SiRFInstantFix on PCs?

wywywywy · 06-19-2008, 10:19 AM

Hi all,

Many of you probably already know what SiRFInstantFix is. To those who don't know... it is an offline A-GPS system for the Sirf-III chipset (i.e. get a GPS lock within seconds instead of minutes by using data downloaded from the net).

However, I've only seen it working on PNA devices. Does anyone know whether it can possibly be used on PCs with a bit of hacking or manual intervention?

Thanks.

v8 scimitar · 06-19-2008, 12:52 PM

I know what your on about as I have it on my HTC but what your describing wasnt my understanding of what it was for. I thought it was for pda type devices due to them not being so sensitive therefore took ages to get a lock. Assisted GPS is no where near as good as the full fat stuff and my HTC doesnt get a lock as quickly as my car PC. Htc without the software takes ages to lock so it definately works but still not as good as a proper GPS reciver. From stone cold my car gets a lock in about 30 seconds, from warm about 10, instant if I leave it powered which is most of the time.

wywywywy · 06-19-2008, 12:54 PM

AGPS works in conjunction with the normal GPS mate.
It assists the GPS not replace it.

v8 scimitar · 06-19-2008, 02:21 PM

ummm yes thats what I typed that's why its called assisted GPS. Its to assist poor/low power receivers not proper receivers like you would have in a car.

wywywywy · 06-19-2008, 05:16 PM

Okay we have different views.

My view is that it is to accelerate first-fix and to help poor signal conditions/locations. A Sirf-III is a Sirf-III, there is no difference between a Sirf-III in an HTC phone or in a car GPS receiver - they are all proper.

Incidentially, in my HTC (its a Touch Cruise) it uses Qualcomm's GPSone chipset, and this chipset is commonly regarded as inferior to Sirf-III.

Marvin Hlavac · 06-21-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by wywywywy

A Sirf-III is a Sirf-III, there is no difference between a Sirf-III in an HTC phone or in a car GPS receiver - they are all proper.

While the chip of the GPS receiver may be identical, the antenna may be completely different. The GPS antenna in a small PDA phone is very tiny in comparison to one in for example USB GPS unit such as BU-353. So the small PDA phone can use the help of AGPS much more than a CarPC with a GPS receiver with a larger antenna.

v8 scimitar · 06-21-2008, 05:04 PM

There is also a large difference in the amount of power available. If you ran a USB receiver on a pda phone the battery life would be terrible.