Posts Tagged ‘GPS navigation systems’
What You Can Do With Your GPS Software
Before you purchase your GPS navigation system, you may want to be aware that some GPS software is more compatible than others. While Magellan and Navignon have perfectly fine products, there isn’t as much widespread support. For instance, there are a number of free navigator maps and tour guide downloads for Garmin and TomTom that just aren’t offered for other manufacturers. Additionally, Mapquest and Google Maps both allow you the ability to map out directions on your PC and send them to your GPS device, yet only if you have a Garmin (for Mapquest or Google) or a TomTom (Google Maps only).
One thing you can do with the software on your GPS is speed up the satellite lock. You’ll want to do this when you first get your device or when you’ve moved to a new location. When you first turn on your GPS navigation device, your unit will need to read the positioning of the other satellites in the sky in relation to your current position. The most efficient way to receive this information is to leave GPS navigation systems on under an open sky for 20 minutes, without moving them around. Additionally, when you’ve traveled over 100 miles and you turn your car on, you may want to hit the “new location” button on the satellite screen menu to speed up the satellite acquisition.
Every once in a while you’ll want to check for firmware updates. “Firmware” refers to the GPS software in your GPS. Sometimes manufacturers find that there are common system glitches, so they’ll release updates to improve the functionality of your GPS system. For instance, the Garmin GPSMAP 60 CSx had an early altimeter bug that has since been fixed with firmware version 2.7. Other times firmware updates can actually add new features that your device didn’t have before! For instance, the Garmin i3 replacement, namely the StreetPilot 7500, has an upgrade that adds more languages, shows on-route traffic delays and allows you to customize points of interest. The manufacturers’ websites have “Support” sections where you can check for the latest GPS software and download new versions.
While your GPS software comes with perfectly fine navigator maps, some people find they aren’t satiated. Free and legal Garmin-compatible maps are posted online, which include highway and high-quality topographical maps. Garmin will also send you a free disc of their MapSource maps, which allows you the ability to plan your trips on your computer, note your favorite locations and send the information to your GPS navigation device.
Taking A Look At The GPSMAP 76CSx
Garmin GPS navigation systems are considered the best brand name with nearly 20 years in the industry. The first GPS systems were marketed to hunters, fishermen, aviators and hikers, but today people have navigator maps in their cars and create games based around these devices. The future of GPS is moving toward using these navigators as personal travel assistants, which can tell you the nearest restaurants, hotels and gas stations to your current location, and will also provide you with tour-guide-style audio files about your location as well! For hikers and boaters, the GPSMAP 76CSx is a useful tool.
It should first be stated that if you’re not using the 76CSx for boating, then you should probably look at other models (like the GPSMAP 60 CSx or the Nuvis if you’re driving). However, if you want a reliable device with excellent reception that floats and will be protected from water, then this is a good choice. The 76CSx crosses over from nautical maps to forest maps to city navigator maps, which makes it a good companion for an outdoor adventure. If you’re walking in the sunshine, then the bright transflective screen will show you the details with no trouble. As well, if you’re walking in the pouring rain, your unit will stay protected.
The GPSMAP 76CSx, which retails at $428.56 full-price, not only comes with nautical maps, but also can be used off-the-water when you’re hiking nearby islands or driving back home again. Compared to older 76 models, the high-end 76CSx stores more map information, more of your favorite places and offers turn-by-turn routing for drivers. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver can acquire satellite reception in dense tree cover, deep canyons and even inside urban buildings. The older 76 models had a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, which disappeared in the 76Cx but returns again in the 76CSx.
“The SiRF® high-sensitivity receiver is phenomenal! This unit really does obtain satellite reception and will hold onto it in the dense foliage of the land as if it’s out in an open field with no blockage,” writes consumer reviewer Kay Clark at www.gpsnow.com. She added that she did a lot of online research before purchasing her GPSMAP 76CSx but ultimately chose it for the expandable memory card capability, as well as the highly recommended receiver.
Reviewing The Latest Games GPS Offers
The games GPS has for users range from traditional arcade and card games to interactive outdoor adventures and treasure hunts. Some games on GPS devices even combine art, filmmaking and social networking too! This exciting niche market is just starting to evolve, with much advancement yet to be expected. Here we’ll discuss a few of the exciting GPS games out now for the restless adventurer in you!
At www.gpsgames.org, you can find some of the funniest games GPS has to put forward. For instance, “Shutter Spot” is a game where players take pictures and other players are challenged to find that exact location where the photographer was standing to take the shot. “GeoPoker” takes the usual assembling of a card hand and adds a twist: players must first find and move a container holding a GeoPoker log to earn their virtual playing cards! “GeoGolf” has you moving from waypoint to waypoint to get your score. Then there is “Minute War,” which is like Capture the Flag, and other exciting, interactive navigator maps games like “Geodashing” and “Geocaching.”
If you have ever watched “The Amazing Race,” then you’ve got the concept of the increasingly popular Geocaching games GPS has to play. Teams or individuals will receive sets of coordinates and will race from waypoint to waypoint, performing different tasks at each location and competing for prizes. In their ventures, seekers often find hidden containers with inexpensive toys, keepsakes or items and log books; they then replace the item with something new and record their name in the log. To find hosting in your area, check out www.geocaching.com to see if one of the 673,265 geocaches can be found near you.
Whether you like the games GPS has created to date or not, this is just one more neat function of GPS devices. The latest technological trends are in all-in-one multimedia devices that allow users to share information, create and upgrade. GPS is no exception! With your Garmin, Magellan or TomTom, you can look up information at the touch of a button, play your satellite radio, talk on your cell phone with Bluetooth technology, gather directions where you’re going, plan your rest stops, get the weather, play a game and so much more!
Choosing A GPS
In the past, a Global Positioning System was used solely by the government to track and navigate aircraft, to rescue downed pilots, to create reconnaissance maps, to help soldiers navigate enemy terrain in the dark and to guide missiles. Civilians were later permitted to use a it for a number of reasons. Hikers would use GPS systems to find their way around canyons, forests and mountains, and boaters would find their way to land. Mountain bikers could plot a course, previewing the terrain and rest stops on their devices. And fishermen could track fish patterns below the boat to ensure a big catch. Today, a GPS has become exceedingly popular to put in automobiles, making trips easier and less stressful.
“Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience, performance, value, and service,” proclaims the company website. In fact, Garmin, which has been around since 1989, is the most well-known North American brand name in Global Positioning Systems today. Based out of Kansas, no part of the manufacturing process gets outsourced, as the company designs, manufactures, markets and sells all of their products themselves. They offer GPS navigation systems for all different lifestyles, such as fitness-based systems, automotive GPS systems, systems for hikers or campers, aviation technology, marine technology and site navigation for geocachers.
In addition to Garmin, Magellan is another leader in GPS systems, with their Magellan Maestro 4250 being the most popular GPS model, which ranges from $90-$279 online. Dutch Manufacturer TomTom was founded in 1991 and employs over 3,500 people worldwide. Their most popular navigator is the TomTom ONE XL 330-S (starting at $249), which has a wide 4.3″ screen, customization options, search by zip code functionality, text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, emergency locator service and the ability to search for points of interest near your current location. Lastly, the Navignon 2100 Max Portable Navigator (starting at $248.35) can help you find hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance, while also offering text-to-speech, lane assist and reality view maps.
Commuters might like the Dash Express GPS, which displays crowd-sourced traffic data and allows live internet searches to find the best way around traffic jams. Boaters might like the Lowrance iWay 600C’s marine navigation mode with point-to-point navigation and satellite imagery. Hikers, campers and hunters can try the Magellan CrossoverGPS, while the Mio Digiwalker H610 works best for pedestrians and bicyclists. Garmin seems to be top dog for automobile GPS systems, although the TomTom ONE XL 330-S and Magellan Maestro have also made the top 10 list.