You're thinking of the Geosyncronous orbit satellites for communications, not GPS satellites.
GPS satellites are in a lower earth orbit and cover the entire globe equally.
Posted on 11/29/2007 1:03:30 PM PST by trumandogz
For last two weeks I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 200W GPS Navigation systmen and have had problems with the unit keeping its connection with the Satellites. The loss of connection appears to be random even occurring in areas without tree cover or large buildings.
At times the unit can go 20 to 30 minutes without a connection all in areas where a connection with at least one satellite should not be a problem.
I returned the first unit in exchange for a second and both units have had the very same problem.
I have placed the unit(s) on different parts of the windshield with out resolution.
My question is:
Do other people have the same problem with their GPS units?
Do other people have better experience with Tom Tom or another manufacturer?
Is this a problem that I will have to deal with no matter what brand of navigation system I use?
What lattitude are you at? I found that the closer to the equator you are the stronger the signal. My unit gets a signal capture in Georgia in half the time it takes when I’m in Toronto, so if you’re in one of the northern states (WA, MN, WI, ND are all north of here) it could make a difference.
You get 400MPG? ;-)
>I have placed it on all parts of the windshield within sight excluding those that
> would cause me to not see the road.
The 350 has a flip-up antenna, and although I’ve never had any problem with the antenna in any of the “up” positions, maybe the 200 is different. Not sure how the built-in antenna is connected — maybe a bad connection somewhere.
As others have suggested, the folks at Garmin should be able to help you — this is definitely NOT right.
Hope yours works out!
Three satellites are needed to establish a position on the surface while a minimum of four are required to calculate altitude.
You need to upgrade to a laser ring.
Oh - you went old school. Need to try one of the laser-ring gyros then. Spin up time is minimal, and the high pitched whine only bothers the dog for a minute or two.
I can’t look up the tables and drive at the same time :)
My Garmin works great FWIW, thru the windshields of both a LS and a Land Rover.
It sounds to me like an antenna/antenna connection problem.
Power lines, the roof of your car, and the local air force base (or just the navigation aids at the local air port) can also affect your signal. Power lines too. Also cell towers that are real close. Something to do with that 0.4 mW signal from 200 miles up.
ALWAYS remember, GPS lets you get lost with a high degree of confidence.
There are several things that can mess things up ... many of which have been mentioned. I had a Jag S-Type with a built in GPS. The Antenna was mounted behind the rear view mirror, and if you looked carefully, the film on the glass was not on the area directly around the antenna.
If you dont have an antenna, get one if you can.
Position in relationship to other electronics can also be an issue. Do you have a CB, Police Radar detector or other strong signal generator in your vehicle ... that could explain why sometimes it does not work outside the vehicle. If so, target your research around RF interference.
Do you have a Graphic Equalizer/Booster, pre-Amp, Amp, oversized Bass, or other strong entertainment system ... if so, look into EM interference. Do you get a hum in your speakers?
Then there is plain old/sloppy wiring ... did someone inadvertantly turn your entire chassis into an antenna by fishing a wire someplace and abrading the conduit so that the wire touches your chassis.
Do a little research along these lines and then call tech support ... they should be able to get things resolved once you have narrowed down the problem.
Other issues: GPS signal bounce can put you in the wrong location. If your GPS has been off for a long period of time, 24-48 plus hours, it can take 10-30 minutes for your GPS to rebuild the GPS constellation almanac (where the each satellite is in its orbit )before it can give you a proper location and be able to guide you on your way:
FIX: Either keep your unit constantly on with a unobstructed or limited obstruction view of the sky or put it outside 30 minutes before you begin traveling. It needs time to acquire information before the unit can help you get where you are going. Physical obstructions and terrain masking will always play havoc with signals not much you can do except do your best to understand the effects and don't get to upset with the GPS. Its only as good as the system limitations.
Thank You.
You're thinking of the Geosyncronous orbit satellites for communications, not GPS satellites.
GPS satellites are in a lower earth orbit and cover the entire globe equally.
I have a Nuvi 200 and don’t experience any of the issues you are reporting. In fact once i get lock, i have rarely lost it, not counting parking garages, of course.
” If your GPS has been off for a long period of time, 24-48 plus hours, it can take 10-30 minutes for your GPS to rebuild the GPS constellation almanac..”
Had no idea, thanks for posting that.
I use my Verizon Wireless phone with the VZ Navigator option for $9.99 cents a month. It updates maps etc. every 30 days. Works great for a sales guy on the road all the time. Since I have verizon wireless service anyway it was a natural fit. And it can be turned on and off without affecting the contract.
Hope that helps.
Don’t know.
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