GPS receivers
My interest is in learning how to do as much as possible for the least cost.
I have a Garmin eMap and a Garmin GPS 25-LVC module,
and Trimble Ace II and Trimble Lassen SQ modules.
I recently got a Magnavox GPS reference station.
For hobbyists probably the best place to turn is [Spark Fun Electronics], they have a bunch of other modules that I don't list here yet.
Garmin
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eMap | 15m/2m | 12 | $200 or so | Handheld, accepts RTCM for DGPS. Apparently a bad choice for Rinex software |
| GPS 10 | 15m/3m WAAS | 12 | $250 | bluetooth module |
| GPS 15 | 15m | 12 | bare module | |
| GPS 16 LVS, 16 HVS, 16A 3.3-6V / 6-40V / 8-40 V |
15m / <3m WAAS / 3-5 USCG RTCM | 12 channel | 2 serial ports, deck mount | |
| GPS 17 | $200 | basically the same as a GPS 16 but in a white, pole mount case | ||
| GPS 18 | 15m / 3m WAAS | 12 | $130 | CMOS serial or RS232 or USB hockey puck |
| GPS 25-LVC (3.6-6V), -LVS(3.6-6V RS232), -HVS(6-40V RS232) | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | bare module; capable of raw data output (pseudorange and phase) | |
| GPS 35 / 36 | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | 35 = mouse style, 36 = pole mount |
The GPS 17 is designed for marine applications but is often pressed into service in backpack style data collectors.
Trimble
GPS modules
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Connectors | Price (est) | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder Pocket | 10m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 RS232 via one DB9, SMB 3.3v, power | $500 | includes an external antenna. | |
| M-Loc | 10m (no DGPS) | 12 | 3.3v 35mW(68mW)
25 x 25 x 6.9 mm |
$45 | FirstGPS software runs on host processor | |
| Lassen SQ | 6-9m,no DGPS | 8 | 8 pin header, H-FL-R-SMT | 3.3v/100mW 26x26x6 mm, 5.7g |
$45 (use IQ instead!) | Use w/RF transition cable |
| Lassen IQ | 5-8m,no DGPS | 12 | 8 pin header, H-FL-R-SMT | 3.3v/85mW 26x26x6 mm, 5.7g |
$50 | Updated more accurate version of SQ. Purchase from SparkFun |
| Ace II | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5v / 95mA / .47W 82.6 x 46.5 x 11.5 mm |
cheap | Discontinued but I got one from eBay for $10 |
| Ace III | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5v / 95mA / .47W 82.6 x 46.5 x 11.5 mm |
$80 | |
| Lassen SK-8 | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | $ | Discontinued; use SKII | |
| Lassen SKII | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5V / 95mA(120mA)/ .47W(.60W) | $80 | |
| Lassen LP | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 serial and power via 8 pin header, MCX/3.3v 12mA | 3.3V / 55mA(67mA)/ .182W(.221W)
66.167 x 31.75 x 12 |
$55 | Low power; can be programmed to power up/down on schedule |
| Style | Gain | Connector | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micropatch | 26dB | 5m cable with MCX | $17 |
| Hardmount micropatch | 26dB | TNC | $ |
| Bullet | 35dB | 22m cable with SMB adapter | $ |
ToppTec -- purveyors of Trimble OEM modules
Delorme
Consumer grade; Earthmates are WAAS enabled but the older Tripmates are cheap on eBay if you just need a NMEA GPS source.
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripmate | 15m? | 12 | $20-30 on eBay | rs232 (discontinued) |
| Earthmate | WAAS | 12 | $100 | USB |
| Blue logger | WAAS | 12 | $150 | bluetooth enabled |
Other links
Leica
Thales and Magellan
U-blox sells mostly Sony modules.
GPS simulators
People make boxes that simulate NMEA-capable devices to allow testing when the actual data stream is not available and to enable regression testing.
There is an Open Source GPS Simulator
GPS mission planning software
A GPS mission consists of three phases. planning, execution, and post-processing. Mission planning software packages run on a desktop system at your office and assist with planning and post-processing phases.
The two commercial programs that I know of are tightly integrated with the field software so they are not all that useful unless you buy in to the whole enchilada -- data collector, proprietary data collector software, and "office" software.
The two programs are Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office for use with Trimble data collectors and TDS SoloOffice which works with TDS SoloField.
Planning for a GPS mission should include checking for suitable conditions. This includes knowing that the satellites will be positioned propitiously when you will be in the field.
I use Trimble's free planning program for this. You can download it from [insert Trimbles download site]. The bad part is that it is available only for Windows systems but it's handy enough that I use it anyway.
