Marine GPS based devices are a boon to all seafarers. It is based on the Global Positioning System or GPS. It is a constellation of satellites which orbit the earth twice a day, transmitting exact time and position information. With GPS, you can spot your precise location and get back to your original destination. A marine GPS can be of a great help should you get lost in any large body of water – lakes, seas or oceans.
A marine GPS device’s use starts off the first step prior to going out to sea – voyage planning. One of the most vital advantages of using marine GPS is that it is a device commonly responsible for saving lives. In addition, marine GPS also reduces the chances of getting lost at sea.
Normally, marine GPS systems are used by the Coast Guard to keep track of ships as they move along the coastlines. This will give them an idea of the direction in which a vessel is heading. They may be able to communicate with the vessel and provide precise information regarding its current position and directions to take to get to its destination.
With marine GPS technology, planning routes for other ships have been made possible for the crew. In addition, this technology also helps in avoiding collisions that may cause fatality or other accidents that may cause damage to the ship.
Basically, there are many different kinds of marine GPS in the market. They range from voice-enabled computer systems to simple radar-oriented GPS systems. The more popular marine GPS systems will be the one that is voice-enabled. Somehow seafarers relate to this type of marine GPS systems since they find some comfort in listening to a ‘human’ voice; though it may be a computer generated one. As for the radar-oriented GPS systems, they only give off a beep as a form of signal. This makes the interaction with the marine GPS a less ‘personal’ one; although they are very effective in locating positions.
People usually perceive that they need lots of sea knowledge in order to operate a marine GPS. However this is not the case. Just like any other GPS system, all you need to do is to read the manual and understand the signals that are shown on the GPS device. Thereafter, you can program the marine GPS device according to the requirements of your journey on the high seas. Whether you use a marine GPS on land or at sea, they provide user friendly interfaces that makes them easy for everyone to operate.
GPS Fish Finders Is A Great Tool For The Fisherman – Hobbyist Or Professional
GPS fish finders are amazing devices that take away the hassle of finding your catch during your fishing expeditions. There is a great variety of GPS fish finders today. The Internet is a great place to start your search for information. Some sites will have general information regarding these innovative devices; others will have details regarding commercially available models. You can review their features and functions and what they will cost to buy to improve the chances of successful fishing. Here is a summary of some well-known models:
1) Hummingbird 383c GPS Fish Finder Combo
This GPS fish finder has a built-in nautical mile resolution UniMap of USA inland lakes, rivers and coastal areas. In addition, it includes many key features in its package such as an internal 16 channel WAAS GPS receiver with omni-directional antenna for higher performance. This model gives accurate water temperature readings and can be designed for both fresh and saltwater environments.
In addition it also can freeze frame immediately; pause display allowing more time to examine the details. Its compact design is perfect if there is insufficient space on your boat. Moreover, this GPS fish finder can be easily mounted on a mounting space on the boat. This model possesses the DualBeam PLUS sonar, which delivers wider coverage of the bottom. It also makes the job of finding fish much easier with the built in adjustable zoom levels for display.
2) Eagle FishElite 500c GPS Fish Finder
This model is another popular choice for a GPS fish finder. It has a high quality ultra bright and 256 color LCD screen. Furthermore it is a full size combo 200 kHz sonar and mapping GPS and WAAS with 256-color, sunlight-viewable 320Vx240H pixel display.
What is great about this mode is that it offers high definition to help you identify what you are looking for. In fact, the GPS fish finder can reveal fish hidden in underwater color. It also comes with an optional sensor and adjustable ping speed with automatic HyperScroll to show fish targets at higher boat speeds.
This GPS fish finder system also comes with a built-in temperature sensor in the transducer, zoom in bottom tracking and easy zoom in and out control as well as on and off sonar alarms. This model also comes with pre-installed maps of the continental U.S and Hawaii.
Basically, this particular GPS fish finder is good, durable and easy to use. Its internal memory helps to store GPS data and sonar settings. Therefore, with this tool, you can be assured that you will bring in loads of fish home.
By: Cindy Heller
Posts Tagged ‘Gps Technology’
Tips On Using Marine GPS Based Devices
February 11th, 2010Using a GPS For Golf
February 11th, 2010
In this article I will give you 10 benefits of using a GPS for golf. With the rapid development of GPS technology, using a GPS for golf has become very popular throughout the world, and in particular America and Australia.
Why has using a GPS for golf become so popular?
Well quite simply the information you receive from a GPS is both accurate and extremely useful.
When using a GPS for golf you get the following benefits:
Distances from where you are to varying parts of the course and hole in play. This includes the overall length of the hole, the distance to the beginning and end of the fairway. Distances to hazards, both to reach and to carry the hazard, as well as distances to the front, centre and back of the green. All this information is extremely useful and time saving. No more measuring out or guessing of distances. Most Golf GPS models are accurate to within a couple of yards. Get to know how far you hit the ball with each club. A lot of players who have been using a GPS for golf say that this can be quite a humbling experience. Believing that they hit a driver (or any club) a certain distance and then discovering that they in fact don’t hit it that far seems to amaze them. Truth is most amateurs think they hit the ball further than they do. Gain confidence. Knowing the distance that you hit each club gives you an incredible amount of confidence when playing. No longer do you have to worry about a three quarter or “between clubs” shot. This alleviates tension and allows for a smooth swing. Ever wondered why the pros seem to know exactly which club to use and get the distances exactly right? Their caddies are paid to know exactly how far it is to the pin, what clubs they hit that distance and to advise the player accordingly – exactly the information you will get from using a GPS for golf. A Golf GPS is extremely useful when you have hit a wayward shot; say behind some trees, where you would ordinarily have no idea of how far it is to get the ball back into play or to the green. Without a line of sight you can confidently play your shot knowing that your ball will (or should – as you still have to execute the shot) land back in play or where you intended it to go. Play anywhere any time with confidence. If playing at a strange course for the first time or a course that you do not play that often – such as when you are on holiday – you have the advantage of not having to worry about distances. Most GPS models come preloaded with a number of local courses or courses can be downloaded as required. In addition you can ‘map’ or plot your own points on every hole and so customize your GPS specifically for your own use. Using a GPS for golf will speed up play. It is amazing how many players report that this happens. Even one GPS in a four ball seems to speed up play considerably. Shoot lower scores and reduce your handicap. A lot of people who use a GPS for golf say that they have shaved shots off their rounds from the very first time they use a GPS. Quite simply a GPS takes a lot of tension out of the equation and this definitely makes for better scoring. Be the envy of your mates – they’ll all want to play with you. Or more likely want you to help them with their distances. Analyze your round after the game by using the built in statistics available in most GPS models. Enjoy your game more. If you are playing well you will naturally enjoy it more.
So there you have it – 10 benefits to using a GPS for golf. If you haven’t already tried using a GPS for golf do yourself a favor and go out and get one today.
By: Lawrence Bredenkamp
What Is GPS and How Can It Be Used?
February 8th, 2010
GPS stands for Global Positioning System and was initially designed to be used by the U.S. military and is operated by the U.S. Defense Department. This system consists of 24 satellites, these satellites are 12,000 miles above us, are constantly moving in a precise orbit, have an atomic clock, and are solar powered. They do have a battery backup so they will continue to run in the event of a solar eclipse, and each satellites has a small rocket booster to maintain their orbit. The first satellite was launched in 1978 and it wasn’t until 1994 when there were a total of 24 satellites. Each satellite has a life expectancy of about 10 years, so new satellites are constantly being built and launched. Each satellite weighs about 2,000 pounds and is approximately 17 feet in width when the solar panels are extended. In the 1980s the GPS became available to the public, and although it is still maintain by the U.S. Defense Department there is no charge for its usage by the public.
These 24 satellites orbit the earth twice a day and continuously sends the location of the satellite. A GPS system can tell how far a satellite is away by comparing the time difference between the time a signal was transmitted and the time it was received, the longer it takes the signal to be received by a receiver, the farther away the satellite is. If a GPS is receiving signals from three satellites it can calculate latitude and longitude. Altitude can be determined if the GPS is receiving signals from four satellites.
GPS can be used for navigating your car through traffic day-to-day or tracking a fleet of vehicles. Not only can a driver use a GPS for directions the main office knows where that vehicle is and the speed of the vehicle. GPS can be used while on vacation for activities such as hiking, camping, or hunting. Is your passion fishing but get frustrated trying to find the fish? With a fish finder which uses both GPS technology and sonar you’ll know exactly where to go to find those fish. GPS technology is also being used as a way to track your pet if he wanders off or to safeguard a pet from being stolen.
Another use for GPS is as a child finder with a receiver in a child’s cell phone or wristwatch to ensure a child’s safety. It can be used in a teenager’s car in order to both know where they and how fast they are driving. This could also be used to keep track of someone who tends to ‘roam’ but is not capable enough to find there way back; i.e. someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
As GPS technology improves, it uses will increase. Who knows where it will take us next?
Copyright 2006 Angela Carter
By: Angie Carter
