your position. This system works on some very simple concepts but requires sophisticated equipment to execute. Your GPS unit is a marvel of technology, and hopefully you can appreciate this a bit more.