LightSquared asks FCC for stricter GPS gear standards
23.02.12
Today, the company, which has invested billions of dollars to build a wireless broadband network that will blanket the U.S., filed a document with the FCC asking the agency to begin a rule-making process that will enforce strict standards on GPS devices, so that these devices will not inadvertently receive signals that are coming from adjacent spectrum bands.
For more than a year, LightSquared has been embroiled in a political and regulatory battle with the GPS industry and U.S. military, which claim that the company's network will interfere with existing GPS devices. They've lobbied the FCC and Congress to make sure that LightSquared's network does not get built until interference issues are resolved.
LightSquared obtained the spectrum it plans to use for its network through a series of acquisitions. The spectrum it intends to use for its network was originally meant for satellite communications, but the FCC cleared it for terrestrial use in 2005. And last year, the FCC granted the company a waiver so that LightSquared could operate a terrestrial-only network.
Congress Passes FAA Bill That Speeds Switch to GPS
23.02.12
A bill to speed the nation's switch from radar to an air traffic control system based on GPS technology, and to open U.S. skies to unmanned drone flights within four years, received final congressional approval Monday.
The bill passed the Senate 75-20, despite labor opposition to a deal cut between the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House on rules governing union organizing elections at airlines and railroads. The House had passed the bill last week, and it now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The bill authorizes $63.4 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration over four years, including about $11 billion toward the air traffic system and its modernization. It accelerates the modernization program by setting a deadline of June 2015 for the FAA to develop new arrival procedures at the nation's 35 busiest airports so planes can land using the more-precise GPS navigation.
Instead of time-consuming, fuel-burning, stair-step descents, planes will be able to glide in more steeply with their engines idling. Planes will also be able to land and take off closer together and more frequently, even in poor weather, because pilots will know the precise location of other aircraft and obstacles on the ground. Fewer planes will be diverted.
I was under the impression that GPS was supposed to make your life easier...
I am trying to buy a GPS. What is the difference between a Mount GPS and others GPS navigators?
Nov 18, 2009 by Angie | Posted in Car Audio
I am trying to buy a GPS nothing to expensive, but something that works. I found Mount GPS but there is not much info about it. The more expensive ones have more details and are not mount. What does it mean. I live in VA and need to go to MD for an emergency. I map quest but man, i will just get lost. SO i thought a GPS could help. Any suggestions?
i think Garmin is the easiest to use and work great you can get a cheap one maybe 69.00 that will get you where you want to go
just remember if you get a refurbished one it may not have the newest maps available
Jay | Nov 18, 2009
price
supermoren02130 | Nov 18, 2009
most gps that are high quality will include the mount for you. take for instance the one that i bought. it was not too expensive and it sure helps me out allot to map around the city. i use it for emergency and pleasure. works out great in each situation.
like i said, it includes the mount. you can mount it in your car or truck or just carry it when you are not in your car.
most dont do this, but this one must be on the high end. it plays music, so i can listen to music and turn by turn directions at the same time. it also has built in power point viewer - i give presentation so this works out well for me. i can view my power points on my gps. it also has a photo or picture viewer to store all your pictures. it has a flash player and comes loaded with games, i play the games when i bored. like when you wait in line at the DMV. haha. anyways, i got it for a cheap price: $105.00 delivered to my front door with FREE shipping.
here it is:
http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.p hp?prod=gps-igo-amigo
Uni Q | Nov 21, 2009
Why does my GPS take me totally different directions on the way to and from a place?
Jun 30, 2009 by ladylion215 | Posted in Commuting
For example, I went on a job interview that was an hour away today and the directions the GPS gave me for the way there and the way home were completely different. Also, I have used my GPS to go to a friend's new house a few times, each time leaving from my house, and the GPS took me a different route every time. This doesn't make sense to me. I also feel like it takes me a very round-about way sometimes instead of sending me on the quickest way. Why is this?
It's a Garmin Nuvi.
Since we don't know the make/model of your GPS, we can't get into specifics.
GPS units may indeed compute different routes coming and going. The speed limits in opposing lanes or the number of stops or expected traffic may be different. There may be one lane roads. If you have a unit that includes traffic or time of day updates, that'll factor in, too.
Robert L | Jul 01, 2009
its where you are and the fix from the satellites //its always the shortest route from where you are/if you know the route start on your own and it will correct itself//i do it all the time because i dont want to go on a certain street etc
ken k | Jun 30, 2009
Your GPS has it in for you. I'd keep away from it!
Hojo | Jun 30, 2009
Mine occasionally does the same thing. Usually on shorter trips. Depends on where the sats are when you enter the trip data.
Hopalong Cassidy | Jul 01, 2009
GPS satellites are only used to calculate your current location. Then the "best" route is calculated using the receiver's software based on your current location and any preferences you have set. So, any differences in the route when going the opposite direction are caused entirely by the receiver's software. The location of the satellites in the sky does not affect how the route is planned, they are only used to figure out where you are on Earth.
I don't own a GPS unit, but I've noticed from experience with the routes the receivers tend to pick can be a little funky. Annoying, huh?
Allan H | Jul 02, 2009
What is the difference between CAR and trecking GPS?
Jun 13, 2007 by FB | Posted in Other - Cars & Transportation
Hello;
I really would like to understand the difference between Car GPS and Trecking GPS. Are they similar?
I mean here from the point of syncing with satellites. I saw some trecking GPS that sync with 12 ( 12 channels). Does that mean that they are more sensitive than Car GPS?
Is it possible to use car GPS for trecking :-)
Or are there GPS that can be used for both applications at the same time, and may be also for sailing, let's say :-)
If they are identical hardware-wise, does that mean one can use maps files for cars on a trecking GPS, or vice-versa?
Thank you in advance.
I think the main difference is the power source and the software that is loaded. Car systems will be set up to use 12VDC, and typically be hard-mounted into the car. Trekking (portable) models will be battery operated, so voltage would be anywhere from 3-9VDC. Since a person will have to carry it, the portable GPS will typically be smaller and lighter.
Regarding software, Car units will be more likely to have better information on roads, addresses, attractions etc while the hiking model will feature land features etc.
All the GPS units I have seen use as many satellites as possible. It needs at least 3 to pinpoint where you are, the more satellites it 'sees', the more accurate it will be.
You can you a car GPS for hiking, but you will need to bring a 12VDC power supply... and car batteries are pretty heavy ; )
A better application would be to get a portable model and use that in your car, however I don't think the hiking models typically give you turn by turn instructions.
Hope that helps.
kafer1958 | Jun 15, 2007
What kind of GPS system is the most accurate and easy to use?
Mar 15, 2007 by Elle | Posted in Other - Cars & Transportation
I am planning a road trip and I am horrible w/ directions. I am considering buying a GPS system for my car since we are driving from Wisconsin to New York City. Any suggestions?
If you only need it short term, you have a number of options. Do you have a friend you could borrow one from? Consider renting a car and getting the satellite thing with it.
But, consider this: you may already have almost everything you need. Many cell phones are satellite friendly. Most directions sites (I use mapquest.com) have an application you can download to your phone, and then 'send' your phone the directions from mapquest. Voila! It now has the capability to adjust for you on the fly. Goto your directional website of choice and see what hardware they support. (If they don't support your model of phone, try another site)
A seasoned traveler with a decent directional ability, I get my directions from the site, and used to print them. Now, I just save the web page to my laptop (usually the printer friendly version) and have it open on the seat next to me.
Drive safe!
howtoms | Mar 15, 2007
What is the best gps system for you car for the cheapest amount of money?
Nov 29, 2008 by nsena31 | Posted in Car Audio
I am interested in buying a gps system for my car. However, I don't want to spend a lot of money.
I bought a Mio about two years ago and I am still happy with it. I have seen new ones going for the $100 price range. I paid $200 for mine and I will keep it till it dies.
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