Bluetooth GPS - what to look for?

Griffin_Dodd · 03-29-2004, 11:17 AM

Hi all,

I already have a nice HP PDA with built in Bluetooth and would like to get a portable bluetooth GPS receiver to mate up to it and if possible my upcoming CarPC - an all round 'in and out of car solution'.

I've been looking at a few different models all around the $200 mark but I'm not sure what specs I should be concentrating on. I'm not too bothered about bundled software, just getting a good quality receiver for the money.

Any help appreciated

Joel

XMfan · 03-29-2004, 11:56 AM

I've been looking for a sleek and compact Bluetooth GPS receiver myself lately. www.GPSPassion.com rates the Royaltek 3000 as having the best sensitivity. I've also checked the reviews at www.pocketgps.co.uk.

I've been using the USB version Delorme Earthmate with WAAS capability and I get very good accuracy, up to 10-20 feet in most cases. When I tested it last summer the signal accuracy changed to 30-50 feet in heavy foliage areas and between high rises.

Griffin_Dodd · 03-29-2004, 12:00 PM

Interesting I'll check it out.

My one concern is battery life of my PDA during use - I'm wondering what will suck the most juice - having bluetooth turned on to communicate with my receiver or powering an onboard CF unit.

I found this one which seems nice and has universal connection options for connecting to my CarPC too....

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=91

Joel

Griffin_Dodd · 03-29-2004, 12:19 PM

Seems like this looks very promising on the bluetooth front, no prices yet though as it is pretty new.....

RoyalTek have quietly announced the release of the new RBT-3100. Unlike the RBT-3000 it there is no mention of datalogging features but does boast a compact design wth a replaceable battery.

RBT-3100, a multi-wireless GPS consumer product, is the smallest and most cost-effective Bluetooth GPS receiver in the world. It has a built-in replaceable and rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, just like your cell phone. With the dimension of 70 x 41 x 23mm and weighs only 60g, making it an ideal solution to carry everywhere.

The RBT-3100 is both precise and durable. Its 12-channel receiver allows for continuous tracking of all visible satellites. By wearing this Bluetooth GPS around your neck and having your bluetooth integrated with any kind of mobile device, such as PDA, it will provide your exact location almost anywhere

Feature
- Twelve parallel channels
- Support 2D / 3D information
- Cold/ Warm/ Hot start time: 45/ 38/ 8 seconds
- RF MCX connector for external GPS antenna
- Support standard NMEA-0183 at 57600 bps baud rate
- Compatible with Bluetoth devices with SPP (Serial Port Profile)
- Three LEDs to show Bluetooth, GPS and battery status
- Rechargeable and replaceable Lithium-ion battery
- Power switch

Application
- Navigation
- Automotive Vehicle Tracking
- Personal Positioning
- Geographic Surveying
- Emergenc Locator
- Sporting and Recreation
- Consumer wireless GPS
- Cellular Phone

Box Contents
- RBT-3100
- Car Charger
- User Tip CD
- String (for you to wear the receiver around your neck)