Cost for GPS?

[doc_cj]

Okay, this might be a stupid question but I can't find the answer. I gave a friend at work a ride yesterday and he asked about the GPS system. "How much do you pay a month?"

I had to pause. I told him I didn't pay anything, it was part of the truck purchase. Then he explained he pays for his service with a Garmin GPS. Not being a big user of GPS before I got the Ridgeline now I'm wondering.

I don't recall anything being said about a monthly cost, and I've looked at my paperwork from the sale and don't see anything. I know the XM radio has a cost (I've already signed up for that) but what about the GPS?

[MikeT]

Your friend may be paying for the traffic service that can be used with certain Garmin GPS units. The way the traffic feature works is a traffic update is sent out and the capable unit receives it and auto routes around traffic blockages / slow downs / accidents. The GPS signal itself is free to receive.

[Oznative]

Originally Posted by MikeT

Your friend may be paying for the traffic service that can be used with certain Garmin GPS units. The way the traffic feature works is a traffic update is sent out and the capable unit receives it and auto routes around traffic blockages / slow downs / accidents. The GPS signal itself is free to receive.

Yep Mike T is correct. Standard GPS is free.

[geotech]

Originally Posted by MikeT

The GPS signal itself is free to receive.

Unless he has a Volga with GLONASS capability!

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by geotech

Unless he has a Volga with GLONASS capability!

I thought you only contacted that through unprotected sex

[Oznative]

Originally Posted by MikeT

I thought you only contacted that through unprotected sex

HE HE I had a chuckle out of that. I was thinking the same thing. I think geotech would know these things though. I've done a bit of weekend geocaching myself.
OK geotech you gotta explain yoursef on this one.

[geotech]

Originally Posted by Oznative

HE HE I had a chuckle out of that. I was thinking the same thing. I think geotech would know these things though. I've done a bit of weekend geocaching myself.
OK geotech you gotta explain yoursef on this one.

No problem, my wife makes me do that all the time.

GLONASS (english: GLObal NAvigation Satelite System) is what the Russians call their GPS satelites. The USA satelites are controled by the military and are free (when available). The Russian system is a fee based system. Handheld & Auto GPS's would not benefit from the Russian birds as they would only improve the accuracy of sub centimeter GPS systems, such as the Realtime (RTK) and Static systems of surveyors. The are especially useful for a RTK system. An RTK system must freely track (and be locked onto) 5-12 satelites in order to work and also communicate with a base station doing the same (lots of geometric triangles). The more birds the faster and more accurate the location solution. The GLONASS satelites add as many as 4 birds at any one time to supplement the USA constellation. This proves to be very effective in areas with tree cover, valleys, mountains, scrambled USA satelites, etc. I have a GLONASS capable sub centimeter system that required a one time fee of $3,000 to enable. I do not own a Volga, however. GAZ-21: A thing of beauty in Institutional Green.

[Oznative]

Thanks for your well-written explanation. Wow that's expensive stuff for a weekend warrior. I think I'll stick with my Honda mobile nav and my Magellan handheld for hunting and fishing. As far as a Volga is concerned you got me on that one.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by geotech

A thing of beauty in Institutional Green.

I KNOW that color of green IS something you contract from unprotected sex

I've read about it... Never needed the shot... Never mind

[geotech]

Originally Posted by Oznative

Thanks for your well-written explanation. Wow that's expensive stuff for a weekend warrior. I think I'll stick with my Honda mobile nav and my Magellan handheld for hunting and fishing. As far as a Volga is concerned you got me on that one.

I use my Garmin Quest for geocaching, trailing, exploring, navigation, etc. The RTK system is a business tool that the Ridge takes good care off.
BTW, in the early 60's, we had in my little Heartland town, a Peugeot & a Volga. They caused quite a stir, especially the Peugeot.
MikeT,
Maybe that Green should not be Institutional Green, but rather "Health Clinic Green."