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Friday, December 28, 2007

Garmin Nuvi 200



Garmin Nuvi 200 become a famous gadget around Indonesia in last few weeks, because of its capability and of course its price can go down to near Rp. 2.000.000 (US$ 185) including Java Bali maps. Nuvi 200 also already have command menu in Bahasa Indonesia. Navigate without breaking your budget with nüvi 200. This affordable entry-level personal travel assistant comes with preloaded maps for the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (or Java, Bali, Malaysia and Singapore if you buy it in Jakarta). Like all nuvi 200-series members, the 200 features an easy-to-use colorful touchscreen and ultra-slim design--perfect for everyday navigation.

Smart, Powerful Design
The nüvi 200 is built with a high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver for extreme accuracy, as well as an SD card slot for storing your media and additional navigation tools, and a USB interface for loading data. All this is wrapped up in a package that measures 3.8 x 2.8 x .8 inches (W x H x D) and weighs just 5.2 ounces. The nüvi 200's 3.5-inch (diagonal) display is touchscreen-enabled, making it a cinch to control the device with your fingertips. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of battery life depending on use.

Navigate with Ease
nüvi 200 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. In addition, nüvi 200 accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.


Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 200 features many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Optional plug-in SD cards for our line of Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs.
Note: Like most USB Mass Storage Devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.

What's in the Box
nüvi 200, preloaded City Navigator NT (not for the cheapest version), vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk, and set up and go guide.

Product Summary

The good: The Garmin Nuvi 200 boasts a compact design and is easy to use. It offers accurate directions and some nice tools for the traveler.

The bad: Though the Nuvi 200 is more affordable than other models in the series, wish the price was slightly lower based on the included feature set.

The bottom line: The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get.

Purchasing Advice

The Nuvi 200 series is a great simple device. It has an absolutely amazing screen, the voice prompts are easy to interpret, and the map is very easy to follow. If your navigation needs are simple and you just want to get a device that will remind you of turns and take you to new destinations, the Nuvi 200 would be a great choice.

It does have some limitations though. There is no advanced planning function, no multiple destination routing, and a detour function that is too simple to be utilized. But hey, you do get a calculator, currency converter, picture viewer, unit converter, and a world clock. It would be worth comparing the Nuvi 200 with the slightly older Nuvi 350.

They both have the same screen size, similar physical size, similar weight, nearly the same interface, similar battery life, and most of the same navigation functions. But the Nuvi 350 offers maps of all of North America (the 200 only has the US 48, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), the ability to connect to a traffic receiver, an MP3 player, text-to-speech, and small case included. You get all of those extra features and based on current prices you will actually pay less for the Nuvi 350 than the Nuvi 200. It expected that within a few months the Nuvi 200 prices will drop below that of the 350, but for now why pay $40 more for a device that has less features?

If the ability to have more advanced routing features is important, compare the Nuvi 200 vs the TomTom ONE. The Garmin Nuvi 200 isn’t a bad GPS by any means, it is an extremely solid performer, but the pricing is what will make or break this GPS for many people.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Garmin Nuvi 360

Amazon.com Editor's Pick 2007

Garmin nüvi 360 GPS Navigator and Personal Travel Assistant is a GPS navigator, personal translator, multi-media entertainer and tour guide all wrapped into one. In addition to all the advanced features of the Garmin nüvi 350 -- including automatic routing, turn-by-turn voice directions, an MP3 player and audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, and much more -- this pocket-sized personal travel assistant comes with hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology, making it the hands-down go-anywhere travel companion.



The nüvi 360 comes with hands-free bluetooth wireles technology.





Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.





The device sports a handy MP3 player, letting you play songs stored on SD memory cards.

Make Hands-Free CallsThe nüvi 360 integrates wireless technology with a microphone and speaker that lets you make hands-free mobile phone calls using your compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. Simply dial numbers with the nüvi's touch screen keypad to place a call, and to answer calls, just tap the screen and speak directly into its built-in microphone.

In addition, you can easily look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone's call history log. Don't know the phone number for your destination? Simply find and dial it from nüvi's database of more than six million points of interest -- including hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions.
Navigation and Entertainment with EaseFor starters, the nüvi 360 includes a high-sensitivity integrated GPS receiver that offers exceptional performance and reception. The unit's flip-up antenna includes an MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection. Preloaded software features maps of Europe or North America, and it includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names, and a fingertip touch screen interface -- making navigation as easy as it gets.
But navigation is just the beginning. Like the nüvi 350, the nüvi 360 also includes many entertainment and travel tools including an MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, travel alarm, and currency converters.

The nüvi 360 features a bright, 2.8 x 2.1-inch TFT display with white backlight for easy readability. At 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87-inches (WxHxD) and just 5.1 ounces, the unit is small enough to be placed on the dashboard with the included suction mount, or into your pocket for easy transportability. The unit also features Garmin Lock -- an advanced anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific four-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location. A built-in lithium ion battery will give you up to eight hours of power, and an included 12/24 volt adapter cable will let you run the navigator off your vehicle's power. An AC battery charger is also included.

A built-in Travel Kit that includes sample MP3s and audio books will get you started with entertainment, and with the unit's SD memory card expansion slot you can add optional software, such as language and travel guides. A USB port is also included for loading and updating data.

What's in the BoxGamin nüvi 360, Preloaded City Navigator NT North America or Europe (full coverage), vehicle suction cup mount, AC charger, 12/24 volt adapter cable, dashboard disk, USB interface cable, carrying case, owner's manual, and quick reference guide.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Garmin GPSMap 60Csx



Price: (3 December 2007)

Amazon.com : US$ 294.83

GPSmurah.com : Rp. 4.150.000 (memory 1GB, free map)

Otomasi.com: Rp. 3.950.000 (memory 256 MB; java, bali, singapore, and malaysia maps)

Overview
The GPSMAP 60CSx is the new and improved Garmin handheld GPS Receiver. Very similar in features to its predecessor, on the outside the 60CSx looks like an identical twin to the 60CS. But there are significant changes inside, most of them for the better. Street prices for the 60CSx are $300.
The two key features of the 60CSx include the ability to upgrade the map memory with a larger microSD card and the addition of a Sirf star III receiver chip, which dramatically improves satellite reception, (although this does not necessarily improve the listed GPS accuracy on the unit). This review only addresses the changes to the 60CSx and the 60Cx, which is the same unit at the 60CSx, without the electronic compass and altimeter. When the 60CSx was initially released, there were several bugs that needed to be fixed though a software update. It seems most of these issues have now been corrected, and so we suggest you make sure you have the latest unit software. Recently, Garmin release GPSMap 60CSx with 2.6" display.

Product Features

  • Lightweight handheld GPS navigator with high-sensitivity GPS receiver and 64 MB microSD card

  • Extremely accurate SiRF GPS chip tracks precise position even in heavy tree cover and deep canyons

  • 2.2-inch, 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display; preloaded with Americas auto-route basemap

  • Integrated barometric altimeter and electronic compass; trip computer includes odometer and average speed/ times

  • Rugged, water-resistant housing; measures 2.4 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Technical Details

  • Receiver: High-sensitivity SiRF architecture

  • Antenna: Built-in quad helix with remote antenna capability

  • Interface: USB

  • Map storage: MicroSD card slot (includes 64 MB microSD card)

  • Preloaded map: Built-in Americas auto-route basemap, including highways, exits, and tide data

  • Map compatibility: Preprogrammed microSD data cards (sold separately), including MapSource BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. Topo 24K, and U.S. Topo and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots

  • Waypoints: 1,000 user waypoints with names and graphic symbols

  • Reversible routes: 50

  • Track log: 10,000-point automatic track log

  • Saved tracks: 20 (500 points each)

  • Trip computer: Odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, maximum speed, and more

  • Position format: Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more

  • Waterproof: Yes, to IPX7 standards (submersible in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes)

  • Batteries: 2 AA (not included)

  • Battery life: Up to 20 hours

  • Sensors: Electronic compass, barometric altimeter

  • Interface: USB and serial port

  • Display: 256-color transflective TFT

  • Display size: 1.5 by 2.2 inches (W x H)

  • Display resolution: 160 x 240 pixels

  • Water-resistant : Yes, to IPX7 standards (submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)

  • Item width: 2.4 inches

  • Item height: 6.1 inches

  • Item depth: 1.3 inches

  • Item weight: 7.5 ounces with batteries

  • Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

  • What's in the Box: GPSMAP 60CSx, 64 MB microSD card, USB cable, belt clip, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD-ROM, lanyard, quick-start guide, user's manual

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx



















Price: (3 December 2007)
Amazon. com : US$ 238
GPSmurah.com : Rp. 3.100.000 (microSD 1GB)
Otomasi.com : Rp. 2.950.000 (microSD 256, Java Bali Singapore Malaysia Maps)

modified from Amazon.com review:
Neither deep foliage nor steep canyons will faze the rugged Garmin eTrex Vista HCx navigator. Equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, the unit locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most. The Vista HCx also includes a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even when you're standing still, along with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.


Adding maps to the Vista HCx is easier than ever thanks to the device's microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and the Vista HCx will provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Plus, the card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you needn't worry about it getting wet.

Besides appreciating its small size, users will also be happy with the Vista HCx's unique button layout, with five buttons located on either side of the unit. The benefits of this design are twofold: First, the Vista HCx is a breeze to operate with just one hand, and, second, with the buttons on both sides of the unit, the bulk of the front is dedicated to the 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display. This makes it easy to distinguish map details regardless of the time of day.
The Vista HCx basemap, meanwhile, contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines--in short, a host of helpful details for your outdoor adventures. Other details include an IPX7 waterproof housing, 1,000 waypoints with names and graphic symbols, a built-in patch antenna, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode. The Vista HCx, which runs for up to 25 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
eTrex Vista HCx, basemap, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software, USB cable, wrist strap, quick start guide, user's manual.

Product Description
GARMIN eTrex Vista HCx Hand Held Receiver w/ Built in GPS Patch Antenna. MicroSD card slot allows for storage of optional MapSource detail /MicroSd card not included. WAAS enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still. Barometric altimeter with automatic pressure trend recording. Built in GPS patch antenna. Display: 1.3 in W x 1.7 in H, 256 color, high resolution, transflective TFT /176 x 220 pixels. LED backlit display and keypad. Battery life: up to 32 hours typical use using two AA alkaline batteries. Includes a built in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data /USA only. 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route. Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off course and clock. Large numbers option for easy viewing, dual position display mode. Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks /500 points each/ let you retrace your path in both directions. Built in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. Fully compatible with MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO and US Inland lakes. Waterproof, IEC 60529 IPX7, /Submersible 1 meter at 30 minutes.

On the Track
Go on an adventure! Thrill to the challenges of the wild outdoors. Get thee a shrubbery or meander in a mountainous forest. And always know where you are. With the Garmin Vista HCX, you'll never get lost. That makes the outdoor trek safer. Whether you hike, bike, or cruise, you won't lose your bearings. Built for the outdoorsman, the Garmin e-Trex Vista HCx features a high sensitivity GPS receiver, electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. Garmin has introduced a line of e-Trex units that feature a high sensitivity WAAS GPS receiver that are able to receive a signal, even under heavy tree cover. The Vista HCx has a built-in electronic compass to determine bearings while standing still, and a barometric altimeter for increased accuracy of elevation readings, to help you along on your next hunting or hiking excursion. At a tiny 4.2"H x 2.2"W x 1.2"D and only 5.6 ounces with batteries, the Vista won't weigh you down or take up too much room in your pocket or bag. Whether you are in a canyon, under heavy tree cover or in a city with tall buildings the Vista HCx will guide you along safely. Tiny Vista HCx includes the routable Americas Recreational basemap, including major highways, interstates and bigger lakes and rivers. The maps look great on the 1.3 ?x 1.7? high resolution color TFT display and it is even viewable in direct sunlight. The Vista HCx has a microSD card slot for memory cards that will accept detailed maps from Garmin's Optional MapSource software. With the Mapsource City Navigator North America software you will be able to get visual turn-by-turn guidance on this tiny wonder. Blank microSD cards are available in multiple storage sizes to hold loads of maps. Included with the Vista HCx is a USB interface cable, so map downloads are much faster than traditional handheld GPS units. Garmin has also added audible alarms for off-course, proximity waypoints, and anchor drag. The operation of the unit cou

Product Summary

The good: Lightweight; sharp screen; loads of memory.

The bad: No driving directions; expensive; additional MapSource programs are costly.

The bottom line: Although the eTrex Vista and its add-on programs may be a bit pricey, you will not find a more feature-packed GPS device in a smaller package.


Monday, November 19, 2007

Indonesia free map source

Indonesia topographic and others maps are available in the following link:

  1. http://www.kimpraswil.go.id/infopeta/index.htm, topographic 1: 250.000 scale
  2. http://www.pu.go.id/infopeta/downloadV1.html, topographic 1: 250.000 scale
  3. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/indonesia.html, Perry-Castaneda Library: various maps including topographic AMS map 1:250.000 scale.
  4. http://www.peterloud.co.uk/indonesia/index.html, Peter Loud's Map, geographic map, simple and handy.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

WAAS, what is it?

The below article was copied from Garmin site, should be remind in our mind that the WAAS facility is available in North America in some country which have the similar program like WAAS only, so don't expect that your GPS with WAAS capability will give more accurate measurement when use it outside of North America.

You've heard the term WAAS, seen it on packaging and ads for Garmin® products, and maybe even know it stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. Okay, so what the heck is it? Basically, it's a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, giving you even better position accuracy. How much better? Try an average of up to five times better. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time. And you don't have to purchase additional receiving equipment or pay service fees to utilize WAAS.

The origins of WAAS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are developing the WAAS program for use in precision flight approaches. Currently, GPS alone does not meet the FAA's navigation requirements for accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS corrects for GPS signal errors caused by ionospheric disturbances, timing, and satellite orbit errors, and it provides vital integrity information regarding the health of each GPS satellite.

How it Works
WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.

Who benefits from WAAS?
Currently, WAAS satellite coverage is only available in North America. There are no ground reference stations in South America, so even though GPS users there can receive WAAS, the signal has not been corrected and thus would not improve the accuracy of their unit. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine applications. WAAS provides extended coverage both inland and offshore compared to the land-based DGPS (differential GPS) system. Another benefit of WAAS is that it does not require additional receiving equipment, while DGPS does.Other governments are developing similar satellite-based differential systems. In Asia, it's the Japanese Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), while Europe has the Euro Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Eventually, GPS users around the world will have access to precise position data using these and other compatible systems.



  • 100 meters: Accuracy of the original GPS system, which was subject to accuracy degradation under the government-imposed Selective Availability (SA) program.
  • 15 meters: Typical GPS position accuracy without SA.
  • 3-5 meters: Typical differential GPS (DGPS) position accuracy.
  • less than 3 meters: Typical WAAS position accuracy

Basic navigation for GPS


The sketch above provide a graphic illustration of the navigation terms used by basic Garmin GPS unit.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

GPS terms and definitions

To better understanding GPS unit operation and capabilities, it may be helpful to review the basic terms and concepts briefly explained below:

  • 2D Operating: ModeA two-dimensional GPS position fix that includes only horizontal coordinates (no GPS elevation). It requires a minimum of three visible satellites.
  • 3D Operating Mode: A three-dimensional GPS position fix that includes horizontal coordinates, plus elevation. It requires a minimum of four visible satellites.
  • Almanac Data : satellite constellation information (including location and health of satellites) that is transmitted to your receiver from every GPS satellite.
    Almanac data must be acquired before GPS navigation can begin.
  • Altimeter:An instrument for determining elevation, especially an aneroid barometer used in aircraft that senses pressure changes accompanying changes in altitude. The Garmin® eTrex® Vista and Summit models contain a basic GPS with a built-in barometric altimeter.
  • Bearing : the compass direction from your position to a destination, bearing also call an azimuth
  • Crosstrack Error (XTE): the distance you are off a desired course in either direction.
  • Datum: A math model which depicts a part of the surface of the earth. Latitude and longitude lines on a paper map are referenced to a specific map datum. The map datum selected on a GPS receiver needs to match the datum listed on the corresponding paper map in order for position readings to match.
  • Desired Track (DTK): the compass course between the "from" and "to" waypoints.
  • Differential GPS (DGPS): An extention of the GPS system that uses land-based radio beacons to transmit position corrections to GPS receivers.
  • Dilution Of Precision (DOP) A measure of the GPS receiver/satellite geometry. A low DOP value indicates better relative geometry and higher corresponding accuracy. The DOP indicators are GDOP (geometric DOP), PDOP (position DOP), HDOP (horizontal DOP), VDOP (vertical DOP), and TDOP (time clock offset).
  • Estimated Position Error (EPE): A measurement of horizontal position error in feet or meters based upon a variety of factors including DOP and satellite signal quality.
  • Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): The time of day of your arrival at a destination.
  • Estimated Time Enroute (ETE): The time left to your destination based on your present speed over ground.
  • Geocaching: A high-tech version of hide-and-seek. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache.
  • GoTo: A route consisting of one leg, with your present position being the start of the route and a single defined waypoint as the destination.
  • Grid: A coordinate system that projects the earth on flat surface, using square zones for position measurements. UTM/UPS and Maidenhead formats are grid systems.
  • Ground Speed: The velocity you are travelling relative to a ground position.
  • Latitude: A north/south measurement of position perpendicular to the earth's polar axis.
  • Longitude: An east/west measurement of position in relation to the Prime Meridian, which is an imaginary cycle that passes through the north and south poles.
  • Navigation: the process of travelling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course.
  • Point of Interest: A specific point location that someone may find useful or interesting
  • Position: An exact, unique location based on geographic coordinate system.
  • SiRFstarIII: the latest high sensitivity GPS microcontroller chip manufactured by SiRF Technology. The chip supports 20 parallel channels, meaning that the chip can listen to, or search for, the signals from 20 different GPS satellites simultaneously.
  • Speed Over Ground (SOG): The actual speed the GPS unit is moving over the ground. This may differ from airspeed or nautical speed due to such things as head winds or sea conditions. For example, a plane that is going 120 knots into a 10-knot head wind will have a SOG of 110 knots.
  • Track (TRK): The direction of movement relative to a ground position.
  • Track Log: a features in GPS unit that allow the user to create a log (record) of the travels, which can save for later use.
  • Universal Traverse Mercator (UTM): A grid coordinate system that project global sections onto a flat surface to measure position in specific zones.
  • Velocity Made Good (VMG): The speed you are travelling in the direction of destination.
  • Waypoint (WPT): A geographical location which created by marking current location.
  • WAAS: Wide Area Augmentation System, a service to improve the overall integrity od the GPS signal for user in North America.
  • WGS-84 World Geodetic System, 1984: The primary map datum used by GPS. Secondary datums are computed as differences from the WGS 84 standard.

Note: most of the definitions above used for Garmin GPS units.

Monday, November 5, 2007

GPS unit for beginner

So many question come from the gps beginner like this: what kind of gps is suite for the beginner? It is depend what kind of beginner you are:

  1. I just want to know my position in a map, I'm happy if I can get my geographic position. For this type of user I suggest to buy a basic gps, non colour viewer, from any brand. You can chose Garmin, Magellan or Tomtom. It will cost you around US$ 75 to US$ 150. Basic Garmin GPS like 12XL is very tough and durable, I've used it for 12 year. It will give you a latitude and longitude coordinate (or UTM), and altitude. There are lot of datums available in this type of GPS.

  2. I want to see a map in my gps, but not expensive. If you happy with black and white map you can go with Garmin e-trex Vista or e-trex Legend it will cost you around US$ 175 up to US$ 250.

  3. I want to see full color map in my gps. Lot of choice for this type starting from US$ 300 for Garmin Legend Cx up to US$ 700 for garmin 276c. Also there is a durable gps with omni antenna like Garmin 60 Cx for around US$400, this kind of GPS is very sensitive, have 20 tracking capability (sirf III), water proof and can used in the difficult terrain, in some type also equipped with barometric altimeter.

  4. I don't care about coordinates, datum and tracking capability, I just want to know my position on a map in colour display. Go for Garmin Nuvi or Street Pilot series, its very practical as long as you have a map for your area, it will cost you from US$ 350 up to US$ 800.

  5. I've a bluetooth enable PDA, I want to use my pda as gps. Buy a bluetooth (BT) GPS like Garmin 10 or the latest 10X with price around US$ 180. There is also other product like Altina or Holux, its cheaper, around US$ 75 to US$ 100. Pairing this BT GPS with your PDA. You also need to install a gps software in your pda like Garmin Que or Garmin Mobile xt.

After having a various mapping gps unit for more than 17 years, I started using a gps with color map, how much it cost? US$ 75 for second had Ipaq 5500 PDA (large screen) and another US$ 75 for second hand Garmin 10, I'm happy with this combination, more than enough to show my way and tracks.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

GPS Basic Information

The worldwide Global Positioning System (GPS) network was designed by the US Department of Defense, as a way to track one’s exact location anywhere in the world.

The GPS network consists of 24 navigation satellites, which orbit the planet at a height of approximately 12,000 miles. These satellites each orbit the earth twice every 24 hours, and they are set up in such a way that they can send signals to any location on the planet, whether it be land or sea, and no matter how remote.

The 24 GPS satellites are continuously beaming positioning data, which can be picked up by GPS devices on the ground, and used to calculate exact latitude and longitude coordinates. Depending on the device that is used, this data can be accurate to within a few meters.

Some GPS devices also provide advanced features such as dynamic mapping and detailed driving directions.

Despite the common misconception that GPS-enabled devices are prohibitively expensive, and only useful in scientific and military operations, many of these useful gadgets are primarily designed with the consumer in mind. For example, GPS handhelds can be carried around on one’s pocket, and are very useful for a number of functions. Certain companies, have even integrating GPS technology with common consumer products such as mobile phones

What kind of GPS for your car?

Do you have a GPS in your car? Five years ago, most of Indonesian car haven't GPS in their car. There was some in build up car, however the complete map was not available yet. But time is rolling and people getting more familiar to GPS (thanks to navigasi.net). Before you want to install a GPS in your car, here some notes to consider:

1. Map.No Indonesia complete free map available. Maps for certain area (Java, Sumatra, Bali) are available in
Navigasi.net. However its only cover a big city and major province road. Actually this map is useful if you travelling in Java island. The is other map source from otomasi.com, this one is not free, but the price is not expensive. Other source are maps from solo system (expensive) and Nusa Map. In this current situation, map from navigasi.net is still the best for beginner.

2. GPS unit, what brand?If you want to use navigasi.net or otomasi.com map as your main map, you should buy a Garmin GPS because both maps were designed for
Garmin GPS unit. You can also chose other brand likes Magellan or Tom Tom, but the map not available, so you only can received your position in longitude and latitude format.

3. GPS unit, what type?The Garmin GPs have a lot of types and series, which one is suite for you? For using GPS while driving, I suggest to used a GPS unit with wide screen. Garmin GPSmap 276c, Nuvi and Quest are the examples of garmin gps with wide screen.

4. Tracking facilities.Is it important for you? If yes, forget about the Nuvi, this type of GPS have no tracking facilities, is designed for area which have a good map. So go for GPSMap 276c, Quest or Street Pilot.

5. Any other options?Yes, you can use your pda pairing with garmin 10x bluetooth gps, or other bt gps (altina etc), for software you can chose GarminQue or Garmin.

6. How accurate?Standard GPS will give 5 to 15 m accuracy depend on the clarity from obstacles between the gps unit and the satellites.

7. How much it cost?For stand alone GPS likes Quest or 276c will cost around Rp. 4M to Rp. 6.5M (US$ 375 to US$ 600). If you already have a pda and want to pairing it with bluetooth gps it will cost around Rp 900k (Altina) to Rp. 1.8M (
Garmin 10x)

Friday, November 2, 2007

Just Beginning

I'm a map lover, starting from 30 years ago when I was kid. My Dad introduced me to an atlas, globe, navigation maps, compass etc. When I grown up, I started to collect a map, atlas and other related to that subject, at the same time I also collected some compasses. In early 90's I have my first handheld GPS, then become GPS freak.