Orientation of Bluetooth GPS units?

dclin · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 21, 2003 Posts: 5

Hi all, new to portable GPS in general. Is there are particular orientation these units need to be situated? I ask because I want to do some urban exploring in various countries, and want to purchase a belt case to hold the Bluetooth unit. The case maker I am wanting to purchase from offers both a vertical and horizontal belt case. I prefer a horizontal case for ease of movement (sitting, etc), but wanted to make sure this would be ok before buying. I am still undecided between the Globalsat and Tomtom units. TIA!

Dave · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 2:42 pm Post subject:

Orientation will make a difference. In Bluetooth models, which sit flat horizontally on a surface, they have a patch antenna that faces directly upwards to get a good view of the sky, so you'll get a better signal if you keep it horizontal or at 45 degrees.

With the Compact Flash GPS Receivers, because these are vertical most of the time, most of the manufacturers put a 45 degree angle on the CF card hence why some look a little bulky, this way you should get them facing the sky rather than your face Wink

Cabled GPS Receivers (mouse kind) all have a patch antenna facing upwards. If you find a receiver that has an antenna sticking out of it, it probably has a helix style antenna like a quad helix. These receive a better performance pointing the antenna to the sky, but are pretty good at all angles.

dclin · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 21, 2003 Posts: 5

Thanks for the reply Dave! So when you other reviewers test these Bluetooth units (in the field), where do you normally keep them (while in use)? Is simply throwing them into a back pack ok, or should one make sure that the unit is 'exposed' and 'visible' to the sky?

Thanks!

Dave · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2003 6:41 am Post subject:

Throwing them in a backpack, shirt pocket or a number of different coat pockets are okay. The Emtac works slightly better as it's good at getting that extra signal that might be required, but usually I put mine in a shirt pocket.

lbendlin · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 2:32 pm Post subject:

I am using the scientific Hunchback-Parrot method. From one of my bags I stole the little cell phone baggie that can be velcro'd to any straps you have, put the BT receiver in there - fits tightly) and then put it on my shoulder. Looks funny, but always guarantees best possible reception. To be honest, with the new receivers (SiRF LP/IIe chipsets) putting the receiver into your shirt pocket is good enough most of the times. Only when it comes to urban canyons or dense forestry you will have to use my - more scientific - approach

Lutz
_________________
Lutz

Report Map Errors here:
TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ

dclin · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 21, 2003 Posts: 5

	PocketGPS
	Web