Garmin GPSMAP 541

The GPSMAP 541s is a compact chartplotter that features an ultra-bright 5" (12.7 cm) QVGA color display along with an improved high-speed digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds. It’s ready to go with an easy-to-use interface and a built-in, satellite-enhanced basemap preloaded with all U.S. coastal areas, including Alaska and Hawaii as well as detailed charts for the Bahamas. The GPSMAP 541s also accepts BlueChart® g2 Vision® cards (sold separately) for added features and functionality such as high-resolution satellite imagery, 3-D views and Auto Guidance technology.

 

 

Explore the Seas

The GPSMAP 541s comes ready to go with preloaded U.S. coastal area map data. For areas outside the U.S., the GPSMAP 541s has a worldwide basemap with satellite images in place of more traditional maps. The GPSMAP 541s also comes standard with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for superior satellite tracking and quicker acquisition times. In addition, the GPSMAP 541s can receive U.S. graphical weather data via optional GXM™ 51 satellite receiver/antenna (sold separately). And with an SD™ card slot, it’s easy to add additional maps without connecting to a computer.

Get Sonar

The GPSMAP 541s comes with a powerful dual-frequency transducer that clearly illustrates depth contours, fish targets and structures whether you’re fishing in freshwater or off the coast. The GPSMAP 541s also is NMEA 2000®-certified for easy connectivity with sensors, instruments and future marine offerings.

Add Extras with BlueChart g2 Vision

With the optional BlueChart g2 Vision SD card, you can add a whole new dimension of exceptional features to your chartplotter.

• MarinerEye view and FishEye view provide you a 3-D perspective of map information, both above and below the waterline.
• High-resolution satellite images and aerial photographs help you orient yourself in unfamiliar areas.
• Auto Guidance technology searches through all relevant charts to create a route you can actually follow — one that avoids obstacles, shallow water, buoys and other obstructions.

All iPhones from the 3G model onwards and 3G iPads have what is known as assisted GPS

All iPhones from the 3G model onwards and 3G iPads have what is known as assisted GPS or A-GPS and this works in several ways. Firstly it uses phone mast triangulation and Wi-Fi hotspots to obtain a quick and dirty fix on your location, normally to within a kilometre or less, depending on the area. This is then used to help speed up the acquisition of GPS satellite signals, to provide a more accurate position, this time to within a few tens of metres. The GPS function does work without a network connection but it can take a minute or more for it to lock on to the satellites and work out your position.

The network connection is also used to update map information and provide extra detail, though clearly you are not too worried about finding the nearest McDonalds or Post Office bobbing around on the North Sea. As a matter of interest iPhones and iPads send details of your location to Apple. This is used to maintain a crowd-sourced database of phone masts and Wi-Fi hotspots, which is supposed to help refine the initial location fix. Apple is keen to make it clear that this information is encrypted and anonymous, though a bug discovered in 2011, now fixed, revealed that an unencrypted file on iPhones stored a year’s worth of time-stamped location data. This data is still retained, but now only for 7 days.

China’s Beidou GPS system is as accurate as US GPS system

At  the 2012 Forum of Astronautic Technology and Strategic Emerging Industries in Dalian City, Yang Qiangwen, Chief Engineer of China’s Beidou Satellite Navigation System, said that the system was as accurate as US GPS System. Its horizontal error is less than 10 meters while that high up in sky is less than 15 meters. In measuring speed, its error is less than 0.2 m/s.
China has developed the system over the past 10 years. Its first phase was formally completed in 2003. The three satellites operated satisfactorily. The last satellite for the second phase was launched on October 25 this year to complete a regional network of 16 satellites, in which 14 are providing services in their orbits. The whole system is operating smoothly and is able to provide formal services for the entire Asian-Pacific region.

The third phase, Beidou Global Navigation System will be completed by 2020.
According to estimates, the system is generating 100 billion yuan ($16 billion) revenue now. It is expected that its revenue will rise to 150 billion yuan ($24 billion) and 400 billion yuan ($64 billion) respectively by 2015 and 2020.
Major Chinese producers of the chips have made a breakthrough in the technology related to the chips. They have entered the second and even the third stage of development, and their products are equivalent in technology and functions to those of major companies abroad such as SiRF and uBlox.
Yang said that so far the chips produced by China were expensive and had to be improved through extensive use. He expects that by 2015, China will have its own intellectual property for the chips and the functions of its chips will meet international technical standards then.
He said that Beidou faces cruel international struggle for resources, position and market. There are a limited number of frequencies for navigation systems and the best of them have been taken by the US and Russia. China and Europe who began development of their systems later, have difficulties due to the limited number of channels. The have to conduct negotiation and discussion and do a lot of work to get more and better channels.
Yang also mentioned the possibility of cooperation with the US and Russian systems, but stressed that China had never wavered, and would persist in developing its system independently.
He said that Pakistan and Indonesia are much interested in the Beidou System while Laos, Myanmar, Mongolia and some other countries are also interested. Work is being done to provide the services of the Beidou System abroad.

Source: www.huanqiu.com

Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS is a navigational system offering information under any weather condition from any area that falls within its range, from anywhere in and near the earth.  This project was developed in the year 1973 to break the restrictions and challenges the previous systems faced. It was initially run with the help of twenty-four satellites and became completely operational in the year 1994. The system has been modernized and developed since then.
GPS’s design is primarily based on land-based navigation systems like Decca Navigator and LORAN, developed during the Second World War period. In 1960, the first successful navigator, named Transit, was experimented on by the United Nations’ navy. It was able to provide a navigation fix of roughly once an hour and was comprised of five satellites.
The Timation satellite in 1967 was the first to implement clocks in space. After tweaking and learning from its predecessors, the Omega Navigation System became the first official global radio navigation system, during the next decade.

The Global Positioning System is owned by the Government of the United States and stewarded by the Department of Defense. Successful mobile GPS tests were done in 2004 and a modernized satellite navigation system was launched in the year 2005. It has become a handy tool for people around the world.

Raymarine A57D GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder

The A57D GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder is a powerful yet compact navigation system combined with our award winning HD Digital fishfinder technology. The A57D features a vibrant direct sunlight viewable high resolution 5.7" VGA colour display. The rugged waterproof construction make the A57D a perfect fit for centre consoles and open cockpits.
While this A57D does not include any preloaded charts, enjoy the flexibility of adding optional Navionics Gold or HotMaps charts using the onboard CompactFlash card reader. Or step up to Navionics Platinum for the ultimate chartplotting experience. Navionics Platinum charts feature 3D and satellite cartography, panoramic port photos, dynamic tides & currents, enhanced coastal points of interest, and more!
Each A57D features a high sensitivity internal WAAS GPS receiver providing pinpoint chartplotter accuracy. For added flexibility add a RayStar 125 GPS antenna for situations where an external GPS antenna is needed.
Combine GPS and VHF technology for added situational awareness and safety. The A57D utilises DSC position polling (with DSC equipped VHF) and AIS target tracking (with optional AIS250) right on your chart
Harnessing the power of Raymarine's HD Digital fishfinder technology, the A57D's built-in digital sounder module offer unmatched fishfinder clarity and precision. Our patented HD Digital technology enables the A57D to instantly adapt to changing water and seabed conditions, delivering a dramatically clearer picture than ordinary analog fishfinders. Plus HD Digital technology enables true "hands-free" automatic operation, for an optimal fishfinder display at all times. Also enjoy full chartplotter integration, the A57D lets you mark fish targets or wrecks as waypoints. Easily switch screens back to the chartplotter and navigate right to your target!

Simply plug in to the included transom mount transducer and you have the ultimate digital fishfinder. Using the same patented HD Digital technology as its big-brother DSM300, the A57D's built-in sounder packs 500 watts RMS of power with a dual frequency (50/200 Khz) transceiver for excellent inshore and offshore performance. Directly compatible with the full array of A-Series transducers, and adaptable to the DSM300 family of transducers, a wide selection of styles are available to fit almost any boat including transom mounts, thru-hull mounts and in-hull solutions.
The A57D comes with our innovative tilt and swivel bracket featuring a quick release lever. Once the A57D is off the boat keep your cables tidy and protected with the built-in cable management system and protective cable caps. A flush mount kit is also available for other helm applications.
Add the optional SR50 weather receiver and the A57D becomes a powerful weather receiver utilising SIRIUS Satellite weather technology (US only). Graphical Nowrad radar, sea surface temperatures, storm tracks, city & buoy forecasts are now all at your fingertips. The A57D is also SIRIUS Satellite radio capable, simply connect the SR50 to your boat's existing stereo's auxiliary input. You have complete control of channels, volume, and can even set reminders for favourite songs and artists on over 100 SIRIUS radio channels (US only).
The A57D GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder comes packaged with a tilt & swivel bracket, suncover, power/NMEA cable, transom mount transducer, and instruction manual. The A57D is also SeaTalkNG capable allowing for engine monitoring with compatible engines. With SeaTalkNG you can even activate and control your Raymarine X Series SmartPilot directly from the A57D's chartplotter

Garmin Nuvi 2475LT

GPS reviews on the Garmin Nuvi 2475LT reveal a lot of positive attributes in this small, slender, well designed GPS.  The Garmin 2475LT is equipped with maps of the United States, Europe, and Canada, and consumers get to personalize the device through customizable features.  Garmin has unified some of the best features of higher end GPS units with new features and an affordable price tag.  Consumer reviews and expert opinions relate that the unit is dependable, easy to use, and its clean design make it desirable global satellite positioning unit.  Ideally, the Garmin Nuvi 2475LT is for any consumer that wants to buy an outstanding, practical, highly functional GPS without overspending or breaking the bank to get one.  A look at reviews on the Garmin Nuvi 2475LT reveals that this global satellite positioning system is synonymous with practicality.

Garmin Nuvi 2475LT – Basics

The Garmin Nuvi 2475LT has hands free calling management features; the consumer can connect a compatible cell phone device and use this Garmin GPS unit to control everything, including outbound and incoming telephone calls.  The sound quality of calls is excellent in every instance.  In addition, this innovative GPS has customizable POIs, preloaded points of interest, and high-end GPS features like lane assistance, junction view, and exit services along with lifetime traffic information.  Consumers can make use of custom avoidance features as well as advance detour functions, all of which making traveling to and from select destinations easier than ever before.

Garmin Nuvi 2475LT – Features Analysis

GPS reviews on the Garmin Nuvi 2475LT indicate that a consumer can definitely benefit from having a Garmin Nuvi 2475LT for navigation guidance.  Users who reviewed the product on Bestbuy.com indicate that the device has superior international maps, but that sometimes the device has an issue with intermittent shutdowns.  Meanwhile, a Cnet.com’s expert reviewer reveals that the Garmin Nuvi 2495LT has such an innovative user interface that finding destinations and using the device for the purposes of navigation are both more speedy and concise processes.  Users of the unit have offered reviews on GPSCity.com were advantages like the ability to use the GPS while on foot make this GPS likeable, but also suggest that a longer battery life would make the GPS even better.

Covert GPS Tracker PT8100

Real-Time Micro Portable GPS Tracking Device

The PT-8100N utilizes state of the art location technology whether you need to locate a child, person, or asset this GPS tracking device is one of the world's smallest and lightest GPS trackers. This GPS tracker can be located indoors and in other challenging places where conventional GPS devices fail.

Features & Benefits:

• Locate On Demand
• Real-Time Tracking
• Scheduled Tracking - You configure time you want to track
• Locate Indoors - Hybrid Assisted GPS
• Battery Life 10 days
• Very Small Footprint, Great For Covert Use

What You Need To Know About The PT-8100N:

• Battery Life Is Dependent On How Many Locates You Do
• The PT-8100N Is Equipped With A Panic Button
• Monthly Service Is Based On Usage - View Plans
• There Are Overage Charges For Going Over Your Allocated
  Number Of Locates
• Zone Alerts Only Report When The Device Transmits Its
  Location Inside The Zone - It Will NOT Automatically
  Report A Zone Violation

PT-8100N CDMA Tracker:

CDMA trackers use AGPS technology, which allows the tracker to return a location in a challenging position, like inside a building.  Unlike GSM technology, the data transmission cost is much more expensive.  This is the reason service plans are tiered and overage charges apply if you go over your allocated plan limit.  When selecting a plan, please choose one that will be consistent with the number of locates you plan to do.  Going over your allocated number of locates will incur additional charges.

 Specifications:

• Dimensions: 2.75" x 1.6" x 0.60"
• Weight: 1.76 ounces
• Operating Temperature: -4 to 140 degrees F
• Location Technology: Qualcomm gpsOne
• Position Accuracy:
  > Open Sky: 15 to 30 feet
  > Impaired: <60 feet 95% of the time
• Extended Battery Options Available

How The PT-8100N GPS Tracker Works:

Once fully charged, the PT-8100N's internal battery is rated between 4  - 14 days, depending on usage. You can locate the PT-8100N on demand from our web portal 24/7. You can also set the PT-8100N to automatically report its position based on a time interval, which could range anywhere from every minute to every 24 hours. Every time a location "ping" is sent back to our servers, the data is recorded. You can later login to our web portal and see the locations on a Google Map (Map View, Satellite View, Hybrid View). Location data can also be printed out in a report format.
E-Mail & Cellphone Alerts:
The PT-8100N can be configured directly from our web portal to automatically send you an email and text message of every location generated by an "Interval Track". The email/text message will contain the address of the beacon at the time the location report was generated.
Zone Alerts:
The PT-8100N can also be configured from our web portal to send an alert if the device enters a zone that you set. In order for the PT-8100N to send an alert, the device must be actively reporting, i.e. set to interval tracking. As soon as the device sends a "Position Update" inside/outside the zone, it will trigger an alert.
What You Will Receive - Standard Configuration With Internal Battery

• PT-8100N AGPS Tracking Device
• 120 VAC Wall Charger
• 1 Year Warranty
• Free Technical Support

Please Note: Model 8100N is configured for use with an internal battery only.  
Countries Of Operation: United State & Canada Only

Russia will launch two Glonass satellites

Russia will launch two Glonass satellites in 2012 to expand its global satellite navigation network in orbit, the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos said on Wednesday.
Glonass is Russia's answer to the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS, and is designed for both military and civilian uses.
"We are planning to carry out two Glonass satellites this year," Roscosmos head Vladimir Popovkin said in an interview with Vesti 24 television.

A group of 31 Glonass satellites is currently in orbit, with 24 operating to provide global coverage, four in reserve and one undergoing trials.
Russia may spend 346.5 billion rubles (almost $12 bln) on the maintenance and further development of the Glonass network in 2012-2020.

Digi m130 Embedded Module for Cellular, GPS, Satellite Connectivity

Digi m130 Embedded Module for Cellular, GPS, Satellite Connectivity

Quad-band GSM/GPRS connectivity

ORBCOMM satellite backup data link

Integrated high-performance GPS receiver

Cellular and satellite connectivity provide instant, always-on communications

On-board GPS enables location tracking and geo-fencing

Satellite application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology

Designed for operation in harsh environments

C/C++ programming and Smart Modem mode

5 meters of accuracy virtually anywhere