What GPS Navigation Devices Can Be Used in Vehicles?

Recently, a reader wrote - I'm thinking about buying a GPS to assist me while traveling. But, I'm totally ignorant about how they work and how they can help me.

I have some basic doubts like "If I'm going to 3 different places - how should I tell this to my GPS. Do I have to pre-program the GPS before I set out to the three places or do I do them one at a time?

How are the addresses loaded into the GPS? Is there a input device like keyboard or pad?

Most GPSs look so small--how can I pay attention to them while I am driving?

What brand of GPS do you recommend that I should go for as a beginner with little technical or technological skills

What experiences have you had with GPS navigation and GPS devices in general?

I know I am asking a lot of questions. But I am lost, really. Thanks for your help in advance.

I will try to answer all your questions in the following paragraphs.

GPS - Your Questions Answered

First, using a GPS is quite simple and easy. Most of the GPS receivers have been designed to be intuitive. They are easy to use and operate.

Like for example entering your destination into a GPS unit is simple and straight forward. While the exact method varies depending on the GPS device you are using. For most devices, you just have to type out the address using an on screen keyboard.

Some have touch screens and others require key presses.

If you are going to more than one place some GPS receivers allow you to enter them at the start of your trip. While others you'll need to enter your next destination after you reach your first destination.

Again, it depends on the GPS device you are using.

First I would suggest you get comfortable with GPS receivers before you buy. Check out the various devices at your local store before you decide one.

Don't be worried about the size most have screens which are quite large enough to make out the destinations, maps, streets etc.

Most important point - you "don't have to look" at your GPS screen while driving. Your focus should always on the road and your driving. The GPS devices should not be a distraction while you drive.

For this very reason, almost all GPS receivers for cars come with voice commands. They will give your voice prompts about where you are where and which direction to turn at an intersection or which exit to take. The display typically show directional indications and limited map information.

This way they can be used for navigation while you focus on the driving. Apart from this the more advanced GPS devices even have information about hotels, gas stations, restrooms, and much more.

A word of warning here don't try to program or fiddle with your GPS unit while driving. You won't type a message to a friend while driving would you? Same thing here.

Try to enter your commands before your start for your destination and perform as few as possible commands on the device while driving.

If you have to enter your commands then stop your car.

Garmin's nuvi and StreetPilot range and TomTom systems are very good. Magellan also have pretty decent GPS systems for cars - they are the makers of the NeverLost system that are used in Hertz rental cars.

From my experience I would suggest you to get a GPS unit that not only gives voice prompts for directions, but also give the names of the streets. Instead of just giving directions like "go left","go right" or straight it's more helpful when you know the street names too. You know you are doing the right thing. Knowing the name of the street helps significantly to follow the directional information provided by the unit.

The low cost models only speak the directions you need to take.

Gowri is an avid blogger and writer. She loves technology and is a GPS fan. If you are looking for more information on GPS then best GPS systems is the place to check out.

Don't know which GPS is the right choice for you. At http://www.bestgpssystemsreviews.com we provide all the help you need to make the right choice.

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GPS Retransmission Inside Military Vehicles

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has seen increased use in many different military applications, worldwide. The Warfighter uses GPS to enhance situational awareness on the battle field with systems such as Land Warrior, Blue Force Tracker, FalconView, and various electronic mission planning tools loaded on Toughbook or GoBook laptop computers. Tactical radio systems no longer simply transmit voice information over terrestrial networks, Warfighter positional information, text messages, and other data is transmitted via tactical networks.

GPS capability has established itself in worldwide military applications as a must-have technology. Situational awareness offered by GPS enabled devices improves Warfighter and system survivability. Often times, however, such as in the case of a Soldier or Marine operating inside a military ground vehicle, GPS signals may not be directly available. During an assault on an enemy compound, the Warfighter may step out of the vehicle disoriented and vulnerable due to a lack of GPS signal availability inside the vehicle; he must wait for his GPS receiver to acquire a GPS signal. GPS retransmission provides a solution to this gap to provide the Warfighter with a live GPS signal to any commercial or military grade receiver. Ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other more clandestine locations throughout the world, has taught us a valuable lesson in the importance of live GPS signals inside military ground vehicles. Whether it be simply a coordinate for the vehicle commander to check and report position off his DAGR, or a dismounted Soldier stepping out of his MRAP to track down a rogue warlord, having a live wireless GPS signal inside the vehicle adds signifincant value and improves survivability for the Warfighter.

GPS retransmission, the art of making the live GPS signal available to handheld or mobile GPS applications at locations where the signal is not otherwise available, is a key technology to enable the Warfighter today. In order to repeat a live GPS signal, a GPS retransmission system must be installed to the parent vehicle. This system can be installed in a permanent manner or installed as a mission kit offering flexibility to a wide range of applications. A typical GPS retransmission system will consist of an active antenna, RF cabling, amplifier, and repeat antenna(s). Depending on the size and configuration of the host vehicle, a system may contain one or two repeat antennas, providing up to 100% signal coverage of the vehicle's crew compartment.

A GPS retransmission system offers three main benefits to the Warfighter operating inside the military ground vehicle. First, the operator's GPS receiver will obtain wireless GPS lock while the vehicle is in a protected state with all hatches, doors, and windows closed to provide maximum protection from outside threats. This enables a vehicle commander or squad leader to receive position, route, and time in real-time to better prepare for mission contingencies. The days of opening the door of an MRAP in an enemy controlled area to hold a DAGR outside with a clear view of the sky to achieve a GPS signal are over.

Second, Time-to-First-Fix (TTFF) is eliminated, meaning the operator experiences a seamless transition while exiting the vehicle, never losing GPS lock. In the case of quick casualty, the need for close air support, or assault missions on a compound at night, an immediate GPS signal is advantageous to improve situational awareness. This especially becomes important, when coupled with the benefit of a live GPS signal inside the vehicle for a system such as Land Warrior or NettWarrior, in which a Soldier has an active GPS antenna on his uniform, providing constant position and status updates to the network. GPS retransmission improves speed and accuracy of the assault team leaving the vehicle, it reduces time from dismount to breach on the target location, thereby improving survivability.

Finally, a live wireless GPS signal inside the host vehicle enables optimization and weight reduction of the RF signal distribution system within the vehicle. Many subsystems residing in ground vehicles today benefit from a GPS signal, whether it be for position or time. A large percentage of these systems are equipped with an active GPS antenna, enabling a drastic reduction in RF cabling, leading to optimized and more reliable vehicle architecture. Removal of RF cables to the DAGR, for example, eliminates a failure mode in which the Soldier's weapon sweep impacts the cable, damaging the connector or cable a high percentage of the time.

Missions utilizing GPS retransmission systems have been carried out by the US Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, 7th Special Forces Group, Combat Applications Group, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT), among others. GPS retransmission has successfully provided an improved level of situational awareness to the Warfighter, providing increased rates of survivability and mission effectiveness.

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