The GPS - High Tech'n it with NavigationBy Kent
The term "GPS" refers to the (Global Positioning System) operated by the United States government and it's free to the public (There are no subscription or users fees.). The GPS is basically a navigation system consisting of 24 satellites which orbit the earth and send information down to GPS units. Each satellite contains solar panels for power, atomic clocks to provide precise time, and radio transmitters to send data back to the Earth. The satellites transmit radio signals that contain the time the signal is sent, and data that a GPS unit can use to determine the location of the satellite.
he size of the display, detail of built in maps (you may wish to purchase additional maps), built in compasses, the amount of built in memory, WAAS capibility (see below), battery life, number of routes you can store, and waypoint capacity. A GPS unit that will serve the motorcyclist quite adequately as a navigational aid can be purchased for under $200. Purchasing additional maps, power cords, etc. can add another $100 or more. Shop around though because you will find the same unit offered at widely different prices at the various distributers (The best price for the Garmin eTrex Legend in the photos was on eBay).
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Don't
dump your maps and compass, but there's a great new way to find your way
around - the GPS unit. A GPS unit shows your position on a built in map.
By zooming in or out on the map you can see in general or in detail where
you are. Hook the unit to your handlebars and as you ride the display
will update and you'll be able to see your progress across the map. You'll
never be "lost" again. Your unit may also contain additional
information about your location such as the businesses and services at
the nearest exit - a nice feature when it's lunch time.
A
GPS unit is an electronic receiver for the signals sent by the satellites.
Hand held models are about the size of a cell phone, although larger fixed
mount units are a bit larger. When the GPS unit is turned on in a location
with a clear view of the sky, it recieves the signals and makes calculations
to determine the difference between the time the signal was sent and the
current time. With this information the GPS unit can determine its distance
from the satellites in view. By comparing the signals of at least three
satellites the unit can determine its three dimensional position. A fourth
satellite, however, is required for accuracy. This fourth satellite provides
compensation for the lack of an atomic clock in the GPS unit. At a minimum,
the GPS unit will then provide the user with approximate latitude and
longitude readings (see note below). Trees, buildings, and atmospheric
conditions impact reception, but with optimum conditions a handheld unit
can provide position information within 10 feet of anywhere on Earth.
Most
GPS units will also give you the ability to marked what is called a waypoint.
A waypoint is simply the latitude and longitude of a place on earth. By
using functions of your GPS, you can also locate the place you would like
to go. Mark your destination with a waypoint, and the GPS unit will show
you as the crow flies the distance and direction to your destination.
Some units have features will also help you plot which roads you should
take to get there. Those that don't will allow you to mark waypoints at
the intersections of the roads you want to take, then have your unit connect
the waypoints for a route. Routes can be planned ahead of time and stored
in memory (great entertainment when snowed in and you can't ride). As
you travel your GPS unit may also show your track so you can "back
track" to get home.
As
you do research on the Internet two manufacturers will quickly turn up
- Garmin and Magellan. Both companies provide several different models
which vary in cost and features. Features to consider are t