[gps-talkusers] Re: Earthmate on the bus?

Hi Chip and Ann,

I've had similar experiences, and Mike explained the issue of tint on
the windows interfering with reception.  I actually touch the windows,
and if they are smooth, I assume no tint, but that may be a hope on my
part.  I had similar problems with the Sportrak on buses.  Ann, most of
the time, you should acquire signals quickly when you're outside.  On
the bus, sometimes, I aim the receiver at the window and hold the BN up
to accomplish this, and that sometimes helps.  I guess what I'm saying
is that this problem existed for me with the Sportrak as well on buses.
I do find that the EarthMate does acquire faster when I'm outside, but
I'd like to see better acquisition on buses also.  Chip, I'll try your
suggestion of opening the window if I can do so, at least during the
summer months!
Best Regards,

Les

-----Original Message-----
From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Chip Orange
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 10:57 AM
To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Earthmate on the bus?


Ann,

Not only the buses metalic frame, but actually the windows (if they're
tinted using a metalic film) will block the satellite reception for any
gps receiver.

If you're near a window which opens, you may try opening it to see if
you suddenly are able to aquire satellites.

Buildings, electrical activity (power lines), heavy cloud cover, all
also contribute to poor satellite reception, as does the operation of
nearby cell phones.

Hth,

Chip

=20

> -----Original Message-----
> From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx=20
> [mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of=20  Richard 
>Bartholomew
> Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2004 5:49 PM
> To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Earthmate on the bus?
>=20
> Hi, Ann
>=20
> From memory, two hours should suffice when charging the Earthmate. =20
> Your observations regarding the Earthmate's behaviour echo=20
> those I have noted over a two- to three-week evaluation=20
> period.  In fact, I have become so disillusioned with the=20
> Earthmate's reliable performance that I've returned to using=20
> my Magellan 310!  Therefore, sorry, I can't give you any=20
> reasons for your experiences.
>=20
> Regards
>=20
> Richard Bartholomew
> E-Mail richard_bartholomew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ann Parsons" <akp@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: "gps-talkusers" <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2004 4:46 PM
> Subject: [gps-talkusers] Earthmate on the bus?
>=20
>=20
> Hi all,
>=20
> I spent the morning taking buses downtown and so on, as a mobility
> lesson.  when I got onto the bus, I sat near the driver, but the
> engine compartment was between me and the driver.  The Earthmate
> behaved very oddly.  It lost all satellites and couldn't get a fix at
> all.  Then, once I got off the bus, it was fine.
>=20
> I had just charged the unit for about two hours.  How long should I
> charge it?  Why is it behaving this way?  I noticed that it also took
> a very long time to acquire any satellites, even when I was walking to
> the bus stop from home.  What gives here, folks?
>=20
> Ann P.
>=20
> --=20
> Ann K. Parsons
> email:  akp@xxxxxxxxx
> WEB SITE:  http://home.eznet.net/~akp
> "All that is gold does not glitter.
> Not all those who wander are lost."  JRRT
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20

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