Product specifications

100
RECEPTION STRENGTH
Most GPS receivers or the programs that work with them provide a method for you to
determine how good the current reception is. This is similar to the idea of determining the
strength of the signal to a cell phone, but you need to know the strength of the reception of
several satellite signals instead of just one.
The WayPoint
tm
display shows you where they are in the sky relative to your current position and
how strong the signal reception is. If you notice that it is having trouble getting enough signals
you might be able to help by moving a few feet or turning around so that the signal is not
blocked. The top of the display is north.
By the way, once a GPS receiver has achieved its fix it is much better at maintaining it under
adverse conditions than it was in getting the fix in the first place. It will dynamically add and drop
satellites used in the solution as needed while you travel.
Most of the time you will never need to worry about any of this. You will just turn the unit on
and it will find the satellites and compute the position solution in about a minute or even less and
everything will be ok. You can just begin using it. However, if there are problems it can be helpful
to know what can be done to resolve them.
External Antennas
Both of the WayPoint GPS models support external antennas as an optional accessory. You are
not likely to need one unless you have one of those cars with the special coating on the
windshield to block the sun’s heat. Unfortunately, this coating also blocks GPS signals. If you
need a remote antenna, be careful with the cable. It plugs into the GPS with a click and you must
hold onto the antenna connector by the plug to pull it out. Pulling it out with the cable will
eventually break the cable.
There are situations where an external antenna can help even though it is not needed.
• For versatile installation options such as mounting the PDA or GPS receiver in a
location that is not optimum for GPS reception.
• For security the Bluetooth receiver could be placed in the glove box with the antenna
located in an external location.
• Using WAAS – For the ultimate in accuracy some folks want to use WAAS which is an
augmentation system that can improve location accuracy. The signal for WAAS comes
from a single satellite that is located in the southern sky. Having an external roof
mounted antenna will improve the chances of receiving this signal.
• Traveling in the mountains or deep woods. The addition of an external antenna on the
roof will permit the reception of one to two more satellites that would normally be