GPS advice that won't steer you wrong.
May 03 '00 (Updated May 12 '00)
Here is a tip for making the GPS you own 10 times more accurate! Turn it on. Yes that is right. As of this past Monday May 1 the US government stopped intentionally degrading the GPS signal. As stated in my previous review this was done to maintain tactical advantage for the military to insure that local hikers and boaters couldn't launch guided missiles at military type targets. Now through a new technology referred to as selective availability they are able to cloak certain restricted areas allowing full use of the signals from the satellites for civilian use. COOL! Bill Clinton was quoted as saying that "it is rare that someone can flip a switch and make something you own worth more." Obviously Bill C. has never been late with his electric bill. Man after the power company sends you that third red card it is amazing to wake up late one morning and realize your DSS,DVD,TV,VCR, are all expensive boat anchors.
Anyhow it is true that with the increased accuracy the GPS system is far more user friendly and accurate. I was able to notice immediate results which included elevation readings stabilized. The degrees, minutes, and seconds used to actually pinpoint your location were non-fluctuating.
I was really impressed with the difference.
My advice, watch closely for new improvements in all types of GPS systems. Also I have a feeling there will be a price increase in most units. The GPS market is expected to climb from 8 billion dollars in applications to 16 billion in the next three years.
Cell phones will be fitted with GPS for instant 911 access. Auto manufacturers are also going GPS crazy and I expect soon that everyone from mountain-bikers to gliders to divers will be using GPS. There is already a company working on a tracking system using GPS for the fire
service to aid incident commanders in tracking firefighters in wild-land and even urban applications. These will be modeled after the military units and should be highly effective with the new advancements.
So the question is now. Buy now before they climb? or Wait till the new tech. hits the market? That my friend is up to you.
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Epinions.com ID:
firefly
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Member: Joe Lamey
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 92 members
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