More about GPS

Our ancestors had to go to pretty extreme measures to keep from getting lost. They erected monumental landmarks, laboriously drafted detailed maps and learned to read the stars in the night sky.
Shopping for a GPS receiver?Compare GPS receiver prices at Consumer Guide Products before you buy.
Things are much, much easier today. For less than $200.00, you can get a pocket-sized gadget that will tell you exactly where you are on Earth at any moment. As long as you have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky, you'll never be lost again.




If you're lost, a GPS reciever can help you find your way back. Watch as Marshall Brain explains how GPS recievers work.
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When people talk about "a GPS," they usually mean a GPS receiver. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is actually a constellation of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails). The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but soon opened it up to everybody else.
Photo courtesy NASANAVSTAR GPS satellite
Each of these 3,000- to 4,000-pound solar-powered satellites circles the globe at about 12,000 miles (19,300 km), making two complete rotations every day. The orbits are arranged so that at any time, anywhere on Earth, there are at least four satellites "visible" in the sky.
Photo courtesy U.S. Department of DefenseArtist's concept of the GPS satellite constellation
A GPS receiver's job is to locate four or more of these satellites, figure out the distance to each, and use this information to deduce its own location. This operation is based on a simple mathematical principle called trilateration. Trilateration in three-dimensional space can be a little tricky, so we'll start with an explanation of simple two-dimensional trilateration.
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. As long as you have a GPS receiver and a clear view of the sky.
So...I ordered a home phone charger (thanks to Virginia's help) and I found out it takes 7 to 8 hours to fully charge. Then I program it to where I'm going....and I'm in business.

Where oh where shall I venture!!!!! As long as I have gas in the car and a credit card...and oh, it's charged....I can go..go..go!