- Joined
- Sep 5, 2009
- Messages
- 3,538
- Reaction score
- 1,673
Lots of threads about which GPS system is best/cheapest/easiest/etc. Many responses have caveats like "well, I already have an iPhone, so such and such system is cheaper." To baseline all products at the same starting point, I made this table showing all the necessary hardware/software required to operate a few different GPS systems. This table assumes you are starting from scratch, with no previous products, no computer, no mobile phone, nada. Other assumptions:
1. GPS transmitters and receivers are the lowest-priced offerings from the vendor's websites
2. Cost of batteries, battery chargers, special antennas, enclosures, cases, wiring, switches, etc. are not included
3. Cost of phones, handhelds, and computers are rough minimums found on EBay for refurb devices.
4. I broke out the systems into two sections: where the rocket is located, and how to navigate to it. It is an important distinction.
I have personally used 5 of the 7 configurations shown here. There are probably a dozen more options out there.
1. GPS transmitters and receivers are the lowest-priced offerings from the vendor's websites
2. Cost of batteries, battery chargers, special antennas, enclosures, cases, wiring, switches, etc. are not included
3. Cost of phones, handhelds, and computers are rough minimums found on EBay for refurb devices.
4. I broke out the systems into two sections: where the rocket is located, and how to navigate to it. It is an important distinction.
I have personally used 5 of the 7 configurations shown here. There are probably a dozen more options out there.
Last edited: