Mobile Gadget News Checks Out the Mobile Crossing CF GPS Receiver

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2048&mode=nested&order=0&thold=0' target='_blank'>http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/mod...order=0&thold=0</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The Compact Flash GPS Receiver provides real time location information for a Pocket PC, notebook or tablet PC that has a CF slot. Because our Compact Flash GPS is fully compatible with NMEA 0183, it works with just about any NMEA navigation software. Once placed in view of the sky, the highly sensitive antenna pulls in signal from up to 12 satellites simultaneously. Powered by the industry-leading high-performance low-power SiRF Star II/LP, our Compact Flash draws on 90mA. This very low current draw means more battery time for you!"</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040901_mcrossingcf.jpg" /> <br /><br />This looks like a decent CF GPS unit with a decent feature set. The unit's claim to fame seems to be built-in RF shielding that apparently does a good job of increasing sensitivity. This leads to stronger locks and less "guessing" by the hadware as it tries to ascertain your location based on weak signals. Rey sweetens the deal by taking the unit apart and taking pictures of the autopsy. :mrgreen:

[geertsteyaert]

I think this one is -exactly- the same as the DCONNEX CF GPS receiver. It has exactly the same specs, image on the CF part, exactly the same piece list, software etc ... only the "Mobile Crossing" brand logo is different of course.

They're being offered on eBay, that also where I've bought mine dirt cheap. And it serves me well. Even inside, I manage to get a fix from time to time, and the windows are not even close by ... :D

[reydiodj]

I think this one is -exactly- the same as the DCONNEX CF GPS receiver. It has exactly the same specs, image on the CF part, exactly the same piece list, software etc ... only the "Mobile Crossing" brand logo is different of course.

They're being offered on eBay, that also where I've bought mine dirt cheap. And it serves me well. Even inside, I manage to get a fix from time to time, and the windows are not even close by ... :D

I think that model came out only in France about a year or so ago and the specs for any two SiRF Star II/LP devices would be the same, so it is very likely it doesn't have the fixes that is present in the Mobile Crossing model. I took the extra steps to produce the dissected pics, and report of its sensitivity as well as some of the tweaking that can be done with the supplied app. Out of some of the receivers I've been playing with, their's has been the most sensitive. Your account of being able to get a fix indoors is a very interesting mention though - I haven't tried that yet
:) I have tried getting a fix from the bottom level of an open parking structure and was successful - although that was on the outermost sections of it where a view of the sky was available.

If there are any other questions about it - they are ready to answer them on their Support Forums (http://www.mobilecrossing.com/Forums/ShowForumGroup.aspx?ForumGroupID=2). A very friendly staff is on hand monitoring the forums regularly.

[miterb]

I've been waiting for just such a device for my Toshiba e740 and just ordered it from Everything-Mobile.com for $229. This includes the CF GPS device, $99 Mapopolis CD and an Arkon powered windshield mounted car holder. This special is found at the bottom of the homepage and the sales rep there told me was good through Labor Day.

Brad

[sixsixty]

i really want to get a gps device. i've been wanting one for awhile, but just cant seem to find the money. i wish there was a place i could rent one for a weekend, so i could get my fix on how cool this is, then be done with it.

oh well.

[miterb]

Well, the unit arrived and worked just great out of the box. Uses Mapopolis software and maps and came with an Arkon powered car mount with speader boost. I took me around the block on foot and I followed voice directions and arrived safetly back home. Now to rig it up for the car and see what can be done for my bicycles.

Using an e740 with 256MB SD card to hold the software and maps. All of Ohio just took up about 70MB. Not too bad.

Brad