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Satellite
Navigation systems for the motorcyclist |
Over
the past seven years now there has been a very keen interest in the use
of satellite navigation systems suitable for use on motorcycles on IXXRA.
The subject is often discussed in our forums, so much so, we've created
a forum specifically dedicated to this subject GPS & Sat' Nav' forum |
But
how does it work? And how can it be used on a motorcycle? Which one to
choose? |
| Satellite navigation works by the GPS system - the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of 27 earth-orbiting satellites . 24 are in operation constantly, the other 3 are there in case of technical failure, (or so they say). The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but it has been opened it up to everybody else. |
| The satellites circle the earth at a height of approximately 12,000 mile (19,300 km), and each satellite makes a complete rotation every 24 hours. The satellites are arranged, so no matter where on the face of the earth you are, at least 4 satellites are visible to you at all times. |
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| The basic GPS service provides you with approximately 100-meter accuracy, 95% of the time, anywhere on or near the surface of the earth. To accomplish this, each of the 24 satellites emits signals to receivers that determine their location by computing the difference between the time that a signal is sent and the time it is received. GPS satellites carry atomic clocks that provide accurate time. The time information is placed in the codes broadcast by the satellite so that a receiver can continuously determine the time the signal was broadcast. The signal contains data that a receiver uses to compute the locations of the satellites and to make other adjustments needed for accurate positioning. The receiver uses the time difference between the time of signal reception and the broadcast time to compute the distance, or range, from the receiver to the satellite. With information about the ranges to three satellites and the location of the satellite when the signal was sent, the receiver can compute its own three-dimensional position. An atomic clock synchronized to GPS is required in order to compute ranges from these three signals. However, by taking a measurement from a fourth satellite, the receiver avoids the need for an atomic clock. Thus, the receiver uses four satellites to compute latitude, longitude, altitude and time. |
| With technology in use like that then is it little wonder that a few years ago these systems were awfully expensive, however prices are now dropping and the marketplace is now flooded with different options. |
| How can it be used on a motorcycle? |
The essential message here is, ensure that the product you are looking at, is ruggerised, and it is built specifically for motorcycle usage. They are built to take the rigours of a journey on a motorcycle the vibrations, bumps and knocks it is going to get. The great thing now is the manufacturers, recognise you will also want to use them in your car too and so the new models are built to do this. |
| Which one? |
| Well there are two main brands that are well tested here on IXXRA these are Garmin and Tom Tom - but without a doubt the most popular brand is Garmin. It's this one we concentrate on this site, but we also provide a link to Tom Tom. You can check out information on each by clicking the links below: |