by: Joseph Davis

Are you one of those people who would rather drive around town for hours than stop and ask for directions? If so, a Global positioning system, or GPS, could be the perfect tool for you.

A GPS is an operational navigational system that employs the use of navigational satellites. In other words, it tracks an individual’s location or provides direction, all by using an existing satellite system. GPS units are also capable of providing real time reference on earth, or within its orbit.

The satellite navigation system was implemented and first used by the United States of America’s Department of the Defense. Later, the system was adopted for use by other countries including Europe (Galileo) and Russia (GLONASS). In the United States, any US citizen may use the navigational system, free of charge.

The satellite navigational system is primarily divided into three segments:

* Space: As the name suggests, the space segment works from outer space. It operates through a GPS satellite constellation, located in an Intermediate Circular Orbit.

* Control: The control segment of a satellite navigational system is comprised entirely of control stations that are located on earth. These terrestrial control stations are scattered at locations around the world. These control the flight paths of the various GPS satellites, and synchronize the atomic clocks in the satellite. Ground stations also monitor the uploading of data through the satellite transmissions.

* User: The satellite navigational system is mainly made up of civilian and military GPS receivers.

A GPS is technically comprised of 24 satellites, the minimum number of satellites in a constellation. These satellites orbit around six orbital planes, twice in every twenty-four hour period. Each satellite carries an atomic clock, which continuously transmits precise time to the ground observatories located in the Earth. Additionally, the satellites send electronic messages to the earth. These messages may include data on precise time based upon the onboard satellite clocks, or information on their own orbital systems.

It’s not necessary for the user to be equipped with the precise clock, however a good short term clock may be required in order to receive the satellite transmissions best used in determining the exact location on earth. Different satellites employ various sequencing modes, allowing the transmission of messages to be received by the user from satellites using similar frequencies.

The primary GPS system was created to provide control over the military forces in the United States. This allowed for improved command capability, as well as the targeting and manipulation of missiles, smart bombs and other forms of ammunition. The satellites are also able to detect nuclear detonators.

Civilian users can also access the GPS system through their GPS receivers and GPS system software. Many cities in highly urbanized countries have improved the lives of their citizens where access is available to the free worldwide GPS Standard Positioning Service. The transportation sector has greatly benefited from the system, as many planes, ships and cars employ GPS systems for navigation. Hikers, glider pilots, mine truck drivers and everyday travelers enjoy access to the GPS system through low cost GPS receivers, ranging in price from $100 to $200. GPS receivers that are more precise are widely used by land surveyors for measuring land surface area, locating boundaries and surveying markers.

Time code generators also rely on the GPS system to acquire accurate time for precisely recording events in real time. Developers are also working on specially created GPS systems that will help visually impaired individuals.

Another, more trendy use of GPS receivers is the widely popular hobby of Geocaching. Children and adults use hand held GPS receivers to navigate designated sites and locate hidden objects. There are countless Geocaches hidden all over the world, with coordinates available on Geocaching websites.

The GPS system has brought both excitement and simplicity to the lives of countless people, all over the world. Despite the complexity of the system, anyone with a GPS receiver can use the service, free of charge. So now you’ll have no excuse for getting lost.

About The Author

Joseph Davis contributes to several Internet magazines, such as http://moveg.com and http://bumid.com.

By: www.brijindia.com

Managing the surveillance system of your organisation used to be the job of the admin department. BUT NOT ANYMORE!

It will soon be the job of your IT department. With the entry of the conventional CCTV based surveillance system IP surveillance is big business today, with the and the tools for surveillance and monitoring are getting cheaper and easier to set up. And all that is required of you is the needs to keep an eye on your apartment, or your workplace or anything else. You know what they say, better safe than sorry. Today you have digital eyes that will keep a watch for you even if you aren’t around.

We offer the VEO Observer and the VEO Observer XT. Plug the Observer into your network and you’re ready to see and hear what’s happening when you’re not there! Accessing the camera is as simple as surfing the web, just point your browser to the camera’s onboard home page. You’ll find everything you need to view, listen to, and control the camera from anywhere on your network or even over the Internet!

Pre-sales support is always provided at no cost to customers. All Brij representatives are trained extensively and can quickly determine your specific needs and make a recommendation. Our policy is to ensure that customers get the best products and solutions to fit a requirement. Take a look or browse through our website www.brijindia.com , or call one of our offices to leverage our expertise and extensive product offerings. We are here to assist with all of your communications needs.

About the AuthorBrij was formed in 1995 when its founder’s saw the need for a true Value Added Distributor of Data Communications and Wide Area Networking products.

By: Andrew Lawrence

6 months late and only 400,000 systems for the nationwide launch, yep, sounds like another games console launch…

On November 17th Northern America saw the long awaited launch of the Sony PlayStation 3, but how many people got what they wanted?

Well, as expected the number of units available was very low and as usual there were quite a few people ready to pay big money to be the first to own a PS3.

The 60GB PS3 has a retail price of $600 and so far eBay has seen a steady flow of units selling for between $1,500 and $4,000 -

Many people camped out over night on the cold streets for a chance of getting their hands on the highly prized console, some waiting three days to ensure a good place in the queue. Outside one Circuit City store 50 plus people patiently waiting but only 10 PS3 consoles were available for sale… A large bold sign reminding queuing hopefuls of this limited number seemed to make no difference, some waiting in just for the chance that someone’s credit card might be declined or maybe an unexpected stock delivery? It’s great to see the never say never attitude alive and well in the streets of the USA!

These die hard PS3 fans are a special breed, keeping one-another encouraged and talking amongst themselves about the impending games releases and online capabilities, you can really feel the excitement in the air.

For others though, the cold long wait was just about the money, they weren’t afraid to admit that they intended to sell the console on for a profit, one queue waiter commented “I’d rather take the $2000 and wait three months!”
About the AuthorTo find out more info on the PS3 including availability, games previews and more take a look at hhtp://www.PS3-Guru.com

Andrew Lawrence is also the creator of http://www.wholesale-help.co.uk – an online resource for traders looking for trusted and reliable wholesalers.