GPS Use Threatened

[Possum]

I tried a search but I'm not too good at the nuances of the search system yet so if this is a duplicate post please forgive me. I was sent this todayy by a good friend back east. Any of you tech type gurus have any comments one way or the other?

AVwebFlash Complete Issue

[BigSkyBob]

Links to a blank page

[dons2346]

Copy of the article







The GPS industry is warning that a proposed broadband Internet network could effectively jam GPS signals. Further, it says it has data showing that any of the anticipated 40,000 (yes, four zeroes) transmitters can make a Garmin 430 go dark at a range of five miles. GPS World calls the proposal by LightSquared "disastrous" and warns of major problems for all kinds of GPS-reliant devices. The publication says a study (PDF) by GPS-industry stakeholders, including Garmin, determined the LightSquared network "will create a disastrous interference problem for GPS receiver operation to the point where GPS receivers will cease to operate (complete loss of fix) when in the vicinity of these transmitters." That, says the report, "will deny GPS service over vast areas of the United States." The industry told the Federal Communications Commission of the potential problem but the FCC approved the multibillion-dollar effort, which will carry 4G broadband throughout the country. In a podcast interview with AVweb, LightSquared spokesman Jeff Carlisle said the broadband system won't affect properly filtered GPS devices and his company is both mandated (by the FCC) and anxious to work with the GPS industry to identify devices that might be affected.

The issue is the carrier frequencies LightSquared intends to use. The transmitters will use the L Band 1 (1525 MHz—1559 MHz), which is right next door to where the GPS frequencies of 1559—1610 MHz work their navigation magic. The GPS industry study says a Garmin 430 starts feeling the interference at 13.76 miles and experiences a "loss of fix in open sky" at 5.3 miles. Carlisle said the researchers didn't use the same equipment it will be using on the transmitters and LightSquared is going to test GPS devices under actual conditions to determine which are actually affected. The testing should be finished by the end of June but there's no indication what might be involved in filtering the affected devices or what that might cost. There's also been no mention of the Air Force, which maintains the GPS system and relies heavily on it for a lot of its systems.

[Ray,IN]

Since all of our Military uses GPS navigation systems, guess who's going to lose. I really doubt we have any worries.

[bluepill]

OMG - We might have to rely on maps!!!!!

I guess that a cry of "The Sky Is Falling" would be appropriate here.

[Midniteoyl]

'The sky is Falling' is right..Lot more than just your navigation uses GPS...Ever heard of a plane?

[wa8yxm]

I agree with the Military comment.. There are many companies that wish to use radio spectrum already in use.. As a Ham Radio operator I am part of the fight against some of these companies.

One company wishes to put a Police surveillance system smack dab in the middle of a ham band.

Now, I'm not so worried about it's flea powered transmitter interfering with my use of that band as I am my 50 watt transmitter, or my friend's 1,000 watt transmitter, knocking out the signal on the police monitor at a critical time.

But to park a radio on an in-use frequency... Just plain stupid.

[OLYLEN]

And what do the Aircraft in the world now use for primary NAV. GPS

LEN

[JManatee]

GPSs have saved my marriage!

I hope they get this worked out

[Possum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JManatee GPSs have saved my marriage! I hope they get this worked out

In my instance the air conditioning helped a lot too.

The aircraft and armed forces GPS units are all heavily filtered to maintain accuracy and these units are worth thousands each. My three GPS units total less than $400.00 outlay. Do you think these will be effectively "filtered" from the signal encroachment. They want to place it where it will not affect other cell phone usage but they don't give a ratzz about the millions of people who use GPS.

Of course the geek element will embrace this with open arms and make claims we are being unduly critical of new development.

[4Knights]

Military Gps is only more expensive because the contractors charge more! The old mil only signals are a thing of the past, now yes we do still have encryption and signal boost capabilities the principle is the same. This "new" issue is really just a remake of the 1996 bandwidth move started by the FCC. All medical devices, radios home wireless phones, etc. moved band width frequency channels by a stated end date(2002 I believe) the reason for the frequency change was the increase in cellular devices and the decrease in the others, this allowed for cell phone expansion and consolidation of other bandwidth device sharing.
Even on today's battle fields of Iraq & Afghanistan Gps is not the only system, cell signal while encrypted is widely used and has less interference from weather phenomenon than the best GPS systems, line of sight does come into play but not like your traditional cell phone. Moreover your ability to terrain navigate using a map is more important than any machinery. It's simple with the US road systems, North is always North. So orient your map and drive.

Ron

[llib enad]

Well, I guess that if my old GPS quit working, my naviguesser or is that nagivator will need to get out the old maps.

Bill Dane
99 CC Allure

[mfire1339]

If I have a 4G phone with GPS how does that work out?

I'm missin something.

Mike

[Possum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfire1339 If I have a 4G phone with GPS how does that work out? I'm missin something. Mike

Somehow, some way, this is all your fault!

Dennis