This page includes some links to in-car satellite-navigation systems.
My writings are in black. Plagiarized text is in maroon, sometimes highlighted by me in red.
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In-car satellite-navigation directory
. . . In-car satellite-radio directory ___ In-vehicle navi system vs add-on ___ Maps for GPS navigation
. . . Navi systems as add-ons to car ___ Navi systems supplied with car ___ Navigation Software
. . . Navi systems with coverage of Canada ___ Overview of navigation and telematics
In-vehicle navi system vs add-on
Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc. - OEM Navigation vs. Aftermarket Navigation: http://www.autonav2000.com/Compare/OEM_vs_Aftermarket.htm 11 Reasons for not purchasing a factory equipped In-Vehicle Navigation system over an After Market Add on Navigation system.
Navi systems as add-ons to car
Adventure GPS Products: http://www.gps4fun.com/ Garmin, Magellan, TravRoute, and TravelEyes products.
Auto GPS Systems Don't Leave Home Without One - by formen.ign.com: http://formen.ign.com/news/9451.html Carin, Clarion, and Magellan square off. Feb 1, 2000.
The best part about these gizmos is not having to pull over to some god-forsaken gas station and ask some no-tooth-havin', tobacco-chewin' half-wit for directions back to the interstate.
The Magellan Nav 750 is quite an impressive little gizmo. . . . The 750 is their top-of-the-line auto computer. Magellan’s exclusive VIP™ (Vehicle-Independent Positioning) system allows "navigation independent from the vehicle or the GPS receiver, enabling drivers to know where they are and follow their progress along their 750NAV-calculated route even when traveling through "urban canyons" or tunnels." . . . a small, sharp color LCD screen. . . .
The Carin 550 computer . . . features 1200 x 234 pixels, creating a clear, crisp color display. It is backlit and automatically adjusts to light levels in the car. . . .
The 550''s integrated 8-channel GPS receiver downloads information from the three satellites that it uses to achieve triangulated location. Very, very accurate. Included with the 550 is an illuminated remote and docking station. This remote features both direct map access and an alternative route button, just in case there is a certain route you want to take or want to avoid. Although the 550 has its own two watt speaker, the 20 watt lineout patch should be used to connect it to its sibling, the Carin 420/440.
The Carin 420 and Carin 440 have the same nav specs as each other. The difference? 440 is the CD version; the 420 is the cassette. Both have not only a radio tuner, but also a traffic channel, which makes a lot of sense considering that they are supposed to help make your driving less stressful. . . .
The Carin is much bigger than the miniscule Magellan, but offers much more in the way of entertainment. The big color screen is nice, really nice. It to, is more than $2000.00. But if you want to be a little entertained . . .
The Clarion AutoPC is the first of its kind, a Windows CE-based system integrating IN-CAR-NET communication, navigation, information and entertainment for the automobile. CE is the operating system of many Personal Digital Assistants. This brings the AutoPC closer than any of these other units to being a PDA. . . .
Car Audio Car TV & Navigation reviews, cheap discount prices online: http://www.energenix.com/car-tv-&-navigation.html A long list of many makers and products.
Car navigation and GPS navigation including digital maps and the TravelPilot: http://www.blaupunktusa.com/travelpilot/travelpilot_index.html
The TravelPilot family of products give you the best of both worlds. Great car audio and a terrific navigation system all in one. The radios features Blaupunkt's exclusive DigiCeiver™ technology, which converts the incoming RF signal to digital for the cleanest, clearest sound you've ever heard. The GPS-based built-in navigation systems give you turn-by-turn guidance with natural-sounding voice output. . . .
TravelPilot RNS 150 2001 . . .
eCoustics.com - Car Navigation System Reviews: http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Car_Audio_and_Electronics/Navigation_Systems/Car_Navigation_System_Reviews/alpha.html
GARMIN Street Pilot III: http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/ The StreetPilot III comes with MapSource City Navigator CD-Rom and everything you need to download street-level mapsets from your PC. Then, just place the portable system on the dash of any vehicle, and enjoy stress-free driving and peace of mind—without any costly service charges or hook-up fees.
StreetPilot III - review by GPS Nuts With emphasis on Canada.
StreetPilot Product Review: http://www.gpsinformation.net/spiii/sp3review.htm The Garmin ColorMap StreetPilot III is in Garmin's fifth generation of GPS receivers with street level mapping. Very detailed review. Includes detailed photo of kit and screen shots. Images: Comparison of Garmin's CityNavigator with MetroGuide USA maps.
Grundig - GPS Navigation: http://www.grundig.co.uk/premium/gps.html The satellite-driven pilot system GPS 3 from Grundig is a navigation system for the accurate positioning of your car. It determines the exact location of your vehicle, calculates in a flash the best way to your destination and guides you there safely and soundly with the help of a friendly, female voice and clearly laid out symbols on the monitor.
Pilot system GPS 3
The satellite-driven Navigation system GPS 3 consists of a small, light monochrome display, a computer unit with CD-ROM drive, a GPS antenna and the illuminable remote control. The few components of the GPS 3 guarantee the simple and reasonably priced installation of the system in every car. The computer unit is only connected to the car radio over an ISO connection.
The monitor is fitted with an Arat system base, i.e. you can buy the vehicle-specific means to fix the system at a reasonable price.
irishcar.com March 2001
News: http://irishcar.com/01marnews.htm Hands-free
computer access for your car. See photo. 8
March 2001: An integrated automobile docking
station for a Palm hand computer and cellular phone is now available over the
internet for a cost of $500.
The MPCpro was shown at this week’s
Society of Automotive Engineers 2001 World Congress in Detroit.
It provide hands-free access to the Palm V or Vx computer, with
the driver using the cell phone to access information from the Palm
by voice.
The unit reads information by text-to-speech through a low-power
FM transmitter that plays back through a channel on the vehicle's
audio system.
The unit features one large activation button and the driver can then ask the
MPCpro unit to retrieve telephone numbers from the Palm's address
book and dial them automatically by voice command. Other Palm functions are also
operated by voice.
The display on the Palm unit is off and inactive while in the
unit so that the operator cannot attempt to read any information.
The MPCpro can be in a dashboard mount, windshield mount or
cupholder and will also maintain the rechargeable battery in the
cell phone.
The device is being
sold over the
Internet. TW.
Pharos: http://www.pharosgps.com/ Pharos is the leading provider of PDA-based GPS navigation, routing, and location-centric applications for the car and beyond. . . . Compaq iPAQ 3800 Series Pocket GPS Navigator Kit. . . .
USB Connector Cable Assembly
The USB connector allows for an easy plug and play experience for laptop users. When used with the Pharos iGPS Receiver PocketPak (receiver must be purchased separately) the user can experience a full-featured GPS system for work or for pleasure. The iGPS Receiver PocketPak is designed with automotive consumer applications in mind; placed on the dashboard, near the windshield, the iGPS Receiver Pocket Pak will give accurate readings of 12 channel satellites. The iGPS receiver has an exceptional accuracy of 7-8 yards, which makes it ideal for accurate turn-by-turn mapping. The iGPS Receiver PocketPak is an inexpensive, flexible alternative to traditional car navigation systems and dash-mountable GPS receivers.
PowerLOC Technologies Inc.- Products-Destinator: http://www.powerloc.com/prod_destinator.htm
GPS Navigation Systems
DESTINATOR™ is a full-featured personal GPS navigation system with capabilities that rival and, in many cases, exceed those found in luxury model cars. Destinator™ features high quality maps of North America and Europe provided by NAVTECH®. . . .
Destinator™ operates on the Compaq iPAQ™ Pocket PCs or any MS-Win CE devices. Destinator™ currently offers maps of North America and Europe supplied by NAVTECH®. Additional maps of other geographic areas are being added on a regular basis. Stay tuned for more Destinator™ news. . . .
To view the Destinator™ web site, demo, reviews, and tutorial, click here . . .
Maps, global positioning systems (GPS), in-car navigation systems and compasses: http://www.cspry.co.uk/links/maps.html
Magellan: http://www.magellangps.com/en/
Magellan is the consumer brand of Thales Navigation, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of positioning, navigation, and guidance equipment with operations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Magellan was the brand that introduced the first consumer handheld GPS solution in 1989, and it has maintained its place as a leading global GPS brand for consumers.
Thales Navigation markets its Magellan brand GPS solutions in the consumer electronics, outdoor, and automotive markets. From entry-level handheld GPS products to premium vehicle navigation systems, . . .
Thales Navigation, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with European Sales headquarters in Carquefou, France, is a subsidiary of Thales, a leading professional electronics company headquartered in Paris, France, with activities in aerospace, defense and technology.
Magellan Companion for the Palm m500 Series Combines Vehicle Navigation with Personal GPS Solution: http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/a619bd3fc912d6f38525658d00073cd1/d8950679938bd7dd85256b7d004ac17f?OpenDocument
First GPS Solution
for Palm Users that Provides 12 Hours of Continuous Use, and Accuracy to Within 3 meters through WAAS and EGNOS
HANNOVER, Germany, March 15, 2002 - (Business Wire) Thales (tal-less) Navigation, a leading global
provider of GPS solutions including Magellan(R) and Ashtech(R) product lines, is working with Palm, Inc., the leading provider of handheld
computers, and Palmtop Software, Europe's best name in mapping
for handheld computers, to introduce the first GPS solution for
Palm(TM) users that provides 12 hours of continuous use -- five
times the usage time of competitive products. This represents the
most efficient power management available in a handheld add-on
GPS solution. Additionally, the Magellan GPS Companion(TM) for the Palm m500 series is the
only Palm GPS companion that provides accuracy to within 3 meters
in Europe through WAAS and EGNOS compatibility. . . .
Mercedes-Benz Press Release: http://www.alphatel.com/mercedes.htm Mobil Computing from Alphatel Corporation Laptop. Alphatel Corporation Laptop Computer Makes Mercedes-Benz Salesman Mobil.
The Alphatel Corporation has provided Germany's Mercedes-Benz salesman with mobile laptop computers. The Alphatel Corporation Laptop Computer allows the Mercedes-Benz salesman to work from any location.
The salesman can connect to the Internet, maintain customer lists, send and receive fax's, and send automobile product line information electronically to customers.
Parallax Car System: http://www.parallaxinc.com/html_files/customer_apps/apps_carsystem.htm "Volkswagen DashPC" System.
Satellites to Steer By: http://content.techweb.com/winmag/library/1998/0101/other094.htm
Etak SkyMap
Bottom Line: A capable
GPS system if you don't need turn-by-turn directions
Price: $299.95
Pros: GPS receiver draws power from the computer; map
displays points of interest
Cons: No real-time directions; can't draw a route between
specific street addresses
Strongest Rival: TravRoute Door-to-Door CoPilot
Etak
TravRoute Door-to-Door CoPilot
Bottom Line: Voice
commands and audio instructions make this the best GPS navigation
system for use in vehicles
Price: $399.99
Pros: Voice control; dynamic rerouting; great for
navigating unknown territory
Cons: No lodging, restaurant or business database
Strongest Rival: Etak SkyMap
TravRoute Software
T3 - Transport: http://www.t3.co.uk/review.asp?rev_id=1565&category=TRA The Panasonic KX-GP1 scores a world first for GPS car nav systems because it's portable.
ToonArchive.com - Car Computer: http://toonarchive.com/car/ Eric's and my Car Computer project. In March, we decided to add a computer to my roomate's car, for the purpose of GPS navigation, video capture, DVD, and mp3 playing.
Here are the components in use: CPU: Celeron 667 / 256 MB. . . GPS: Garmin GPS35 . . . Photos.
TravRoute GPS Navigation Solutions: http://www.travroute.com/
For over 10 years, TravRoute® customers have relied on our best in class GPS route guidance and mapping technology to make life on the road more productive and enjoyable. But don't take our word for it. Take it from the experts who continually put our products on a pedestal.
NEW! Pocket CoPilot 3.0
Pocket CoPilot 3.0 is the latest member of a family of
products that continues to be recognized as the best navigation
solution available.
Attention laptop users!
Check out CoPilot® 2002!
CoPilot
2002 gets you precisely where you need to be with directions
to any address nationwide.
VDO Dayton MS5000 Car Navigation System Product Review: http://www.gpsinformation.net/vdo5000rev.htm
The VDO Dayton MS5000 (5K) is the one of the latest of VDO's several models of automatic route finding GPS navigator for automobiles. VDO is a well known German name in the European GPS navigator market and has their equipment is optional OEM equipment in several cars including the Lincoln Navigator and BMW. The 5K is a top-of-the-line model with several interesting features. These include:
1) A 5.8"W x 3.25"H (168 mm x 98 mm) color display. The display is bright and EASY TO READ in all light conditions including bright sunlight. . . .
2) The inclusion of a 2 axis LASER GYROSCOPE is an important and functional feature of the 5K system. This laser gyro takes care of the problem of intermittent GPS reception . . . the system is able to "dead reckon" navigate for many minutes in the absence of GPS signals. . . .
4) An infrared link hand held remote control . . .
5) Software capabilities of the 5K are extensive and include all of the features needed for automobile navigation. The address-to-address routing is competent and we especially like the automatic recomputation of a new route if you take a wrong turn or decide not to follow the computed route. . . .
Navigation equipment for the car: http://www.installer.com/nav.html This is the Philips 522 that's in my Suburban. The current version is now called the VDO Dayton MS-5000. VDO- AUDIOVOX MS-5800 Vehicle Navigation System Photos and screen shots.
GPS Global Positioning System Satellite Navigation: http://www.dimesoft.com/gps/ Dime Software GPS applications.
Travel by GPS: http://www.travelbygps.com/ GPS Maps for Travel and Recreation. Download free GPS Maps for hiking, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, on- and off road sightseeing. GPS Maps are waypoint coordinates, route and track data that lead you through unique travel adventure. Use GPS for safer, more enjoyable active vacations.
GPS Maps are waypoint coordinates, route, and track data for handheld GPS and car navigation systems from Garmin, Magellan and others. A variety of formats are available, including: Garmin MapSource; National Geographic Topo!; MapTech Terrain Navigator; TopoGrafix ExpertGPS and EasyGPS; Delorme Topo USA, Topo Quads, and Street Atlas. And the new GPX (GPS eXchange) file format. Note: Not all formats are available for every GPS Map.
Travel Maps, road maps, city maps, digital maps, map directions, California map, antique maps: http://www.inetours.com/PagesDT/Travel_Maps.html#GPSanchor
FUGAWI GPS Mapping
Software FUGAWI is a complete navigational system . . .
GPS Navigation for
Palm O/S Fugawi can upload any
map from your PC to a Palm device (O.S. 3.5+).
WingWay systems, GPS Mapping Navigation software, The Netherlands: http://www.vader-abraham.com/gpssoft.htm NAVIGATION-WONDER is a Windows based Navigation Software Program which points out continuously your present position on the supplied digital maps by means of a pointer. As you change your position whether by Car, Boat, Plane or any other form of transportation, the pointer will move along on the digital map and uninterruptedly mark your actual position.
However, a (handheld) GPS-Receiver has to be connected to the serial port of your Laptop / PC.
Navi systems supplied with car
Broadcast Dialogue Magazine: http://www.broadcastdialogue.com/Magazine/fullstory.asp?article=203
The
problem with owning a radio station today By Chris Byrnes
Bricks and mortar are a liability! The banks realized this five years ago, and have been quietly selling off their buildings to protect their future. Banking understands the future will be electronic; already banks are marketing the advantages of telephone and Internet banking; they are lowering their costs, offering better service and increasing their profits.
So why would any smart business person buy a radio station and tie up capital in transmitters, equipment and buildings? . . . why is it that radio station owners believe their future is in terrestrial radio, and not in the wireless and/or Internet-only world?
Already cell phones and personal organizers have the ability to surf the Internet and send and receive e-mail, as well as time-sensitive information such as weather, traffic, stock quotes. Big auto manufactures are bringing wireless technology to the car dashboard, and within two years it will be standard on all cars.
The 2000 S Class Mercedes in the U.S., for example, are factory-fitted with Command System, which includes a GPS navigation system and Teleaid, an information system working via a built-in transmitter that pushes information such as news headlines, local traffic reports, weather, sports and stock quotes to the driver. New Mercedes models will offer wireless Internet access, Video-on-Demand, and a virtual CD Changer to rear seat passengers. The 2001 C Class, for example, will provide a voice recognition system that allows complete control of the audio as well as the navigation systems. . . .
CLK-Class [Mercedes-Benz] (W208) Discussion Forum: http://www.mbworld.org/forum/w208/board/index5.shtml AWESOME! Took delivery of my silver CLK 55 AMG with the COMMAND option. >>> - karl k 12:22:27 10/19/01 (3)
[WRP: I really do wish that people would not use active bullets, as in the above. They are a real nuisance to deal with, and an overly complicating effort where a simple text asterisk would be far simpler in all ways. Better yet: avoid bullets, and use complete sentences with proper grammer instead!]
E-Class [Mercedes-Benz] (W210) Discussion Forum: http://www.mbworld.org/forum/w210/board/index5.shtml How much is the TV tuner for COMAND? - Brendon 15:55:33 08/14/01 (3)
Infiniti GPS Navigation
system by Xanavi: http://www.gpsinformation.net/qxfnav.htm .
. . GPS navigation
system offered on 2001 Infiniti QX4 sport utility vehicles. .
. .
The navigation display has
two modes: "Birdview" and planar. The planar view is just
like looking a flat map: streets are shown with the planned route
and your current location. This is the only type of view
available on other car navigation systems. As far as I know, the
"Birdview" system is unique to Infiniti (and Xanavi, a company partially owned by
Nissan that makes
the system). The Birdview display is shown from a
perspective position located several hundred feet above
and behind the car (i.e., like a bird or angel flying
behind you). You see the road and routes extending into
the distance and you see the car on the route in the foreground.
Because of the natural perspective effect, roads close to your
position are larger and have more detail. For an example
image, go to
http://www.xanavi.co.jp/en/nav/index.html or http://www.infiniti.com/docs/fr_qx4.html Their
example shows major buildings as three-dimensional objects
extending up from the ground. I didn't notice this as we
were driving into Nashville, but it may have been there.
The Birdview display is very useful because it lets you see where
you are and what lies ahead in the distance. I used it
consistently while cruising on the interstate.
When you approach an intersection, the navigation display switches automatically from Birdview to a zoomed-in planar map showing details about the intersection and your route through it. . . .
At present, the navigation databases only have detailed street information for a relatively small number of major cities. For example, in Tennessee, Nashville and Knoxville have been mapped, but Memphis and Chattanooga have not. Satellite towns outside the Nashville city limits also have not been mapped yet. For these unmapped areas, only interstates and major roads are shown on the map, and you cannot use the street address selection to set a destination. . . .
I have looked at navigation systems on Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Alpine (aftermarket). I believe the Infiniti system is state of the art: the touch panel and Birdview display are important advantages over its competitors. The color display is large and positioned high on the instrument panel making it easy to glance at while driving. The audible guidance is clear and easy to follow. The routing appears to do a good job as long as you are in an area for which detailed street information is available. The automatic reroute system is extremely valuable and works well and effortlessly. I found the system to be very user friendly and easy to operate.
2003 Infiniti G35 at Epinions.com: http://www.epinions.com/content_61365849732 Where Are The Cars We Were Promised? (G35) by kristoffer | Apr 14 '02 (Updated Apr 19 '02)
Pros: 0-60 in 5.9, excellent handling,
Infiniti service commitment, 0-60 in 5.9
Cons: Wild rear end - conservative front end,
Bose sound system upsets
The Bottom Line: Another step in the right diection for
Infiniti.
Recommended: Yes
The G35 is the most recent of my toys to replace my '02 Mercedes ML320. . . .
Infiniti's optional DVD navigation system pops up out of the center dash at the touch of a button. Voice commands come from a sleepy woman with a pleasant liquid human sounding voice. The DVD holds the entire US and Canada. Gone are the days of touch screen, and say hello to the joystick! Argh, not very easy, but seems like everyone is doing it. When the navigation screen is popped up, it blocks the Infiniti signature analog clock, but an on-screen digital read out of the time replaces that. The digital clock is synced with the GPS's time. . . .
Japan's Xanavi Car Navigation System Downloads Maps Wirelessly: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/020305/16/2k9x2.html
TOKYO, March 5 [2002] Asia Pulse - Xanavi Informatics Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. (TSE:6501), has developed for Nissan Motor Co. (TSE:7201) a car navigation terminal that downloads map information via cellular phone.
The system will first be installed in Nissan's March, a subcompact car due out Tuesday.
Conventional car navigation systems download map information from media such as DVDs, and the Xanavi system is the first to use a cell phone. Its simpler design enabled the firm to cut manufacturing costs.
Xanavi's terminal is for use with Nissan's Carwings information service. Information on roads, traffic and weather will be displayed on the terminal's monitor. The unit can also receive e-mail.
The terminal will cost almost 50,000 yen (US$375), compared to 100,000 yen for a conventional DVD-equipped car navigation system, and an annual fee of about 5,000 yen for Nissan's Carwings services.
In addition to supplying the terminal, Xanavi will also provide services to Nissan in distribution of maps, routes and other information. To this end, Xanavi has set up a database center in its home office in Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
techexpr: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9323/techexpr.htm MB technical expressions explained.
. . . Comand - Cockpit
Management and Data System
Comand is the
combination of car radio, cassette player, sound system,
navigation system, telephone, clock and tv
system.
Was first available in 1998
in the new S-Class (W220).
The very latest communications technology in the form of the Cockpit Management and Data System, known as COMAND for short, is now available for the first time for the C-class sports coupé, as an item of optional equipment. COMAND is a car radio, navigation system and CD player in one, as well as acting as the command centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications equipment. The driver can either operate these functions directly from the COMAND unit in the centre console and read off the necessary operating information from the large colour display, or can enter instructions using the keys on the multi-function steering wheel. The central display in the instrument cluster and the COMAND display in the centre console are linked, but can also be used separately. The individual functions are selected by the driver by pressing the keys on the left of the COMAND system's colour display. More detailed instructions are given mainly by using the combined rotary/push-button on the right of the control panel. This button is used to highlight different menus on the display which can then be activated by pressing the button. The CD player is located above the colour display. It is used both for storing data from the CD-ROM for the navigation system as well as for playing audio CDs. . . .
Testing In-Car Navigation Systems: http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/2000/5/car_navigation_systems/
. . . We recently tested the GPS available in four high-performance automobiles: the Acura 3.2TL, the Mercedes-Benz S500, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and the BMW 740i. We put each car through its GPS paces for two weeks. . . .
Mercedes-Benz S500
The Mercedes-Benz S500 lists for $77,850 base and retails for around $88,000 as tested. It was equipped with the optional COMAND Cockpit Management System that includes the NAVI Global Positioning System. The COMAND’s GPS runs off of information stored on CD-ROM. . . .
Don’t fret though if these cars are all out of your price range. You can still add GPS functionality to your Pinto. There are a wide range of GPS units that plug into your notebook computer. Add a product like TravRoute Software’s Door-to-Door CoPilot to your laptop, plop it in the passenger’s seat, and you’re ready to go. . . .
W203: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/5350/w203first.htm Below there`s first photos
and text info about the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 sedan . . .
COMAND: This control system integrates
car radio, CD player, TV set, navigation system and telephone
operation. optional . . .
LINGUATRONIC for audio systems and
telephone: Radio, CD player and telephone can be controlled by
voice command. optional . . .
Review of Windows GPS Software for In-Car Navigation: http://www.bdt.com/david/carnav.html Updated July 9, 2001
I created this site in 1997. Since then I have purchased and tried many GPS navigation software packages. My quest continues to locate a good package for in-car use. However, one thing I have learned in all this is that a Windows laptop PC doesn't make a very good in-car computer for the following reasons: . . .
The packages reviewed include:
Navi systems with coverage of Canada
G-NET Canada: http://www.gnetcanada.com/revolution-overview.htm
G-NET Revolution Auto PC. A true open architecture PC platform designed for in-vehicle use that not only plays MP3's, DVD and digital video but also has support for GPS navigation, wireless internet, wireless e-mail and real-time vehicle diagnostics.
The Revolution Auto PC is a very versatile system and can be used for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to, in-vehicle entertainment, mobile business applications, real-time GPS navigation, GIS applications, Telematics, mobile advertising and in-vehicle kiosks. The possibilities of a PC platform designed for a car are endless! G-NET Canada ships in-vehicle computer products all over the world . . .
CoPilot from Travroute is the most popular PC based GPS navigation solution on the market today. It is optimized for small video LCD's and has the most detailed accurate maps available, it even has a voice navigation feature that ensures you can keep your eyes on the road.
GPS City Canada - Authorized Garmin Dealer: http://www.gpscitycanada.com/
StreetPilot III - review by GPS Nuts: http://www.gpsnuts.com/GARMIN/CN/SP3.htm
Street Pilot III - vehicle (GPS) navigation system.
A review by GPS Nuts, based on a receiver with software ver. 2.22 and CityNavigator maps ver. 4.00
The Street Pilot III (SP3) is way too large to stash in a pocket . . .
For more technical information and another review of the SP3, follow the links at the bottom of this article. . . .
The SP3 comes in a package with all the necessary accessories; mounting base, connecting cables, memory cartridge and CityNavigator mapping . . . setup is a "no brainer". It was about an hour from the moment the unit was received to the moment when it was put into actual use. It only took a few minutes each to examine the box content, install the software on the computer, file the request (over the Internet) for the free map region upload code, coffee break, input the unlock code into the computer, load maps to the cartridge (via included USB programmer), and slap the cartridge into the receiver. Two Velcro strips later, the quick disconnect base was mounted on the dashboard.Then place the power cable in the cig. socket, the receiver in the base and it’s acquiring the satellites. A few button pushes later, the target address was located, "route to it" was selected, and on the road we go...
There was no time to read the manual, no time to play with any customization of the setup or screens. . . . The receiver was up to the task. It gave perfect directions all the way. It gave voice instructions where and when to turn. The SP3 displayed detailed maps of the turning points when needed and was switching to the overview map when there was no imminent turn. The busy Toronto area highways are not really a place to be distracted and the SP3 was no distraction at all! . . . It found a faster route than the one I had been driving for the past several years! It was love from the first use...
You can download and listen to a few samples of the voice guidance.
drive_2_8_miles_then_left.wav ___ in_300_feet_turn_right.wav ___ turn_right_then_arrive_at_destination.wav
. . . the latest (free) firmware updates from the GARMIN’s website give the receiver the ability to speak in several languages . . .
Included are examples, map displays, and screen shots, including 'Right to Hwy 6 . . . to Guelph'. . . .
Summary
. . . the receiver . . . proved to be a very valuable and capable car navigation device. If you are a driver and your budget allows it, and if the areas that you are interested in are covered by the CityNavigator or the MapSource MetroGuide USA, the SP3 may be the receiver for you. Certainly, one does not need to be a navigation geek or a techno wizard in order to use it to it's full potential. . . .
GPS Nuts Dec 24, 2001
Canadian Digest: http://www.gpsnuts.com/myGPS/Canadian%20Digest/canadian_digest.htm
Transportable Car Navigation System: http://www.smarthome.com/5304.html
Why spend more than $1,500 for an installed in-dash navigation system that only works in one car when you can get a transportable vehicle navigation system for about a third the price? This full-featured road assistant contains map information for every major thoroughfare in North America. . . . 5304 . . .
Overview of navigation and telematics
Auto pilot engaged: http://www.redherring.com/mag/issue83/mag-auto-83.html Cars using wireless communication will change the way we drive. By Niall McKay From October 2000 issue
Every day, test drivers from DaimlerChrysler 's Mercedes-Benz division take a 90-mile-an-hour spin down Germany's Autobahns. Each car may look like any other $70,000 Mercedes, but under the hood, onboard computers called global positioning satellite (GPS) units and wireless communications systems work together to ensure that drivers just sit, arms folded, and see that the car's equipment is working properly.
Several time zones away, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University , the mecca for artificial intelligence, have turned the tables and are developing cars that can tell if drivers are tired, distracted, or inattentive.
This is the future of transportation. Thanks in part to wireless technology, . . .
Auto manufacturers like Mercedes and BMW and car audio vendors like Clarion (OTC: CRILF) are providing GPS navigation systems, but these are integrated with maps stored on CD-ROMs. The next stage is to go directly to the Internet for map information. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, trials are already under way to integrate navigation technology with traffic management systems.
So why the hullabaloo? It's increasingly difficult for automakers to differentiate their products. That's why General Motors decided last year to sink $3 million into a project with Carnegie Mellon University to investigate how technology could improve the driving experience.
The project has already yielded some interesting results, such as a rudimentary autonomous vehicle technology using little more than a Windows 98 laptop computer and a couple of video cameras. Carnegie Mellon used artificial intelligence software to analyze the data from the cameras to program the car's direction and speed. The car collects data like the location of other vehicles and road conditions, which it then uses to decide whether to turn, stop, or hold its position. Engineers say the system is accurate enough for a vehicle to cross 98 percent of the United States. The remaining 2 percent worried GM lawyers, so the company pulled the project.
Meanwhile, electronic engine monitoring, tuning, and maintenance technologies are progressing. It's easy to imagine a day when one gets into the car and it says, "I'm not going anywhere until you take me to the dealership for a tune-up."
Link to the Mercedes-Benz USA media Web site. Your password is greatcars.
Meet Daniel P. Siewiorek, Director of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.
DVD-ROM NAVIGATION: http://www.keirstead.com/advice/navi/navi.html GPS* Car Navigation Systems in Japan *(Global Positioning Satellite) This page attempts to only briefly introduce the gift of GPS, a technology of the United States Government, and to showcase GPS automobile navigation technology made by Pioneer Electronic Corporation. . . . My personal preference for cool graphics and geeky features are Pioneer and Panasonic.
Includes photo of console and screen shot of map.
GIS, CAD, and mapping daily news provided by Spatial News: http://spatialnews.geocomm.com/dailynews/2002/feb/04/news1.html June 8, 2002 SpatialNews Press Release
PORTABLE INTERNET INTRODUCES BREAKTHROUGH IN WIRELESS NAVIGATION FOR MOBILE WORKERS
San Jose
CA/PalmSource, February 6,2002 - Portable Internet
announced today the availability of new generation of wireless
tracking and satellite navigation products for mobile work force
employers, device makers, carriers and national brands. Raising
the bar for wireless application ROI and value, these products
use advanced, occasionally connected wireless technology to
intelligently cache geo-data on smart devices like Palm's i705. Reliable and economical GPS location
services are now available over current 2G, as well as 2.5 and 3G
wireless networks.
Wireless NavigatorT is the first of Portable Internet's
wireless tracking, mapping and navigation products. Wireless
Navigator offers portable GPS audible navigation, large font
turn-by-turn directions, thousands of detailed places of
interest, and area maps for a fraction of the cost of fixed car
navigation or vehicle tracking systems. Wireless Navigator can be
easily integrated with mobile dispatch or SFA applications, or
customized with the brand, business listings/reviews, street data
(e.g. Navtech, TeleAtlas, GDT, Tiger), restaurant and other
content like transactions, weather or traffic, usually in less
than 30 days.
"Mobile workers say they'd be lost without us" said
Mike Flom, CEO, Portable Internet, Inc., . . .
A beamable, sample version available free at www.portableinternet.com/wireless.htm. A consumer version is available starting at $49.95/year; GPS receivers start at under $200. . . .
IBM's Tiny Microdrive Hits the Road--IBM Press room-Press Release: SAN JOSE, CA -- March 19, 2002 -- The IBM Microdrive is going places -- literally. The tiny drive has long been compatible with a variety of portable handheld devices, including laptops, PDAs, MP3 players and digital cameras; but now the revolutionary storage media has been incorporated in numerous digital devices used in the most mobile place yet -- the car. IBM's one-inch Microdrive is being used in cutting-edge digital products designed specifically for automotive environments, allowing consumers to leave their music CDs and maps at home.
In-car Navigation - ExplorOz: http://www.exploroz.com/HotTopics/Navigation/default.asp . . . If you're wondering what's involved in setting up your vehicle to be digitally navigated, this article should steer you in the right path. . . .
Google Directory - Science Earth Sciences Geomatics GPS - Global Positioning System: http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Earth_Sciences/Geomatics/GPS_-_Global_Positioning_System/
GPS World - Home Page: http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/
Mercedes-Benz shows new wireless technology at Comdex: http://www.m-travel.com/11115.shtml 15 Nov 2001
LAS VEGAS — Mercedes-Benz USA demonstrated 802.11a wireless technology from Atheros Communications in a specially equipped C320 Sedan this week at the Comdex trade show. The sedan is a research prototype used to develop and show services that would be made possible by high-performance wireless communications in an automobile.
In the Mercedes demonstration, these services distribute web and media content from roadside units to the sedan’s onboard computer. The driver can purchase music and other digital media they hear about on the radio and have them transparently download to vehicle’s onboard computer as they pass by “DriveBy InfoFueling stations.”
The high speed drive by transfers are enabled by Atheros 802.11a technology operating at up to 54+ Mbps. In future systems, automobiles could access up-to-date map data, traffic and road conditions, and information on local points of interest as the vehicle drives by roadside beacons. In addition, rich audio, video, and gaming content could be downloaded from a person’s home computer, entertainment center or residential gateway. Commercial vehicles could exchange detailed cargo status and other information as they pass truck stops and gas stations. . . .
Microsoft Invades Your Car: http://www.edmunds.com/news/innovations/articles/45383/article.html 2001-03-16.
. . . Car.NET, part of the
Microsoft.NET initiative,
continues the company's efforts to create a wireless world. Based
on a software platform called Windows CE for Automotive, which is itself based on the company's popular Windows
CE operating system used in personal digital assistants (PDAs)
and other handheld devices, Microsoft
Car.NET serves as a "universal platform" that allows for the integration of a
host of applications and devices. Since the technology supports
"open" application standards such as XML and UPnP, it
would appear the company has learned from its recent -- and
ongoing -- struggles with the Justice Department. Again, to quote
the company's press materials, "Car.NET is based on open
computer industry programming languages and standards -- not
Microsoft-only products."
Microsoft is positioning itself . . . to become
the default software platform for the automotive environment. .
. .
News - Nissan and Wingcast Unveil Telematics Plans for Infiniti:
News - Infiniti Vehicles Receive Telematics Technology:
Nissan Announces Sale of Holdings in Xanavi Informatics to Hitachi:
http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/NEWS/20001214_0e.html December 14, 2000
Tokyo, December 14 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its 49.0% stake in Xanavi Informatics to Hitachi. Xanavi, a leading developer of automotive audio and navigation electronics, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi. Hitachi will continue to develop and supply Nissan with electronic components including the audio and navigation equipment previously supplied by Xanavi. The terms of the transaction were not announced by the companies and the deal was completed in early December.
As a part of the Nissan Revival Plan, the company has strengthened its supplier relationships by creating a more global suppliers. . . .
Open Directory - Science Earth Sciences Geomatics GPS - Global Positioning System: http://dmoz.org/Science/Earth_Sciences/Geomatics/GPS_-_Global_Positioning_System/ Many links.
Pentagon Lets Civilians Use the Best GPS Data: http://www.alk.com/news/media/nyt.html The New York Times June 15, 2000By Matt Lake.
. . . But until May 2, the system was flawed by inaccurate timing signals from the satellites -- errors that were deliberately introduced. The positioning system was designed to have two tiers of service: the Precise Positioning Service and the Standard Positioning Service.
If you were part of the military of the United States or . . . and if you had big-ticket decoders and cryptographic passkeys, you could take advantage of the more accurate GPS data from the Precise Positioning Service. That can pinpoint your latitude and longitude to within roughly 72 feet (22 meters) -- or less than half that in some cases -- and your elevation, relative to sea level, to within roughly 90 feet.
But everyone else . . . got much less precise information. The Standard Positioning Service measurements were accurate to only within about 330 feet (100 meters) for locations and within about 510 feet for elevation. And what's more to the point, that inaccuracy in position information was introduced at some cost by an encrypting system called selective availability.. . .
So six years ahead of schedule, the White House ended the policy of selective availability at midnight on May 1.
The response from GPS receiver manufacturers was quick and positive. . . .
Dr. Alain L. Kornhauser, founder of TravRoute, which makes navigation systems for laptops and Pocket PC devices, said: "We should praise the government for doing something right. Even if the only reason they're doing it is because they did something wrong before." Dr. Kornhauser is director of the Interdepartmental Transportation Research Program at Princeton University.
Even though removing the deliberate errors from GPS theoretically makes the system 10 times as accurate, drivers using GPS navigation systems should not expect to see that much improvement.
Although a receiver is less likely to think that you are on a road parallel to the one you are actually on -- and give you impossible turning directions -- the GPS is prone to other errors.
Since GPS receivers need signals from four satellites to calculate position precisely, accuracy will suffer if signals from one or two satellites are lost. That can happen to someone driving along tree-lined roads or next to power lines. But in many cases, the algorithms built into a GPS receiver's navigation system will cope with short interruptions. . . .
A greater source of error is atmospheric conditions, which can degrade the microwave carrier signals that GPS satellites transmit and introduce errors.
. . . even small signal errors can result in large positioning errors because position calculations are based on minute time differences; the problem becomes worse if more than one satellite's signals contain errors.
To overcome the errors introduced by signal noise and create more consistently accurate positioning, another enhancement to the GPS, called Differential GPS, is under development and already partly rolled out. Differential GPS uses stationary ground-based receivers to monitor the signals from the constellation of GPS satellites. These stationary receivers do not cover nearly as much of the world as the GPS satellites, but they are becoming widespread in coastal areas, where they are of most value to ocean shipping and transportation. The Differential GPS stations are strategically located so they can spot signal errors generated by GPS satellites and figure out how to correct them.
To correct the signal error, the station transmits the correction formula, which specially equipped GPS receivers can receive and use to correct the signal. Using that trick, the Differential GPS can provide accuracy to within about three feet.
The result of such increased accuracy has freed GPS navigation companies to concentrate on their customers' needs. Instead of dedicating computing cycles to removing errors caused by either the government or the ionosphere, GPS navigation products can concentrate on faster and better directions.
"Now that the computer doesn't have to do all that," Dr. Kornhauser said, "the processing power can be used to suggest, 'You might be better off trying this -- what do you think?' The in-vehicle navigation system becomes an advisor, not a commander."
Wheels Today Navigation systems spot the in-betweens: http://www.xpresssites.com/freedom/cityjunction/XpSpecialSections/Automotive/story_229088.asp 7 June 02
. . . At the end of 2001, 51 North American automobile models included GPS-based navigation systems among factory-installed features, . . .
The cost of vehicle navigation systems ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 factory-installed, and anywhere from $500 to $3,500 if purchased and installed at an automotive or electronic retail store, depending on the system.
In addition, drivers often must purchase updated map data CDs or DVDs covering the regions they intend to traverse. Map data CDs listed on the Navigation Technologies Web site include titles such as "South Central U.S." and "New England and Mid-Atlantic," ranging from $125 to $225 each, with considerable discounts for bundled set purchases. . . .
Go Home. ___ Go up to In-car satellite-navigation directory. ___ Go to Space-satellites directory.
You can e-mail me at waynerp@sympatico.ca