Bluetooth GPS Receiver Review
By John Applin
This is a tiny bluetooth GPS receiver which I bought from Mobile Fun Ltd, I bought this to connect to my O2 XDA 2i PDA and it cost around �40. I was intially looking on google for cheap GPS receivers and this came up as the cheapest. I thought at that price they'll be a catch, and the catch usually being poor performance, but I was pleasantly surprised! This thing really does work, and works well!
After searching for initial reviews on this device I came up with very little other than the reviews from Mobile Fun Ltd, which I was reluctant to trust for fear of them being somewhat biased. I thought for �40 Ill take a chance and so bought it, all credit to Mobile Fun the receiver arrived the very next morning. Upon opening the box I was a little disappointed, all the there was by means of instructions was a small sheet of paper that had been loosely translated from Japanese to English by a dyslexic toddler. You can download the user manual from here and the Tomtom pairing manual from here. After following these instructions you will have it set up in no time. Another thing I noticed was that there is no manufaturers name or marks anywhere on the device or the packaging, which makes searching for support quite difficult.
A nice touch with this little device is that it is supplied with a battery that is common to a lot of Nokia phones (3.7V 850mAh Li-polymer battery, BL-5C), a quick search on ebay means that you can get replacement batteries for these receivers for about �4 which is good to know should you need one.
Whats In The Box?
Bluetooth GPS Receiver x1 12v In Car Adapter (USB) x1 Basic Instructions x1 Battery x1 USB Charging Cable x1
Installation
Provided you follow the limited instructions for pairing with your device, and the Tomtom setup instructions, you should be up and running in less than 5 minutes. I have only charged the receiver once since I bought it about 2 months ago, the battery just seems to last forever! The supplied in car charger and USB cable means that the receiver can be charged on the move from a 12v source and can also be charged from any PC or laptop. From cold start up the receiver aquires a usuable GPS signal exremely quickly, quicker than most of the really expensive GPS receivers that Ive come in contact with. The device is extremely small and can easily fit into any space in your car, or even your pocket if youre using it for walking or cycling.
One small problem I did have is that when using it with my XDA 2i the Tomtom software would often freeze and cause me to stop the car, reboot my phone, then carry on my journey. At first I thought this was the result of the XDA losing its connection with the bluetooth receiver and hence confirming my fears about the price of this product. It quickly became apparent that this was not the case and it was in fact an issue with my PDA and the Tomtom software.
I quickly discovered a workaround for this issue between the Tomtom software and my XDA that enables the whole system to work flawlessly. I shall write a how to on this workaround shortly as Im sure many other XDA 2i users share the same problem.
I do know that there is a known issue when using any bluetooth GPS receivers with the O2 XDA 2 (note not XDA 2i) due to the bluetooth stack settings that are shipped with the phone, please be aware of this before buying this device as you are sure to encounter problems.
Key Features
Compatible with TomTom, Navicore, and all major GPS software packages. 12 parallel satellite-tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition. Provides superior navigation performance in city environments. Built-in rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery provides more than 10 hours of constant use. Unit can be charged with the included car charger while still in use. Mini-USB charger compatiblty, charge not only the Bluetooth GPS Receiver but also compatible PDAs & Smart Phones with the same charger. 3 colours LED to show the status of Bluetooth/GPS/Power activities of this device.
Specifications
GPS receiver: L1, C/A code, 12 channels Tracking sensitivity: -152dBm (average) or better Acquisition sensitivity: -139dBm (average) or better TTFF (Time to First Fix): Cold Start: 50s (average) / 60s (95% possibility) Warm Start: 35s (average) / 40s (95% possibility) Hot Start: 2s (minimum) / 6s (95% possibility) Positioning accuracy: Standard Positioning Service (SPS), WAAS (optional) 2DRMS: approx. 5m Measurement data output: Update time: 1 second NMEA output protocol: V.3.01 Baud rate: 38400 bps (8-N-1) Datum: WGS-84 Type: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC Power consumption: 75mA (average) Bluetooth: Bluetooth version 1.2 compliant Class 2 operation (up to 10 metre range) Serial Port Profile (SPP) Output terminal: Type B Mini-USB (TTL Level) Antenna Type: Built in Patch Antenna Battery: 3.7V 850mAh Li-polymer battery, built-in charger LED: Power (red), GPS (green), Bluetooth (blue) Dimension: 64(L) x 39(W) x18.5(H) mm Operating temperature: -20�C ~ +60�C Storage temperature: -20�C ~ +60�C; Battery: -20�C ~ +45�C
Conclusion
A great little device that performs well beyond its price range. Check if there is any known issues with your device and bluetooth GPS receivers before purchase as this will save you a lot of headaches. The only thing that lets this product down is a lack of documentation and online support, other than this well worth the buy!
johnsreviews rating: 8/10
About the author
For more reviews, how tos, technical help, go to www.johnsreviews.com
Short Info On Bluetooth
Pioneer introduced a hybrid navigation-cum iPod compatible entertainment system at CES. The AVIC-F500BT is designed to integrate with "virtually any factory audio system", the company said. Maybe. What the system does claim to do is add advanced voice technology for controlling iPods and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. The AVIC-F500BT can operate as both a navigation device and as a media centre, connected to an existing audio system via a line-in jack, the solution becomes a gateway for personal audio and communication devices. Built-in speakers and a rechargeable battery are also provided for use of the system while on the go.
Buy a new Bluetooth adapter.
Mustek has a 15-inch picture frame that has Bluetooth technology embeded in it. It has a diagonal measurement of 15.6-inches, but they chose to call it 15�. It has a 1366�768 resolution which gives you a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has 1GB of built in memory, USB 2.0, an a 6-in-1 card reader. The best part though is that you can also transfer photos from other Bluetooth enabled files over to this picture frame. The frame can also play MP3 files and has clock and calendar modes as well. If you want one, they will be shipping in April for $349 and they come with a wireless remote.
Buy a new Bluetooth GPS.
News About Bluetooth
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Bluetooth Hearing Aids: Bringing 21st Century Communication To The Hearing Impaired
By David Faulkner
When Bluetooth technology was introduced, it changed the Information Age for good. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, information that once had to flow over vast networks of wires to get to its destination can now get there wire-free. Bluetooth is as close to magic as scientifically based technology is allowed to be.
And the smallest Bluetooth device currently available, the Bluetooth Ear Level Instrument, has been designed to transform traditional behind the ear hearing aids into Bluetooth hearing aids, so that the hearing impaired can enjoy crystal clear mobile phone transmissions. The Bluetooth hearing aids also allow their users wireless access to MP3s, computers, and High Definition Televisions, so that they can have their hands free to perform other tasks while they are using those items.
How Bluetooth Hearing Aids Work
The ELI fastens to the direct audio input connection on behind the ear hearing aids, and with its microphone transmitter and receiver 'converses wirelessly with the BTEs, turning them into Bluetooth hearing aids capable of communicating with any Bluetooth- enabled device.
The ELI Bluetooth hearing aids are very simple to operate; they have one button with which users can either connect to or reject incoming calls, without having to touch their cell phones. The digital technology incorporated in the ELI enabled Bluetooth hearing aids means their audio transmissions occur with none of the buzzing and distortion which often affects cell phone-to-hearing aid reception. Bluetooth hearing aid reception has a 'right in the room' quality.
Bluetooth Hearing Aid Modules
The latest advance in ELI Technology allows cell phones to ring directly in the Bluetooth hearing aids, through a module through which the call is channeled. The hearing aid wearer just hits a button on the module to answer and can hang up the same way. The module can also sense when the person on the other end hangs up and disconnect. For more info see http://www.firsthearingaids.com/hearingloss/bone_conduction_hearing_aids.html on conduction hearing aids.
Even hearing aids without direct audio input can utilize the module Bluetooth Hearing aid technology by means of a neck loop which connects to the hearing aids telecoil. The Modules can transmit effectively from as far away as 33 feet.
ELIs and ELI modules run off their own rechargeable battery systems and do not utilize any energy from the BTE hearing aids. The ELI module uses lithium battery which offers two and one-half hours of active talk time and completely recharges in one and one-half hours. A fully charged battery can remain on standby for up to 140 hours before a new charge is required.
ELIs and ELI modules, by transforming BTE hearing aids into Bluetooth hearing aids, have brought 21st century wireless technology to the hearing impaired!
About The Author
You can also find more info on suffer hearing loss and ear hearing.
Comments About Bluetooth Tech
Bluetooth devices are capable of sending and receiving information from many devices simultaneously because of their ability to communicate with each other automatically. They are a preferred choice over the Infra � red because they can function without a line of sight. Bluetooth enabled devices generally need to be within a range of 10 metres from one another, although there are some more powerful ones that can detect gadgets within a range of 20 metres as well. The fact that the Bluetooth signals are relatively weak ensures that there is non � interference in the functioning of other gadgets that may be within the stipulated range.
For more information go to Motorola Bluetooth.
The newly introduced Printstik lets you print from a laptop, phone, or PDA, either wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection, or via a direct USB connection. The unit supports direct thermal printing at up to three pages per minute (at 200 by 100 dpi, 200 by 200 dpi, or 200 by 400 dpi) from Windows XP and Vista, Blackberry, and Java wireless phones.
Buy a new Bluetooth adapter.
The Sense is the latest Bluetooth headset from Bluetrek and promises a lightweight, stylish design with great call quality. Weighing in at 8grams and measuring 50 mm (L) x 15mm (W) in size, the headset offers a black mirror-like finish and the boast to be the first in the Bluetrek range to offer touch-sensitive technology.
To learn more go to Bluetooth.
The Latest News About Bluetooth
Marvell Technology Reports Net Revenue Up 27%
Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 EST
Net revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $804 million, an increase of 27 percent over $635 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, ended April 28, 2007, and a 5 percent sequential decline from $845 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, ended February 2, 2008.
Bluetooth Voice Recognition Phone
Wed, 15 Jun 2005 14:46:00 EST
With wireless technology headset, users can make and receive calls without touching the telephone.
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