Qstarz BT-Q818: 32 channel, 32 hour BT GPS review

MikeB

There has been a proliferation of bluetooth GPS receivers over the last few years, the quality has become so consistent that the main differentiation between the devices is rapidly becoming battery life and design. The Qstarz BT-Q818 has shed loads of both...

Qstarz claim that the new 32 channel GPS receiver an provide navigation for 32 hours thus the "Double 32" naming. Based on a relatively new MTK GPS chipset the low power consumption enables the extended operating time.

So low power consumption new chipset, how does this affect the performance of the GPS? Click here to read on and find out...
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Mike Barrett

rsjeffrey · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 24, 2004 Posts: 7

I must concur with Mike's review. I cannot find any problems with BT-Q818 - I have been using it for over a month. It works exceptionally well with an iPAQ 4700 (in combination with TomTom and Memory Map), and manages to maintain a fix even in Central London. Moreover, it is one of the least expensive units on the market.

Ipaq · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:53 am Post subject:

Hi all,

Great review, I would love to get hold of one of these but I am dead set against getting anything of ebay (bad experience). Are there any other online retailers for this device?

Many thanks.

Ipaq

MikeB · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:04 am Post subject:

Unfortunately it is Chinese New Year and all the Taiwanese manufacturers are on holiday. I will ask them for a list of local suppliers or distributors when they return next week.
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Mike Barrett

p800 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 03, 2006 Posts: 19

Ipaq · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks Guys,

I appreciate the replies.

Regards

Ipaq

Calomax · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:01 pm Post subject:

Does anyone know if the Qstarz BT-Q818 would be compatible with an iPAQ H1940 which has bluetooth & WM2003 please Question

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TT Go Essential

Leon_Jabachjabic · Lifetime Member Joined: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 25

I currently have a Rikaline X7 BT GPS, which while it has given sterling service is now on its last legs, with a cracked case (dropped too many times...) a window missing from over one of the LEDs and - the clincher - a failing battery. Rather than lashing out £20 or more on a replacement battery only to have the dear old thing fall apart in my hand five minutes later, I have keeping an eye out for a new GPS with SirfStarIII or equivalent and the QStarz Double 32 strikes me as possibly just the ticket.

Two of the things that I like most about the Rikaline are that it does NOT have an off/off switch (it simply turns itself on and off with TomTom) and the fact that the LEDs, unlike those on most GPS units (it seems), do NOT blink in normal operation. The switch part is well covered in the review - but what about the LEDs?

I know that I am not the only one who hates the distraction of lights flashing away on the top of my dashboard (especially at night) so how does the Double32 shape up in this regard?

Cheers
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Leon Jabachjabic

p800 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 03, 2006 Posts: 19

Leon Jabachjabic

The reception on my BT-Q810 is so good, I don't bother putting it on the dash. It sits for most of the time on a small tray under the steering column, or in the glove compartment. Therefore flashing lights are not an issue.

The BT-Q818 will have the same reception. As regards the switch. If I don't use my GPS for a while, I would like to switch it off so the battery is ready for use when I need it again, and not flat.

Well that's just my opinion. :D

Spies · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 14, 2005 Posts: 26

Is £45 a pretty good price for the Qstarz BT-Q818?

mrg2003 · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 6:20 am Post subject: best price.

spook51 · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

Having recently upgraded to a Bluetooth PDA, a Dell X30 running WM2003SE (not current I know but I have mounting kits in three cars for my earlier X3) I bought a BT-Q810. The only difference between it and the BT-Q818 being the battery but the quoted running difference is 25 v 32 hours, no big deal for me.

It has performed faultlessly in my admittedly unscientific tests with the X30 and TT5, both in the UK and abroad. It's very quick to locate and lock on, indoors or in a car; GPS Dash is showing 10 satellites in view with 7 in use as I sit here at my desk.

It's a bit disconcerting to note that my desk is moving at up to 0.9 mph and that my altitude has descended from 63.4 ft to 49.5 ft whilst I've been sitting here!

I bought this BT receiver as a result of reviews and comments on various web sites and was a bit wary of going for something new, i.e. the MTK chipset but now I don't regret it for a second. I give it an Thumbs Up

Skippy

MikeB

TheTaxmanCometh · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 24, 2007 Posts: 1

Has anyone had any problems with dropout on the Bluetooth connection with the BT-Q818?

My Nokia N73 (updated to the v3 firmware) loses the connection with it every couple of minutes or so, and I've read elsewhere that some other devices have 'issues' with it (e.g. http://discuss.treocentral.com/showthread.php?p=1204066)?

Regards

TTMC

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