GPS lovers - much higher precision on th e way

“No more resetting computer clocks, your watch, or the kitchen clock. And for GPS users, a much more accurate position reading.

http://robots.cnn.com/2004/TECH/10/14/atomic.clock/index.html”

“Interesting.”

“Hey, one response. I thought the GPS nuts would jump all over this one. I guess everyone is too preoccupied with all the political threads right now.”

“Looks like it's years away from being affordable, but it is interesting.”

“I have a watch that resets according to the atomic clock in Fort Collins, Colorado, but this thing sounds like the watch itself would be that accurate.

I wonder what the connection to GPS is.”

“ghoul - gps units use time to figure out distances from sats. compute your distance from 4+ sats and BAM - you've a position.
last edited: 10/14/04 2:55:17 PM”

“techntrek, I am way excited about this. I havent gotten a GPS yet but will inevitably. I am waiting till they are what I want,very lightweight (they are now) very durable (some are) very accurate (getting there) better signal quality (depends on brand). I will use mine primarily to mark and downloads existing trail systems to update TOPO! maps and for kayaking and canoeing trips. I am finding out that good waterway maps are rare and by combining GPS and my TOPO! programs I can custom tailor them as I desire. Thanks for the info...one more toy to dream of...”

“T'is a true toy, and an entertaining one. So many uses; so little time. I just ordered the Maptech program for Pennsylvania. I'll get the West Virginia one over the winter. I may never come up for air.”

“just put one on order for me, and an implant health chip-(like the ones they put in pampered pets as well as eye laser- surgery amd Goldfinger teeth! Welcome to 2010. I'm excited, full of hope for the future, and pumped just full of hairon-”

“I love high tech! I am ready for the RF chip implant. No more lost keys, credit cards etc. I have had an implanted tooth for 7 years now. I had the old eyes zapped to drop the glasses. Atomic clocks sound great to me. Most of my clocks are now the radio contolled ones. As far as GPS, I'm waiting for something better. I've had my Garmin GPS 3 for 6 years and it does as much as most on the market today. I want to have a smart watch/communicator that links with my RF implant to handle everything. The electronic manufactures have tons more junk they want us to buy before they offer the do it all watch though. Just like PC's we have been waiting 25 years to be able to finally buy the computer that would not be junk in a year.”

“bateauxdriver, ... now there's a history freak!”

“It still doesn't hold a candle to the Terraquest.”

“But honestly, what could?”

“How much precision do you need in a hand held gps? I have a gps I have owned since before selective availability was turned off. I can navigate to within three meters under a reasonable tree canopy.

The precision clock will not improve the line of site capability of the gps. Tree cover, hills, buildings will affect accuracy. Understanding how a gps antenna works and how to use a gps will improve practical performance more significantly than an atomic clock.”

“Ah, such negativity bbw.

Actually an atomic clock in a GPS unit would be far more effective. Antenna designs haven't been all that innovative for a long time - only so many ways you can make an antenna. The weakest links right now are the timing and the receiver sensitivity. We get the timing issue solved with the mini atomic clock and GPS can start to be used for many new applications.”

“And now I'm wondering... I have TOPO!, but have seen some examples of other mapping software (can't remember what brand, etc.) that shows shaded relief, better graphics, etc...

Anyone got an inside to this? I'm thinking of upgrading...”