[Wackyman]

HI, I am wondering if anyone ever tried the Pretec CompactGPS. I don't know about the software, but the hardware spec looks quite interesting and might be superior to other Compact Flash receivers: built-in Li-ion battery to cut down start up time, can be used in laptop with adaptor, altitude info..... Any thoughts? HOw is the Pharos receiver by the way?

Specification:

CompactFlash form factor, CFA Compliant

OEM product development is fully supported

Twelve parallel satellite tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition

Support for true NMEA-0183 v2.2 data protocol

Enhanced algorithms provide superior navigation performance in urban canyon and foliage environments.

Maximum navigation accuracy achievable with the Standard Positioning Service (SPS)

Enhanced TIFF upon power-up when in a keep-alive power condition before start-up

Meets rigid shock and vibration requirements

Automatic altitude hold mode from three-dimensional to two-dimensional navigation

Automatic cold start acquisition process

Built-in Antenna

Power saving mode with trickle power

LED indication for navigation update

Data retention with Li-Ion battery inside

Reversed straight MMCX subminiature, snap-on, coaxial RF jack receptacle



Specifications

Dimensions:

CompactFlash Type I (Main Body): 36.4mm(L) x 42.8mm(W) x 3.3mm(H)

Type I card plus Extender: 85.2mm(L) x 42.8mm(W) x 15.78mm(H)

Product Applications:

Windows CE

Pocket PC

Automotive applications

Marine navigation applications

Aviation applications

Timing applications

Surveying applications

Radio Frequency Signal Environment:

RF Input: 1575.42 MHz (L1 Band) at a level between -130 dBW and -164 dBW to a reversed MMCX high-retention female connector

Burnout Protection: 0dBW signal within a bandwidth of 10MHz centered about the L1 carrier frequency

Time Mark: Once Per Second

Reacquisition:

Hot Start: 8 sec, average

Warm Start: 45 sec, average

Cold Start: 60sec, average

Solution Update Rate: Once per second

Serial Data Output Protocol:

SirF binary serial I/O messages or NMEA-0183 serial I/O messages

Power Consumption:

Operation current: 160mA max

Typical: 80mA

Trickle: 35 mA

Operation power: 0.53W +/- 10%

Environment Conditions:

Operating temperature: 00C to 500C

Humidity: 95%

Altitude: -1000 feet to 60,000 feet

Vehicle Dynamic: 500 m/sec (Max.)