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What Can I Do With My Axim?
(Second Edition, last revised, March, 2006)
By: Gigi Hsueh (Gigi), Moderator
INTRODUCTION
PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) AND EMAIL
OFFICE SOLUTIONS
INTERNET AND ONLINE COMMUNICATION
MULTIMEDIA
LEISURE
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
GENERAL POCKET PC RESOURCES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
Global Positioning System (GPS) refers to a system of 24 satellites owned by the U.S. government. These satellites are operational 24 hours a day and transmit high frequency radio waves back to earth. Navigational information can be obtained when a GPS receiver locks onto signals from at least three different satellites and uses the travel time from the signals to calculate latitude and longitude. Altitude requires the signals from four satellites. The signals transmitted from GPS are available free of charge to everyone, anywhere in the world. Because GPS requires access to satellite signals originating from space, receivers will work most accurately when located outdoors and when away from tall structures, densely wooded areas or any other obstruction, such as reflective windshields on a car. The newer chipsets have increased sensitivity and will work better under poorer conditions, but sometimes at the price of accuracy. For an interesting presentation on how GPS works, see GPS: The New Navigation, by PBS. Technical information can be found at Jake's GPS 101 Tutorial, Jake's GPS 201 Tutorial and Global Positioning System Overview. For more of a general overview, take a look at Basic Global Positioning System (GPS) Overview.
GPS was originally developed for military purposes, but it has quickly spread to civilian use. Common everyday applications of GPS include general aviation, search and rescue, boating and fishing, road transportation and other outdoor activities where accurate position is required (e.g., hiking, geocaching). In order to use an Axim for GPS functions, a GPS receiver as well as navigational software and maps are required.
GPS Resources
Info and Review Links
GPS Vendors
Hardware (Aximsite Reviews)
General:
Receivers:
Accessories:
Software (Aximsite Reviews)
Navigational Software:
Moving Map:
Utilities:
Geocaching/Hiking/Topographical Maps:
Other:
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GPS Receivers: Four receiver options are possible, depending on the Axim model and personal preference: Mouse/Serial, CompactFlash, Secure Digital and BlueTooth. Mouse/Serial GPS receivers attach to your Axim's serial port and draw power directly from your car. This type of receiver is the most economical but is device-specific (i.e., the connector will only fit into one type of serial port) and only suitable for in-car use. The CompactFlash and Secure Digital GPS receivers plug into your device's memory slot. This type of receiver is the most portable but will drain your Axim's battery quickly. X3/X30 users should also be aware that using an SD receiver will occupy the SD slot so maps and software will all have to be installed into Main Memory, which is quite limited. Bluetooth GPS receivers are stand-alone, self-powered units that connect with your Axim wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. For Axims that are not already BT-enabled, a CF/SD BlueTooth adapter will also be required. For more information on GPS receivers for Pocket PC, see Complete List of PocketPC GPS Receivers as well as PocketPC GPS Receivers, Reviews and Discussions (Includes Pros & Cons by Category, Summary Table of all Current Receivers for PPCs).
 
Figure 30: i.Trek S3 Mouse GPS, HAiCOM HI-303III SiRF Star III CF GPS Receiver
 
Figure 31: Globalsat BT-338 SiRF star III Bluetooth, Solarius Solar GPS
In addition to these four basic types of GPS receivers, there is also the option of a handheld model. Some popular models include those made by Magellan and Garmin. (Garmin also has the GPS 10, which is a BT-enabled receiver for PPC or laptop.) They do not require an Axim to function, but can be connected to one using cables and connectors in order to access maps and mapping functions. The cables and connectors for this project may be found at SupplyNet or PC-mobile.
GPS Software: Navigational software when combined with maps works with your GPS receiver to provide useful information before, during and after your trip. For example, it can help you plan your route, provide you with turn-by-turn directions with or without voice prompts, provide detour information, notify you of any points of interest (POI) along the way, and provide a log of your journey. Some setups even provide traffic information. When deciding which GPS software to use, it is important to consider both the interface and features of the navigational software, as well as the detail and accuracy of the maps. The software should also be compatible with the receiver you are using. As of this writing, there exists three separate protocols: NMEA (National Maritime Electronics Association), Garmin and Sirf. NMEA is considered to be the standard and compatible with the majority of receivers. Garmin and Sirf are proprietary. The most popular GPS (NMEA) software include Mapopolis, iGuidance, OnCourse Navigator, TomTom, Destinator and PocketMap Navigator. Each varies in terms of its user interface, features and ease-of-use and must be evaluated carefully; it's important to research the options thoroughly, and if possible, try out a demo (if available) or at least view an online product tour before purchasing. See GPS Passion's PocketPC Navigation Software Chart and Best GPS Software for good comparisons.
INTRODUCTION | PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) AND EMAIL | OFFICE SOLUTIONS | INTERNET AND ONLINE COMMUNICATION | MULTIMEDIA | LEISURE | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION | GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) | GENERAL POCKET PC RESOURCES | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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