The Goods: Navigation Systems

Get Lost! Impossible! On board navigation system

One of the most exciting new technologies of the last few years has been the Global Positioning System (GPS). Brought to you by your Federal Government GPS is based on multiple satellites that are placed about 11,000 miles up in geo-stationary orbits.

Constant signals are beamed toward the earth from each satellite. A GPS receiver “tunes in” on at least four different satellites and measures the distance to each. It works sort of like very sophisticated triangulation, by factoring in the distances the position of the receiving unit can be very accurately determined to within about thirty feet or less(expensive advanced systems are able to use a fixed receiver in conjunction with a mobile receiver to get the accuracy down to a matter of inches). Thirty feet is close enough if you are lost in the woods, looking for your favorite fishing spot on the lake or need driving directions.

The GPS is the “brains” behind the navigation systems. In addition to a GPS receiver compatible mapping software is needed in order to plot routes and get directions. A few years ago the early navigation systems gave simple on-screen directions. Then came voice technology that allowed the system to verbally tell you where to go. Voice commands were somewhat cryptic “turn right, 300 yards” but they worked.

The latest technology available on some models takes the voice commands to a new level by actually naming the streets as in “turn right on Broadway”.

Combine the voice technology with XM Satellite radio as Garmin has done in its most recent model and the navigation system is capable of downloading real time traffic information, considering congestion in your path, and re-routing you around the problem areas. (I sure wish I had that during the Hurricane Rita evacuations from Houston)

For people who don’t need the very highest tech solutions there are many low-cost options now available. Several systems allow you to use your cell phone screen to navigate. Palm Pilots, PDA’s and Blackberrys all are capable of functioning as a navigation system. For about $99 (including mapping software) you can buy a DeLorme USB receiver that plugs into your laptop and converts it into a navigation system.

Manufacturers such as Garmin and Magellan offer small models that can easily be mounted to the handlebars of a motorcycle. Hand held units are an option but they cannot (should not) be operated while riding a motorcycle.

The 2006 Goldwing has an option of an onboard navigation...

We hope that you enjoyed reading this excerpt from "Navigation Systems". If you would like to read the entire article and more, you can order a back issue of Mar / Apr 2006 where this article was originally published.

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