Static navigation - or a problem?

[booyoo]

Sorry if it is a repeat of sorts but I didnt really find the answer for my question..
On my mio c710, I'm using the signal meter and information window to track signal levels, speed and heading. Whenever the car stops, the heading gets completely disoriented and mostly to the extend of almost 180 degrees.
I've read the various posts about the sirf static navigation setting (which is off by default on the c710) and of the option to choose whether on or off but Its still not clear to me.

Is this a normal behavior (as a feature) of the sirfstar III to enable pedestrian mode etc or is a unit behaving like mine actually damaged?

Thanks for any comments, I would be happy to understand more about it.

[philpugh]

What you are seeing is the slight wandering effect caused by various amomolies (e.g. local geography, satellite geometery etc) that is inherent in all GPS systems. Using it in a car counts as local geography AND satellite geometery in my book.

If you are using a SIRF GPS then it is possible to negate this effect by telling the unit to ignore small variances - but if you are walking then it is possible that the unit won't even notice you are moving for a while. If you are in a vehicle then select this mode and as long as the traffic is moving at 'normal' speeds (i.e. not slow rush-hour) then all should be OK.

I find it is easier to ignore these minor 'wobbles'. If you need to know direction when stationary then get a GPS with a built in electronic compass - or buy a compass :D

Phil

[booyoo]

Thanks Phil. Is there a setting that I can use to prevent only the orientation changing? I wouldnt mind the drifting you mention in longtitude/latitude but was wondering if there are other settings to affect this behavior in addition to the static navigation?

Thanks

[philpugh]

I don't believe so. The direction function of most GPS units works by comparing successive positional fixes and calculating the direction. There are some handheld GPS units that incorporate an electronic compass - or simply use a traditional compass.

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